Indian arts and handicrafts have since time immemorial captivated the imagination of people globally. Every state in India boasts of exclusivity and speciality, depending upon its historical influences traditional skills and raw materials. India is world-renowned for its dexterity in paintings exquisite embroidery, beautiful sculptures in stone, metal wood, temple carvings and elegantly designed jewellery.

Indian handicrafts have made a name for themselves the world over. Ancient skills have been passed from generation to generation; today this tradition unfolds itself in an overwhelming variety of products, combining aesthetic appeal with utilitarian value. To satisfy modern  tastes and meet international demand,  contemporary design institutes have given a new look to these traditional crafts. Some of the popular handicraft items are

METALWORK
The use of metals symbolised man's understanding of his mortality and his innate desire to leave for posterity, his creations, which would withstand the vagaries of time. Deities were made both as solid casting and hollow casting, and some ancient books, the Shastaras, laid down proportions to enable the artisans to create exquisite figures in relation to human eyes' perception. The deities were adorned with glittering jewels and even the prayer items used in temples and households were beautifully designed and crafted. These items are great  as a souvenir.

CARPETS AND TEXTILES OF INDIA
Travelling through India can be a sartorial adventure. Each region has an abundance of traditional outfits, The colours and the weaves are unique in each state and the ornamentation or printing, mirrors the images of the region.

WOODWORK
The tradition of wood-carving has existed in India from ancient times. The early wood-carved temples bear witness to the craft. Wood-carved temples exist till date in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.In India, each region has developed its own style of carving influenced by local traditions and wood varieties. Folk forms in woodwork include toys, puppets and religious objects and carvings.

STONE CARVINGS
The art of stone carving developed in India, a little later than wood carving. From ornate inlay with onyx black marble to the finely latticed soapstone, the appeal of the stone has been eternal. Both Hindu and Muslim rulers of India patronized this art. The craft in Uttar Pradesh reached artistic heights of excellence during the Mughal period when the Taj Mahal was created.

TERRACOTTA
Terracotta is another expression of Indian art presented through clay. Pottery and earthenware are distinctly utilitarian and often decorative while porcelain and studio pottery belong to the realm of art.

POTTERY STYLES IN USE
Not readily available outside Bengal, is the Mansa pottery. It represents the snake goddess and is a quaint, double curved pot with a face painted on it.Similarly, the Dakshinirai pots, found in the Sunderbans area, are round with a mouth signiiying a crown.

CANE AND BAMBOO
In India, cane and bamboo have since ancient times been an expression of tribal art, providing them livelihood.Today the simple forms adorn the homes of the rich in various forms including elaborate cane furniture.

JINGLE JANGLE
Bangles, have over the centuries acquired a cultural, social and religious significance. This adornment was a purely decorative accessory until the medieval period. Around this time, the bangle was transformed from a mere decoration to a symbol of marriage, Bare hands are symbolically associated with widows who have been denied the right to wear bangles.