Indian Handicrafts

A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed asartisanal handicraft or handmade, is any of a wide variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by hand or by using only simple tools. It is a traditional main sector of craft, and applies to a wide range of creative and design activities that are related to making things with one's hands and skill, including work with textiles, moldable and rigid materials, paper, plant fibers, etc. Usually the term is applied to traditional techniques of creating items (whether for personal use or as products) that are both practical and aesthetic.

Collective terms for handicrafts include artisanry,handicrafting, crafting, and handicraftsmanship. The term arts and crafts is also applied, especially in the United States and mostly to hobbyists' and children's output rather than items crafted for daily use, but this distinction is not formal, and the term is easily confused with the Arts and Crafts design movement, which is in fact as practical as it is aesthetic.

Handicrafting has its roots in the rural crafts—the material-goods necessities—of ancient civilizations, and many specific crafts have been practiced for centuries, while others are modern inventions, or popularizations of crafts which were originally practiced in a limited geographic area.

Many handicrafters use natural, even entirely indigenous, materials while others may prefer modern, non-traditional materials, and even upcycle industrial materials. The individual artisanship of a handicrafted item is the paramount criterion; those made by mass production or machines are not handicraft goods.

The manufacturer took their items from one place to other and they became famous for their craft. The craftsmen made extra efforts to develop something special and valuable products for Kings and queens of their time, they usually wanted to show their skills and to make king and queen happy so that they can be rewarded by them. Now those valuable things can be seen in the museums around the world. Those people who have been preserving the talent and the traditions of making Indian handicraft goods called Indian artisans, and govt. appreciate their efforts to keep classical art alive and rewarded by various National Awards. Time to time govt. organise exhibitions and craft fairs “mela” to promote Indian Art and Crafts every year.

Today Indian Handicrafts in World

People from ancient civilization to modern world have been using Indian handicrafts products for decorating home and gardens and utilities, the artisans have been attracting kings, queens and other rich people by their art and creations. The artisans of India from different part of country attracted people all over the world.

But if you can feel the products, however the machine made craft cannot have that feeling which you can feel by touching hand crafted products, it is a great feeling while you are touching and admiring the beauty of hand crafted art. Hand crafted products are long life, rich look and unique itself. Every art piece has the story and the history in it, you are feeling history while you are touching handicraft art piece, watching and decorating your house.

Traditions of Toran

Toran is the name in Hinduism (Sanskrit. torana, from tor, pass) of a sacred or honorific gateway in Buddhist architecture. Its typical form is a projecting cross-piece resting on two uprights or posts. It is made of wood or stone, and the cross-piece is generally of three bars placed one on the top of the other; both cross-piece and posts are usually sculptured.

The earliest archaeological evidence of Torana dates back to Sanchi stupa built by Mauryan Empire in 3rd century BCE. The Sanchi torana and architecture is imitation of timber and brick construction in stone, which was popular feature in Indian architecture before 3rd century BCE.

Both Chinese paifang gateways and Japanese torii gateways might have been derived from the Indian torana. The functions of all three are similar, but they generally differ based on their respective architectural styles, such as having multiple tiered and arched roofs and various "supporting posts" that are prevalent in East Asian architectural style. The Korean gateway is also related to the Japanese torii, and similar structures exist in Thailand.

A great deal of cultural exchange between these countries took place in ancient times, so that many Indian, Thai, Chinese, Korean and Japanese cultural practices are related. For example, Benzaiten is a Japanese name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati, and the ancient Siddhaṃ script, which disappeared from India by 1200 CE, is still written by monks in Japan.

In Kalinga architecture we can see the Toran in many temples built from the 7th to 12th centuries. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Rajarani Temple and Mukteswar Temple are the few example of Kalinga architecture having torana.

The origin of torans can be traced to Puranas (Hindu mythological work). Torans or bandanwaars are used to decorate the main entrance of the home. The main idea behind decorating the homes is to please and attract the goddess of wealth Lakshmiji. So the decoration of the entrance of the place which is called dwaar is also important in this regard. The beautiful door hangings that are also known as bandanwaars and torans have special significance as the decoration accessories. These torans are the first thing that welcomes your guests as they step at your place. These torans not only enhance the charm of the main entrance of your home but also give a friendly welcome.

Toran may also refer to a decorative door hanging in Hinduism, usually decorated with marigolds and mango leaves, or a string that is tied on the door with the flower on it as a part of traditional Hindu culture on the occasion of festivals and weddings. A toran may feature colours such as green, yellow and red. They can be made of fabrics or metals which are usually made to resemble mango leaves. They also have other decorative features depending on the region.

Diwali, when you hear that the festival is nearing you tend to plan about a lot of things. Cleaning home, shopping new stuff, lightening the home, decoration,sending sweets to relatives, etc. but there is one more ritual attached to Diwali and that is toran. Toran is a traditional hanging seen in Indian households during festive occasions, like Diwali. It fits perfectly into the archways of doors and at the entrance of homes. The flowers and beads are hung on the doorways, pathways and windows and it gives the festive mood an enhancement and also adds on to the decor of the house.

Hanging a toran at the door is considered as an auspicious sign. These decorative toran are hung with an intention to welcome goddess Lakshmi to the households. You can either make toran by yourself in different ways to create varied effects, or buy it from market.

You can decorate your sweet homes forever with these stunning exclusive torans. A special vaastu toran, beautiful satin ribbon toran, a unique tissue toran, and sparkling crystal and beads toran, classic woollen toran, cotton toran, etc. are covered in this category. Desihandcrafts brings handmade torans made by our artisans taking care of our culture and traditions. 

Social Changes with handicrafts

Handicrafts is the second largest source of employment after agriculture in India.  With roughly some 23 million+ artisans this sector is the one that stands to have great social impact on our nation.

This sector offers some unique opportunities not just for business but also to promote social changes. This venture of desihandcrafts  is all about Indian Handicrafts and the impact that new age and technology have on them.

www.desihandcrafts.com is the online destination for all Indian Handicrafts - for searching, shopping, and getting it delivered at your door step with premium service and making a social impact. We take care of everything including customization of products.

We don’t just sell handicrafts but the story; all our products are sold as a story rather than on the face-value of the product. We believe that given a chance all of us would like to know the history, art and how the craft is being made which adds intrinsic value to the product. Through our blogs we have been discussing the history of handicrafts.

Through our business model we are bringing in a unique online experience which people would have rarely experienced like our return policy rarely seen in the Indian market. On the other side we are also looking to make a greater Social Impact looking to make each artisan and entrepreneur.

Desihandcrafts realizes the growing need for utilitarian yet aesthetic handcrafted products and bridges the gap between the creator & the appreciator.

Thought this model we bring the unique Indian handicrafts to people all across the India for now. Desihandcrafts also has a B2B gifting model for corporates who  are to make an impact on corporate social responsibility .

Story rather than the product – Our fundamental belief is that given an opportunity we all love to make an educated buy. That’s exactly what we are providing to our appreciators. We bring to our appreciators the story on how the product is made, where it is made and the history of the products which add intrinsic value to the product and provides them the tools to make an educated buy.

Authentic products – Our own search led to the conclusion that this is one of the most important points to tackle.

Unique artifacts from across India – Where does one go to find Indian Handicrafts which have historic significance and help you make an educated buy. Our answer is www.desihandcrafts.com. We bring to our appreciators artifacts from all over India.

Social Impact of Desihandcrafts: 

After agriculture, handicraft is the second largest occupation in India with more than 23 million people in this sector. Every 7-10 years 10% of these artisans leave their jobs looking for better opportunities. If this continues the Indian Handicrafts will be lost in the next few decades. This is when we decided to take this situation head on and create a unique ‘desihandcrafts’ platform.

Desihandcrafts through its business model will have a direct impact on the livelihood generation. Going ahead we also help the artisans with education, healthcare and few other initiatives which will help them in empowering themselves and help Desihandcrafts achieve its goal to make each artisan an entrepreneur.

One thing for sure that helped me and may help others too is stay true to what you are trying to do. Having a good mentor helps, try to get a mentor who can help you when you stray from the company vision. Lastly if you are interested in Desihandcrafts do get in touch with us, you can mail us at proposal@desihandcrafts.com and join us on 

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desihandcraftsdotcom/

Kerala - handicrafts are great souvenirs

Souvenirs are tokens of remembrance of some cherished memories, one experienced in the past. And traveling is often a time we accumulate lot of happy memories.  Who doesn’t enjoy narrating travel tales with supporting evidence to boot, such as photographs, ethnic artifacts from a distant land?

I would like to mention some of the souvenirs that are unique to Kerala.

Coir Products

Coir, seed-hair fibre obtained from the outer shell, or husk, of the coconut with or without retting. The processed fibres, ranging from about 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters) in length, are light in weight, brittle, strong, and elastic, with a tendency to curl. They are resistant to abrasion and can be dyed.

Coir Mats are made on handlooms, power looms or frames and with or without brush. It is available in a range of colours, sizes and designs.

Coconut Shell Handicrafts

Kerala got its name from the abundant coconut trees all over the landscape. Every part of the tree has some use to a Keralite. The shell of the coconut is hard and not at all easy to work on.  The artisans smoothen and cut or carve to make useful and eye-catching articles. The bowls, cups and ladles can be used for long and thrown away. There are table lamps made of shell with overlaid metal work which are things of beauty. Coconut shell is bio-degradable; so these products are eco-friendly!

Elephant Figures

Elephant, the State animal naturally finds a place.  As it is not practical to take back a living specimen, you will have to be satisfied with a replica!  You won’t find such perfect replicas of this huge animal anywhere else. From decorated ones to plain; from small to big, you will have ample choice when visiting handicraft stores.

Mural Painting (Temple Painting)

Kerala is also famous for the rich and colorful temple paintings commonly known as Mural paintings. Walls of ancient temples, palaces and churches of Kerala can be seen adorned with Mural arts depicting mythology and legends pertaining to that locale. It takes lot of dedicated effort to create this wonderful visual art.

Most of the above mentioned things can be bought from “Culture Shoppe” the official agency for promoting souvenirs of Kerala. Today there are many options to get these handicrafts at home. Online shopping is the easy and safe. 

Bridge Indian Art to your Life

Yesterday I had been to an Art Exhibition, which has actually changed my thinking about Indian painting. Indian paintings has lots of riches for people to enjoy and experience.

Some of the earliest Indian paintings have been rock paintings of the prehistoric times. In places like Bhimbetka, petrogyyphs are found, some of them happen to be from 5500 BC.

Indian paintings historically revolved around the religious deities and kings. Indian art is a collective term for several different schools of art that existed in the Indian subcontinent. The paintings varied from large frescoes of Ajanta to the intricate Mughal miniature paintings to the metal embellished works from the Tanjore school. The paintings from the Gandhar–Taxila are influenced by the Persian works in the west. The eastern style of painting was mostly developed around the Nalanda school of art. The works are mostly inspired by various scenes from Indian mythology.

Six Limbs of Indian Painting

Around the early period of 1st century BC there evolved Six Limbs of Indian Paintings or Sadaga. This fact is enumerated by Vatsyayana, who lived during third century AD, in his work on Kamasutra.

These 'Six Limbs' have been translated as follows:

* Rupabheda: The knowledge of appearances.

* Pramanam: Correct perception, measure and structure.

* Bhava: Action of feelings on forms.

* Lavanya: Yojanam Infusion of grace, artistic representation.

* Sadrisyam: Similitude.

* Varnikabhanga: Artistic manner of using the brush and colours.

Later with development in Indian painting the Six Limbs were put to extreme use and became the basic principle on which painting developed in the later part.

Madhubani painting

Madhubani painting is a style of Indian painting, practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar state, India. The origins of Madhubani painting are shrouded in antiquity. Mother Goddess – a  miniature painting of the Pahari style, dating to the eighteenth century. Pahari and Rajput miniatures share many common features.

Rajput painting

Rajput painting, evolved and flourished, during the 18th century, in the royal courts of Rajputana, India. Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna's life, beautiful landscapes, and humans. Miniatures were the preferred medium of Rajput painting, but several manuscripts also contain Rajput paintings, and paintings were even done on the walls of palaces, inner chambers of the forts, havelies, particularly, the havelis of Shekhawait. 

The colors extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells, and were even derived by processing precious stones, gold and silver were used. The preparation of desired colors was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used were very fine.

Mughal painting

Two Scribes Seated with Books and a Writing Table Fragment of a decorative margin Northern India (Mughal school), ca. 1640–1650

Mughal painting is a particular style of Indian painting, generally confined to illustrations on the book and done in miniatures, and which emerged, developed and took shape during the period of the Mughal Empire 16th −19th centuries.

Tanjore painting

Tanjore painting is an important form of classical South Indian painting native to the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu.

The art form dates back to the early 9th century, a period dominated by the Chola rulers, who encouraged art and literature. These paintings are known for their elegance, rich colors, and attention to detail. The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. In modern times, these paintings have become a much sought after souvenir during festive occasions in South India.

Modern Indian painting

Amrita Sher-Gil was an Indian painter, sometimes known as India's Frida Kahlo, and today considered an important woman painter of 20th-century India, whose legacy stands at par with that of the Masters of Bengal Renaissance; she is also the 'most expensive' woman painter of India.

Today, she is amongst Nine Masters, whose work was declared as art treasures by The Archaeological Survey of India, in 1976 and 1979, and over 100 of her paintings are now displayed at National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi. All major names in the artistic Diaspora are Bal Chabda, Manishi Dey, Mukul Dey, V. S. Gaitonde, Ram Kumar, Tyeb Mehta, and Akbar Padamsee. Other popular painters like Jahar Dasgupta, Prokash Karmakar, Narayanan Ramachandran, and Bijon Choudhuri helped enrich Indian art culture. These people are now icons of modern Indian paintings.

And later that day when i was surfing on internet i found some beautiful original paintings at a very feasible price. I am glad I didnt have to try too hard to get painting at my home, I was easy just pay online and they delivered it at my place. So do try buying paintings online.

Interesting History of Indian Ethnic Potli Bags

Potli Bags are partnering Indian people since Vedic civilization.  They have increased their canvas from being a utility in olden age to a fashion accessory of the modern Indian Women. Today, these have become appealing fashion accessories for stylish women as well as for modelling, corporate and promotional events, trade shows etc. These are Indian Handmade ethnic bags loved by all women.

Potli bags have a great history, say during Ramayana and Mahabharata period:-

Potli was used as a travel bag when Lord Rama went in forest on his exile for fourteen years, his brother Lakshman accompanied him along with a Potli bag containing clothes, medicinal leaves, fruits, water and mud of Ayodhya.

In Mahabharata, Arjuna used potli bag to hide his weapons on a tree, while he was staying in Virata Kingdom. Pandavas carried their personal belongings in potli bags during exile. Sudama carried a potli of rice when he went to meet Lord Krishna. So, we can see potli bags had a great importance in Vedic period.

Potli was utilised in Ayurveda within model of today's poultice (cataplasm) for carrying through potali caress. The actual potli appeared filling a number of herbs at a smallish small cloth. That title of a few Ayurvedic medicines derive from potli prefer Hemgarbh Potli Ras, Ratangarbh Potli Ras for example.

Small potli bags with separate strings were used for carrying money like gold. While, large potli bags were used for carrying personal belongings and their four corners were used to tie the knots.

Native American Potli plastic bags within medieval time period: Together with pure potli as well as money potli totes, masala potli (spice potli), waterless fresh fruit potli and some other potli surfaced. On sync with international trade happening more often, by using a lot of these potli totes also elevated. Big together with small potli totes were made use of by typically the tourist, dealers together with Hindu Saints and Muslim Fakir. They've been described placing a potli below their upper extremity.

Throughout the extended voyage of various hundreds of years, these days these kind of bags have a fascinating and also luring look, which can make all of them the must-have ornament for the style-conscious ladies and girls.

These custom potli bags even Indians both with North West and North east clothing and therefore are superb with regard to marriage ceremony and even ecstatic parties plus meant for modelling, management and business & advertise occasions, industry events. This craftsmen in Kutch (Gujarat), parts of Rajasthan help to make these handcrafted potli bags by using eco-friendly information together with eye ball finding and catching artwork.

Favourite contributor Gulzar acquired popularity along with serial Potli Baba Ki Kahani (Baba's Tales)? The series has a story-teller in the form of an old man called as 'Baba' — who in his 'Potli' has various stories. The old story-teller, Chhenu ki Jhunnu ka Baba, living in Ghungar village, collects stories and fables which his mother has left hidden under rocks. Baba's peculiarity is that is growing younger day-by-day and once he will find all the stories he will be a child.

Indian Potli bags today have become a fashion accessory and come in various forms like the Kutch embroidered potli bags, Bhopal beaded potli bags, woven palm leaf potli bag, Banaras potli bags.

Desihandcrafts.com is an e-commerce portal with exotic and wide range of Indian handicrafts and handmade products. Portal deals in Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Necklace sets, Bangles, Pendants, Paintings, Wood Art, Decorative, Table Décor, and Furnishing. We cater our products and services to the global masses.

eCommerce has given a new direction to Indian Handicraft Industry

India's rich cultural heritage and centuries of evolutionary tradition is manifested by the huge variety of handicrafts made all over the country. Handicrafts are a mirror of the cultural identity of the ethnic people who make it. Through the ages, handicrafts made in India like the Kashmiri woolen carpets, Zari embroidered fabrics, terracotta and ceramic products, silk fabrics etc. have maintained their exclusiveness. Different places in India are famous for different handicrafts like Saharanpur for its wooden articles, the North Western state of Rajasthan for Jaipuri quilts, Gujarat for embroidered stuff, Narsapur for lace and lace material, Punjab for Phulkari, Jodhpur for wrought iron product etc. Handicraft industry is one of the biggest employers in rural India.

Indian handicrafts could be broadly divided into three categories: folk crafts, religious crafts and commercial crafts. Popular folk crafts that are modified according to the demands of the market become commercial crafts. Myriads of handicrafts are made for the diverse rites and rituals associated with the religious faiths of the varied ethnic groups of India. Some of the handicrafts basically meant for the religious purposes are also liked by the people for their aesthetic value.

Near about 13 million artisans mostly women and people from weaker sections of the society get job in this industry. Many artisans work on full time and many on part time basis to produce these goods with hands.

Handicraft market in India is growing at a very steady pace. It is almost doubling in every five years. In the handmade products India enjoys 2% of share at global level.

Industry experts believe that global trade now depends upon more on eCommerce along with traditional medium for trading.Though there is no standard definition of e-commerce but the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) defines e-commerce transactions – “the sale or purchase of goods or services, whether between businesses, households, individuals, governments, and other public or private organisations, conducted over computer-mediated networks. The goods and services are ordered over those networks, but the payment and the ultimate delivery of the good or service may be conducted on or off-line.”

India is one of the largest users of Internet across the world and expected to cross US in the coming years. Hence e-commerce has huge hidden and untapped opportunities for the businesses as well as local artisans. It has changed the way business is done and transacted by providing a global marketplace.

Rising demand of Indian handicrafts in US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy etc provide great opportunity. Each industry need handicraft such as fashion industry, real estate, home decor etc.

For Internet tech savvy buyers online is the easiest way to find and shop for various handicrafts. Also eCommerce is one of the most promising channels in today’s marketing scenario for selling handicrafts. It makes sure easy availability of goods at global level. Not only you can order easily but also you have different payment options, return policy etc.

eCommerce has now become a very important part of our shopping. No more going to shops or search for a market where you can get handmade products at whole sale rates, you have your mobiles and laptops handy with you and so is your market.