Uttar Pradesh - Craft Documentation | Research Archive on Handicrafts & Handloom

Mukaish Work (badla Kaam) ~ Lucknow

info_admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:38:57 +0000

Mukaish (or Muqaish) is a form of metal embroidery known for its delicate shimmer, created by embedding fine, flattened metal wires into fabric. Originally crafted using gold and silver wires for royal garments, it is a technique that does not announce itself loudly but reveals its presence gradually through subtle glints of metal that emerge as light moves across the cloth. Historically referred to as Kamdani, it later came to be known as Mukaish in Punjab, meaning something shiny or sparkling. The craft is also called Sacha Kaam, as it was traditionally executed with real gold and silver wires, and is also popular as badla work (badla refers to the flattened metallic wire). Today, Mukaish continues to be practised in the narrow lanes of Purana Lucknow, preserving its quiet elegance and intricate craftsmanship.

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Murti Kala ~Wooden craft Varanasi

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:25:31 +0000

The wooden craft ( Wooden toys ) of Varanasi are widely known for their finely carved and painted forms. Referred to as Murti Kala by local artisans, they were originally created for pilgrims. These toys are crafted in artisan clusters around Kashmiriganj in Varanasi and are later painted by potters from the Prajapati community. They often depict animals, folk figures, deities, and scenes from rural life.

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Bone Carving ~ Lucknow

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:00:06 +0000

The craft of bone carving, which translates to ‘Haddi pe Naqqashi’, is a centuries-old practice that involves the intricate art of naqqashi (carving) on bone. Bone carving is one of India’s lesser-known yet deeply refined crafts. It is practised in various places in India, including Sambhal, Lucknow, Jodhpur and Barabanki. Primarily made from buffalo bones, the raw material is sourced from slaughterhouses, using bones that are by-product of the meat industry and would otherwise be discarded or buried.

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Wooden Lathe Toys ~ Varanasi

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:27:10 +0000

The Wooden lathe toys of Varanasi, made on lathe (turning machine), are commonly known as lacquerware toys. These toys are simply fashioned and brightly lacquered, which gives them their distinctive identity, earning them the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015. They are crafted by skilled artisans in the colonies of Kashmiriganj and Khojwa in Varanasi. The artisans practising this craft belong to the Kunder Kharadi Samaj.

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Meenakari Craft ~ Varanasi

info_admin — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 15:08:57 +0000

Meenakari, widely known as the art of Enamelling, is the intricate craft of embellishing metal surfaces with coloured enamels (meena). Meenakari is practised in various parts of the world as well as the Indian subcontinent. The art of Meenakari practised in the lanes of Varanasi is known as Gulabi Meenakari. The colour ‘Gulabi’ pink is a predominant colour used, taking its name from the craft. It involves creating surface ornamentation by using vitreous glass enamels on the surface of silver metal.

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Wood Carving- Banaras

dev team — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 14:18:25 +0000

In Banaras, carved wood is never just an object—it is memory, prayer, utility, and beauty, all held in the palm of the hand. Whether found in the corners of old homes, beneath the domes of temples, or on the steps of the ghats, wood carving lives alongside the people of this city. It blends into their rituals and routines, into their festivals and farewells, into what is sacred and what is ordinary.

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Inlay Work~Agra

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:19:19 +0000

Pachchikari -Inlay work is a remarkable art form that became an essential feature of Mughal architecture in India. The craft was widely appreciated and debated with respect to its origin and development.
In India it developed in different stages during sixteenth and seventeenth century as practiced under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

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