History of Indian Handicrafts

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.

History of handicrafts of India 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

Handicrafts of India, 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 handicrafts of India. 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.