Art And Handicrafts in India

India has an extremely rich craft tradition, distinguished by great aesthetics and multifarious art history. Intricate designs, patterns, painfully crafted monuments, temples and sculptures, all are magnificent masterpieces of craftsmanship. All Indian crafts and patterns were mostly depictions of every day living, socio political conditions and palace and court scenes. Archaeological studies have revealed that the period of manufacture, for a given handicraft item can be deciphered from its production technique, patterns and materials used.

Indians Handicrafts history can be traced back to, as old as, the Stone Age. The art of spinning and weaving of cotton was known to the Harrappans were known 5000 years ago. Foundations of textiles in other countries date back to second century BC. Block print fabrics, mainly of Gujarat region, found in Egyptian tombs are a proof that India was producing enough cotton textiles to import them to other countries, in the medieval ages.

Even Vedas have references of artisans involved in pottery making, weaving, wood crafting etc. The Rig Veda in particular refers to a variety of pottery made from clay, wood and metal. It also refers to weavers and weaving. Crafts history shows that Indian crafts flourished during the Mauryan Empire. Nearly 85000 stupas were built in India, including Sanchi Stupa and various sculptures of Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati and Vaishali, During Ashoka's rule. Even the iron pillars of Vaishali and Delhi, were created in the same era. The Gupta Age, saw construction of rock cut temples of Ellora and Ajanta caves. Craftsmen of this period, under royal patronage excelled in jewelry making, woodcarving, sculpture, stone carving and weaving.

Indian Arts and Crafts of each age reflect the culture, traditions and happenings of that particular era. Every age, every dynasty, every empire has its influence and essence in the crafts belonging to those times, therefore making India's heritage diverse and culturally rich.

Ancient Design Employed In Handicrafts

Indian craftsmen carefully craft numerous motifs and designs, intricate and beautiful in a variety of hand-crafted items. These have been perfected over centuries.

The Birth Of Indian Handicrafts

Indian handicrafts, though initially made plain for daily use by ancient man, the craving for aesthetic appeal soon resulted in the development of numerous designs and motifs.

Indian Textiles

The beauty of Indian textiles spread far and wide even during the ancient trade. They were very popular for their fine quality and excellent embroidery done on them.

Rigvedic Literature Speaks On Ancient Crafts

The ancient Indian literature reveals some interesting facts on Indian handicrafts. Many craft were an integral part of religious rituals and ceremonies.

Buddhist Influence On Sculpture

The need to propagate Buddhist religion played an important part in the style the stone sculptures were sculpted. It also renewed the enthusiasm in stone sculptures.