Handmade India by Artwist

In Bastar, Chhattisgarh, wood is not shaped into perfection—it is shaped into life. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Bastar wooden craft, a traditional art form deeply rooted in tribal culture and the natural environment. Using locally available woods like teak, sagon, and shisham, artisans carve detailed scenes that reflect everyday life—dancing, tree climbing, community living,...

In the town of Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh, craftsmanship finds its voice through music. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the Bobbili Veena, a traditional musical instrument deeply rooted in the heritage of Carnatic music. Associated with Goddess Saraswati and historically linked to the royal courts of the Bobbili kingdom, the Veena holds both cultural and spiritual significance. E...

This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Wooden Lacquerware and Toys, a traditional craft that has been practiced for generations. Using locally sourced Sal and Sheesham wood, artisans shape and smooth each piece—often on a lathe—before applying layers of vibrant color and finishing with natural lacquer. Known for their smooth, joint-free construction and bright finish, these handcrafted...

In Kerala, creativity begins with respect for materials—and the belief that nothing should go to waste. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Brass Broidered Coconut Shell Craft, a unique tradition where discarded coconut shells are transformed into functional and decorative objects using intricate brass detailing. Artisans begin by shaping and smoothing the natural shell, then create...

In the coastal district of Kasaragod in Kerala, weaving is not just a craft—it is a way of life shaped by history, migration, and quiet mastery. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Kasaragod sarees, a handloom tradition known for its understated elegance and refined craftsmanship. Originating in the 18th century, this craft was shaped by weaving communities like the Saliya and Padma...

In the town of Sanganer near Jaipur, fabric becomes a canvas for intricate patterns shaped by centuries of craftsmanship. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Sanganeri hand block printing, a traditional textile art known for its fine detailing on white and off-white fabrics. Originating in Rajasthan and practiced since the 16th–17th century, this craft was developed by artisans of t...

In the royal city of Mysore, a simple deck of cards becomes a canvas of art, history, and storytelling. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Ganjifa cards, a traditional Indian craft with origins in Persia and a rich legacy shaped during the Mughal era. Handcrafted and hand-painted by skilled artisans known as Chitrakars , these circular playing cards feature intricate designs inspir...

In Telangana, storytelling once unfolded through painted scrolls that moved from village to village. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Cheriyal paintings, a traditional scroll art form known for its narrative style, similar to a visual comic strip or film sequence. Practiced since the 17th century, this craft is deeply rooted in regional folklore and mythology, including stories f...

In the tribal region of Chhota Udepur in Gujarat, art is not created for display—it is practiced as a living tradition. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Pithora painting, a ritual art form deeply rooted in the beliefs of the Rathwa community. Painted directly on the walls of homes, these artworks are created to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and harmony. Made using natura...

In the village of Pethapur in Gujarat, stories are not written—they are carved. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the intricate craft of Pethapur printing blocks, a tradition that has shaped India’s textile heritage for over 700 years. Known as the global hub of block-making, Pethapur is home to artisans who meticulously carve designs into teak wood, creating blocks that are later...

In the village of Molela in Rajasthan, clay is not just shaped—it is believed in. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the unique tradition of Molela terracotta plaques, an art form that has been practiced for over 800 years. Unlike typical pottery, these handcrafted plaques are created on flat surfaces, depicting deities, village life, and stories rooted in faith and culture. Inspir...

In the historic town of Chunar along the banks of the Ganga, clay is transformed into luminous works of art through the craft of glaze pottery. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores Chunar Glaze Pottery, a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the Mughal era. Known for its distinctive red clay base and glossy finish, this craft combines artistry and technique to create pottery th...

In the town of Villianur near Puducherry, clay becomes a canvas for culture, devotion, and storytelling. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the timeless tradition of Villianur terracotta, an art form that traces its roots back to the Chola period and evolved further under French influence. Known for its intricate sculptures and expressive forms, this craft beautifully captures scen...

In the town of Nizamabad in Uttar Pradesh, clay takes on a rare and striking identity—black pottery etched with silver elegance. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the unique tradition of Nizamabad Black Pottery, a craft believed to have originated during the Mughal era and recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Known for its deep black finish and intricate silver patt...

In the vibrant town of Firozabad, glass is more than a material—it is a story shaped by fire, skill, and generations of craftsmanship. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the timeless beauty of Firozabad glass, a craft that dates back to the Mughal era and continues to shine across the world. Known as the “City of Glass,” Firozabad is home to artisans who transform molten glass into...

In the historic city of Gorakhpur, clay is more than material—it is memory shaped by generations. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the ancient tradition of Gorakhpur terracotta, an art form that traces its roots back thousands of years. Crafted using locally sourced Kabis clay, these earthen creations carry a distinctive natural red hue and are shaped into forms inspired by mytho...

In the brass city of Moradabad, metal is not just shaped—it is transformed into stories that travel across generations and geographies. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the rich legacy of Moradabad’s brassware craft, a tradition that traces its roots back to the Mughal era. Known globally for its intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship, Moradabad has become a hub of metal...

In the ceramic town of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh, clay is not just shaped—it is transformed into a living tradition. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the timeless craft of Khurja pottery, a heritage that has flourished for over 600 years. Rooted in history and believed to have been introduced by artisans from Multan, this craft continues to thrive as a symbol of artistry, identity,...

In the quiet village of Tirukanur in Puducherry, paper is not discarded—it is transformed. This episode of Handmade India by Artwist explores the traditional Papier Mache craft that has been practiced by local artisans for over a century. Introduced during the French era and shaped over generations, this craft blends history, culture, and creativity into beautifully handcrafted masks, dolls, and d...