Handicrafts of India

अभिनन्दन from Gaatha

Gaatha project was originally conjured only for researching and documenting the rapid erosion of Indian craft clusters and heritage. However, we soon learnt from the artisans themselves that need was not to do research alone, but to restore ‘pride and serious commercial opportunity’ in their ecosystem. Today Gaatha thus aims to bring the lost respect and wealth back to these beautiful and aesthetically rich Indian handicraft clusters. These researches are important because just like Industrial goods sell on ‘features’, crafts sell on the processes / stories / heritage that go into making them.

We should give crafts a fair chance, someone is right now merrily making something for us, singing a folk song, in a humble house, deep inside India.

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Story of Indian crafts and craftsmen
  • About Us
    • Who we are
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      • Research & Archive
      • Consultancy & Design
      • Curation & Commerce
    • Be a part
    • Contact Us
  • Discover
  • Experience
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  • Must explore
    • Know Your Native (INDIAN TRIBE)
    • Hands Of Handmade
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Crafted with Love

14Oct

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Gaatha brings to you, traditional handicrafts and the culture behind them, directly from the very home of the Indian artisan.
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gaatha.handicrafts

Shop | Handmade treasures from the heart of India
Discover | Woven narratives through craft documentation

The craft of Gulabi Meenakari, practised in the na The craft of Gulabi Meenakari, practised in the narrow lanes of Varanasi, is renowned for its intricate detailing and regal aesthetic. The meenakari tradition of this region is specifically known as Gulabi Meenakari, named after the predominant pink hue, “gulabi,” that defines its distinctive character. The craft involves creating surface ornamentation using vitreous glass enamels applied onto silver metal.  Characterised by delicate pink strokes on a white enamel base and often embellished with precious stones, Gulabi Meenakari stands as an epitome of elegance and refined beauty.  Historically, Meenakari was executed primarily on the reverse side of jewellery, while the front was set with precious gemstones. The back of each piece was intricately decorated with handmade enamel work to enhance and balance the overall aesthetic. For instance, the inner surfaces of bangles (kada) and the reverse sides of necklaces were beautifully adorned with meenakari, ensuring that even the hidden parts of the ornament reflected craftsmanship and artistic excellence.  Read more ~ https://gaatha.org/Craft-of-India/meenakari-craft-varansai/  #varanasi #meenakari #gulabimeenakari #gaatha #indianjewellery
Characters larger than life... retelling the stori Characters larger than life... retelling the stories of good & evil... expression speaking volumes... with emotions painted in colors.... each mask has a uniqueness of its own... decorate your living spaces with these masks to usher the good forces into your life..
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Shop Now ~ https://shop.gaatha.com/buy-wooden-mask-from-west-bengal  #walldecor #woodenmask #gaatha #mythology #wallart
Discover the magic of our handloom Begumpuri fabri Discover the magic of our handloom Begumpuri fabric, where years of tradition meet vibrant artistry. These lightweight skirts are soft, breathable, and perfect for any occasion, festive gatherings, casual outings, or even the office.
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https://shop.gaatha.com/women/handmade-ethnic-skirts-ghagras  #handloomlove #cottonskirt #gaatha #summerwear
Embrace the quiet arrival of winter with a touch o Embrace the quiet arrival of winter with a touch of delicate warmth. As the frost settles in, imagine a world wrapped in soft shades of pink, offering gentle comfort against the cold. These exquisite shawls are crafted from the finest pashmina wool, sourced from the high Himalayan valleys. Each piece is carefully handwoven on the loom, becoming a canvas of quiet elegance. Adorned with intricate Sozni embroidery, stitched patiently by hand, every shawl stands as a timeless testament to craftsmanship and grace.
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https://shop.gaatha.com/Sozni-Jamawar-Embroidery-pashmina-shawl  #pashminashawl #pashmina #gaatha #handloomlove #classic
Mandana paintings have been practised for centurie Mandana paintings have been practised for centuries in regions such as Kota and Sawai Madhopur. Passed down through generations of women, this folk art preserves and celebrates Rajasthan’s rich tribal identity.
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https://shop.gaatha.com/online-mandana-art-painting  #indianart #triballove #gaatha #walldecor #folkpainting
Some flowers never receive grand attention, yet th Some flowers never receive grand attention, yet they quietly remain part of our everyday lives, smiling from the margins. One such flower is Kaner, known in Sanskrit as Ashwamar. Across South India, it is a familiar presence, blooming in front of homes, lining roadsides, near temple shops, and woven into women’s hair. Locally, it carries many names such as Arali, Kanagilu, Kanaviram, Ganneru, and Karavira.  Kaner blooms in several colours, though pink is the most common. Its soft yet vibrant presence carries a distinct Indian aesthetic and pairs beautifully with malli or mogra or jasmine. It feels as if our ancestors thoughtfully placed it within the rhythm of daily life. The Garuda Purana even mentions Karavira flowers as offerings during the month of Shravan, linking it deeply with ritual and devotion.  Beyond its beauty, Kaner holds a long history in traditional knowledge systems. In folklore and regional medicinal practices, different parts of the plant were used carefully for specific purposes. The leaves and bark were described as expectorant and diuretic; roots were boiled for certain skin conditions; and small, controlled preparations were mentioned in treatments for various ailments. While such uses reflect traditional wisdom, they also remind us that this humble flower has always been valued for more than its appearance.  Kaner stands as a quiet symbol of how beauty, culture, and traditional knowledge often grow together, unnoticed yet deeply rooted in everyday Indian life.  #indianculture #gaatha #flowerlove #indialove #kaner
Loose Fit Hoodies bring Indian stories into modern Loose Fit Hoodies bring Indian stories into modern streets. Choose yours, or pass it on to the right person.
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https://shop.gaatha.com/online-handmade-jacket-women  #hoodie #appliqué #gaatha #winterstyle #sheep
We don’t give a damn about captions. But we do car We don’t give a damn about captions.
But we do care about those who like to know the truth.  ~  Now, here’s the story.
Go back to the 16th century, when a small copper coin called damri was used in India. Introduced under Sher Shah Suri, it was of very low value. Saying “I won’t give a damri” meant something wasn’t worth even the smallest amount.  Travellers and traders picked up this local expression and started using it themselves, saying, “I don’t give a single damri,” basically meaning do whatever you want, I don’t care.  With time, damri faded, currencies changed, but the phrase survived. With a small twist in pronunciation, damri turned into damn.  Today, it lives on as slang. But behind it is a story of history, travel, trade, and how language quietly carries memories forward.  #storytelling #gaatha #etymology #damn #indianculture
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