Andhra Pradesh : Handicrafts

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Andhra Pradesh in the south has patronized itself in a host of arts and crafts that not only attract millions but earn the artisans a decent livelihood. The various forms of arts and crafts are aristocratic to this state and are not found anywhere else in India.

KONDAPALLI

If any of the several head turning art and crafts of Andhra Pradesh is same popular with the adults and the children, it is the Kondapalli dolls. The Kondapalli dolls of Andhra Pradesh are Light weighted wooden dolls, which come from a small village called Kondapalli in the vicinity of Vijayawada. The dolls are so adorable yet warm and realistic. The faces of the figures are extremely expressive and the subjects are taken from our life. Soft Poniki wood is used to create these dolls and toys, which depicts everyday scenes, figures of deities, animals, birds and mythological characters. The Kondapalli dolls are mainly based on village life, its incidents and characters. The popularity of this fantastic craft work has reached the foreign shores also, the main reason being its flexibility.

DECORATIVE HAND CROCHETED LACE

The Decorative hand-crocheted lace work of Andhra Pradesh is a kind of handicraft, which is one of the most contemporary handicrafts of the state. This type of decorative art is prominent in the Narsapur and Palakollu of West Godavari district. The Decorative hand-crocheted lace work is widely used to design dining mats. It is also used to beautify bedsheets, pillow covers, telephone covers, wall hangings, tea cozy, dressing table mats and curtains. The popular Decorative hand-crocheted lace work of Andhra Pradesh are made with slender threads woven with the help of stainless steel crochet needles, which comes in different sizes.

KALAMKARI PAINTINGS

Out of the many beautiful forms of handicrafts, the Kalamkari in Andhra Pradesh has always been favorite with the art and craft lovers. The Kalamkari craft of Andhra Pradesh involves the art of printing and painting of fabrics. This is a rare kind of art, which uses a Kalam or quill, from which it has earned its name and also vegetable dyes. It is exclusively found in the Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti areas of the state. However the areas have distinct styles of their own. While artists in Machilipatnam use designs carved in wooden blocks for printing, the Srikalahasti style uses the wax process to fill in the colors after drawing the outlines with the quill.

Butta Bommalu

Butta Bommalu is a popular dance form in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the foster child of the West and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. The name Butta Bommalu literally means puppets made in the form of basket. Butta Bommalu or the basket puppets are made out of thin bamboo strips. These strips are woven into the shape of long spherical basket figures. The performer of Butta Bommalu gets into the huge, hollow figure, the puppet. The performance starts with the dancer moving to the rhythm of four dappus, a musical instrument. It is generally performed in the open space. The puppet-figure is about eight feet tall and it has a radius of three feet. The figure is hollow at the bottom it is from there that the performer gets into the puppet. The puppet is tied down to the performer’s waist and shoulders.

LAMBADI

Andhra Pradesh occupies an eminent place in the classical dance forms of India. Apart from the classical dances, it is also known for its tribal dances. Some of the popular tribal folk dances of Andhra Pradesh are Bathakamma, Gobbi, Mathuri, Dhamal, Dandaria, Dappu, Vadhyam etc. Lambadi dance is a tribal dance of Andhra Pradesh. Lambadi is related to the Lambadi tribe, who lead a semi-nomadic life in Andhra Pradesh. The Lambadi tribe lives all over the state. They are popularly known as Banjaras or Sugalis. The dancers perform this dance to rejoice an abundant harvest or a good sowing season.

BIDRI

The complicated and the very beautiful Bidriware was developed during the gothic times. Bidriware was originated in the 14th century C.E., during the reign of the Bahamani Sultans. The term ‘Bidriware’ arises from the Township of Bidar, which is still the head centre for the manufacture of the antique Metal work. Bidriware is an important export handicraft of India and is seen as a symbol of wealth because of its striking inlay artwork. The origin of Bidriware is usually ascribed to the Bahamani sultans who ruled Bidar between the 13th and the 15th centuries. The Sultan invited Abdullah bin Kaiser, a craftsman from Iran to work on embellishing the royal palaces and courts; which he did by joining hands with local craftsmen and thus gave birth to Bidriware. Since then, the local Muslim and Lingayat sects have been handed down the art in order to succeed generations.

NIRMAL PAINTINGS

Adding to the list of the envious collection of fascinating art and craft forms, the Nirmal Paintings of Andhra Pradesh holds a significant position in the art and handicraft sector of the state. The exquisite traditional art form of Nirmal Paintings has earned its name from the Nirmal town in Adilabad district, where it is mostly seen. The community of craftsmen who are engaged with the traditional art form of Nirmal paintings are known as Nakkash. They usually depict the scenes from Hindu Epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and other historical and mythological stories. This form of art received great patronage from the Mughal rulers, who were captivated by its beauty. Later on, Lady Hydri promoted Nirmal paintings in Hyderabad by bringing in experts craftsmen to the city.

KOLATTAM

The leader of the group controls the troupe and is known as Pennuddi or Kolanna Pantulu or Garuva. A couple of players is called Uddi, among the two one is called Rama and the next one is known as Lakshmana. Kolattam begins with the formation of a big circle consisting of all the members of the troupe, which later splits into two, one within the other. The leader of the troupe of Kolattam is accompanied by the Mridangam, flute, harmonium and cymbal players, who stand in the middle of the internal circle. Each performer holds up two sticks one in each hand that are decorated with colored strings or bells at its end.

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Andhra Pradesh is a state in southern India. It is the seventh-largest state in India by area and the fifth-most populous state with over 85 million inhabitants. The state is known for its rich culture and heritage, which is reflected in its handicrafts.

Andhra Pradesh handicrafts are made using a variety of materials, including wood, metal, clay, and textiles. Some of the most popular handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh include bidis, copperware, dokra, handloom, idli cookers, iron work, jewellery, kalamkari, lambani, mallapuram Pottery, rangoli, soapstone carving, and wood carving.

Bidis are small, hand-rolled cigarettes made from tobacco leaves wrapped in tendu leaves. They are a popular smoking product in India and are often used as a substitute for cigarettes. Bidis are made in many parts of India, but Andhra Pradesh is one of the major producers.

Copperware is a type of metalwork that is made from copper. Copperware is used to make a variety of items, including utensils, vessels, and jewelry. Copperware is known for its durability and its ability to resist corrosion.

Dokra is a type of metalwork that is made from molten metal. Dokra is used to make a variety of items, including jewelry, utensils, and sculptures. Dokra is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Handloom is a type of textile that is made using a handloom. Handlooms are used to weave a variety of fabrics, including Cotton, silk, and wool. Handloom fabrics are known for their quality and their intricate designs.

Idli cookers are a type of cookware that is used to cook idlis. Idlis are a type of South Indian dish that is made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Idli cookers are made from a variety of materials, including metal, clay, and glass.

Iron work is a type of metalwork that is made from iron. Iron work is used to make a variety of items, including gates, fences, and furniture. Iron work is known for its strength and its durability.

Jewellery is a type of adornment that is worn on the body. Jewellery is made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, and precious stones. Jewellery is often used to symbolize wealth, status, and beauty.

Kalamkari is a type of textile that is made using a resist dyeing technique. Kalamkari is used to make a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and wool. Kalamkari fabrics are known for their intricate designs and their bright colors.

Lambani is a type of embroidery that is done by the Lambanis. The Lambanis are a nomadic tribe that lives in India. Lambani embroidery is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Mallapuram pottery is a type of pottery that is made in the town of Mallapuram. Mallapuram pottery is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Rangoli is a type of floor art that is made using rice flour, sand, or colored powder. Rangoli is often used to decorate homes and temples during festivals. Rangoli is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Soapstone carving is a type of carving that is done on soapstone. Soapstone is a type of soft stone that is found in India. Soapstone carving is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Wood carving is a type of carving that is done on wood. Wood carving is used to make a variety of items, including furniture, sculptures, and utensils. Wood carving is known for its intricate designs and its bright colors.

Andhra Pradesh handicrafts are a beautiful and unique part of the state’s culture. They are made using a variety of materials and techniques, and they reflect the state’s rich history and heritage. If you are looking for a unique souvenir from your trip to Andhra Pradesh, be sure to check out the state’s many handicrafts.

What are the different types of handicrafts in Andhra Pradesh?

Andhra Pradesh is home to a wide variety of handicrafts, including textiles, woodcarving, metalwork, and pottery. Some of the most popular handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh include:

  • Pallekam sarees: These handwoven sarees are made from cotton or silk and are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
  • Kalamkari paintings: These hand-painted textiles are made using a resist dyeing technique and are known for their intricate designs and bright colors.
  • Bidriware: This metalwork is made from a combination of silver and copper and is known for its intricate designs and intricate patterns.
  • Lakdi toys: These wooden toys are made from a type of wood called lacdi and are known for their bright colors and intricate designs.
  • Pottery: Andhra Pradesh is home to a number of different pottery traditions, including the making of black pottery, red pottery, and terracotta pottery.

What are the benefits of buying handicrafts?

There are many benefits to buying handicrafts, including:

  • Supporting local artisans: When you buy handicrafts, you are directly supporting the artisans who made them. This helps to ensure that they can continue to practice their craft and earn a living.
  • Promoting cultural diversity: Handicrafts are a reflection of the culture and traditions of the people who made them. By buying handicrafts, you can learn about different cultures and help to promote cultural diversity.
  • Reducing your environmental impact: Handicrafts are often made from sustainable materials and are produced using traditional methods. This means that they have a lower environmental impact than mass-produced goods.
  • Getting a unique and one-of-a-kind item: Handicrafts are often one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find anywhere else. This makes them a great way to add a personal touch to your home or wardrobe.

Where can I buy handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh?

You can buy handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh at a number of different places, including:

  • Handicraft markets: There are a number of handicraft markets in Andhra Pradesh, where you can find a wide variety of handicrafts from all over the state.
  • Online retailers: There are a number of online retailers that sell handicrafts from Andhra Pradesh. This is a convenient way to buy handicrafts if you can’t visit Andhra Pradesh in person.
  • Craftsmen’s workshops: You can also buy handicrafts directly from the craftsmen who make them. This is a great way to learn about the craft and to support the artisans who make them.

How can I care for handicrafts?

Handicrafts are often made from delicate materials, so it’s important to care for them properly. Here are a few tips on how to care for handicrafts:

  • Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing handicrafts in direct sunlight or in humid environments.
  • Dust them regularly. Use a soft cloth to dust handicrafts, being careful not to rub too hard.
  • Clean them with a mild soap and water solution. If a handicraft becomes dirty, you can clean it with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse the handicraft thoroughly and dry it completely.
  • Repair them if necessary. If a handicraft becomes damaged, you may be able to repair it yourself or take it to a professional for repair.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your handicrafts will last for many years to come.

  1. Which of the following is not a handicraft of Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Ikat weaving
    (B) Bidri
    (C) Kalamkari
    (D) Terracotta

  2. Which of the following is the most famous handicraft of Andhra Pradesh?
    (A) Ikat weaving
    (B) Bidri
    (C) Kalamkari
    (D) Terracotta

  3. Ikat weaving is a technique of weaving in which the warp and weft threads are dyed before they are woven together. This results in intricate patterns that cannot be achieved with other weaving techniques.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  4. Bidri is a type of metalwork that is made from a combination of silver, copper, and zinc. It is known for its intricate designs and its use of precious metals.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  5. Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted cloth that is made in Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its intricate designs and its use of natural dyes.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  6. Terracotta is a type of pottery that is made from clay. It is known for its earthy colors and its rustic appearance.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  7. Andhra Pradesh is a state in India that is known for its rich culture and heritage. It is home to a number of different handicrafts, each with its own unique history and tradition.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  8. The Handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh are a reflection of the state’s diverse culture and history. They are made using a variety of techniques and materials, and they each have their own unique style.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  9. The handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh are a source of pride for the people of the state. They are a reminder of the state’s rich culture and heritage, and they are a Source Of Income for many people.
    (A) True
    (B) False

  10. The handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to the state can see the handicrafts being made, and they can purchase them as souvenirs.
    (A) True
    (B) False