Handicraft Products- Authentic & Traditional Indian Handicrafts
Handicrafts are handmade products created using traditional skills that have been passed down through generations. In India, these crafts date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE) and form an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Rather than being founded by a single individual, Indian handicrafts have evolved over centuries through the craftsmanship of artisans across different regions. Some of the most renowned traditional crafts include Madhubani paintings (Bihar), Pashmina weaving (Kashmir), Blue Pottery (Rajasthan), Terracotta art (West Bengal), and Bamboo crafts (North-East India).
Exports from India to Other Countries
India is one of the largest exporters of handicrafts in the world. Indian handicrafts are highly valued in countries like:
USA
UK
Germany
UAE
Australia
Canada
Export Value: As of recent years (2023-2024), India exports over USD 3.5 to 4 billion worth of handicrafts annually (excluding hand-knotted carpets).
Outlets
India has a robust handicraft export sector with a significant number of businesses engaged in this trade. As of 2025, there are approximately 3,811 registered handicraft exporters across the country, primarily concentrated in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Notably, about 96% of these exporters are single-owner operations, while the remaining 4% represent larger brands or companies.
To reach global buyers, many exporters have embraced digital platforms. Approximately 1,764 exporters maintain their own websites, and many are actively engaged on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to promote their products internationally.
Additional Noteworthy Brands
Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics (Odisha): Specializes in traditional Parda art, a fabric art form registered under Geographical Identification (GI) by the government of India
Chikankari (Uttar Pradesh): A traditional embroidery style from Lucknow, generating ₹2,800 crore in revenue in 2024-25. Despite its popularity, it maintains a subtle presence in the fashion world
Price Range
Price
Kantha Embroidery:
Procurement Price: ₹500 – ₹1,500
International Selling Price: $40 – $100
Profit Margin: 45% – 50%
Wooden Handicrafts:
Procurement Price: ₹200 – ₹1,000
International Selling Price: $30 – $80
Profit Margin: 50% – 55%
Brassware:
Procurement Price: ₹300 – ₹1,200
International Selling Price: $35 – $90
Profit Margin: 45% – 50%
Top 5 India Handicraft Brands
Company Overview Okhai
Okhai is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 under the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD). Its mission is to empower rural women artisans by providing them with sustainable livelihoods through the revival and promotion of traditional crafts. The brand is named after Okhamandal, a region in Gujarat where Tata Chemicals established its operations in 1939.
2002: Okhai was established as a part of TCSRD’s initiative to support rural communities.
2008: The Okhai Centre for Empowerment was registered as a trust, with artisans as members, to formalize and expand its activities.
2016: Okhai launched its e-commerce platform, okhai.org, to reach a broader audience and provide artisans with a direct market for their products.
Retail Presence
Okhai has established a physical retail presence in several cities across India, including:
Ahmedabad: Flagship store in Navrangpura.
Mumbai: Store in Fort area.
Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur: Consignee outlets.
Export and Global Reach
2020 was a challenging year as the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviour and new ways of working. During this period, Okhai, the rural women’s collective supported by Tata Chemicals Ltd, demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation.
By strengthening its digital presence and expanding its e-commerce platform, the brand achieved 67% annual growth in FY20. This strategic approach also helped improve the livelihoods of artisans across India.
Okhai enabled more than 24,000 artisan groups to showcase and sell their handmade products online. This initiative provided rural artisans with new business opportunities and helped them embrace digital commerce.
Today, Okhai is a well-known apparel and lifestyle brand offering handcrafted products created by skilled rural artisans. The company has also expanded its retail presence by opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, further strengthening its brand identity.
Price Range
Okhai offers a diverse range of handcrafted products, including:
Apparel: Kurtas, tops, trousers, palazzos, skirts, and jackets.
Accessories: Dupattas, stoles, and bags.
Home Décor: Cushion covers, bed covers, and other textile items.
The price range varies based on the product and craftsmanship, typically starting from ₹500 and can go up to ₹3,000 or more for premium items. The products are known for their intricate hand embroidery, block prints, and appliqué work.
Conclusion
Okhai stands as a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern business practices to create sustainable livelihoods for rural women. Its commitment to quality, empowerment, and cultural preservation makes it a unique and impactful brand in the Indian handicraft sector.
Suta Bombay
Company Overview
Suta Bombay was co-founded in 2016 by sisters Sujata Biswas and Taniya Biswas. They started the brand with a modest investment of ₹6 lakh, aiming to blend traditional Indian handwoven textiles with contemporary fashion. Their vision was to create elegant, comfortable clothing that celebrated India’s rich textile heritage.
The brand initially adopted an online-first approach and quickly gained recognition for its handwoven sarees, blouses, and fusion wear. Its vibrant colours, premium fabrics, and modern designs helped build a loyal customer base across India.
In 2025, Suta achieved another milestone by opening its 14th retail store in Bandra, Mumbai, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity and expanding offline presence.
Store Presence
Mumbai (Thane, Kalina, Bandra)
Kolkata
Bengaluru (Indiranagar, HSR Layout)
Pune
Kochi
Hyderabad
Chennai
Delhi
Ahmedabad
Bhubaneswar
Thiruvananthapuram
As of March 2025, Suta operates 15 exclusive stores across India. These outlets are strategically located in major cities, including:
Revenue and Financial Milestones
As of March 2025, Suta reported a revenue of ₹75 crore, reflecting its successful expansion and strong market presence. The brand’s profitability underscores its effective business model and customer-centric approach.
Range & Pricing
Suta offers a diverse range of products, including:
Handwoven sarees
Blouses and kurtas
Fusion wear (dresses, co-ords)
Lehengas and menswear
Accessories and artisanal fabrics
The brand is known for its vibrant color palettes and contemporary designs, making traditional handwoven textiles appealing to modern consumers. Prices vary based on the product and design intricacy, catering to a wide range of budgets.
Brand Philosophy and Community Engagement
Suta’s philosophy centers around empowering women artisans and promoting sustainable fashion. The brand collaborates with local weavers and artisans, ensuring fair wages and preserving traditional craft techniques. Suta’s community engagement initiatives further strengthen its connection with customers, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values.
Craft Maestros
Craft Maestros was founded in 2018 by Akansha Dixit and Ajay Arjit Singh, both passionate about preserving and promoting India’s rich handicraft heritage. Their vision was to create a platform that showcases the masterpieces of India’s master artisans to a global audience. Incorporated as Ammara Craft Maestros Private Limited on August 31, 2018, the company is based in Gurugram, Haryana
Export and Global Reach
Craft Maestros has expanded its reach beyond India by partnering with Teamwork Arts to launch “Earth Fables,” a dedicated e-commerce platform for Indian artisans . This collaboration aims to showcase authentic handmade products from India’s finest artisans to a global audience. While exact export figures are not publicly disclosed, the association with Earth Fables indicates a growing international demand for Craft Maestros’ products.
Social Impact
By providing a platform for master artisans, Craft Maestros contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian crafts. The brand’s efforts empower artisans by offering them fair compensation and recognition, thereby supporting sustainable livelihoods and the continuation of age-old craft traditions.
Artisan Collaborations and Recognition
Craft Maestros collaborates with over 90 master artisans, including:
3 Padma Shri awardees
11 Shilp Gurus
66 National Award winners
11 renowned artisans in their respective crafts
Range and Price
Craft Maestros offers a diverse array of handcrafted products, including:
Home Décor: Kilim rugs, wall clocks, marble diffusers, and terracotta items.
Apparel: Handwoven shawls, dupattas, and sarees.
Accessories: Leather bags, jute totes, and handcrafted stationery.
Artworks: Madhubani paintings, blue pottery, and bone inlay art
The price range varies based on the intricacy and material of the product, typically starting from ₹500 and can go up to ₹5,000 or more for premium items.
Conclusion
Craft Maestros stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of India’s handcrafted legacy. Through its dedication to quality, authenticity, and artisan empowerment, the brand not only offers exquisite handcrafted products but also plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting India’s diverse craft heritage on the global stage.
Gaatha Handicrafts
Company Overview
Gaatha Handicrafts was founded in 2009 by Sumiran Pandya and Shivani Dhar in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The initiative began as a research project under the guidance of Prof. M.P. Ranjan and Aditi Ranjan at the National Institute of Design. Recognizing the need to not only document but also revitalize traditional crafts, Gaatha evolved into an e-commerce platform in 2013, aiming to bridge the gap between artisans and global consumers.
Export and Global Reach
Gaatha Handicrafts has expanded its reach beyond India by partnering with Teamwork Arts to launch “Earth Fables,” a dedicated e-commerce platform for Indian artisans
. This collaboration aims to showcase authentic handmade products from India’s finest artisans to a global audience. While exact export figures are not publicly disclosed, the association with Earth Fables indicates a growing international demand for Gaatha’s products.
Range & Price
Range and Price:
Gaatha offers a diverse array of handcrafted products, including:
Home Décor: Pottery, brassware, wooden artifacts, and wall hangings.
Textiles: Handwoven sarees, dupattas, and stoles from regions like Chanderi and Maheshwari.
Accessories: Leather bags, stationery, and jewelry.
Artworks: Madhubani paintings, miniature paintings, and block-printed fabrics.
The price range varies based on the product and craftsmanship, typically starting from ₹500 and can go up to ₹20,000 or more for premium items
Social Impact
Gaatha collaborates with over 3,000 artisans and 35 NGOs across India, working in regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Kashmir. The organization focuses on documenting, researching, and marketing traditional crafts, thereby providing artisans with a platform to showcase their work to national and international buyers
Final Thought
We have also published detailed articles on Kauna Grass Handicrafts, Sujini Embroidery, Monpa Textile Handicraft, and Narasapur Crochet Lace Products, which you may find useful if you are exploring India’s rich handicraft traditions, regional craftsmanship, and unique handmade heritage.
FAQs
What is handicraft?
Handicraft refers to products that are primarily made by hand using traditional skills and locally available materials. These items often reflect the culture, heritage, and craftsmanship of a particular region.
Why are Indian handicrafts famous worldwide?
Indian handicrafts are renowned for their intricate designs, skilled craftsmanship, cultural significance, and centuries-old artistic traditions. They are exported to many countries across the world.
Which are the major handicraft hubs in India?
Some of the leading handicraft centres include Jaipur, Varanasi, Kashmir, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Kutch, Mysuru, and Narasapur, each known for its unique craft traditions.
What are the different types of Indian handicrafts?
Popular categories include pottery, wood carving, metal crafts, hand embroidery, bamboo and cane products, textiles, stone carving, leather crafts, and handmade jewellery.
Why is the handicraft industry important to India?
The industry preserves India’s cultural heritage, supports millions of artisans, generates employment in rural areas, and contributes significantly to exports and the country’s creative economy.
