Indian Handicrafts And The Revival

INDIA & HANDICRAFTS

India is well known for its rich culture and heritage. If we trace back Indian history, we would witness a deep integration of art and designs in the daily course of life. However, the form of these arts was much influenced by the prevailing dynasty ruling India at that point in time.

The handicraft industry faced a lag during the British Colonial rule, but nevertheless it never came to a complete halt. There is no way of stopping people when creativity runs through their veins. The economic and political scenario during that era did not much support the handicraft industry, and this led to a temporary setback. During the Post-Colonial rule in India, the economy faced a transition.

Independent India got classified into various income groups, apparently, the upper-middle and high-income groups showed much interest in adopting Indian handicrafts. As the inclusion of these local handicrafts often reflected status and power.

But the key problem remained the same, handicraft was still not for the masses, and this wasn’t generating wide-scale employment for artisans and workers. Addressing the problem and anticipating a huge opportunity, few of the entrepreneurs took the leap, they offered a range of handicraft products for everyone.

ExclusiveLane is one of them and it. If you are a true handicraft lover then this is the place, where you can find authentic crafts in several forms.

It is mesmerizing to see the varieties in Indian art and crafts, originating from different Indian states. Let us now take a look at a few of the most quintessential forms of Indian handicrafts, which will fill you with wonder.

MADHUBANI

This is one of the ancient forms of handicrafts, which originated in the Mithila district of Bihar. The Madhubani paintings speak a story of their own. The tales of Indian rituals, mythological characters, and folklores are inscribed through contrasting colors and geometric figures. The colors are not artificial dyes but instead, they are natural plant pigmentations. These paintings can be found on various standalone items such as crockery, wall-hangings, apparel, and many more.

MANDALA

The concept of Mandala depicts a circular shape. The art form was born out of ancient Indian religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. This art directly hints at the aesthetic feeling of body and mind. It further upholds the true essence of meditation and traditions, followed in some parts of Tibet. The basic art requires cloth, paper or sometimes it is even inscribed on stones. You will find an eye-catchy intricate shape with a circular object, placed inside a square. At times the main art is typically done in the center. If you look deeper you will discover much more than an art. The fine line strokes and each figure have a philosophical meaning to it.

DOKRA

Dokra is an art that existed from time immemorial. We find shreds of evidence of this art form in the Mohenjodaro civilization, the famous ‘dancing girl’ is the renowned example. The metal living figures make this art well distinguishable from their counterparts. In the modern-day, we find this art originating in parts of West Bengal. The art corresponds to a tribal form, brought to life by the local metalsmiths and their touch of expertise. The prime materials used for art crafts are wax, clay, and metal. The crude figures have gained much appreciation over the years. Not only by the people across the states of India, but also in distant lands as the USA, Paris, and London.

ExclusiveLane provides handicrafts in the above-mentioned artforms.

PIPLI

One of the most popular and colorful art sourcing from a small village in the state of Odisha is Pipli. It generated from a village near Bhubaneswar. The main concept of this art form revolves around Odisha cultures and religious beliefs. The basic materials are fabric and dye, rest is the skill of the artisans. We can find a wide array of products comprising Pipli art such as wall hangings, prints on clothing, and lanterns. The vibrant mix of paint and delicate stitches, never fail to attract Indians and tourists from other countries as well.

Irrespective of the fact, a number of reasons caused a setback to the Indian handicraft industry, but the craze for it is still intact. In the age of automation, it is exhilarating to witness, how this labor-intensive industry has managed to keep pace and marry traditions with the latest trends. The products and concepts are new, yet maintaining the style of the traditional craft.

One such instance can be found in the Moroccan cutlery. I checked out the cutlery, which was inspired by the flowers of Blue city of Morocco-Chefchaouen, famous for striking shades of gorgeous blue painting. It lent an alluring look to the ceramic plates and bowls.

Another craft that is widely popular, is inspired by the Mughal era architecture. We can witness its presence in the modern-day furniture, wallpaper, home décor, and tableware items comprising of tea light diffusers, chopping boards, incense stick holders, etc.

A number of business houses have started dealing in such handicrafts and are doing well. It is also overwhelming the way our heritage is being sustained through these artworks and efforts. Preserving this aspect of our culture is as important as preserving any monument or ancient caves.

Let us all come forward and recognize the talent of these small artisans and the cottage industries, by purchasing the beautiful handicraft items. It is time to bring home, the vibrant culture of Indian art and craft.