This Might Be the Last Generation Practising These Traditional Indian Crafts

Across India, ancient art forms are quietly fading - not from lack of beauty, but from lack of attention. Here are three such traditional crafts, rich in heritage, skill, and soul, that deserve to be seen, celebrated, and saved.

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1. Bell metal work Still forged by hand in towns like Sarthebari (Assam) and Kantilo (Odisha), bell metal is crafted into ritual items and utensils - a living legacy of metalwork mastery.

Credit: Clio's chronicle s

How it’s made Artisans melt the alloy, pour it into moulds, then beat and polish each piece by hand. The process demands both physical strength and generational skill.

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2. Blue pottery Rooted in Persian techniques, Jaipur’s blue pottery is known for its vibrant cobalt hues, floral motifs, and clay-free quartz mix — delicate yet enduring.

Credit: Indian Art Ideas

How it’s made This clayless art blends quartz, gum, and glass. Artisans hand-paint with cobalt dyes before glazing and firing at low heat to create vibrant pieces.

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3. Pattachitra A storytelling tradition from Odisha and Bengal, Pattachitra scrolls illustrate epics like the Ramayana with intricate lines and plant-based colours on cloth or palm leaf.

How it’s made Cloth is treated with chalk and tamarind to make a canvas. Artists sketch detailed scenes using natural pigments and brushes made from local fibres.

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The crisis With demand falling and poor pay, many artisans leave these crafts for other work. Despite their cultural value, these skills often go unrecognised and unrewarded.

Credit: Abhijna museu m

The revival From artisan training to digital marketplaces and cultural tourism, efforts are growing to support traditional crafts and create new livelihoods rooted in heritage.

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Keep the craft alive When you buy handmade, you support more than an object, you support a living tradition. These crafts are not just beautiful; they are India’s artistic memory, alive in every stroke and shape.