Handicrafts of Maharastra

Handicrafts of Maharastra

HandiCrafts

• Indian words for handicrafts are commonly hastkala, hastshilp, dastkari, karigari, all meaning handiwork, but they also refer to objects made with craftsmanship, i.e., specialised skills of the hands which are also artistic.
• The aesthetic content is an intrinsic part of such objects and means the object of utility has a value that goes beyond mere usage and is also pleasing to the eye.
• Crafts are closely related to concept of form, pattern, design, usage, and these lead to its total aesthetic quality
• The population of Maharashtra is the second highest in the nation so the diversity in the state and its affairs of cuisines, customs traditions and handicrafts is natural from ancient time.
• The state of Maharashtra has a huge and rich culture of Handicrafts.
• The state beholds an array of visual and audio delight for the tourists to cherish.
• Many cities like that of Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Ajanta Ellora Mumbai and Nagpur are the ones that boast of utmost tourist value.
• The state also boasts of a very rich and varied culture of Handicraft which is evident from the rich value that they add to the nation’s creative wealth.
• The availability of Handicrafts and its diversity in Maharashtra is huge across the region.
• Their tradition is lent to the People of Maharashtra by the Mughals, the Marathas and even by the Britishers.
• The true culture of Maharashtra can be identified with its exaggerated handicrafts.
• Some of the standout works in the state of Maharashtra includes the famous Sawantwadi work, leather works, Bidri works, weaving, Himru and Mashru, Jewelry, Paintings and much more.
• They not only highlight the creative spirit of the state but also show their sense of art and design.
• The Handicrafts of Maharastra are also a true representation of the lively spirit of the state.
• The most exciting gift of the state is the handicrafts of this place.
• They not only cater to the eyes but also render a heart a soothing touch that the tourists take back home lively.
• One of the standout craft in this state is the Sawantwadi state.
• The weaving culture of the state is very evident and is famed across the nation and even globally.
• These entire products merge together to make a front of creativity that the state beholds of.

Famous Categories of Handicrafts of Maharastra

Sawantwadi Handicrafts of Maharastra

• In Maharashtra in the district of Sandurg lies a taluka known as the Sawantwadi.
• The major reason for Sawantwadi Crasft popularity is it exceptional lacquer ware, which is popularly known as the Sawantwadi craft.
• Somewhere in 17th century, the people of Sawantwadi were introduced to this exuberating form of art.
• As the time passed, the acceptability and the popularity of this art form grew and later several schools were set up in late 18^th & early 19th century focusing upon teaching the Sawantwadi Art.
• With time there is increase in demands for these products, locals were also called in and readily accepted artisans who had come to practice this art to Sawantwadi from Goa.
• Sawantwadi lacquer ware has managed to increase its horizon to several other things like board games, chess sets, candlesticks, small dolls etc.
• A majority of the artist community still thrive by working and crafting the light fittings and lacquered furniture.
• The major style of Sawantwadi can be classified into three major forms which are Chitrakatha, Ganjifa and Temple.
• Originating in the 18th & the 19th century, the playing cards of the Sawantwadi are now reduced to showpieces of extreme commercial as well as artistic value.
• They are often found in the private collection of museums. Howsoever they are used, the craft of Sawantwadi is known across the world.

Bidriware Handicrafts of Maharastra

• This standout is the contribution from the city of Aurangabad to the sphere of art.
• The Bidriwar is created by a careful mixture of copper and zinc.
• These are also garnished by the use of silver that is often used in several styles like under laying, over laying and even embossing.
• It has been in survival since ages and found patrons amongst the Mughal rulers.
• Initially used for embellishing royal swords and other weapons, the craft later spread to domestic items like cigars and cigarette boxes.
• The typical items decorated with bidriware are plates, bowls, vases, ashtrays, trinket boxes, hukka bases, jewelry, glass and studded bangles, etc
• In earlier days, these items served as Hookahs or PaanDaans for the royals and the wealthy.
• Today, there value has boiled down to mere souvenirs.

Lacquer Ware Handicrafts of Maharastra

• The district of Ratnagiri and the place of Sawantgiri of Maharashtra are known for its exceptional design.
• Chittorees were a community who specifically indulged in the creation of these ones. The craft of such designs is an ancient tradition in Sawantwadi and is still quite popular across the district.
• The toys usually deal with the local images and usually show people in different postures.
• Fruits, Vegetable etc are also imitated in this art form.

Kolhapuri Chappals Handicrafts of Maharastra

• Maharashtra is famous for the Kolhapuri chappals from Kolhapur.
• These are handmade leather chappals or sandals.
• The chappals are in huge demand not only inside the country but outside as well because they are simple in look and durable in quality.

Saree Weaving

• Saree weaving is another old tradition of the state of Maharashtra.
• The designs of the Paithani sarees are particularly old.
• They use hand woven fabric of Silk which is embellished by Zari work of copper and gold.
• Paithani Saris –Paithani is a variety of sari, manufactured in the Paithan region of Maharashtra.
• Paithani saris are handmade, from the finest quality of silk, and are considered to be one of the richest saris in the state.
• The art of making Paithani sarees goes back to more than 2000 years ago.
• A brocaded saree with a heavy work takes almost 6 months to complete. Another craft that comes from the city of Sholapur is the Narayan Peth.
• Again woven in classical and luxurious Silk, The saree has a contrasting border of Zari which has ` Rudraksha` motifs. Kosa is the Sanskrit name given o Tussar Silk.

Mashru and Himroo

• Amongst the main districts of Maharashtra that are known for exquisite handicrafts is Aurangabad.
• The most famous crafts of the city comprise of Bidriware, Mashru and Himroo crafts.
• Talking about the Mashru and Himroo crafts, both of them are fabrics that are made of cotton and silk.

Jewelry

• Kolhapur is a growing city situated in the southernmost part of Maharashtra.
• Apart from being renowned as the ‘seat’ of Goddess Mahalaxmi, the city is known for being home to artisans that make excellent jewelry.
• Infact, it has an entirely different style of jewelry making, known as Kolhapur jewelry.

Leather Works

• The hand-made leather chappals or sandals of Kolhapur are popular throughout the world.
• They are famous due to their simple style and comfort level.
• The cost of these sandals varies depending upon the designs and quality of leather used.
• These leather wears are an intrinsic part of the rich tradition of the handicrafts of Maharashtra.

GI Tag of Handicrafts of Maharastra

1. Solapur Chaddar —–Handicraft ———Maharashtra
2. Solapur Terry Towel ——-Handicraft——– Maharashtra
3. Paithani Sarees and Fabrics ———-Handicraft ———-Maharashtra
4. Warli Painting ————-Handicraft———– Maharashtra

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