Start a Handicraft Export Business

    

(344). Start a Handicraft Export Business

India is one of the important suppliers of handicrafts to the world market. The Indian handicrafts industry is highly labour intensive cottage based industry and decentralized, being spread all over the country in rural and urban areas. Numerous artisans are engaged in crafts work on part-time basis.The industry provides employment to over six million artisans (including those in carpet trade), which include a large number of women and people belonging to the weaker sections of the society. In addition to the high potential for employment, the sector is economically important from the point of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition, and high potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

The export earnings from Indian handicrafts industry for the period 2009-10 amounted to US$ 2.2 billion.  In addition to the high potential for employment, the sector is economically important from the point of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition, and high potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Handicrafts and handlooms are two such industries in India that have their special identity. With a mode of expressing one’s mind, soul, traditions and modern outlook, these two industries have created magic all over the world. The variety and expertise of handicrafts speaks through pottery, metal work, jewelry, wooden art, marble or stone work, paper mache items and toys. On the other hand, the glory of handloom industry can be stated in the form of designer clothes with a variety in fabric, printing styles, designs, patterns and specialized embroideries. In fact, almost every state in India has their own style of handicrafts and handlooms to boast their distinctiveness.

The business of Indian handicrafts

Basically the Indian handicrafts are some decorative and attractive items that are prepared by hand or some basic tools. There is a huge Indian market of wooden handicrafts, horn handicrafts, iron handicrafts and more. This Indian craft tradition has given significance to religious belief as well as local demand. Handicrafts has helped for domestic as well as foreign trade that resulted, the import export business of these handicrafts is getting popularity. In the history of India, you can find the Indus valley civilization which is known for its excellence in handicrafts. This is the process to develop the useful and artistic product creatively using natural raw material. These things which come in this category are decorative items, wooden coaster, and table top items. These handicrafts are come in the category of traditional products because of their deep relation with the culture. There are many products that are exported to foreign countries that also help in country economy. There are different kind of handicrafts are available in the market like wooden handicrafts, horn handicrafts, iron handicrafts etc. the wooden handicrafts presents the inner spirit of craftsmanship. You can include wooden chess set, painted figures, wooden frame work, pretty pen holders etc. Rajasthan is known for wooden handicrafts, wooden door, frames etc. the horn handicrafts are the integral part of the handicraft industry. These kinds of handicrafts are the example of perfect finishing and artist look. Due to this reason this industry is getting rise day by day. The import export business of these handicrafts has importance. Approx 90 percent of the Indian handicrafts are exported to other foreign countries in order to get more benefit on the same. The people who are in the export business purchase the products from local markets and sell in foreign markets. So that it can help them to increase the profit. Thus the industry of the handicrafts is wide; you just need knowledge of import export to start the business of these handicrafts.

History

History of Indian handicraft dates back to 3000 B.C References of Handicraft were found in Indus Valley Civilization (3000 B.C - 1700 B.C.). Handmade objects were mainly for day to day use. Later, needs for decoration, beauty and aesthetic appeal gave rise to what we call handicraft today. Metal and clay were main ingredients. Indian Kings and Emperors were known to be art lovers who sponsored many artistic pursuits and archeological marvels. Caves of Ajanta, Ellora, Khajuraho etc. are examples of fresco and paintings, Konark in Orissa is another landmark of majestic stone craft which took years to complete. Later on Mughals brought Persian art and craft which blended with Hindu art in a splendid way to give rise to wonders of the world such as the Taj Mahal. Modern day India has seen areas and clusters specializing in specific forms of handicraft. These areas nurtured specific art forms, developed over generations. Firozabad in UP for glass handicraft, Moradabad for brass handicraft, Shahranpur for wooden handicraft, Bhadohi and Mizapur for beautiful handmade carpets are world famous. Detail history of various Indian handicraft such as glass beads, bone handicraft, brass and metal, bamboo art work, clay art, ceramic art etc. Stone Work For centuries Indian handicrafts have been distinguished for their great aesthetic and functional value. In ancient times, the shilpis conceptualized the intricate designs and patterns, which were crafted painfully into the temples and the objects associated with them. Apart from the temples, other handicraft items too have gained immense popularity. Handicraft items that were patronized by the Mughal royalty show a remarkable refinement of workmanship. In these crafts the designs were very often influenced by the court paintings and miniature art derived from Persian or indigenous sources. These designs are evident in the Indian carpets, brocades, papier mache, stone inlay and so on. Traditionally, the artists prepared the designs on paper which were subsequently executed by the craftsmen. The designs were assigned to different craftsmen according to their abilities and skill. Thus the designer or master craftsman visualized the complete design indicating the details of form, color distribution and proportion to be realized by various specialists. The rules of iconography were written down in the ancients scriptures, namely the Shilpa Shastra. The master craftsman would first visualize the image in a particular representation, according to the rules of iconography laid down in the scriptures on stone craft, and prepare initially a model in wax or clay. This would later be cast by craftsmen, while the master craftsman executed the finer work. This combination of design ability and technical skills was a part of our craft tradition. There are however, many crafts where the craftsman both designs and executes the products himself. Wood Craft In later course wood's use began for craft purposes. As surface of wood can be carved and chiseled, wood became a beautiful medium for artistic crafts. As the time moved on we saw the application of woodcraft taking shape of uncountable splendid articles, and ornaments. Skilled artisans through their traditional tools crafted magnificent, nimble and subtle specimens. In India too this art flourished in splendiferous styles. Here the artisans have inherited the art of woodcraft and other crafts from their ancestors. This art is most revered possession for them and you can expect if such sacred feelings are intricated with anything how pleasing the result would be. In India woodcraft has been done on woods of different plants and trees. Consequently, you see woodcraft on the traditional plants and rare plants also. You can see wonderful works on bamboo and cane even. As India is a rich country in culture, art and craft, an onlooker is able to look at myriad variety of wood sculpture. From the remotest ages the decoration of wood has been a foremost art. We see picturesque designs of woodcraft all around. Their sheer minute artistic venture fascinates art lovers. Most striking factor about woodcraft is that from remote times the wooden Jewelry has also been made. Today's fashion freaks run after beautifully crafted wood jewelry. Crafts in India presents you many adroit wooden art works. Browse though for elegance in wood. Paintings India has been the home of arts and crafts since primitive times and painting is no exception to this fact. Indians knew the art of painting since prehistoric times. Earliest cave paintings depicting various scenes are the ample testimony of this fact.Caves of Bhimbetka and Ajanta are the milestones which Indian Painting's heritage passes through. Indian paintings like Miniatures paintings, Thangka paintings, Madhubani paintings, Warlis paintings, Tanjore paintings and various others are now an art freak's greatest temptation. Thus, paintings form a large part of handicraft exports from India. Painted geometric designs and symbols have also been found on pottery items belonging to the Indus valley civilization. While the medieval period is remembered for the Persian styled miniature paintings introduced by the Mughals. Not only were Mughal miniatures great masterpieces, they also influenced local miniature schools in Rajasthan, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Major Organizations on Indian Handicraft   All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA) Address : 18 Community Centre 3rd Floor, East of Kailash New Delhi 110 065, New Delhi - 110 065 India Phone : 91 11 26416492/93/94 Fax : 91 11 26416491 Website : http://www.aiacaonline.org   Central Cottage Industries Corporation Of India Limited Address : Jawahar Vyapar Bhavan, Janpath, New Delhi, 110 001 (India), New Delhi - 110 001 India Phone : 91-11- 23323825, 23730374 Fax : 91-11-23328354 Website : http://www.cottageemporium.in   Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) Address : EPCH HOUSE", POCKET-6 & 7, SECTOR 'C', L.S.C., VASANT KUNJ, NEW DELHI-110 070, New Delhi - 110 070 India Phone : 91-11-26135256/57/58 Fax : 91-11-26135518/19 Website : http://www.epch.in   Federation Of Indian Export Organisations Address : PHD House (3rd Floor), Opp. Asian Games Village,, New Delhi - 110 016 India Phone : 91-11-26851310/12/14/15 Fax : 91-11-26863087/26967859 Website : http://www.fieo.com   Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Address : 391-A, Diamond Plaza. 5th Floor, Dr. Dadasaheb Bhadkamkar Marg,Mumbai - 400 004, Mumbai - 400 004 India Phone : 91-22-43541800 Fax : 91-22-2380 8752 / 2380 49 Website : http://www.gjepc.org