Indian Handicrafts and Souvenirs: What to Buy and Where
India, a land of rich cultural diversity and artistic heritage, is a treasure trove for anyone interested in handicrafts and souvenirs. From the bustling bazaars to quaint village markets, the country offers a plethora of unique and exquisite items that make for perfect keepsakes. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, intricate, or simply beautiful, Indian handicrafts promise a blend of art, history, and craftsmanship. Here’s a guide on what to buy and where to find these marvellous pieces.
1. Textiles and Embroideries
What to Buy ?
Sarees: The quintessential Indian garment available in various styles like Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, and Chanderi.
Pashmina Shawls: Luxurious and warm, these shawls are handwoven from fine cashmere wool.
Phulkari: Traditional Punjabi embroidery known for its vibrant patterns and intricate designs.
Where to Buy ?
Varanasi: Famous for its opulent Banarasi sarees.
Kashmir: Renowned for Pashmina shawls.
Punjab: The hub of colorful Phulkari work.
2. Gems & jewellery
What to Buy ?
Kundan and Meenakari: Traditional Rajasthani jewellery known for its elaborate designs and enamel work.
Temple jewellery: South Indian jewellery often featuring gold and precious stones, inspired by temple art.
Tribal jewellery: Distinctive pieces made from silver, beads, and semi-precious stones.
Where to Buy ?
Jaipur: The epicentre for Kundan and Meenakari jewellery.
Chennai: Perfect for finding exquisite Temple jewellery.
Northeast India: Known for unique tribal jewellery.
3. Pottery and Ceramics
What to Buy ?
Blue Pottery: A distinctive style from Jaipur known for its vibrant blue hues.
Terracotta: Earthenware that is both functional and decorative, popular in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Khavda Pottery: From Gujarat, characterized by its colourful and intricate designs.
Where to Buy ?
Jaipur: For Blue Pottery.
Kolkata and Bhopal: For a wide variety of Terracotta items.
Kutch, Gujarat: The best place to find Khavda Pottery.
4. Woodwork and Carpentry
What to Buy ?
Sandalwood Carvings: Delicately crafted statues, boxes, and decor items.
Kashmir Walnut Wood: Intricately carved furniture and home decor.
Saharanpur Woodwork: Known for its elaborate carvings and high-quality wood products.
Where to Buy ?
Mysore: Famous for sandalwood carvings.
Kashmir: For exquisite walnut wood items.
Saharanpur: The go-to place for diverse wooden artifacts.
5. Paintings and Wall Art
What to Buy ?
Madhubani Paintings: Traditional art from Bihar, characterized by vibrant colors and mythological themes.
Pattachitra: Ancient cloth-based scroll paintings from Odisha.
Tanjore Paintings: South Indian paintings known for their rich colors and gold foil detailing.
Where to Buy ?
Bihar: For authentic Madhubani art.
Odisha: The home of Pattachitra paintings.
Tamil Nadu: Renowned for beautiful Tanjore paintings.
6. Leather Goods
What to Buy ?
Kolhapuri Chappals: Traditional handcrafted leather sandals.
Rajasthani Mojris: Colorful and intricately designed leather footwear.
Jodhpur Bags: Handcrafted leather bags known for their durability and style.
Where to Buy ?
Kolhapur: For genuine Kolhapuri chappals.
Jaipur and Jodhpur: For a variety of Mojris and leather bags.
7. Metal Crafts
What to Buy ?
Brassware: Decorative items, utensils, and statues made from brass.
Bidriware: Metal handicraft from Bidar, Karnataka, known for its striking black finish.
Dhokra Art: Ancient metal casting technique from Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
Where to Buy ?
Moradabad: Known as the ‘Brass City’ of India.
Bidar: The best place for authentic Bidriware.
Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Famous for traditional Dhokra art.
8. Stone Carvings and Sculptures
What to Buy ?
Marble Sculptures: Elegant and detailed statues, often depicting deities and historical figures.
Soapstone Carvings: Delicate and intricate designs often used for decorative items and small statues.
Granite and Sandstone Sculptures: Durable and grand, suitable for both indoor and outdoor decor.
Where to Buy ?
Agra: Famous for its marble craftsmanship, especially items inlaid with semi-precious stones.
Odisha: Known for its intricate soapstone carvings, especially around the Puri region.
Rajasthan: Renowned for granite and sandstone sculptures, with Jaipur being a major center.
9. Handmade Paper and Stationery
What to Buy ?
Handmade Paper Products: Eco-friendly and artistically crafted notebooks, journals, and greeting cards.
Madhubani Painted Notebooks: Notebooks featuring the distinctive Madhubani art on their covers.
Leather-bound Journals: Combining traditional leatherwork with handmade paper for a vintage look.
Where to Buy ?
Jaipur: Known for a variety of handmade paper products.
Sanganer: A suburb of Jaipur, famous for its handmade paper industry.
Delhi: Various markets and boutiques offer a range of handmade paper stationery.
10. Bamboo and Cane Products
What to Buy ?
Bamboo Furniture: Lightweight yet sturdy furniture pieces, including chairs, tables, and shelves.
Cane Baskets: Beautifully woven baskets perfect for home decor or practical use.
Bamboo Handicrafts: Decorative items, including lamps, trays, and wall hangings.
Where to Buy ?
Northeast India: Particularly Assam and Tripura, are famous for their bamboo and cane craftsmanship.
Kerala: Known for its eco-friendly bamboo products.
West Bengal: Offers a wide range of bamboo and cane products, especially in the
Conclusion :
Exploring Indian handicrafts and souvenirs is not just about shopping; it’s about immersing yourself in the cultural and artistic heritage of the country. Each piece tells a story, each craft has a history, and every market has its unique charm. Whether you’re a collector, a tourist, or someone looking for a meaningful gift, Indian handicrafts offer something for everyone. So, embark on this journey and bring home a piece of India’s timeless art and culture.
