A proud hub of exquisite hand craftsmanship, India is truly a myriad of wonderment. Being one of the oldest civilisations, India is known for its diversity- visibly distinguished by its people, climate, culture, religions and customs. The diversified history, religions, belief systems, languages, food, clothing, art crafts & music are some valued treasures of India.

One such admirable treasure that India cherish is its handicrafts. From sculptures to weaving, the skilled craftsmen of the country have left their noteworthy marks all across the globe. Handicrafts is a medium to represent culture, heritage and lifestyle of the country. Each state of India has its own one or more significant crafts that has a different flavour than others. From several block printing techniques or multiple bamboo crafts, each region depicts their own version of understanding and craftsmanship.

Handicrafts is a result of manual skills evocative of long- lost traditions, history and standard of lifestyle. A skill, an art form, a hobby, a source of income, a therapy or a discipline, handicrafts comes under a pool of multiple domains. But broadly, they can be said as a representation of beliefs, creativity and hand skills. India is parent to more than 3000 craft forms ranging from tiny basket weaving to huge sculptures making. To name a few, Ajrakh, Dabu, Jamdani, Tangaliya, Pattu, Phulkari, Kasuti, Pashmina, Meenakari, Jadau, Katputli, Blue Pottery, Leheriya, Chikankari, Kanjeeveram, Kantha, Paper Maché, Suzani, Warli, Kalamkari, Dhokra, Pipli, Macramé, Sholapith, Cane, Bamboo & Metal crafts are few of the many valued crafts of India.

While they are truly treasures of India, they are starting to get exploited due to rise in commercialisation. Exposure to global platform has certainly increased the value of the craftsmanship, but in order to match the market demand, the authenticity of the craft is tremendously decreasing. In order to preserve the originality of the crafts, it is essential for artisanal families to keep practicing the traditional craft, and for market to understand and promote the authenticity of the craft.