Arts & Crafts of West Bengal

West Bengal is renowned for its rich heritage of arts and crafts, with skilled artisans creating various exquisite handicrafts. Terracotta craft, dating back to the 16th century, is prominent, seen in Bishnupur and Kalna temples. Conch Shell Craft involves intricate engraving on marine shells. Dokra Metal Craft, a 5000-year-old tradition, produces metal statues, figurines, and jewelry using wax casting. Sholapith Craft uses sponge-like wood for bridal headwear, idols, and decorative items. The region excels in scroll paintings, Kantha embroidery, and handmade leather crafts. Bamboo Craft, Doll and Puppet Making, Wooden Art, Mask Making, and Jute Craft also contribute to preserving West Bengal’s cultural heritage.

West Bengal, situated in the eastern part of India, is globally renowned for its rich heritage in arts and crafts. Within the picturesque villages of this state, countless skilled artisans specialize in various forms of unique handicrafts.

One such ancient craft that has withstood the test of time is the celebrated terracotta craft. Originating during the rule of the Malla rulers in the 16th century, this craft was practiced by traditional potters known as ‘Kumbhakars.’ Even today, the temples of Bishnupur and Kalna stand as testament to this exquisite Bengali art. Presently, these talented craftsmen produce stunning household decorative items and jewelry artifacts, alongside traditional ritualistic objects. Another integral part of West Bengal’s artistic heritage is Conch Shell Craft. This exclusive and sophisticated art involves engraving intricate patterns and motifs on fresh marine shells sourced from the ocean bed. Some skilled artisans recreate scenes from mythological epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dokra Metal Craft is yet another captivating art form in West Bengal. Dating back 5000 years, this craft entails creating statues, human figurines, and idols of deities, as well as various decorative items and jewelry pieces like anklets, bangles, and tinkling bells from molten metal. Traditional metalsmiths in Bengal practice this tribal art form, using the age-old technique of wax casting known as ‘cire perdue’ in French. Sholapith Craft, also known as Indian Cork, deserves special mention in West Bengal’s artistic landscape. This unique milky-white sponge-like wood, indigenous to the marshy lands of Odisha and Bengal, finds extensive use in crafting traditional Bengali bridal headwear, garlands, and various household decorative artifacts. It is also employed in creating idols of gods and goddesses, palanquins, and massive panels used for decorating puja pandals. West Bengal has made a significant mark in the realm of paintings and scroll art. These unique paintings, executed on thick fabrics using natural colors extracted from vegetables, flowers, petals, and leaves, depict portrayals ranging from folk tales and religious texts to mythological scenes, current social issues, and political events.

The arts and crafts of West Bengal are incomplete without mentioning its exclusive embroidery works. “Kantha Embroidery” holds a special place, involving the art of running stitch using colorful threads on bed linens, cushion covers, quilts, sarees, and other ethnic wear. Floral motifs, images of birds and animals, folk scenes, and various geometric patterns characterize this exquisite Bengali embroidery art, which has gained recognition on the global fashion platform. Shantiniketan, known for its hand-made leather crafts adorned with geometric, floral, and ornamental patterns, contributes to the artistic allure of West Bengal. This craft produces beautiful artifacts such as handbags, wallets, shoes, belts, jackets, and gloves. In addition to these, West Bengal boasts a diverse range of indigenous crafts, including Bamboo Craft, Art of Doll and Puppet Making, Wooden Art, Mukhosh or Art of Mask Making, and Jute Craft. These crafts play a pivotal role in preserving the state’s age-old traditions and cultural heritage.

Name of the District	Craft
Coochbehar	Shitalpati
Dakshin Dinajpur	Wooden mask
Birbhum	Kantha
Bardhaman	Wooden doll, Dokra
Nadia	Clay doll
Bankura	Dokra, Terracotta
Purulia	Chau mask
Purba Medinipur	Madurkathi
Pashchim Medinipur	Patachitra

Different Type of Crafts in West Bengal

Shantipuri Saree,Nadia

Shantipuri sarees are a testament to the skill and dedication of the weavers of Nadia. These sarees are characterized by their unique combination of comfort, grace, and intricate designs. They are typically made from fine cotton, making them lightweight and comfortable to wear, especially in the hot and humid climate of Bengal.

Dhaniakhali Saree, Hooghly

The traditional Dhaniakhali saree has a timeless charm and cultural significance in the region. Over the years, artisans have also experimented with contemporary designs and colors to cater to changing fashion trends, making Dhaniakhali sarees a versatile choice for saree enthusiasts.

Baluchari Saree,Murshidabad

Baluchari sarees are a type of traditional Indian saree that originated in the town of Baluchar in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. These sarees are renowned for their intricate and elaborate woven designs, particularly depicting mythological and historical scenes

Katha Stich

West Bengal showcases three distinct styles that reflect local culture: kantha, which features folk motifs; chikan, zari, and kashida, influenced by Islamic traditions; and a modern style. Among these, kantha stands out as both the most typical and the most creatively expressive. Kanthas have a rich tradition of being crafted by village women using aged textiles, often repurposing soft, discarded dhotis worn by men or faded colored saris.

Wooden Mask-Kushmandi,Dinajpur

The crafting of Gomira masks has a long tradition as objects of veneration and religious significance. In their original form, these masks were created to fulfill the requirements of Gomira dancers and villagers who wished to present a mask as a sacred offering to their local deity.

Dokra or Bell Metal-Bikna Dariyapur

Dokra items from Dariyapur and Bikna, like other Dokra artifacts, are highly valued for their cultural and artistic significance. They are often used as decorative pieces, gifts, and are also collected as art pieces. The craftsmanship involved in creating Dokra art is labor-intensive and requires a deep understanding of the traditional techniques involved.

Clay Doll of Ghurni,Krishnanagar

the clay dolls of Ghurni, Krishnanagar, are a testament to the rich artistic heritage of West Bengal. They continue to be cherished by art enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.

Chau Mask of Charida-Purulia

Charida, a charming village nestled in the heart of the red-soiled landscape, graces the scenic foothills of Ayodhya Hills, situated approximately 5 kilometers from Baghmundi. The venerable tradition of crafting Chau masks found its roots in Charida nearly 150 years ago, during the reign of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi.

Patachitra-Pingla,Midnapur

Patachitra Pingla is an important part of the cultural heritage of West Bengal and contributes to the rich artistic traditions of the region. It reflects the skill, creativity, and cultural depth of the artists in Pingla and surrounding areas of Midnapur district.

Wooden Doll-Natungram,Bardhaman

The Natungram wooden dolls are handmade and are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs. These dolls are usually crafted from locally available wood, primarily from the gamar tree. The artisans use simple hand tools to shape the wood and then paint the dolls with bright and eye-catching colors. The dolls often depict rural life, mythological characters, animals, and other traditional themes.

Sholapith-Bardhaman

Sholapith is a unique and traditional art form that originates from the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. Bardhaman, also known as Burdwan, is a district located in the southern part of the state of West Bengal. Sholapith is closely associated with various religious and cultural traditions in Bengal and is used to create intricate sculptures and decorations for festivals and rituals.

Conch Shell Carving

The Conch-shell industry holds a longstanding legacy in West Bengal, and it is deeply intertwined with the heritage of the region. Among the artisans dedicated to this craft, known as the ‘Sankhakaras,’ they are recognized as one of the nine artisan castes in Bengal. These skilled artisans can be found dispersed throughout the state, with notable clusters in Bankura town, Bishnupur, Nadia, Malda, and Murshidabad.

Terracotta Pottery-Panchmura, Bishnupur

Terracotta pottery from Panchmura, Bishnupur, is a traditional form of clay pottery that has been practiced for centuries in the region of Bishnupur, West Bengal, India. Panchmura is a small village located in the Bankura district of West Bengal and is renowned for its distinctive terracotta pottery.

Kaansha-Brass Utensils

Bell metal and brass are among the oldest metals discovered by civilization, and they have a rich history in this state. They serve various purposes, from being used as utensils and household items for measuring rice and paddy to being crafted into interior decoration pieces and religious icons of deities. Bengal’s artisans have mastered the art of creating a wide range of brass and bell metal articles, showcasing their exceptional skill and craftsmanship.

Hill craft (Darjeeling/Kalimpong)

The Darjeeling hills, inhabited by various indigenous hill tribes and deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, boast a distinctive and captivating tradition of art and crafts. Among the items that invariably find their way onto the shopping lists of most visitors are the exquisite painted scrolls known as ‘thangka.’ Additionally, you can acquire paintings created by talented local artists, which often depict the majestic Himalayan landscapes, serene tea gardens, and the vibrant local culture, serving as cherished mementos.

The skilled women of the region are renowned for their expertise in crafting warm and cozy woolen garments and shawls. For those seeking traditional garments worn by the local people, the weekly market in Kalimpong is a splendid place to explore. Furthermore, you can discover a range of products crafted from locally sourced paper made from indigenous plants. The region also boasts a thriving tradition of wood and bamboo carving, practiced by numerous artisans.