Amazing Handcrafted Items to Buy on Your Next Trip to India

Madhubani painting is a unique type of folk art that originated in Mithila, Bihar. Created mostly by women, the painting revolves around natural and religious themes. These paintings are created using twigs or fingers. You won’t find any blank space, just a riot of natural colours all over. This tradition is about 2500 years old, and can be found on ethnic Indian clothing as well.

From wooden ornaments to dishes, wall hangings, photo frames, trinket boxes, sculptures and more, you can find a wide array of wooden handcrafted items to bring home as souvenirs. These items are engraved and inlayed perfectly, and if you know how to bargain, you can be sure to get them for a reasonable price.

Terracotta artefacts come in many shapes and sizes. These handcrafted items make for the perfect rustic gift, and often come in the form of homeware, jewellery, wall-hangings, chimes and small sculptures. Indian state Chhattisgarh is particularly famous for its terracotta art.

The state of Rajasthan in India is famous for its colourful puppets. Also known as katputlis, they symbolise the vibrant culture of this desert state. They come in pairs, adorned and embellished, and make a great addition to your home décor. The best thing is that you can find them at ridiculously cheap prices.

India’s handloom carpets are famous all over the world. The wonderfully woven cloths are a nod to India’s rich culture. The most famous states in which to buy handloom carpets are Kashmir and Rajasthan. They come in both simple to elaborate designs, and differ in shape and size.

Punjabi juttis are made of leather and other materials, and are easily distinguishable due to their boat-shaped form. This type of footwear is decorated with anything ranging from pearls, engravings, sequins and stones, and are an ideal gift for loved ones back home.