Indian artisans and weavers display cultural heritage at CCIC

The exhibition, titled "Dharohar", is an initiative of the Textile Ministry along with Central Cottage Industries Corporation (CCIC) of India and aims to promote Indian handicrafts and craftsmanship.

Kashmir-based artiste Mohammed Shafi Nagu, who is displaying a collection of his exquisite 'Papier Machie Boxes' inspired from the flora of the valley, says he combines paper with natural glue and delicately shapes them putting successive layers of paper pulp.

"It takes 10-12 days to prepare a hard surface which is smoothened with a special stone called 'karkod'. These are hand-crafted and hand-painted where we use vibrant water-based colours to paint chinar trees and other beautiful flora of our state," Nagu says.

The artiste, who has been in the trade since his childhood, says it is a family legacy.

Pieces overlaid with cut and polished panels of camel bone and inscribed with traditional designs are another visual treat at the exhibition.

The craved perfume casket 'Itra Daan' represents mughal grandeur, which craftsperson Abul Hasib has successfully revived.

"The bone is first cleansed with chemical hydroxyl to remove the impurities. We cut it in different dimensions, polish and then carve it with authentic designs to create art pieces," says Habib.

The exhibition also offers a collection of handlooms presenting the culture and colours of India. From famous Pashmina stoles to benarasi hand woven apparels all have been capsuled at one place.

Brass metal works made with traditional techniques are being displayed by artiste Chanchal Chakraborty.

"It is an old craft of India and Islamic influence enriched it further. We use the sand casting technique to caste different components in brass and give the artifact final finish using different types of chemicals," says Chakraborty.

Ram Dayal Sharma draws inspiration from old Rajputana rifles to create a gun in Trakashi works- generally done on teakwood or sheesham.

An interactive session with master craftspeople demonstrating the process of making art pieces will also be organised by CCIC.

"We have taken this initiative to promote Indian crafts and encourage the artistes with a view to increase awareness," says Pramod Nagpal, Managing Director, CCIC.

The exhibition, which is underway at CCIC, is set to continue till December 15.