From ancient times till today, India has held a unique place in the world owing to its fabulous arts and crafts. History tells us how kings and queens from distant lands sent out their courtiers to fetch handcrafted jewellery, textiles and artefacts from India. Our traditional arts and crafts of India travelled through important trade routes such as the Silk Route to influence art in other countries as well. Even today, the craftsmen of India remain unparalleled to the rest of the world. 

In a sense, our handicraft is a mirror of the diverse culture of our country. Each part of our nation has a different craft to showcase. So if you love curating souvenirs, then India is more like a treasure trove for you. Wondering which art to souvenir from which state? Join us as we explore ten amazing arts and crafts that you can curate in your travel across India:

Dhokra, Chhattisgarh

Dhokra, Chhattisgarh
Image Source: Google

When you think about one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, the Indus Valley, in terms of its art, what image flashes before your eyes? It is likely to be that of an iconic bronze figurine of what seems like a dancing lady. But have you ever wondered how those ancient people were able to give such accurate details to their figurines? The answer is Dhokra.
Fun Facts:
Surviving for more than five thousand years, Dhokra is the art of making metal artefacts through a special casting technique. The process of creating such exact figurines through this ancient technique is so complicated that it may take up to months to complete.
Where to buy it?
For original Dhokra pieces, a trip to Chhattisgarh is a must. 

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Thanjavur Doll, Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur Doll, Tamil Nadu
Image Source: Google

Are you fascinated by the roly-poly dolls that often adore the dashboards of cars? While most of these come from outside, you may be amazed to know that India has its own ancient roly-poly dolls too. And they look way more colourful and fascinating than the ordinary dolls that you may have come across. We are talking about the Thanjavur Dolls of Tamil Nadu.

Fun Facts:
Traditionally known as the Thnajavr Thalaiyatti Bommai, the origin of this doll dates back to the first half of the 19th century. Usually found in pairs, these amazing dancing dolls are made in the semblance of the king and queen. The heads of the dolls are detached from the body and designed in such a way that they seem to be dancing to some classical tune. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous handicrafts in India.

Where to buy it?
Although you can find these dolls online, the authenticity is best guaranteed when you source it from Tamil Nadu.

Warli Painting, Maharasthra

Warli Painting, Maharasthra
Image Source: Google

Tribal life has always held a special kind of appeal among people. Be it their cuisine or their fabric, each aspect of life reflects a unique love and bond with the surrounding environment. A beautiful depiction of tribal life can be found in the Warli paintings of Maharashtra. Many historians claim that the Warli paintings are among the most ancient art forms in the world. Even today, the tribesmen have preserved their techniques for creating this unique art form.

Fun Facts:
Since the Warli culture centres on the idea of Mother Nature, most of the depictions are related to her. Apart from the everyday lives of the tribal people, their festivals and myths are the most popular subjects of this painting. You will be surprised to see how the tribe has been able to preserve its simple lifestyle despite being only a few hundred kilometres away from Mumbai.

Where to buy it?
To see how Warli art is created, plan a trip to the Sahyadri ranges for your next holiday.

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Kashmir Rug, Kashmir

India is indeed a confluence of cultures. And this confluence is well reflected in the Indian art and craft as well. One such product, born out of the union of Central Asian and Persian Culture with the native culture of India is the Kashmiri Rug. Valued all over the world for its exquisite craftsmanship and beauty, the Kashmiri rug is said to have originated sometime in the 15th century. 

Fun Facts:
A Kashmiri rug, be it silk or the woollen ones may have something ranging from 200 to 900 knots per square inch. Making each of these pieces takes immense patience and time.

Where to buy it?
You can avail the best Kashmiri rugs from emporiums in Srinagar and surrounding areas.

Bamboo and Cane Work, North East

Bamboo and Cane Work, North East
Image Source: Google

It is said that when an artist touches even a piece of straw it can become his or her medium of expression. The same can be said about the bamboo work that we find in the North East. The forests in the North East are the source of very high-quality bamboo. And the artisans here have made bamboo their medium.

Fun Facts:
From furniture to toys, baskets, cradles, showpieces, mats and so much more, the sheer variety of cane products in the Northeast is likely to take you by surprise.

Where to buy it?
From Nagaland to Assam, each state has its own creative products made out of bamboo. So if you are an eco-warrior, you will love to souvenir these sustainable cane products from the region.

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Sea Shell Crafts, Andaman

Sea Shell Crafts, Andaman
Image Source: Google

Sea shell craft is popular in almost all the island nations across the world. So you may ask how exactly the craft of Andaman is different from that of the other places. The answer lies in the unique local touch that the islanders have given to their craft. In fact, sea shell jewelry is the major source of livelihood for most of the places residing here.

Fun Facts:
Apart from show pieces and jewellery, you will find carved shells, conches and the like. One of the most popular pieces of sea shell crafts are engravings of maps and sceneries on the shells. You can even have your names carved on these shells on request.

Madhubani Art, Bihar

Madhubani Art, Bihar
Image Source: Google

Paintings have always formed a special part of the traditional crafts of India. The Madhubani art was born out of this love to depict our imagination on canvas. Originating from the Maithila region of Bihar, these paintings use fingers, twigs, sticks and the like as tools.

Fun Facts:
The Madhubani art is striking for the bright combination of colours used in them. But you will be surprised to know that all these colours are actually sourced from natural pigments such as flowers, spices and the like.

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Chau Masks, West Bengal

Puruliya, Chhau Dance, Charida

As soon as we say masks, you probably think about Kerala. But there is one more region which is equally marked for its bright and colourful masks. We are speaking about the Chau masks of West Bengal. An ancient art of the Purulia region, these marks are an essential part of the Odhisa Chau dance. While you can only bring home the memory of the dance, the masks are an excellent souvenir for your West Bengal tour.

The masks are made out of clay, paper, cloth and the like. So you will have to handle them delicately if you are travelling long distances with them. 

Where to buy it?
Charida village is an unexplored village which is located on the beautiful foothills of Ayodhya Hills in Purulia district in West Bengal and this amazing village is the home of 300 skilled mask makers. This is the only place in the world where the popular masks are being manufactured for an acrobatic martial art-based dance “Chhau”.

Kathputhli, Rajasthan

Kathputhli, Rajasthan
Image Source: Google

From folk culture to Bollywood representations of the regions, the Kathputli or puppet show of Rajasthan simply cannot be missed. Controlled by a single string, you will be surprised to see just how beautifully the locals depict stories with them. If you thought that puppet shows were only for children, get ready to be awed by the Kathputlis of Rajasthan.

Apart from the puppet shows, the Kathputlis are also an excellent souvenir that you can bring back from the region. Dressed in colourful fabrics, the dolls are partly made with wood and fabrics. A pair of these Kathputlis can also serve as excellent showpieces in your home.

Ganjifa, Mysore and Odhissa

Ganjifa
Image Source: Google

While so far you have seen artefacts and crafts that were limited to a single region, the Ganhifa has a unique story to depict. Said to be a gift from the Persian influence, the Ganjifa is actually a form of playing craft. While in Iran, people have forgotten this game over time, India remains the last country where you can find these cards.

The Ganjifa is found across several regions of India with slight changes in the name. For instance, in Odhissa, it goes by the name of Ganjapa. Several variants of the game are found such as Moghul ganjifa, the Ramayana Ganjifa, Rashi Ganjifa and so on. With stiff competition from the Western card games, this type is almost getting forgotten in our country too. There are now plays produced only in a few particular places, Mysore and Orissa being the chief among them.

Although you may not be able to play, they are an excellent collectable for all those who love unique pieces of craft.

While most of these crafts are easily available online today, their true essence them can be felt only when you travel to the region and procure them from authentic sources. So as you travel to your heart’s content bring back these beautiful crafts home.

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