Arts & Crafts of India

The Nagas have a rich tradition of art and craft rooted in a lifestyle that has always been harmony with the environment they live in. Skilled tribal craftsman and artisans have always been the pillars of a tribal society that had, for many centuries, been self-sufficient. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubygoes/6902197005/
Orissa treasures an opulent artistic heritage that has specimens from the temple architecture as well as the edifices. Skillful artists and craftsmen of Orissa still maintain their native art by continuously processing it to adapt to a changing taste. Be it the applique artists of Pipli or the stone carvers of Orissa, imperious progeny of artist hands carve the magnificent patterns and designs on Orissa's most renowned temples.
Puducherry is a storehouse of crafts, which is famous for pottery, mat weaving, papier-mache and clay dolls. It is also famous for weaving a variety of cloths like Satin, twill, corduroy, poplin, chambray, oxford cambric and khadi. Puducherry is also famous for handcrafted papier-mache and dolls made of plaster of Paris. The dolls represent various Hindu deities and natural colours are used for the toys.
Punjab has a rich tradition of its colourful handicrafts and richly embroidered hand woven textiles. Silk, woolen and cotton fabrics are used for the purpose. The crafts in the Punjab are of two types: the crafts produced in the rural areas and the royal crafts which flourished in the urban centers particularly in Lahore. The former include cotton textiles, basketry, embroidery etc. while the latter are tile and woodwork skills, ivory, silver and gold work, naqqashi and architectural crafts.
Rajasthan is among the richest states in the country as far as the field of arts and crafts is concerned. May be it was a result of the war-like lifestyle of the people of Rajasthan which sharpened the creative senses, artistic skills and inspired them to create the most opulent and richest of treasures. Rajasthan is known for its traditional,colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery are some of the things commonly found here. Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise.
In the land of Sikkim, snow clad mountains, ancient customs and traditions keep alive decades-old styles and forms of craftsmanship. There are over 60-odd monasteries in the state that preserve the ancient religious rituals, and are repositories of the traditional art and crafts. Among the best known works of craft in this region are carpet weaving, mask making, wood carving and paintings.
Tamil Nadu has a distinctive tradition in fine arts and exquisite crafts. Today, the craft traditions of the state have developed into full-fledged industries in themselves. The famous arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu, in its earlier stages was highly influenced by the temple economy that prevailed for a long time in this part of the country. These rich temples of the region were like budding ground for the craftsmen who used get constant construction work in these temples and helping them to regularly upgrade their knowledge and experience.
From time immemorial Tripura has carved out a name for itself in the field of Handicrafts. Tripura is well known for the Rock Cut Carving,Bamboo and Cane Work, Jewelry, Sculpture and Paintings. These arts and crafts products of Tripura are an excellent way to decorate the interiors of one's home.
Uttar Pradesh is the land of art and artisans. The state boasts off some of the most popular centers of art tradition in India. The state has patronized art forms since the days of Moguls. Emperors like Akbar, Shah Jahan, Dara Sikoh and Farrukhsiyar were the great patrons of art and promoted various traditions during their reign. Nawabs of Awadh and other nobles later carried the tradition forward. This is the primary reason why from Benaras to Agra, every small or big town is famous for some or other craft in Uttar Pradesh.
The peace and tranquility of Uttaranchal laid the foundation for a treasure house of paintings and art. The culture of Garhwal and Kumaon have their rich and definite contributions to the ocean of great Indian Culture.
West Bengal serves as home to many talented artisans in India. The unique rustic and mystic charm of Bengal crafts is admired by art-lovers the world over. Arts and Crafts of West Bengal are the true manifestation of skills and passion, held by an entire state for ages. From embroidery to sculpture and sketching to metal crafts, the state has a unique specialization in many forms of craft. The age-old traditional crafts of West Bengal have been so well molded according to the present day demands that it seems that these artisans, apart from their traditional skills, have an expertise in the art of survival as well.