5 Famous Handicrafts of India
Vibrant and culturally rich, Indian handicrafts have their own unique history. India has preserved its centuries-old roots in the form of its stunning arts and crafts. From the Indus Valley civilization to modern-style craft items, Indian handicraft has been an integral part of every Indian's life.
The traditional crafts of India provide the basis of Indian culture, which not only has gained worldwide recognition but is also the reason tourists flock to the country. Our handicrafts are a glimpse into the history and culture of every region of the country.
Handicraft products are either completely made by hand or with the use of simple tools. The manual labour of the artisan plays a crucial role in the production of a handicraft. Handicrafts serve different purposes and significance: aesthetic, cultural, decorative, religious, and above all, livelihood.
In a changing economy where machines have taken the place of hands, WeAct members have preserved their unique handicraft skills as a symbol of our heritage. Producing handicrafts requires great skill and precision. The knowledge and trade of making these beautiful products are often handed down from one generation to another.
Here is a list of five great traditional crafts from India.
1.Cane and Bamboo Weaving
Handicrafts that are made of cane and bamboo are the eco-friendliest products made in India. Members of WeAct, Aasam, made diverse items made from bamboo, such as baskets, mats, wall hangings, jewellery boxes, and many more. The tradition of bamboo art has evolved through generations, and there is a quest for innovation and invention that continues to give this craft a contemporary look while at the same time preserving Indian heritage and culture.
Thanks to the abundance of cane and bamboo in Assam, the state is quite famous for its products. The art of bamboo crafting thrives as a dynamic tradition, showcasing remarkable diversity across tribes, each boasting its own unique weaving style and design. Craftsmanship excellence is a hallmark of every tribe, resulting in distinct shapes and patterns for bamboo and cane items that reflect the cultural identity of each region.
2.Patola Sarees
Sarees, a timeless and opulent choice for Indian women, come in varying grades and qualities. Among them, Patola sarees stand out as an exquisite option that exudes class and luxury. WeAct’s collection of Patola sarees is renowned for its stunning craftsmanship, intricate designs, and vibrant colours. Originating from Patan, Gujarat, patola sarees are typically crafted from two types of silk—patola and kosa—woven together to create lightweight, comfortable, yet durable fabric.
Our patola sarees are available in various designs, such as stripes, geometric patterns, and floral motifs, with bright and vibrant colours. WeAct’s weavers use a special silk known as ‘Patala Silk’ to weave these sarees, ensuring great clarity and accuracy in the delicate patterns that contribute to their global recognition for beauty and charm.
The manufacturing process of Patola sarees involves a resist-dyeing technique using a warp and weft approach. It is a meticulous method that requires the expertise of three skilled individuals working actively for three to seven months. The process of making patola sarees is time-consuming, resulting in a unique and exceptional garment that reflects the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Indian textiles
3.Banana Fibre Products
Using banana fibre to make clothes and household goods is not new. It has been around for ages. Currently, India is the largest producer of banana fibre worldwide. This lightweight fibre is known in the world of sustainable fashion with its ability to replicate silk with the softer inner leaf fibre, or more durable fabrics like hemp with the stem and outer leaf fibre, and a little goes a long way—it requires much less plant material to create a yard of cloth than almost any other fibre.
Banana fibre products are currently pricey and labour-intensive due to their handmade nature. WeAct members turn the banana stem fibre into cloth using electric-free traditional handloom methods, making them carbon-neutral products.
Banana fibre is one of the most durable fibres on earth and has been used for centuries to make rope, woven textiles, and floor mats. Today, WeAct members have branched out to make everything from an accessory to a household item.
All these make banana fibre an incredibly versatile option worth more credit than it has received so far!
4.Moonj Grass
Moonj, the outer skin of Sarpat grass native to the desert areas and riverbanks of northern India, is harvested during October and November. Renowned for its eco-friendly and attractive qualities, Moonj is a valuable resource for locals.
The moonj plant offers dual benefits. Its hard-inner stalk is used for crafting ropes, furniture, brooms, and thatched roofs, while the soft outer peel is ideal for weaving daily-use items like baskets and containers.
With years of expertise, WeAct members artfully incorporate coloured grass into our Moonj products, creating coiled grass items that seamlessly meet your daily needs. As a versatile material, it can be transformed into containers, utilised for food storage, and employed in wall décor, exemplifying our dedication to sustainability and practical elegance.
5.Tangaliya
Tangaliya, a weaving technique, originates from the Dangashiya community in Surendranagar. The weavers make shawls and dupattas out of sheep and goat wool. They develop a special technique of weaving known as Dana work. Small extra weft dots are intricately twisted around multiple warp threads, creating a fabric with the appearance of bead embroidery. Tangaliya weaving creates beautiful geometric patterns and forms.
Nowadays, Tangaliya work is made of fine cotton and is used for a wide range of other products. WeAct helps the members brand their Tangaliya products and make contemporary designs to ensure a sustainable livelihood.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the kaleidoscope of WeAct India's handicrafts, spanning from the eco-friendly finesse of cane and bamboo weaving to the opulent allure of patola sarees, demonstrates the nation's profound commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage. The intricate craftsmanship involved in creating banana fibre products, the sustainable practices employed with moonj grass, and the traditional Tangaliya weaving technique showcase not only artistic excellence but also a dedication to practical elegance and environmental responsibility.
As we celebrate these five famous handicrafts, let us not only appreciate their aesthetic and cultural significance but also recognize the resilient spirit of WeAct’s artisans, who, with skill and precision, carry forward the legacy of India's extraordinary craftsmanship.
WeAct India stands as a vital catalyst in this endeavour, enabling artisans to thrive and innovate in a changing economic landscape where handcrafted traditions are often overshadowed by machines. Please call us at 080-23119361 to become a WeAct member.
References
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