Crafts of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is famous for its craftsmanship. Since time immemorial, the Himachali craftsmen have carved elaborate patterns on wood and metal, made baskets of all sizes and shapes, woven carpets and rugs, embroidered exquisite designs on silk and fine cotton and painted intricately on various types of canvas. This rich cultural heritage is preserved in the art galleries, museums and temples of Himachal Pradesh. With encouragement from the state government, much of this creativity still thrives today. Art and craft institutes in Himachal Pradesh have helped artists to enhance their skills and preserve this rich tradition. You can find emporia and shops in various cities in the state selling a wide range of handicrafts. Read further to know more about the crafts of Himachal Pradesh.
Handloom of Himachal Pradesh
There are Central Asian and Rajputana influences in the handloom of Himachal Pradesh. The Tibetan refugees have also brought in their culture to the state. You can buy Tibetan handloom from the Tibetan markets in Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and McLeodganj. Check out the timeless thangkas (embroidered and painted silk canvases).
Handloom Products - Shawls, woolen garments, carpets, blankets, caps, handkerchiefs and bed sheets
Raw Materials - Wool is obtained from migratory mountain goats, angora rabbits, and sheep bred in farms in Kinnaur, Chamba, Mandi and Hamirpur districts. Fine oak tasar and mulberry silk are obtained from silk farms in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur and Una districts. Chemical and vegetable dyes are used to dye threads in various colors.
Interesting feature - The Chamba rumal (handkerchief) embroidery on silk and muslin is an interesting feature of Himachali craft. Designs depict the lives of Hindu gods such as Krishna and Shiva. The rumal is traditionally used during weddings. What is most interesting is that you will not find any knots in the satin embroidery.
Woodwork of Himachal Pradesh
The people of Himachal Pradesh are involved in both basketry and woodwork. Their carved designs are Rajasthani in style with Mughal influences. You can buy them in Lakkar Bazaar at Shimla. If you go to any of the Tibetan markets you will find Tibetan style woodwork.
Wooden Products - Baskets, trays, utensils, boxes, sticks, toys and statues
Raw Materials - Wood from pine, birch, mulberry, horse chestnut and walnut trees are used. Additionally, bamboo stem and leaves are used for weaving baskets, trays and other household products.
Interesting feature - You can see artistic carvings on the wooden doors and walls of temples and monuments in Himachal Pradesh. Check out Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, Chini Vishnu temple in Kalpa and other temples in Shimla, Kinnaur, Chamba, Sarahan and Brahmaur.
Metal work of Himachal Pradesh
The museums in Dharamshala, Shimla and Chamba display a wide range of ancient metal work of Himachal Pradesh. You will find a Tibetan influence in the metal statues and a Rajput influence in the jewelry designs.
Metal Products - Tea pots, bowls, door knobs, statues, lamps, musical instruments, smoking pipes and jewelry
Raw materials - Copper, brass, bell metal, tin, iron, silver and gold
Interesting feature - The metal jewelry of Himachal Pradesh is in demand worldwide.
Leather and stone work are other crafts of Himachal Pradesh.
Discover this creative wealth while on your visit to Himachal Pradesh. For booking details, please fill in the enquiry form on indianholiday.com.
