Indian handicrafts is the crest-jewel of Indian culture. After covering a long journey of several centuries, Indian handicrafts is now tempting the modern younger generation with magical mix of tradition and modernity.
The crown of Indian culture is shining with the timeless beauty of Indian handicraft, studded in form of a gem. Even after a long period of time, this handicraft has been able to put India on the center stage on the international platform. Let’s cast a glance on the journey of Indian handicrafts from the ancient era of Vedic civilization to modern day!
Vedic Period:- In Vedas, the ancient Indian text, several handicrafts have found mention, which comprise of pottery, weaving, wood crafting, phoolkari, jewellery, painting, sculpture and so on. Vedic people were also well versed of metallurgy and hence used to craft several items of metals.
Indus Valley Civilization:-A lot of Indian handcrafted items have been unearthed during the excavation of Harappa and Mohen-jo-daro. These items contain metal, stone and terracotta statues, jewellery and pottery. Several evidences have also been found, that Indian handmade products were exported to various overseas countries via ancient sea routes.
Mauryan Period:- Ashoka, the great got built host of stupas including world-popular Sanchi Stupa. Several female statues sporting jewellery are even now also inspiring contemporary jewellery craft. The iron pillars of Delhi and Vaishali (Bihar) are the symbol of long-lasting Indian handicraft.
Post Mauryan Period:- Indian handicraft assimilated several other arts also due to invasions of several foreigners such as Greeks, Bactrians, Shakas. This influence brought many changes in the textile, leather craft, metal working etc.
Gupta Period: It’s called the golden or classical age of Indian handicraft. The rock cut temples of Ellora and Ajanta caves are the precious heritage of this age. Other crafts including stone and wood carving, jewelry making, weaving also got a fillip during this period.
Medieval Period:- Chola and the Vijaynagar kings got bronze sculpture and temples constructed. Jagannath temple of Orissa exemplifies the unparalleled wood and stone carving. Mughal Empire influenced the indian handicrafts in form of Mughal Painting, Kundan jewellery, Woven carpets etc.
Modern Period: Indian handicraft reflects the amazing combo of traditional designs and modern techniques. Now, traditional Indian handicrafts has been included in the curriculum of NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology). Some craft sectors have become full fledged industries such as gem cutting and polishing, jewellery crafting, wooden furniture, carpet weaving etc. Although, as per the statistics of All India Handicrafts Board, handicraft export has boosted from 23 crores to more than 9000 crores over the last 5 decades. Despite it, the craft sector is struggling to sustain and needs encourage and support of people, who love Indian heritage from the core of their heart.
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Satyajit Banerjee is an expert writer in handicraft space and writes for Craffts.com, an eCommerce portal for handcrafted and handmade items. It offers wide range of products across various categories ranging from Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Women Apparels, Accessories, Necklaces, Home Décor & Furnishing products and much more.
