Handicrafts in India
Contents
Handicrafts in India:
Overview
Indian handicrafts represent a treasure trove of cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. These traditional crafts reflect the artistic brilliance, technical skill, and cultural diversity of Indian artisans. Handicrafts are not merely products; they are repositories of history, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihood practices.
Evolution of Indian Handicrafts: Ancient to Modern Period
Prehistoric Era (Before 3300 BCE)
Archaeological findings from sites like Bhimbetka and Mehrgarh reveal evidence of early creative expressions
Primitive clay figures, rudimentary jewelry, and stone implements bore artistic touches
These early forms laid the foundation for India’s artistic lineage
Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE)
Emergence of structured craft systems with exceptional precision and symmetry
Terracotta toys, etched seals, shell bangles, and fine pottery from Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa demonstrate advanced craftsmanship
Use of standardized weights and sophisticated kilns showed advanced understanding of materials
Dhokra art origins trace back to 4000 BCE—the discovery of a dancing girl sculpture in Mohenjo-Daro marks one of the oldest non-ferrous metal casting techniques
Crafts served as vital trade commodities, signaling India’s influence in global artisan trade
Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE)
Religious rituals drove demand for ornate items like lamps, idols, and ceremonial textiles
Woodwork, metalsmithing, and weaving flourished under tribal and agrarian societies
Rise of artisan guilds—organized groups that maintained high standards and passed skills through generations
These guilds became essential in preserving craft lineages through political upheavals
Mauryan Era (322–185 BCE)
Royal patronage elevated crafts to new heights
Ashoka’s rock edicts and polished stone pillars exemplify exquisite stone-carving techniques
Development of sophisticated metalwork, jewelry, and sculptural traditions
Gupta Era (c. 320–550 CE) – The Golden Age
Often called India’s “Golden Age,” this period saw refined textiles, coin minting, and advanced temple construction
Ajanta frescoes and intricate sculptures reflected blossoming of spiritual and aesthetic synergy
Advanced techniques in stone carving, weaving, woodcarving, sculpture, and jewelry-making
Sacred sculptures depicting gods and goddesses with exceptional finesse
Medieval Period: Islamic Influences (13th–18th Centuries)
Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Period
Islamic rule infused Indian crafts with Persian elegance and Central Asian geometry
Artisans mastered:
Inlay work (pietra dura—exemplified in Taj Mahal)
Calligraphy
Enamel work
Carpet weaving
Zari (gold and silver thread) work
Mughal Contributions (16th–18th centuries)
Emperors like Akbar and Shah Jahan established karkhanas (royal workshops) employing thousands of artisans
Introduction of intricate floral motifs and Persian-inspired designs
Crafts became more detailed, symmetrical, and luxurious
Banarasi silk weaving reached zenith during Mughal period—weavers from Kanchipuram migrated to Varanasi and merged expertise
Regional variations flourished as dynasties rose and fell across Indian states
Chikankari embroidery flourished with Mughal patronage in Lucknow
Pashmina, Kani shawls, and Kashmiri carpets developed with Persian influences
Blue pottery of Jaipur emerged from Delhi and Khurja ceramic traditions
British Colonial Period (1757–1947) – Era of Decline
Impact on Handicraft Industry
Exploitative trade monopolies: British East India Company controlled raw materials and finished products
Heavy taxation: Exorbitant taxes on raw materials and steep export duties made international competition impossible
Deindustrialization: British machine-made goods displaced handcrafted textiles and pottery
Market saturation: Cheap British machine-made fabrics destroyed traditional weaving industry
Employment collapse:
Bengal employment declined by 244,000 Full-Time Job Equivalents
Rest of India saw 56,000 FTJE decline
After 1850, Indian production fell below 40% of domestic consumption
1857 Revolt consequences:
Destruction of workshops in cities like Lucknow and Kanpur
Loss of skilled craftsmen through harsh reprisals and execution
Further crippling of weakened industry
One-way Free Trade Policy: What benefited England was imposed on India, protecting British industries while destroying Indian crafts
Preservation During British Period
Rural communities sustained traditional crafts through poverty and traditional values
Adoption of khadi (handspun cloth) provided affordable alternative
Locally crafted agricultural tools maintained craft traditions
Nationalist leaders advocated for fair trade practices and preservation of indigenous industries
Post-Independence Period (1947–Present)
Revival and Recognition
Nationalist movement emphasized self-sufficiency and traditional crafts
Khadi movement under Gandhi became symbol of independence and cultural pride
Government establishment of handicraft boards and cooperative societies
Development of handicraft clusters and promotion through domestic and international markets
Creation of artisan cooperatives and producer companies
Modern Challenges and Opportunities
Decline in apprenticeship due to migration to urban areas
Integration with global markets and e-commerce platforms
Balance between tradition and contemporary design demands
Introduction of quality certifications and Geographical Indication (GI) tags
Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly production methods
Revival through government schemes, awards, and international exhibitions
Major Handicraft Types and Regional Distribution
Textile and Weaving Crafts
1. Silk Weaving
Banarasi Silk (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
Famous for Jamdani loom embroidery
Known for intricate gold/silver zari work and brocades
Mughal origins with continuous tradition for centuries
Products: Sarees, dupattas, stoles
Kanchipuram Silk (Tamil Nadu)
World-renowned for fine quality and intricate patterns
Products: Sarees with contrasting borders and pallu
Assam Silks (Assam)
Muga Silk: Golden silk, endemic to Assam, also called “Queen of Silk”
Eri Silk: Creamy white, known as “Vegan Silk”
Pat Silk: Traditional Assamese silk
Traditional Assamese garments: mekhela, sadar, riha
Pashmina (Kashmir)
Soft, warm, lightweight fabric from Himalayan goat wool
Involves hand-spinning and meticulous weaving by master artisans
Handmade shawls, scarves, wraps
2. Cotton Weaving and Hand Block Printing
Chikankari (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
White embroidery on white fabric with floral designs
40 different stitches, each used for specific purpose
4+ centuries old, patronized by Nawabs
Time-consuming (10+ days for complex pieces)
Over 2.5 lakh artisans engaged in production
Jamdani (Bengal and Varanasi)
Loom embroidery technique
Ancient origins in Bengal
Products: Sarees with floral/geometric patterns
Block Printing
Bagru Block Printing (Rajasthan): Natural colors from turmeric, indigo, madder root
Pipad Block Printing: Wooden blocks with protruding nails
Ajrakh Print (Gujarat, Rajasthan): Complex resist-dyeing technique
Uses natural dyes from plants, flowers, roots
Hand-carved wooden blocks with traditional motifs
3. Ikat Weaving (Tie-Dye Technique)
Sambalpuri/Odisha Ikat (Odisha)
Warp and weft tie-dyed before weaving
Resist-dyeing creates “blurred” designs
Includes Khandua, Pasapali, Kataki, Manibandhi sarees
GI registered as “Odisha Ikat”
Pochampalli Ikat (Telangana/Andhra Pradesh)
Pre-dyed yarns create geometric patterns
Known for clean pattern alignment
Single ikat technique
Patan Patola (Gujarat)
Rare double ikat with razor-sharp reversible patterns
Months-long resist-dye precision
Identical designs on both sides
4. Other Textile Crafts
Kota Doria (Kota, Rajasthan): Lightweight checkered cotton-silk fabric
Sambalpuri Bandha Sarees (Sambalpur, Orissa): Classic ikat sarees with floral/geometric patterns
Bomkai Sarees (Odisha)
Phulkari (Punjab): Colorful floral embroidery on dupatta/shawls
Kumbakonam Silk (Tamil Nadu)
Uppada Sarees (Andhra Pradesh)
Metal and Metal Inlay Crafts
1. Brass and Bell Metal Works
Moradabad Metal Craft (Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh)
Known as “Brass City”
Various brass artworks showcasing regional diversity
GI registered in 2013
Bastar Dhokra (Chhattisgarh)
Traditional non-ferrous metal casting using lost-wax technique
27 detailed steps without molds
Originated from Indus Valley civilization
Products: Ornamented animals, tribal figures
GI registered in 2013
Tikamgarh Bell Metal Works (Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh)
Single-casting bell metal artisans
Traditional ammunition, arts, artifacts, toys, idols
Royal patronage under Maharajas
2. Fine Metal Inlay Works
Bidriware (Bidar, Karnataka and Hyderabad, Telangana)
14th century origin during Bahmani Sultanate
Persian and Arabic influences mixed with local style
Eight-stage process: molding, smoothing, designing, engraving, silver inlay, buffing, oxidizing
Copper-zinc alloy (1:16 ratio) with pure silver inlay
Products: Vessels, vases, decorative boxes
GI registered in 2006
Udaipur Koftgari (Rajasthan)
Gold and silver inlay on iron/steel
Decorative and functional products
Banaras Metal Casting Craft (Uttar Pradesh)
Repousse and meenakari work
Metal casting traditional techniques
Cuttack Silver Filigree (Rupa Tarakasi) (Odisha)
Silver wires transformed into intricate designs
12th century origins, Mughal patronage
Products: Jewelry, showpieces, religious artifacts
GI registered in 2024
3. Copperware and Metalware
Kashmiri Copperware (Kandkari) (Kashmir)
Hand-engraved copper utensils and samovars
Floral and geometric motifs
Traditional tea sets
Pembarthi Metal Craft (Telangana)
Banaras Gulabi Meenakari (Uttar Pradesh): Enameled metalwork
Pottery and Ceramic Crafts
1. Blue Pottery
Blue Pottery of Jaipur (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
19th century origin, revived under Jaipur School of Art (founded 1866)
Turko-Persian origin with local innovation
Uses quartz powder, glass, Fuller’s earth, borax instead of clay
Hand-painted floral/geometric patterns
Semi-transparent, low-fired, fragile
Products: Tiles, vases, bowls, plates, decorative boxes
GI registered in 2008
2. Terracotta and Clay Work
Molela Clay Work (Molela, Rajasthan)
Sculpted religious figures and decorative tiles
Reflects spiritual heritage of Rajasthan
Women prepare clay, men create murtis
GI registered
Khurja Pottery (Khurja, Uttar Pradesh)
Baked clay pottery, 500+ years old
Brought by Taimur Lang with Egyptian/Syrian potters
GI registered in 2015
Gorakhpur Terracotta (Uttar Pradesh)
Nizamabad Black Pottery (Telangana)
Bankura Terracotta (West Bengal)
3. Pottery with Regional Variations
Pottery of Odisha: Folk traditions with unique regional styles
Pots and decorative ware: Various states produce distinct pottery forms
Wood Carving and Woodcraft
1. Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving
Intricate designs carved into walnut wood (Doon Kul)
Floral, paisley, and lattice designs
Techniques: undercut, openwork, deep carving
Himalayan walnut sourced from Kashmir
Persian, Mughal, and indigenous Kashmiri influences
Products: Furniture, panels, home décor
GI registered in 2024
2. Saharanpur Wood Craft (Uttar Pradesh)
Intricate wooden furniture and decorative items
Fine carving traditions
GI registered
3. Bastar Wooden Craft (Chhattisgarh)
Products: Furniture, decorative items
Forest resources support craft
Tribal traditions
4. Other Wood Carving
Jharkhand Woodcraft: Fine products from dense forests
Manipur Wood Carving: Carved on “wang” and “heijuga” wood
Kashmiri Khatamband: Handcrafted geometric wood ceiling patterns without nails
Stone Carving and Sculpture
Konark Stone Carving (Konark, Odisha)
Ancient Odisha temple stone-carving craft
Dating to 6th–7th century AD
Practiced in Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack
GI registered in 2008
Jabalpur Stone Craft (Madhya Pradesh)
Stone sculpture and decorative work
Embroidery and Needlework
1. Chikankari (White Embroidery)
Lucknow Chikan Craft (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
4+ centuries old, peaked in late 19th century
40 different stitches with specific uses
Shadow work or white embroidery
Products: Kurtas, pajamas, kameez, sarees, home furnishings
2.5 lakh artisans engaged
GI registered in 2004
2. Zardozi (Gold Embroidery)
Lucknow Zardozi (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
Gold and silver thread embroidery
Mughal influence
Products: Royal garments, ceremonial wear
GI registered
3. Other Embroidery Forms
Tharu Embroidery (Uttar Pradesh): Traditional tribal patterns
Mainpuri Tarkashi (Uttar Pradesh): Brass wire inlay work on wood
Bikaner Kashidakari: Embroidered textiles
Painting and Artistic Crafts
1. Madhubani/Mithila Art (Bihar)
One of oldest and most famous Indian folk arts
Also known as “Mithila Art”
Painted with fingers, twigs, matchsticks, pen nibs
Geometric patterns and bright colors from natural extracts
Products: Paintings on paper, canvas
2. Pattachitra (Story Cloths)
Odisha Pattachitra (Odisha)
Traditional story cloth paintings
GI registered in 2008
Bengal Pattachitra (West Bengal)
3. Other Paintings
Gond Art (Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh)
Folk and tribal art from Gond artists
Reflects natural environment and human connection
Intricate patterns and symbolic motifs
Pichwai Painting (Nathdwara, Rajasthan)
Religious paintings behind temple idols
Krishna-themed artwork
Cheriyal Paintings (Telangana)
Basohli Painting (Himachal Pradesh)
Sohrai-Khovar Painting (Jharkhand)
Majuli Manuscript Painting (Assam)
Painted on sanchi pat (tree bark manuscripts)
16th century origin, Ahom patronage
GI registered
4. Applique Work
Pipli Applique Work (Pipli, Odisha)
Colorful fabric applique on dark cloth
Products: Tent covers, wall hangings
GI registered in 2008
Textile Dyeing Techniques
Shibori/Tie-Dye (Multiple regions)
Batik (Various regions)
Natural Indigo Dyeing (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
Leather and Leather Products
Kolhapuri Chappals (Kolhapur, Maharashtra)
12th century origins
Handcrafted leather sandals
High-quality local leather with vegetable dyes
Intricate detailing and ornamentation
GI registered
Kanpur Saddlery (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh)
Traditional leather saddles and equestrian goods
Santiniketan Leather Goods (West Bengal)
Bamboo and Cane Crafts
Bamboo and Cane Craft (Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Northeast India)
Abundant raw materials support production
Diverse tribal weaving styles
Products: Baskets, mats, furniture, room dividers, home décor
GI registered for specific regions
Bareilly Cane & Bamboo Craft (Uttar Pradesh)
Decorative and Functional Arts
1. Paper Mâché
Kashmir Papier Mâché (Kashmir)
Introduced in 14th century by Persian mystic Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani
Hand-painted intricate designs in vibrant colors
Process: Paper pulp molding, smooth coating, painting, lacquering
Motifs from Kashmir’s flora and fauna (Chinar leaves, lotus, birds)
Natural colors from minerals and plants
Products: Decorative boxes, trays, vases, ornaments
GI registered in 2024
2. Kashmiri Crafts – Comprehensive
Kashmir Sozani Craft: Gold/silver embroidered textiles
Kashmiri Hand-Knotted Carpets: Traditional carpet weaving
Kani Shawls: Hand-spun with intricate patterns
Kashmiri Copperware: Hand-engraved samovars
Willow Basketry: Handwoven from local willow
3. Horn Craft
Sambhal Horn Craft (Uttar Pradesh)
Handmade crafts from dead animal horns
4. Glass and Crystal Work
Firozabad Glass (Uttar Pradesh)
Glassware production
Varanasi Glass Beads (Uttar Pradesh): Traditional bead-making
5. Other Decorative Crafts
Bidri Ware (Telangana, Karnataka)
Kathputlis (String Puppets) (Rajasthan)
Molela Terracotta Tiles (Rajasthan)
Lippan Kaam (Kutch, Gujarat): Mirror inlay work
Kutch Rogan Craft (Kutch, Gujarat): Oil-painted fabric
Jewelry Crafts
Odissi Jewelry (Cuttack, Odisha)
Silver filigree jewelry
Peshwai Jewelry (Maharashtra)
Bidri Ware Jewelry (Karnataka, Telangana)
Temple Jewelry (Various South Indian temples)
Textile Printing and Dyeing
Farrukhabad Prints (Uttar Pradesh)
Traditional block printing with natural dyes
Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print (Gujarat)
Fine block printing tradition
Pethapur Printing Blocks (Gujarat)
Wooden block carving for fabric printing
Geographical Indication (GI) Tags for Indian Handicrafts
Purpose of GI Tags
Protects products with specific geographical origin and unique characteristics
Ensures authenticity and prevents counterfeit production
Enhances market value and supports artisan communities
International recognition and trademark protection
State-Wise GI-Tagged Handicrafts
Uttar Pradesh (27+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Lucknow Chikan Craft (Lucknow)
White embroidery on fabrics
GI Registered: 2004
Lucknow Zardozi (Lucknow)
Gold/silver thread embroidery
GI Registered: 2006
Banarasi Sarees (Varanasi)
Silk brocade with gold/silver zari work
GI Registered: 2009
Banaras Tabla (Varanasi)
Traditional percussion musical instrument
Banaras Metal Casting Craft (Varanasi)
Metal repousse work
GI Registered: 2021
Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craft (Varanasi)
Enameled metalwork with vibrant colors
GI Registered: 2021
Varanasi Glass Beads (Varanasi)
Traditional glass bead-making
Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys (Varanasi)
Handmade wooden toys with lacquer finish
Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Work (Varanasi)
Stone screen carving
Kanpur Saddlery (Kanpur)
Leather saddles and equestrian products
Moradabad Metal Craft (Moradabad)
Brass metalware
GI Registered: 2013
Mainpuri Tarkashi (Mainpuri)
Brass wire inlay on wood
Amroha Dholak (Amroha)
Traditional drum
Sambhal Horn Craft (Sambhal)
Horn handicrafts
Saharanpur Wood Craft (Saharanpur)
Fine wooden furniture and decorative items
GI Registered: 2008
Bareilly Cane & Bamboo Craft (Bareilly)
Cane and bamboo furniture
Bareilly Zari Zardoji (Bareilly)
Gold thread embroidery
Mirzapur Handmade Dari (Mirzapur)
Handmade carpets
Gorakhpur Terracotta (Gorakhpur)
Clay pottery products
Khurja Pottery (Khurja)
Ceramic earthenware
GI Registered: 2015
Pilibhit Bansuri (Pilibhit)
Traditional bamboo flutes
Firozabad Glass (Firozabad)
Glassware
Farrukhabad Prints (Farrukhabad)
Block printed textiles
Mathura Sanjhi Craft (Mathura)
Paper screen cutting
Ghazipur Wall Hanging (Ghazipur)
Decorative wall textiles
Tharu Embroidery (Uttar Pradesh)
Traditional tribal embroidery
Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashilp (Mahoba)
Stone craft
Baghpat Home Furnishings (Baghpat, Meerut)
Handloom furnishing products
Barabanki Handloom Product (Barabanki)
Kalpi Handmade Paper (Kalpi)
Rajasthan (10+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Jaipur Blue Pottery (Jaipur)
Hand-painted ceramic pottery with cobalt blue glaze
GI Registered: 2008
Kota Doria (Kota)
Lightweight checkered cotton-silk fabric
GI Registered: 2004
Molela Clay Work (Molela, Rajsamand District)
Terracotta plaques and religious figures
GI Registered: 2011
Kathputlis of Rajasthan (Jodhpur, Nathdwara, Barmer)
Hand-carved string puppets
GI Registered: 2019
Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting (Nathdwara)
Religious paintings on cloth
Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft (Udaipur)
Gold/silver inlay metalwork
Bikaner Kashidakari Craft (Bikaner)
Embroidered textiles
Bikaner Usta Kala Craft (Bikaner)
Intricate decorative craft
Jodhpur Bandhej Craft (Jodhpur)
Tie-dye technique on textiles
Pokaran Pottery (Pokaran)
Rustic handmade clay pottery
Sojat Mehndi (Sojat) – Agricultural (not handicraft)
Madhya Pradesh (5+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Bastar Dhokra (Bastar, Chhattisgarh—Note: Often listed with both states)
Lost-wax metal casting
GI Registered: 2013
Bastar Wooden Craft (Bastar)
Handcrafted wooden products
Bastar Iron Craft (Bastar)
Traditional iron handicrafts
Tikamgarh Bell Metal Works (Tikamgarh, Samarra Village)
Single-casting bell metal products
GI Registered: 2013
Jabalpur Stone Craft (Jabalpur)
Stone sculpture and decorative work
Odisha (7+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Konark Stone Carving (Konark, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack)
Ancient temple stone-carving craft
GI Registered: 2008
Orissa Pattachitra (Puri)
Story cloths with traditional paintings
GI Registered: 2008
Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics (Sambalpur)
Tie-dyed ikat sarees with floral/geometric patterns
GI Registered: 2012
Bomkai Saree & Fabrics (Bomkai)
Traditional ikat sarees
GI Registered: 2009
Odisha Ikat (Odisha)
Resist-dyed textiles from multiple regions
GI Registered: 2007
Pipli Applique Work (Pipli)
Colorful fabric applique on dark cloth
GI Registered: 2008
Kotpad Handloom Fabric (Kotpad)
Handwoven fabrics with natural dyes
Cuttack Silver Filigree (Rupa Tarakasi) (Cuttack)
Silver wire filigree jewelry and artifacts
GI Registered: 2024
Khandua Saree and Fabrics (Cuttack District)
Traditional woven sarees
Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics (Gopalpur)
Tussar silk weaving
Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics (Dhalapathar)
Woven textiles
Ganjam Kewda (Ganjam)
Scented flower products
Tamil Nadu (5+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Kanchipuram Silk (Kanchipuram)
Hand-woven silk sarees with intricate patterns
GI Registered: 2005
Salem Fabric (Salem)
Handwoven cotton and silk fabrics
Bhavani Jamakkalam (Bhavani)
Woven floor covers
Madurai Sungudi (Madurai)
Tie-dyed cotton sarees
Kumbakonam Silk (Kumbakonam)
Traditional silk weaving
West Bengal (11+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Bengal Dokra (Bengal)
Lost-wax bell metal casting
GI Registered: 2012
Bengal Pattachitra (Bengal)
Story cloth paintings
GI Registered: 2012
Nakshi Kantha (Bengal)
Embroidered quilts
GI Registered: 2009
Santiniketan Leather Goods (Santiniketan)
Traditional leather crafts
Santipur Saree (Santipur)
Handwoven cotton sarees
Baluchari Saree (Balupur, Birbhum District)
Traditional woven sarees with mythological themes
GI Registered: 2009
Dhaniakhali Saree (Dhaniakhali)
Handwoven sarees
Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft (Bankura)
Traditional clay pottery and figures
GI Registered: 2013
Purulia Chau Mask (Purulia)
Painted decorative masks
GI Registered: 2013
Wooden Mask of Kushmandi (Kushmandi)
Traditional wooden masks
Madurkathi (West Bengal)
Woven spongy reed handicraft
GI Registered: 2018
Kashmir/Jammu & Kashmir (8+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Kashmir Pashmina (Kashmir)
Hand-spun cashmere shawls
GI Registered: 2005
Kani Shawl (Kashmir)
Hand-embroidered shawls
GI Registered: 2005
Kashmiri Hand-Knotted Carpet (Kashmir)
Traditional hand-woven carpets
Kashmir Sozani Craft (Kashmir)
Gold/silver embroidered textiles
Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving (Kashmir)
Intricate walnut wood carvings
GI Registered: 2024
Kashmir Papier Mâché (Kashmir)
Hand-painted paper pulp crafts
GI Registered: 2024
Basohli Pashmina & Painting (Basohli, Himachal Pradesh—sometimes listed with J&K)
Pashmina and traditional paintings
GI Registered: 2022
Kashmiri Silk (Kashmir)
Traditional silk garments
Himachal Pradesh (3+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Kullu Shawl (Kullu Valley)
Traditional woolen shawls with vibrant patterns
GI Registered: 2005
Chamba Rumal (Chamba District)
Embroidered textile art on silk
Basohli Painting (Basohli)
Traditional miniature paintings
Punjab (1 GI Tag)
Phulkari (Punjab)
Colorful floral embroidery on dupattas
GI Registered: 2009
Gujarat (8+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Patan Patola (Patan)
Double ikat with geometric patterns
GI Registered: 2013
Rajkot Patola (Rajkot)
Single ikat variant
GI Registered: 2013
Kutch Bandhani (Kutch)
Tie-dyed textiles
GI Registered: 2010
Kutch Rogan Craft (Kutch)
Oil-painted fabric art
Kutch Embroidery (Kutch)
Mirror inlay and embroidered textiles
GI Registered: 2007
Tangaliya Shawl (Tangaliya, Kutch)
Handwoven traditional shawls
Sankheda Furniture (Sankheda)
Hand-painted wooden furniture
Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print (Ahmedabad)
Fine block printing
Pethapur Printing Blocks (Pethapur)
Carved wooden printing blocks
Gujarat Suf Embroidery (Gujarat)
Embroidered textiles
Maharashtra (6 Handicraft GI Tags)
Paithani Sarees (Paithan, Aurangabad)
Handwoven silk sarees with gold borders
GI Registered: 2007
Kolhapuri Chappals (Kolhapur)
Handcrafted leather sandals
12th century origins
GI Registered: 2015
Solapur Chaddar (Solapur)
Handwoven shawls
Solapur Terry Towel (Solapur)
Handmade terry textiles
Puneri Pagadi (Pune)
Traditional turbans
Nagpur Yellow Metal (Nagpur)
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh (7+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Pochampalli Ikat (Pochampalli)
Pre-dyed ikat with geometric patterns
GI Registered: 2005
Cheriyal Paintings (Cheriyal)
Story cloth paintings
GI Registered: 2006
Nirmal Toys and Craft (Nirmal)
Wooden toys and lacquerware
GI Registered: 2006
Gadwal Sarees (Gadwal)
Traditional woven sarees
GI Registered: 2011
Telia Rumal (Telangana)
Oil-treated thread textiles
GI Registered: 2020
Pembarthi Metal Craft (Pembarthi)
Metal handicrafts
Adilabad Dokra (Adilabad)
Lost-wax metal casting
Karnataka (2 Handicraft GI Tags)
Bidriware (Bidar)
Metal handicraft with Persian influences
Copper-zinc alloy with silver inlay
GI Registered: 2006
Channapatna Toys (Channapatna)
Wooden toys (noted for traditional craftsmanship)
Assam (5+ Handicraft GI Tags)
Muga Silk (Assam)
Golden yellow silk endemic to Assam
GI Registered: 2007
Eri Silk (Assam)
Creamy white vegan silk
GI Registered: 2007
Assam Pat Silk (Assam)
Traditional Assamese silk
Majuli Manuscript Painting (Majuli)
Bark paper paintings with traditional ink
GI Registered: 2024
Majuli Masks (Majuli)
Traditional theatrical masks
GI Registered: 2024
North Eastern States
Shaphee Lanphee (Manipur): Handwoven fabrics
Wangkhei Phee (Manipur): Woven textiles
Pawndum (Mizoram): Handwoven bamboo craft
Tawlhlohpuan (Mizoram): Traditional weaving
Sohrai-Khovar Painting (Jharkhand): Tribal mural painting
Naga Mircha (Nagaland): Agricultural (not handicraft)
Chakhesang Shawl (Nagaland): Handwoven shawls
Other States
Various other GI-tagged handicraft products exist across states
Key Handicrafts with Multiple Variations
Several traditional crafts exist across multiple regions with regional GI designations:
Ikat Weaving: Odisha, Telangana, Gujarat
Metal Casting (Dhokra/Dokra): Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana
Stone Carving: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh
Silk Weaving: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, others
Embroidery: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, others
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