5 Unique Handicrafts from India

'India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition.' - Mark Twain

Some of the words that are most commonly associated with India are 'culture' and 'tradition'. And it's not surprising, considering the sheer number of handicrafts and festivals we have! No tourist worth her salt will leave India without a souvenir that represents our rich culture and heritage. Here is a list of 5 such unique products that are not to be missed when one visits India.

1. Kathputli (Puppet) Dolls from Rajasthan

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When one thinks of Rajasthan, a lot of color comes to mind instantly! This is also reflected in their various traditional crafts, especially clothes and jewelry. But one unique manifestation of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage is their puppet show that draws crowds even today. Due to the popularity of the show, the puppet dolls are in high demand by tourists. The dolls are made of soft wood and are extremely detailed, with finely made clothes and jewelry. They are available in a variety of themes too, depicting gods, kings and commoners.

2. Sohmarih (Pineapple) Fiber Crafts from Meghalaya

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Did you know that pineapple leaves can be used to extract fiber? An amazing use of pineapples, beyond fruit salads!! The headquarters for pineapple craft in India is a small village called Tynrong in Meghalaya. Fiber is extracted from the leaves, then dried and dyed in several colors. The pineapple fiber is hardy enough to be used in fishing nets, and dainty enough to make bracelets, bags, coasters and the like.

3. Aranmula Kannadi (Mirror) from Kerala

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With an Aranmula kannadi, you don’t have to fear the seven years of bad luck ascribed to breaking a mirror, since you can rest assured that your kannadi will never break!! Made from a metal alloy and polished for days on end, the Aranmula Kannadi is a well kept secret within the only family known to make them in the village of Aranmula in Kerala. It is considered an auspicious part of a bride’s trousseau and other festivals.

4. Sankha (Conch Shell) Crafts from West Bengal

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Being close to the sea has many advantages, among which is an abundant supply of conch shells. This advantage has been exploited by Bengali craftsmen who’ve been crafting intricate patterns on conch shells for ages. Some have a simple pattern running across them, while others have entire stories depicted on the surface. Another authentic Bengali tradition is of brides wearing conch shell bangles to advertise their newly changed status.

5. Kashida Embroidery from Kashmir

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India has many textile related crafts, but few are as well known as the distinct style of Kashmiri embroidery. Consisting mainly of paisley and floral patterns, this style of embroidery is visible on clothes, shawls, bags, purses and the like. All the beauty of paradise on earth is captured in this style of embroidery, where light thread is used on dark fabric and vice versa.

With the advent of commercialization and globalization, age old crafts like these are fast disappearing, especially since the artisans and craftsmen receive very little support. But it is heartening to know that they are slowly getting the exposure they deserve, mainly through online stores which retail their authentic products directly to the customers, giving every artisan his due. After all, they hold such an integral part of our culture in their skilled hands!!