045-3222868

Handicraft, also known as craftwork or simply craft,
is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made
completely by hand or using only simple tools. Usually the term is
applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion, such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicrafts.

Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts
is a matter of intent: handicraft items are intended to be used, worn,
etc, having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicrafts are
generally considered more traditional work, created as a necessary part
of daily life, while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby
pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In
practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap.

The history of Indian handicrafts is an old saga.To peep in to the
traces of Indian handicrafts we need to go back to almost 5000 years
from now. The first references to Indian handicrafts can be found from
the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C.-1700 B.C.). The craft
tradition in India has revolved around religious beliefs, local needs
of the commoners, as well as the special needs of the patrons and
royalty, along with an eye for foreign and domestic trade. These craft
traditions have withstood the ravages of time and numerous foreign
invasions and continue to flourish till date owing to the assimilative
nature of Indian culture and broadmindedness of the handicraftsmen to
accept and use new ideas. The Indus valley civilization had a rich
craft tradition as well as a high degree of technical excellence in the
field of pottery making, sculpture (metal, stone and terracotta),
jewelry, weaving etc. A lot of material information from excavations at
Harappa, Mohen-jo-daro etc. substantiate the craft tradition of the
Indus valley civilization. The craftsmen not only catered to all the
local needs but surplus items were sent to ancient Arabian cultures via
ancient sea routes. Vedic Age The Indus Valley Civilization was
followed by the Vedic age (1500 B.C.), when the Vedas were written.
There are numerous references in the Vedas on artisans involved in
pottery making, weaving, wood crafting etc. The Rig Veda in particular
refers to a variety of pottery made from clay, wood and metal. It also
refers to weavers and weaving.

State Empires The concept of state was ushered by the rise of the
Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. It is said that during the time
of Ashoka 84,000 stupas were built in India, including the world famous
Sanchi Stupa, which has beautiful stone carving and relief work done on
it. Numerous sculptures from Bharhut, Mathura, Amravati, Vaishali,
Sanchi etc show female figures adorned with an array of jewelry, which
continues to inspire contemporary jewelry making. The iron pillars of
Vaishali (Bihar) and Delhi, created during the time of Emperor Ashoka,
are a marvel in the field of metallurgy.

Post Mauryan Age The period between 1st century B.C. and 1st century
A.D. was a period of political turmoil as a result of foreign invasions
from central Asia. The impact of these intrusions can be seen in the
Buddhist sculptures from Taxila, Begram, Bamiyan, Swat valley etc (all
from the present day Pakistani North West Frontier province) which show
a high degree of Greek influence. The depiction of Buddha, having curly
hair and wearing draperies, until date is the result of this Greek
influence. The sculpture of the Kushan king Kanishka from this period
depicting him wearing leather boots and a heavy warm coat amply
reflects the influence of the central Asian Culture on Indian
craftsmanship. Jewelry, sculpture, textile making, leather products,
metal working etc. were the main handicrafts that inherited these
foreign influences and assimilated them in accordance with the Indian
milieu.

Gupta Age The Gupta (AD 320-647) age is referred to as the classical
period in Indian history. The points in the field of craft include the
rock cut temples of Ellora and the Ajanta murals. These murals give us
a realistic view of the lifestyle of that time. The craftsmen of this
period, under royal patronage excelled in jewelry making, woodcarving,
sculpture, stone carving and weaving.

Medieval India The Medieval period of Indian history in the context
of handicrafts showed a marked shift from north India to the Deccan and
southern parts of the country, though the handicraftsmen under the
Delhi Sultanate period flourished in the field of pottery, weaving,
wood carving, metal working, jewelry etc. The contribution of the
Cholas and the Vijaynagar Empire in the field of bronze sculpture, silk
weaving, jewelry, temple carving is beyond parallel. The fine example
of stone carving from central India can be seen in the form of the
Khajuraho Temples, built by the Chandelas. Rich and ornate wood and
stone carving can be found in medieval temple of Jagannath at Puri in
Orissa.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicraft

COME & SEE FOR SURE YOU WILL FIND NICE FOR YOU & YOUR BELOVED…

School Supplies

Toys

Souviners

Packaging and Wrapping

Section