Logo

Madhya Pradesh, "increasable"heart of India is a melting pot of people and traditions. Its mélange of textiles and crafts, beautifully and painstakingly produced by its skilled craftsmen for generations, reflects this rich cultural diversity.

A result of local needs, customs and beliefs, as well as availability of raw material, almost every social group practices its own craft. The varied tribal crafts of own craft of Madhya Pradesh , practiced and honed over centuries –notably, dhokra of Betul, wrought iron craft of Tikamgarh, jewellery of Jhabua, and traditional Pithora and Gond paintings – are today internationally prized as decorative art.

A walk in the narrow by –lans of towns and villages in the state is more than likely to reveal craft cluster with artisans diligently at work. One can hear the click –clack of looms in Chanderi and Maheshwar, see papier mache carvers in Jabalpur or find wood carvers in Sheopur crafting intricate panels and windows. With government and private endeavours, today these colorful and deftly –made fabric and crafts are showcased not just at the local haats, but also in markets and craft fairs outside Madhya Pradesh and exhibitions abroad.

With over 150 stunning photographs, and details on major craft centres including Chanderi, Maheshwar, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Indore, the Handlooms & Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh is a perfect companion craft enthusiast, but also the intrepid tourist as well as the armchair traveller.