cultural and social values - Craft Documentation & Online Research Archive

Terracotta ~ Kumhar Para, Kondagaon

info_admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:43:27 +0000

In a small village of Kumhar Para, a beautiful craft called Terracotta flourishes. Terracotta is derived from two Italian words- Terra, meaning earth, and Cotta, meaning cooked or baked. Amid a world of constant push towards mass production, the villagers here continue to showcase their timeless craftsmanship in each unique, handcrafted item, produced in limited quantities.

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Dhurrie Weaving ~ Warangal

info_admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:43:23 +0000

‘Dhurrie’, derived from the Hindi and Urdu word ‘dari’, means carpet and is considered the world’s oldest floor covering. The etymology of the word dhurrie is a bit complicated. In Sanskrit, Dara is a ‘mat of split cane’. In Sindhi, the word dari also means ‘a piece of matting’ and the same word in Punjabi, Bengali, Oriya, and Nepali denotes a ‘carpet’. Warangal dhurries acquired Geographical Indication Tag in 2018, acknowledging its high degree of craftsmanship.

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Copper Craft ~ Chiling, Ladakh

info_admin — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:18:09 +0000

No number of photographs or travel documentaries can prepare one for the boundless grandeur of Ladakh. A person visiting these mountains not only takes something back with him, but also leaves a bit behind. It is an experience which has the power to transform a person for the better. And a tiny yet very crucial part of this experience is the famous cultural craft of copper. There is an abundance of copper in the region. It is interesting to know that the Tibetan word for copper is ‘Zangs’ and the word ‘skar; means valley. So Zanskar can be literally translated to ‘Copper Valley; or even ‘Copper Mountain’.

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Coppersmith Craft ~ Kashmir

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:39:15 +0000

Situated in the heart of Palpora, the area holds a hidden treasure in the form of the residents’ remarkable craftsmanship, particularly displayed by the men now along with the women too. Their adept hands skillfully mould copper into captivating works of art, unveiling the intersection of creativity, firmness, and aspirations. The thriving community of coppersmiths in Palpora is fuelled by a solid spirit of artistry, resilience, and dreams, transforming the village into a vibrant hub.

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Phad Painting ~ Bhilwara

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:27:45 +0000

In the Rajasthani dialect, “Phad” carries the meaning of a fold. The smaller version of Phad painting is referred to as “Phadhye.” The intricate narratives and vibrant colours of Phad paintings contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan, showcasing the fusion of visual and performing arts in this traditional form.

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Baiga Adivasi Fabric

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 12:50:00 +0000

In the era of science and technology, certain tribal communities find themselves in a technologically primitive, pre-agricultural stage. Their economy is uncomplicated, primarily rooted in forests, rendering them extremely impoverished. Many among them lack literacy, and their population growth remains stagnant. In India, there are 74 such groups recognized as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTG), and the Baiga community is counted among them. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, which hosts a total of 43 tribal groups, three—namely Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya—are specifically identified as PTG. This acknowledgment highlights their unique socio-economic and cultural context, positioning them distinctively within the broader framework of tribal communities in India. Baigas are widely distributed in Dindori, Mandla, Shahdol, and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.

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Mukha Mask Making, Majuli, Assam

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:47:14 +0000

The traditional mask-making culture of Majuli stands as a deep and enduring aspect of our intangible cultural heritage, for centuries. The intricate artistry and craftsmanship embedded in the creation of masks on this river island have contributed significantly to tradition and heritage. Passed down through generations, this cultural practice represents a dynamic and living connection to the past, embodying the creativity, skills, and cultural expressions of the people of Majuli. Traditional mask making culture of Majuli serves as evidence of continuity and flexibility for adaption to present contemporary scenario and demands. Along with adaption to contemporary use it hasn’t lost the integral feature of our intangible cultural heritage.

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Kharad weaving, Kutch

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 13:05:46 +0000

The durrie, a timeless symbol ingrained in the tapestry of Indian culture, carries with it an 800-year-old legacy of Kharaad / Kharad weaving. This tradition, rooted in the era of ancient palaces, camel herders, and nomadic wanderers, has stood the test of time. The inspiration for this craft can be traced back to the utilitarian accessories of camels and animals, where nomadic communities began adorning their creatures with both functional and artistic purpose. The threads of this ancient tradition weave a story that echoes through centuries, connecting us to a rich heritage that celebrates both craftsmanship and the harmonious coexistence of art and daily life.

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Applique craft ~ Pipli

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:58:04 +0000

Pipli village a few kilometers from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa, is a village where all houses and shops along the roads have one thing in common: beautiful appliqué work, in the making or on display, all giving out a loud burst of colour. Established by the King of Orissa for accommodating the craftsmen who made appliqué umbrellas and canopies for the annual Jagannath Yatra.

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Wood Carving – Kullu

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:32:27 +0000

The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a part of the western Himalayan region with a wide variety of forests. The mountain ranges here are not only inhabited by rich flora and fauna, but it has also influenced the artistic mores of the people in this region. The craft of wood carving is regarded as one of the major aesthetic traditions of the region and undoubtedly, it holds way more value than mere a visual treat. The Devabhoomi(s) (God’s land) has innumerable temples with carvings of wood as well as stone. It is not only for the old ones, but the new additions also share the same expression. The presence of such richly carved structures amidst the Himalayas has supported a subsistence economy for centuries till now. Wood carving, a vernacular craft, is a product of a culture that has evolved with time with geography and thus mirrors the strong cultural and historical forces of a specific region.

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