Ringal is a socioeconomically and ecologically important type of bamboo that is extensively found in the rich forests of Garhwal Himalayas. Ringal or ningaw as it is locally known is considered by the local communities to be an important resource for their livelihood. Ringal weaving is an age-old craft of Uttarakhand with almost every family directly... Continue Reading →
The picturesque town of Chamba named after the devout royal princess of Bharmour, Champavati is situated on the banks of the river Ravi at an elevation of about 926 feet. Historians say that Chamba was known as Airavati in the ancient times. There are very few places in the world that can rival its stunning... Continue Reading →
उत्तर प्रदेश का वाराणसी शहर बहुत वर्षों तक भारत के सबसे बड़े खिलौने उद्योग के केंद्र के रूप में प्रसिद्ध रहा। माना जाता है कि इस प्राचीन कारीगरी को ना केवल अपने समय के राजाओं बल्कि मुगलों और ब्रिटिश शासकों द्वारा भी संरक्षण प्राप्त हुआ था। इस कारीगरी का प्रादुर्भाव कब और कैसे हुआ इस... Continue Reading →
The ancient city of Varanasi is one of the major centres of glass beads also known as kaanch ke moti. Historians say that glass has been used since ancient times and many archaeological excavations have unearthed glass pieces and crucibles that are over thousands of years old in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Besides this,... Continue Reading →
Mirzapur in Varanasi district in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest and most important areas of dari weaving in the country. This belt that stretches across Bhadohi, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Sonbhadra, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Jaunpur and Chandauli districts represents the largest concentration of dari weavers in India. The whole process of Mirzapur handmade dari is labour... Continue Reading →
लकड़ी के पारंपरिक ऐटीकोप्पका खिलौने बनाने की कला, जो लक्कपिडातालू नाम से प्रचलित है, करीबन ४०० साल से अधिक पुरानी है। वराह नदी के तट पर बसा ये छोटा सा प्राचीन गांव लाख से मढे लकड़ी के खिलौनों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। खिलौने बनाने की यह कला टर्न्ड लकड़ी लाह के नाम से भी जानी जाती... Continue Reading →
After the devastating earthquake of 1819, the people of Kutch came up with an innovative circular design of bhungas to minimize the damage to their lives as well as properties. The reworked design of bhungas that is about 200 years old stood very firm during the earthquake of 2001 when it was very close to... Continue Reading →
For many years, Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh was considered to be one of the largest toy-making centres in India. This ancient craft is believed to have received great patronage from many kings as well as from the Mughals and British. There is not much information available about the origin of this craft... Continue Reading →
The art of making traditional wooden Etikoppaka toys, popularly known as Lakkapidathalu is more than 400 years old. The quaint village of Etikopakka located on the banks of the river Varaha is renowned for its lacquer coated wooden toys and this art of toy-making also known as turned wood lacquer craft was patronized by affluent landlords... Continue Reading →
Nirmal craft draws its name from one of the most famous rulers of the 17th century namely Nimma Naidu who was a great patron of arts. Seeing the exquisite detailing and craftsmanship of the toys, He encouraged the art of toy-making that thrived during his reign and brought fame to the town of Nirmal in... Continue Reading →
Ancient history has showed us that paintings have been used as a means of communication be it the cave paintings of early man or the archaeological finds of many great civilizations or the pictographs seen in later settlements. The origin of Warli art can be traced back to about 15,000 years ago. Warli house is... Continue Reading →
The highly acclaimed terracotta of Gorakhpur made from the special soil found in Bhathat area of Uttar Pradesh stands testimony to thousands of years of traditional art. The richness of this art seen in the different designs and types of bells, vases, Ganeshas, Buddhas, tables, elephants with mahouts, deer, horses, bullock carts, horse carts, lamps... Continue Reading →
Roughly three hundred years ago (1800s), British officers living in Kanpur started the British India Corporation (BIC) in the ‘Harness Factory’ presently known as the ‘Ordnance Equipment Factory’ at Kanpur to cater to the needs of the British Army and Police. They taught local tanneries to make saddles for their horses, army boots and shoes.... Continue Reading →
Strategically located on the banks of River Ganga, the city of Kannauj was once an important trading hub for Indian perfumes, spices and silks that were sent mainly to the countries in the Middle East. The city has a glorious history with its strong connections to the Ramayana and Mahabharat as well as being the... Continue Reading →
The vibrant city of Meerut with its rich history and culture is famous for its unique, inexpensive and one-of-a-kind scissors. The scissor manufacturing industry has been thriving in Meerut since the 17th century. Locals say that a resident blacksmith by the name of Akhunji combined two swords to cut leather in 1645 during the Mughal... Continue Reading →
The word ‘meenakaari’ is derived from the Persian word mina or minoo, which means ‘heaven or paradise’ and kaari means “to do” and together it means to put or place paradise in an object. The history of meenakaari can be traced back to the Sassanid period in Persia where a few notes have been made... Continue Reading →
Nawalgarh, considered to be one of the most modern towns of Shekhawati in Rajasthan is famous for its frescoes and havelis and is also the motherland of some of the great business families of India. A walk around Nawalgarh will give you a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy merchants, the staggering wealth seen... Continue Reading →
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