The origins of Indian handicraft items are traced 5000 years back. Now, through the years, the handicraft industry in India has prospered. This is because handicraft items have both cultural value and functional worth. Foreign and domestic trade are other factors that contributed to the growth of different craft forms in India. The handicraft export from India to USA has risen significantly over the years, too.
Notwithstanding the passage of time and many foreign invasions, the Indian craft traditions have continued to prosper until now. The enthusiasm of Indian craftsmen in accepting, incorporating new ideas has a role to play, here.
The Indus Valley Civilization made a noteworthy contribution to the Indian handicraft Industry. This era is hailed its rich craft traditions and superlative degree of technical superiority in several art fields. These include weaving, jewelry, sculpture (terracotta, stone, and metal), and pottery.
In addition, the Harappan handicraftsmen created handicraft items to cater to both domestic needs and international demands. The craftspersons of this era used sea routes for foreign trade.
During the Vedic age that prospered during 1500 BC, the artisans were specialized in woodwork, weaving, and pottery. Among the Vedas, the Rig Veda mentions an array of pottery items; these were created with metal, wood, and clay. More so, the Vedas contain interesting anecdotes of weavers and their spinning stories.
The Mauryan Empire made great strides in the field of sculpture. Over 84,000 stupas were built during this period. Even the popular Sanchi Stupa, having striking stone carving designs, was developed during this age. An assortment of sculptures displaying female figurines with jewelry was unearthed from historical sites such as Sanchi, Vaishali, Amravati, and Bharhut. The jewelry designs of this period are a source of inspiration to modern sculptors even nowadays.
Another interesting aspect of the sculptures between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD is the display of turmoil in the statuettes. This was because of several foreign invasions and political unrest during that age. The remarkable Buddhist statues from Swat Valley, Bamiya, Begram, and Taxila are great examples of handicraft designs that showcase the tumult of this period.
Moreover, the Kushana period had the influences of foreign forces in their handicrafts, albeit with an Indian tone. The main handicrafts of this period were metal works, leather goods, sculptures, and jewelry.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves are from the Gupta Age, which took giant leaps in the field of handicraft items and other arts.
The handicraftsmen of the Medieval period were adept in wood carving, weaving, jewelry, metal works, and pottery. The Chola and Vijaynagar Kingdom contributed immensely to temple carvings, jewelry, silk weaving, and bronze sculptures.
However, the Mughal era is considered to be the golden age in the history of handicrafts in India. Owing to their rich heritage, the Mughals introduced a variety of handicrafts in various fields – such as enameling, brocades, carpet weaving, glass engraving, and inlay work. Now, some handicrafts of Rajasthan resemble Mughal and Rajput arts. Whether metal or wooden or marble or stone handicraft designs, Rajasthan arts and crafts are both creative and aesthetic.
Among Rajasthan’s workmanship, a good handicrafts example that is popular for its exquisite work is Blue pottery. The artisans in Jaipur add white, green, and blue colors in Blue pottery patterns. You can contact a handicrafts company in Rajasthan to get it for your decor.
Get exclusive Handicraft Products
If you are interested to get exclusive, handcrafted decor and utility items like tables, chairs, lamps, and more contact The Orange Box, a handicraft company in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.