The origin of Indian Handicraft indicates about its evolution as a medium of living for its individuals. From the time of Indus valley and Harappa civilization the art of handmade products and handlooms is in existence.
There are a lot of facts which indicates that the art of making pottery and weaving the thread was alive in Harappa civilization. In vedic age the Indian artisans and craftsmen used to create the handicraft products and used to export and trade them with another countries. In rigveda there is also existence of items made of clay, metal and wood.
Present Growth of handicrafts -
In last 20 years the demand of handicraft products of India is significantly increasing. As per according to the EPCH 2013 report the demand of brocades zari and sarees, shawls, garments are in the great demand.
The immense growth of handicraft sector is to be measured between 20-25% and after this the women especially from rural areas are said to be involved in to handicraft sector actively. It is providing the significant employment opportunities to people.
Even people from one generation are spreading their handicraft art and style to other generation. In 1986 the overall cost value was of handicraft market was more than 387 crore rupees where in 2013 iit was more 17000 crore rupees.
Besides this the metal handicrafts are also in demand. The metals like - iron, copper, gold, silver, bell metal, black metal, white metal are also used to make handicraft items. This is also a diverge market which is known for its unique design and art. with this the export share of the metal handicrafts is more than 3000 crore INR. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Orissa states are generally famous for their metal handicrafts.
Indian economics is feeling the deep need of employment opportunities for its increasing population demands. With this the handicraft sector is a ray of hope to fulfill this need. There is a big problem that the artisans are leaving their patron businesses today because of low wages and income margins and moving towards the other initiatives which is creating the hazardous situation for the handicraft sector.
The other challenge is the skill upgradation, knowledge upgradation and technological upgradation is also there which is needed to pay attention for the overall growth of the handicraft industry. For this the private and government efforts both are necessary.