India is known all
over the world for its handicrafts. The Indian government recognizes the
importance of the handicraft industry and even takes measures to protect and
promote it. The country is, by some measures, the largest supplier of
handicrafts in the world. The Indian handicraft industry is valued at $100
billion worldwide, and it enjoys a continuous 20% annual growth rate. Through
this industry alone, India contributes over 1% of the entire global economy.
Domestically, the demand for these handicrafts is not widespread, but the
appetite of international buyers for such goods cannot seem to be satiated.
The Indian
handicraft industry is highly intensive and decentralized; it is largely a
cottage based industry that is located in small towns and rural communities.
The product portfolio of Indian handicrafts
is extraordinarily extensive, featuring earthenware, crocheted goods, marble and bronze sculptures, jewelry, bamboo
products, statuettes, paintings, metal wares, embodied goods, leather, shawls,
textiles and carpets. Any of these products would add richness to a home.
The historical
facts about these products are stunning. For example, there are crafters who do
Kalamkari, an ancient textile art in which everything used from the brushes to
the fabric is completely organic. Similarly, Meenakarai jewelry goes through
the same creative processes that craftsmen began over five hundred years ago
and handcrafted Indian puppets represent some of the oldest forms of education
and entertainment in the world. The patterns and art seen on many mugs,
paintings and sheets are known as Warli art, which dates back to nearly 2500
BC. Many products are still painted with the same vegetable colors that they
were 3,500 years ago.
Many of these
gorgeous, culturally rich handicrafts are not mass produced, so each product
features the soul and spirit of its crafter. Indian handicrafts reflect the
heritage, history and religion of the country.
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