Indian Handicrafts

A Glimpse

Dhokra (Oldest)

Belonging to the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa Depicts folklore Uses non-ferrous metal with lost-wax casting

Lost -wax casting: i. ii. Clay core Wax Layer to carve finer details

iii. Clay Layer to form a mould for the metal iv. Molten metal

Bidriware
Metal handicraft originated in Bidar, Karnataka in 14th century Origin is attributed to the Bahamani sultans Uses alloy of zinc and copper Complex Process i. Soil and castor oil mould ii. Molten metal poured into it to obtain a cast piece, smoothened by filing iii. Casting is now coated with a solution of copper sulphate to obtain a temporary black coating over which designs are etched (silver etc) iv. Filed to remove the black coating v. Final blackening with a special variety of soil, ammonium chloride and water vi. Finally polished with oil

Madhubani Madhubani Paintings

Folklore art practiced in Mithila, Bihar It dates back to 7th century A.D Practiced traditionally by women Vibrant natural colors are used Art is based on Hindu mythologies and village life Two types i. Aripana (floor painting) ii. Kohabar (Wall Painting) The composition and ingredients of paintings were caste specific

Terracotta Bankura Madhubani Horse

Potters wheel considered the first machine invented to use the power of motion for a productive purpose Terracotta or clay craft is the symbol of mans first attempt at craftsmanship Terracotta horse is produced in different styles in Panchmura , Rajagram, Sonamukhi and Hamirpur villages in Bankura, West Bengal Traditionally used for religious village rituals Bankura horse is the logo of All India Handicrafts Process Different parts are made using the potters wheel Moulds are used for some parts like ears and tails The clay figures are first sun dried over 6-7 days Red color - letting out the smoke through the vents of the kiln after firing Black color sealing the vents and not letting out the smoke

Terracotta Kalakshi
Nowadays village potters are combining traditional rural abstractions with urban tastes Kalakshi is an attempt towards contemporary art based on traditional art form Derived from Sanskrit words Kala (art) and Akshi (eye) Originated from Gujarat Uses lot of colors and varied designs

The Future of Indian Handicrafts

Some of the art forms like Bidri work are known to limited communities Dhokra art is still popular and stood the test of time but workers are paid very less in local markets Terracotta work is dying and the potters are gradually moving to different professions Madhubani is mainly done by village women, so the commercial aspects have not been exploited yet To improve the state of Indian traditional art work new business models are required Online auctions and shopping websites can popularize these ethnic art forms

Thank You!