Art & Handicrafts in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, situated in Central India, witnesses more diversity than any other state in the country. It is an enchanting cosmos of landscaped beauty, heritage monuments, historical shrines and a vibrant culture. The most noteworthy of everything is the tribal heritage of the state. Home to different tribes and aborigines; the tribal matrix has begotten the inimitable handicrafts of the region. Infact, the art and craft prevalent in Madhya Pradesh makes it an exclusive museum that showcases the indigenous beauty of Indian handicrafts, and also presents the inventive adroitness of its people.

Whether it is showing skills through bamboo whittling, toy making or textile weaving, the various regions in Madhya Pradesh specializes in different handicrafts. These contrasting varieties of arts and crafts in the state also reveal the hereditary skills of its people and are often segregated based on the sexes. For e.g. durries are woven by women, whereas strenuous jobs like iron craft falls in the male domain. In the following lines, we have provided you a comprehensive account of the various arts and crafts practiced by the people of Madhya Pradesh, which magnifies the cultural wealth of the state.

Madhya Pradesh Arts & Crafts

Bamboo and Cane

Coppices of bamboo trees envelop Madhya Pradesh and are extensively used by tribal people of the state, to give shape to various articles. Utility and ornamental objects deftly whittled from bamboo and cane, by people belonging to the Baiga, Gond, and Korku tribal communities of the region, are very popular. They skillfully amalgam their traditional knowledge and expertise of bamboo work with various contemporary designs.

Floor Coverings

Traditional floor coverings of Madhya Pradesh include durries and carpets. Durries are thick cotton fabrics knitted in a variety of designs, with bold patterns. Geometric traditional motifs and human and animal figures are incorporated into the patterns. Carpets, on the other hand, are woolen floor coverings. In cities like Gwalior, carpet weaving is a legacy of the erstwhile Mughal rulers. Colorful carpets in floral and geometric designs are masterstrokes of the state's weavers.

Folk Paintings

The wall paintings of Bundelkhand, Gondwana, Nimar and Malwa constitute a major chunk of the folk paintings of Madhya Pradesh. They are considered creative outpourings that exhibit the rich tradition and culture of the state. These paintings also reflect the various local festivals celebrated in the state. Mandana wall and floor paintings, Lipai paintings and Pithora paintings are splendid examples of folk paintings of the region.

Iron Craft

Iron crafting is a traditional skill that the craftsmen in the remote villages of Madhya Pradesh have mastered formany generations. Iron ore extracted from local mines are molded into desired shapes. People of Gond, Muria, Dhruva and Bhatra communities practice this art form. Beautifully carved iron 'Diyas' (lamps) are given to daughters as a part of their bridal gifts. Today, iron craft of the state gets global recognition and adorns many a contemporary homes.

Metal Craft

The ingenious metal artisanship of the craftsmen of Madhya Pradesh is legendary. Inventive designs are curved into metals and shaped into boxes, figurines & ornamental statuettes. Considered auspicious, these metal images speak volumes of the indigenous religious aspects of the tribal culture of the people. The Gadhavs, Gonds, Murias, Bhatras and the Dhruva are some of the tribal communities that practice this art.