Bengal seems to be the hub of creative talents. Since ages, Bengal has given to India, some of its most admired and exceptional artists. Even when modernity and industrial production has admitted huge hindrances in the growth of age old arts and crafts, the art itself and the techniques, have survived in the hearts of Bengalis. Today, it looks to revive some lost forms of art that once brought fame and recognition to Bengal. To get a glimpse of authentic handicraft works, one should visit the rural areas of West Bengal which are still not influenced by the western ways. There are places that are famous for one of kind of art form like Bankura and Midnapore are known for Dhokra Metal Castings whereas Kolkata has some of the best known potters in the state. It is the arts and crafts that provide the much needed economic support for rural areas to sustain themselves.

Jute Handicrafts

Jute, known as the golden fiber is the cheapest natural fiber and it is the second most important fiber after cotton. It's a Ligno-cellulosic fibre which means it’s partially a textile fibre and partially a wood; these fibers are mainly used in the production of utilitarian items, though some decorative items are also made. Indian jute handicrafts are popular the world over. Skilled artificers craft numerous items of daily use from jute fiber. Jute items are gaining popularity because it’s the cheapest known natural fiber and are 100 per cent eco-friendly.

Since early nineteenth century Bengal has been producing maximum quantity of Jute all over the world and is the largest producer of a variety of jute crafts. Craftsmen here create a myriad of utilitarian items made from jute. An elegant range of home décor, furnishings, garments, hanging lamps, baskets, flower vases, purses, table mats and footwear made out of woven jute fiber are gaining popularity. Jute fabrics are decorated with tie and dye, embroidery and block printing. Jute is also used for making baskets, mats and beautiful toys.

The discovery of polythene and nylon in 1970s inflicted a huge loss to the jute planters. But since the notion of eco-friendliness has emerged jute is again in high demand and farmers have begun to earn some money. Jute has got immense importance for packaging purpose. Cereals, vegetables, cement and numerous other things are packaged in the sacks made by jute.

Kantha Embroidery
Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroidery that has kept the women of Bengal busy. Kantha embroidery is generally done on cotton and silk fabrics. A regular in dhotis and saris, Kantha embroidery is running stitches used for making floral motifs, images of birds, animals, and geometrical figures. It is also used for making blankets and quilts by stitching five or six layers of cloth together. For this, the thread used is taken from the edges of used clothes. The embroidered clothes are not only used for blankets and garments, they are also used on clothes used as bed sheets, pillow covers, and cover for tables and boxes.

Dry Flowers
Pressed flower art first became popular in Victorian times. With a creative approach to the use of materials, a leaf becomes a tree and petals form mountains. Preserving flowers dates back to earliest recorded history. The bone of a pre historic man discovered in the Middle East was found with a mantle of delicate wild flowers. The pollen grains that remain indicated specific flowers that were used. Dried flower products are in very high demand and add an enriched value to the flourishing industry. The flower arrangements including dried samples of cone, foliage, bulrushes, flowers like rose buds, lilies and plant material enhances the beauty of dry flowers, adding more export value to this industry. New technologies are helping plants to produce flowers perennially. Tissue culture is being used for mass multiplication of top quality plants. The production of hybrid seeds has led to high yielding varieties that grow at a very fast rate.

Wax Craft
Contemporary wax craft are now being made by the craftsmen of Bengal. Other than Stand candles, roller candle, geometric shape candle, tea light candle and handmade curve candles along with different wax figures and gift items are made using bold colored wax. The unique style of the candles made in Bengal remains in the choice of fragrance and the candles are slow burning and drip less. The candles are used for gift and decoration purpose in each and every festive occasion.

Handmade Paper Crafts
Handmade paper, as the name implies, is a type of paper made by hands. The handmade paper industry in India dates way back to 14th century. They flourished under the Indian monarchs, but suffered during the British rule. During the freedom struggle, handmade paper industry was given support by Mahatma Gandhi and after independence the industry has been promoted and supported by the Indian Government. Recyclable in nature, handmade papers are environment friendly and not just helps de-forestation, but also results in the depletion of natural resources with less pollution than factory making conventional paper. Handmade paper is primarily made by recycling waste agro raw materials like cotton rags from hosiery cuttings and small amounts of waste paper. Agro fibers like jute, straw, banana are added to the primary fiber to create mottled handmade paper. Different types of handmade papers are being used such as plain paper, jute paper, embroidered paper, embossed paper, millennium paper, leaf impression paper, tie & die paper, screen print paper, crocodile paper, silk paper, flower paper, handmade batik paper, leather paper, etc. to make various types of crafts. Handmade paper is quite popular material for making a concourse of decorative and utility crafts like greeting cards, carry bags, portfolios, gift boxes, wallpapers, pen stands, tissue boxes, paper holders, file cover, diary, paper bags, note pads, envelops, visiting cards, letterheads and many more. It has greater tensile, bursting, tearing and double fold strength when compared with conventional mill-made paper.

Wood Carving & Wooden Toys
Wood curving in Bengal is done on Sapwood planks for making bright color motifs mostly used for decorating folding tables, windows & door panels and architectural elements. These wooden motifs are also used to decorate building components like pillars, door frames and lintels. In spite of the diverse products curved today, traditional influence is apparent in the motifs, patterns and designs. These wood curved motifs are also used worldwide as book covers for Holy Tibetan scriptures.
The craft of making wooden toys is basically seasonal. They are made by chiseling a length of wood with a square section and painting them with bold colors like yellow and red. Though the most popular toy is Owl, but nowadays figures of God and Goddesses with contemporary appearance is also carved.

Shell Carving
Mainly two types of shell carving can be found in this region; Conch shell carving and Coconut shell carving. Crafting of bangles, ornaments and other ritual objects from conch shell are unique in Bengal. Another unique craft of this region in blowing shells which makes a beautiful sound, if pumped. After collecting the raw shells from the beaches of southern part of India, plain and ornamental engraving and polishing are done by hand files to give it a glossy look. 
Coconut shell carving craft is adapted from conch shell carving. Ornaments, bangles, bowls of different sizes and temple replicas are made from coconut shells. Craftsmen now also exploring other alternatives like pumpkin shell and fish scales to satisfy their artistic creativity.

Stone Carving
The easy availability of the raw materials from the quarry in the hills of south-western part of Bengal has facilitated the craft of stone carving. Products like floor tiles and milestones were made on a regular basis but now the artisans diversified into carving figures of deities as well as other decorative items.

Sheetalpatior Reed Mats
Literally meaning ‘cool mat’, this special crafts are made of locally grown reed. Not only mats, but baskets and other useful items, bags and hand-fans (primarily made from palm leaf by cutting it into designer shapes) are also made using dyed strips of the reed with typical Bengali motifs. Its glossy, smooth and colorful texture made it popular worldwide.

Grass Mats
Coastal districts of Bengal supply this particular grass called madur kathi, instrumental for making different kinds of mats depending upon the purpose of their use. Hand looms are used to make these mats and motifs of animals, birds, flowers and geometrical shapes are applied on the borders and they are reminiscent of the handloom saris of Bengal. These mats are basically used to sleep on, as floor coverings and wall hangings.

Silver Engraving
Mainly two types of Silver engraving are seen in Bengal, engraving on Tibetan or Bhatia silver products and on contemporary silver products. In the former, silver beaten into sheets are engraved with various Tibetans and Bhutanese religious patterns and motifs with excellent finish. Contemporary silver engraving is done on products like trophies, utensils and medallions and they are mainly of daily and commercial use.

Paintings
Traditional painting of Bengal can be divided mainly in two parts; Paintings originated from Hills and Rural Bengals’ Scroll Paintings. Traditionally done on canvas sheets, Hill painting is now essentially done on black polyester with watercolors. It mainly portrays Tibetan and Nepalese traditions but natural beauties can also be seen as subjects.
Scroll paintings are done by artists who are also accomplished singers. Mainly folklores, contemporary tales and mythical narratives are painted on scrolls to enact them with folk songs.
Contemporary paintings of Bengal is also world-famous with legendary painters has contributed to make a rich collection of modern paintings.

Carpet weaving
Carpets in Bengal are mostly weaved by Tibetan refugees using bright color wool from Tibet. Different floral motifs and shapes of dragons are interwoven with geometrical shapes to give them a distinctive look.

Konglan- Stitched Leather Boots
These boots are basically modified version of leather bags mostly used by the hill people to keep their feet warm. The boots have thick leather sole and heavily brocaded cloth or leather sides, with far inner lining inside. These are also used as a part of their formal outfit by Bhutanese and Tibetan people.

Cane Craft
Garden and indoor cane furniture are made mainly in the northern part of the state, using canes obtained from the north-eastern India. Baskets and other useful objects are also made using canes originated in Bengal. Canes of different diameters are used along with split cane for binding and weaving the surfaces of the seat and backrest of chairs. 

Masks
Masks made of locally available wood and papier mache moulds are related with different folk dance forms of Bengal and used as an attire to perform these arts. These dances are a combination of narratives, songs and music which resemblance a folk play. The crafts person carves the masks according to his imagination and then paints it with bright colors to match different characters of folk plays.

Shola Crafts
Stripped shola stems take the craftsman’s imagination and skill to form objects like temples, churches, mosques, deities, wedding headgears, flowers, garlands, toys, ornaments, statues, models and other decorative items. The process is simple, but the craftsmanship requires a steady hand and great skill.

Leather craft
Embossed leather items with batik designs imprinted on it is available in southern part of the state. The process of embossing entails softening of the leather, embossing the designs through dies and then dying the product.

Metal Crafts
Dhokra Metal Casting is a technique used by a tribe called Dhokra Kamar Tribe. They are known to be the original metal smiths of Bengal. The people of the tribe are now found in the western part of the state, mainly in four districts of Bankura, Midnapore, Purulia and Burdwan. The tribe is not confined to West Bengal only, they are also found in other eastern states like Orissa and Chhattisgarh as well, thus making this art form common in those regions as well. In this type of metal casting, a lost wax technique is used which is also called as hollow casting. The method is employed to produce figures of gods and goddesses, different types of lamps and jewelry. Anklets, necklaces and bangles are the most common jewelry items that are produced through this process. Influence of the coiling technique can be seen in the decoration of the work.
Kansa, an alloy with a high proportion of tin and copper is the primary material used for making plates, tumblers and bowls. Apart from Kansa, brass is also used widely for making utensils of different kinds.
Silver craft of Bengal is also famous. Silver sheets are beaten into desired shapes on an anvil and then the ends are fused with a solution of silver and brass. Designs are chiseled on the surface and the final polishing is done by hand to give the craft a distinctive look.

Terracotta, Pottery & clay work
For generations, Terracotta craftsmen of Bengal making tiles, tubs for keeping plants, telephone stands, lampshades, fancy idols and decorative items with different motifs. Most commonly seen motifs are those of the tribal woman with her child, palm tree, blooming creepers or some idols.
Pottery is one art form that you will find in all corners of the state. The potters make the best use of the clay that is found on the banks of rivers that cut through the state. The clay is molded into different shapes and sizes for items used for various purposes. Images of gods and goddesses, clay pots and plates are the main items made. It is during the time of Durga Puja that most of the potters are busy preparing the biggest and grandest statues of Goddess Durga. Clay dolls are also produced which represents all professions and trade in a minute detail, replete with costume and accessories.

Muslin
Muslin is probably the most famous export of West Bengal after the Darjeeling Tea. Muslin is a type of cotton textile which is considered a marvel for its unique texture and lightness. The weaving of Muslin, also sometimes locally referred to as mul mul, has been a part of Bengal lives from the ages of Kings and queens. However, under the rule of British, this art was completely stopped in the interest of western industries that feared the growing popularity of muslin. After independence, with the help of government, the muslin weaving was again started. Saris and dhotis are the most widely produced apparel from Muslin.
With time many of the art forms of West Bengal were lost. But with the help of government and zeal of Bengal people towards their tradition, has helped many of the lost forms to again find a place in the hearts and homes of many people across the world. The best place to shop for art and crafts of Bengal is the capital city as the handicraft items are all brought here, to fetch the best deal for the produces.

Orissa
Orissa is a state where all forms of arts are given huge importance. And the quality of work has earned it accolades not only in India but abroad as well. From traditional times, Orissa has been considered a state blessed with talent for arts. Right from palm leaf writing to Appliqué works, craftsmen of Orissa have perfected it all. Many of the art works that died out with time in many parts of the country are still practiced in parts of Orissa. This tells us how much people of Orissa respect their traditions and rituals. The most famous art works that has found huge demand in outside markets is the weaving craft.

Sikki Craft
Table mats, tea coasters, hats, trays, bags, footwear, lampshades and other contemporary articles are made from a unique grass called Sikki or Golden Grass, which is found growing in the marshy areas of the state. Nothing, but a simple needle is used as a tool to make these beautiful crafts. Other than natural colors, sikki products can be found in bold colors like magenta, pink, red and green.

Palm Leaf Engraving
It is known that in ancient India, writings were done on Palm leaves. But since the printing has started, the tradition has almost died out. But there are few places in Orissa where you will still get to see people using palm leaves to jot down their work. Many temples still use palm leaf manuscripts for reference instead of religious books. The widest use of palm leaf writing is done in horoscopes. Almost all the horoscopes are written on palm leaves. Popularly known as talapatachitra, these palm leaf engravings are fine line drawings, which illustrate manuscripts. A very steady hand is required to use the engraving tool on a thin strip of palm leaf. The artisans recreate human figures, capturing the minutest details of human body with costumes. Normally, ancient Indian epics are also illustrated on palm leaves. Printing of wedding cards is really popular among Orissa people as it is considered auspicious to get important things written on Palm leaves.

Weaving Craft
Ever since the Mauryans set textile workshops here, Orissa has been an important hub for weaving craft. Weavings of Orissa are widely acknowledged for their skillful patterns and distinctively rendered curvilinear motifs. Mulberry and Tussar silk are mainly used to made Ikat & Kotpad sareeswith motifs of duck, fish, lotus, creeper, elephants, lion, deer, conch shell and stars whose symbolism is derived from Indian Mythology, coastal environment and the context of Hindu marriage and worship. The stark simplicity is the hallmark of kotpad weaves, is worn by family members at weddings and other special occasions in the family.

Patachitra
Patachitras are paintings drawn on specially treated cloths or on leaves and traditionally used to be made by temple painters, to be hung inside the temple premises. Now it has given rise to a new art form that has made it big in world of art. The paintings mainly depict religious themes from ancient Indian Epics. The paintings are colorful and characterized by creative motifs and details of human figures, jewelry and costumes. Bold colors extracted from rocks and seashells are used to paint these paintings.

Appliqué Work
The appliqué work of Orissa is distinct in style and imagination. In this art, colored pieces of cloth being shaped into different images of birds, animals, flowers and many other forms are stitched on other cloths. This appliqué work is then applied on decorative items like wall hangings, lamps, umbrellas and other household items. In recent times, this work has also been used on apparels and tablecloths.

Leather Craft
Katki Chappal, a special kind of leather footwear is made by women of Orissa. They are slip-ons and do not have laces or straps. Silk embroideries are used to design floral and other motifs on the upper part of the chappal.

Wood Craft
Woods like neem, kedar, sheesham and teak are used by the craftsmen of Orissa to make figures of Gods and Goddesses, walking sticks, ash-trays, birds, animals and souvenirs. This work is totally done by hand and a wax finish is applied to give the objects a glossy and smooth texture.

Bamboo Craft
Traditional baskets and containers, decorative and utility items are made from thin strips of bamboo which are derived from bamboos which have the maximum lengths between the knots and are very flexible.

Lac Handicrafts
Lac is an insect secreted resin found in trees like Kusum and barboti. Terracotta, wooden, clay toys and Bamboo boxes are lac coated by women and then decorations by lac mixed in powder colors is done by specialized craft persons to give it an exquisite look.

Metal Crafts
Crafts made from metals are very famous in Orissa. Four kinds of metals are used in this form of craft; Brass, Bell metal, lost wax metal and silver. Craftsman from different districts of Orissa make distinctive form of objects to satisfy their artistic nature.
The brass metal is heat-forged and shaped with hammers by several artisans working in close co-ordination to make utensils of different sorts. Utensils made by brass not only used in auspicious occasions, but become a part of bride’s dowry signifying her families’ economic status. Brass fish figured craft is made by assembling separate brass pieces joined with a fine chain and, they are so flexible that they look like a live one. Brass tribal jewelry like necklace, pendants, hairpins and rings are made using embossed brass sheets and cheaper than traditional silver and gold jewelry.
The process of making Bell metal products, mainly utensils of different purpose are almost the same of making brass metal items. After shaping the heat-forged metal with hammer for giving desired shapes, a lathe is used for giving smoothness and final finish.
Silver wires of different dimensions are used for Silver filigree craft. After fitting all the small parts in the frame, intricate designs of decorative and elaborate motifs are made to form idols of gods, replica of famous structures, photo frames, candle stands, animals and cones.
Dhokra crafts using lost wax technique is an ancestral craft practiced in different tribal districts of Orissa with distinctive styles. The craftsmen combine their understanding of metal with artistry, which has led to identifying them as artists more than metal workers. The technique of lost wax process said to have a 5000 years old history in India. The mould is always broken after the object is cast. Hence, each dhokra handicraft is unique in nature. Unlike the classical tradition of Metal casting the nomadic Dhokra craftsmen gives free rein to its imagination to make household needs, ornaments of Tribal and non-tribal style and ritual objects.

Shola Craft
Since 11th Century, the adornment and decoration of idols at different temples of Orissa has been done with shola craft. The raw material is the soft stem of a wild growing water plant called shola, is used for crafting two and three dimensional sculptures. This light weight, temperature reactive material can be found mainly in two colors, white and reddish-brown. It requires a lot of skill and experience to make intricate designs from this flexible and light weight material.

Pottery & Terracotta
Terracotta tiles with images of animals like lion, mouse, monkey, elephant and birds can be seen on the walls of a common house in Orissa. Their vivid expression almost brings them to life and people believe that this will bring good fortune to them. Water pots and utensils for daily use are also made by these craftsmen.

Shell Curving
Mainly two types, beetle nut and coconut shell curving can be seen in Orissa. The same craftsperson is involved in both betel nut and coconut shell curving. Miniature statuettes, furniture, small toys and replicas of large temples are made by betel nut shells. Same kinds of products are also made by coconut shells which are abandon in Orissa due to its coastal nature.

Stone Curving
The rich stone curving tradition of Orissa can be seen in the Konark sun temple and caves of Udaygiri, khandagiri and lalitgiri. The traditionally specialist craftsmen of Orissa nowadays also make stone idols of Hindu deities, mythological characters, decorative sculptors, animals and birds. They have a great demand in hotels and emporia worldwide.

Papier mâché
Papier-mâché made by moulds of clay and newspaper are basically inspired by the Patachitra tradition. The bold colors are made from locally available seashells and rocks. Products like dolls, pen stands and lampshades are made in different sizes also with mask of deities, demons and animals for use in the local folk and classical dance performances.

Seashell Craft
Beaches of Orissa are abundant with seashells for making utility and decorative articles. The products are embellished by engraving and painting on them. Though Hindu mythologies are the primary themes followed by the craftsmen, ornaments and decorative items like photo frames and lampshades are also commonly seen.

Coir Craft
Toys, wall hangings and other decorative and utility items are made by coconut fiber, by tying and folding the fibers together. The figures are made in parts and then assembled. Colored wool or fiber is applied to create facial features.

Cowdung Toys
This unique product of Orissa is made by tribal women, mainly to satisfy their craftsmanship. Abandon supply of raw material and negligible making cost has resulted in these brightly colored toys which are rustic in design. Birds, animals and statuettes of Lord Jagannath are the common designs made by them.

Straw Craft
The inner rib of paddy, which otherwise go wasted, is used to create this beautiful artwork. Ribs split into longitudinal halves and pasted on a paper and then cut into desired pieces, to be pasted on a black cotton cloth which serves as a background. Creating ornaments and facial features detailed with thin and delicate black lines are a testimony of craftsmanship for the artisans.

Paddy and Root Craft
Unhusked rice is used for making animal figures, garlands, flowers, chains and figures of deities. Rice grains and cotton cords are used as a raw material and without the help of any tools; craftsmen of Orissa make these beautiful crafts.
The roots of telai and rathi trees are also used to make different objects according to its basic shape and then smoothened with sandpaper, varnished and fired with blow lamp to make it pest resistant.
You don't have to visit an exhibition or a gallery to get a glimpse into the world of arts and crafts of Orissa. Every aspect of people of Orissa has a touch of artistry to it. Such is the quality, variety and exquisiteness of the items that you will be tempted to go for each and everything.

Bihar

Madhubani Painting
Named after the village where it originated from, Madhubani paintings have spread the name of Bihar the world over. Although it is believed to be prevalent from the time of Ramayana, actually it acquired the deserved recognition only after 1966, when a group of Govt. officials touring the region for relief work astounded to see the painted walls. A few women were persuaded to paint the same on paper and canvas and since then, this art form has never looked back. Predominantly a feminine expression, earlier the paintings were drawn on mud plastered walls during important festivals and personal ceremonies. For commercial purposes, today they are made on handmade paper, canvas and different types of clothes. Images of Gods and Goddesses, natural subjects like Sun, Moon, Tulsi Plant, birds, animals and scenes of wedding or other celebrations are the main themes of the painting. Even after so many years the method of production has not changed a bit. A bamboo sticks wrapped around with cotton is used as the paintbrush and colors used are all obtained from nature. For example, powdered rice is used as white color, red color comes from red sandalwood or kusum flower juice, yellow from turmeric.

Terracotta Craft
Pitchers, clay ovens, kitchen wares, horses and elephants, images of deities, vases, toys and other utility objects are made by a combination of terracotta processes, wheel process as well as hand formed pottery techniques such as coiling, pinching and hand-beaten work. Details are emphasized by relief and recessed textures. Ritualistic terracotta products are painted following Madhubani style, using outlines and bold strokes of color.

Sujuni Embroidery
The sujuni embroidery work has a great similarity with Kantha Stitch work of rural Bengal. Woman quilt together old sarees and other clothes with tiny running stitches, and depicts stories and designs. The specialty of Sujuni craft is its unique narrative elements in its embroidery. Unlike the old sujunis, which used to have religious, nature and daily life related motifs, nowadays women stitch their experience, their sorrows and their realities on the sujuni, transforming an ordinary quilt into a testimony of their lives. Each sujuni tells a tale- the trauma of being a woman in the man dominated Indian society, female infanticide, domestic violence, effects of gambling and alcoholism in the family and so on.  Evils of dowry, girls’ education, and health care issues are also depicted to make each sujuni a testament of social changes.

Sikki Craft
Dyed and natural golden colored sikki grass is used to make ritual as well as crafts of daily use. The craft is traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters and the crafted items become a part of her dowry. Toys, table mats, coasters and even mobile phone covers are also taken a place in the varied items made by this woman.

Papier-mâché
Hand-painted papier-mâché craft if this region has a raw earthly appeal and distinct from papier-mâché craft from other part of India due to its inclination towards madhubani style. Whimsically painted animal and bird figures, toys and dolls engaged in house-hold work are seen often as a style.

Applique / Khatwa
Khatwa is the name given to appliqué works in Bihar. The desire to make the best out of waste- khatwa is about designing by cutting of one fabric and stitching the pieces to another fabric. Traditional motifs drawn from nature or geometry have given way to scenes from social life as well as graphic commentary on sensitive issues like AIDS and Cancer. Khatwa is mainly used to create designer tents, canopies, shamianas and much more. Making of such tents involves work by both men and women. While cutting of clothes is done by men, women use their expertise in stitching part. Khatwa is also used for designing women garments as well. This is where the real talent of Bihar people is seen in the work.

Wooden Toys
Sliced wood is carved, polished and painted to make toys and other decorative items. Again, the color using pattern is reminiscent to madhubani style. Most of the toys are figures and activities of heroes and celebrities riding horses or elephants.  

Jute Craft
Handmade jute products are made using very simple tools, by braiding the fibers and assembling the braids into variety of configurations resulting in bags, coasters, shoes and other decorative and utility items.

Tribal Jewelry
Tribal ornaments are made from an alloy made of copper, zinc and tin. The liquid alloy is formed into a sheet, carved manually over a dye and then shaped into ornaments like necklace, anklets, bangles etc. Fish-shaped votive offerings are a specialty of this craft.

Bangle Making

Bangles are an inseparable part of north-Indian customs and an integral part of makeup kit for all Indian women. The raw material for bangle works is obtained from the forest nearby. The artisans use light fire to craft the delicate resins into circular shape. The artisans go by the market demand and their imagination to give them the most fashionable and contemporary designs. Value additions are made in terms of embellishments- glass beads, decorative wire, mirror pieces and even gold foil.

Stone Work
In its peak during the Mauryan period, stone and architecture works became the symbol of the dynasty. One can see the best of that period in cities like Gaya, Nalanda, and Patna. Apart from monasteries and Buddha Stupas, magnificent statues of Lord Buddha were created with stone craft. Bihar has plenty of blue black pot stones which are cheap and are used for making statues, images and household articles like the pestle and grinders. It is also among the places in India where architecture works of fountains and tables are done.
People in some villages of Bihar are involved only in art works and it is their main source of income. Since the same skills are passed down to generations, the expertise and innovations are immaculate. So when you are visiting Bihar, don't forget to buy yourself some really great paintings and some exquisite clothes.

Jharkhand
The handicrafts of Jharkhand, made by its tribal population, can present a galore of mementos. The state has a rich tradition of art and culture. The artisans or rather artists of Jharkhand have an expert hand for preparing delicate, beautiful and elegant handicrafts. The exquisite craftsmanship of the artists of Jharkhand can be judged by the states delicately carved wooden as well as bamboo products.

Wooden Crafts
 Jharkhand is a region that is abundantly surrounded by dense forests. The presence of wood in such a large quantity boosted the creativity of its artisans, who created a number of wooden articles for household use. These articles include windows, door panels, boxes, wooden spoons, etc. They prove that sometimes great art can get inspired by mundane purpose.

Bamboo Works
The forests of Jharkhand have a good quality, thin but strong and flexible bamboo. Such bamboo is used by the artisans for making different bamboo crafts, such as fishing equipments, baskets and utility items. The craftsmen are also exploring other possibilities in designs and shape and making contemporary objects like modular furniture and designer lampshades to fit the choice of urban markets worldwide.

Dhokra Craft
This is one of the oldest metal casting techniques know to civilization. The communities of the Tentri and the Malhar in the state of Jharkhand are experts in the crafts related to these metals, as well as making household wares.

Tribal Jewelry
The tribal people in Jharkhand are very fond of jewelry. The artists create simple but beautiful jewelry, by using metals such as gold, silver and white metals. The tribal jewelry forms are traditional in nature, but they highlight the understated elegance of the traditional culture of the region.

Musical Instruments
Music and dance are an integral part of tribal life in Jharkhand. Variety of wind instruments and drums are made by using iron sheets, hide of animals like cow and buffalo. The skill of the craftsmen lies in his ability to treat the hide properly.

Black Terracotta
This unique craft of Jharkhand is similar with general red colored terracotta, just the black surface creates a different look and craftsmen combine both the colors to make jewelry and other decorative crafts along with different utility crafts.

Painting
These scroll paintings are narrations of varied santhal myths and tales and also depicts the normal rituals involved with occasions like child birth, marriages and deaths. Twenty or more panels are arranged vertically and unrolled to the accompaniment of songs by the painter, the Jadupatua himself. The paintings are simply illustrated with madhubani and worli style.
Thus we can say that Jharkhand is a state that is a haven for exotic handicrafts of different variety and styles. Handicrafts of Jharkhand present a slice of this wild state at its best.

Andaman & Nikober Island
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a long chain of islands located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. Wood and other forest products are available here in abundance. Padauk, Badam and Gurjan is the main varieties of useful timbers found on these islands. Canes and bamboo are also available in large amounts. There are also lots of coconut trees in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Other natural resource is the marine life. It includes coral, shells, driftwood and seaweeds. Trancs, tortoise and turbos are the main types of shells. The main handicrafts of Andaman & Nicobar are created from these raw materials. They include exotic wood crafts, ornaments from sea-shell and palm mats. However the crafts which are predominant in the Andaman group of islands are different from the specialized crafts of the Nicobar group of islands.

Andaman

Wood work
Woodwork and carpentry are the local crafts of Andaman. There are several units engaged in making furnitures and other wooden articles made from ornamental woods like marble wood, Paduak and Chui. The tabletops made from Paduak burr are singular works of handicrafts in these islands. The driftwood that is shaped by the currents and flow of the sea is commonly available in Andaman. It is converted into craft objects through imagination, dedication and precision.

Cane and Bamboo

The settlers from Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in Andamans are famous for bamboo and cane works. They can make various exquisite items, in accordance to the provided designs. The beautiful cane baskets made from thin twigs of cane are useful for women to carry and store the market produce. The cane work, especially the furniture made in the cellular jail, is also very popular.

Shell Craft

Shell craft is one of the most popular handicrafts of Andaman Islands. The shell crafts include ashtrays, lamps, buttons and jewelry made from the polished and decorative shells. The tortoise shell is the interesting resource material available here. These shells are large and available in beautiful shades. The articles like table lamps, small round and square boxes and some decorative items made from the tortoise shells.

Coconut shell Craft
As coconut trees are available in large numbers, they are the best natural resources for handicrafts of Andaman & Nicobar. The items like finger bowls, table lamps and some other objects made from the coconut shells are very popular among the tourists.

Nicobar
Wood Work

Carpentry is the most important craft among the artisans of Nicobar. It includes construction of houses, making canoes of different types and fencing plantations. On some islands, the wooden statues of male and female pairs, and figures of animals and birds are made. They are well-crafted and brightly colored.

Basketry and Mat Making

These are the two important traditional crafts of Nicobar. They are generally carried out by women in their free time. The mats are made from Pandanus leaves and coconut stems. These soft, cool and light mats are used for sleeping, sitting and also for making the huts.

Cross Bows

Making the crossbows is a functional craft. It features a central wooden beam with groves and iron loops to hold the arrows and quiver. It is very popular among the tourists due to its novelty.