Different Crafting Type: Ivory, Terracotta, Metal, Bronze

Introduction

Crafting, an ancient practice, blends skill, creativity, and tradition. From artisans to modern hobbyists, it enriches cultures and personal lives. From handmade goods to intricate designs, crafting enriches lives and cultures worldwide, embodying the essence of human ingenuity.

Ivory Crafting: A Journey Through India’s Rich Heritage

• Ivory carving in India dates back to the Vedic period, referred to as ‘danta‘, indicating elephant tusks as the source. 
• During the Harappan period, ivory and items like dice made from it were exported to Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and parts of the Persian Gulf.
• Traditional Ivory Carving Centres: Delhi, Jaipur, and parts of West Bengal, producing items like art objects, caskets, and the renowned Ambari Hathi.Kerala is well known for painting on ivory. 
• Jodhpur is famous for Ivory bangles.
• Jaipur is famous for its Ivory jali work.

Terracotta Crafts: A Timeless Craftsmanship

• Terracotta is a semi-baked ceramic clay known for its waterproof and durable properties, making it ideal for sculpting and architecture.
• The ancient Pala period showcases exquisite terracotta art in the form of Buddhist viharas.
• Examples of Terracotta Craftsmanship: Bankura Horse, Panchmura Horse, and terracotta temples in West Bengal‘s Bankura district.

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Clay & Pottery Work: The Enduring Legacy of Clay and Pottery in India

• Clay pottery making dates back to around 6000 BC, with evidence found in the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, now in Pakistan.
• Southern India yielded remnants of ‘Roulette Pottery‘ from 200-100 BC, primarily found in Arikamedu near Puducherry.
• With the influence of Indo-Islamic traditions, glazed pottery gained prominence.
• Each region of India specialises in distinct types of clay work. 

Metal Crafting: Exploring the Artistry of Metal Crafting in India

• Various metal casting techniques are employed in crafts using iron, copper, and bell metal. 
• Marori work (Rajasthan) involves etching on metal and filling gaps with resin, creating intricate designs.
• The majority of metalwork is used to create pots and pans such as the badla, which are semi-circular or rounded pots made with zinc in Rajasthan’s Marwar region.
• Tarkashi (Rajasthan) uses fine copper or brass wires to create patterns in chiselled grooves on a metallic base.
• Koftagiri, or damascening, involves inlaying a light metal on a dark surface, perfected by artists in Jaipur and Alwar.
• Moradabad specializes in Baarik Kaam, using the Nakasshi style to create finely detailed pots.
• Aranmula Kannadi (literally meaning Aranmula mirror) is a handmade metal-alloy mirror of Kerala. 

Bronze and Brass Brilliance: Exploring the Legacy of Metal Crafts in India

• Bronze work is one of the oldest forms of metal craftsmanship, as exemplified by the Dancing Girl statue from Mohenjo Daro. 
• The Matasya Purana provides literary evidence of early bronze casting methods, with later texts like Nagarjuna’s Rasa Ratnakar discussing metal purity and zinc distillation.
• Uttar Pradesh, with centers like Etawah, Sitapur, Varanasi, and Moradabad, is a significant hub for bronze crafts, producing decorative items and ritual objects.

The Art of Silver Jewelry Crafting in India

• Filigree work is a renowned technique in silver jewellery crafting.
• Odisha specialises in crafting silver anklets known as Painri/Paijam and knitted silver ornaments called Gunchi.
• Bidri work, originating from Karnataka’s Bidri village, is celebrated for its intricate inlay work using silver against dark backgrounds, creating a striking contrast.

Leather Products

• The art of leather tanning dates back to around 3000 BC, with the early use of animal skins like tigers, deer, and later camels.
• Rajasthan is a significant market for leather, mainly camel leather, used to craft various bags.
  • Jaipur and Jodhpur are renowned for Mojadis, specific types of leather footwear.
  • Bikaner practices Manoti Art, a technique involving the production of decorative articles with camel skin.
• Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its leather and tanned products.
• Maharashtra is known for its Kolhapuri chappals.
• Chennai and Kolkata are significant hubs for leather bags and footwear.
• Punjabi Juttis are famous for their applique technique, which adds to their beauty.

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Conclusion

• The legacy of ancient Indian crafting endures, reflecting a profound cultural heritage. 
  • Through intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship, these traditions continue to inspire contemporary artisans and scholars, preserving a vital link to India’s rich historical past.