Andhra Pradesh is very well known for its exotic handicrafts that are like a labour of love. Craftsmanship is very well respected in the state and five iconic handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh: Bidriware and Beyond is going to warm your heart when you become acquainted with the process of how it is made. Other than the welcoming flavourful cuisine or the extremely old temples, you will also find a number of handicrafts. No matter where it is a work that is woven by hand or a well carved piece of wood, these handicrafts are sure to create a place in your heart.
The Brass Utensils of Budithi
When it comes to five iconic handicrafts in Birdiware and beyond in the quiet Srikakulam district, the artisans focus on shaping the cooking pots, lamps and tinkling bells with extraordinary expertise. These items are known for how geometrical they look which increases their quality to a great amount. Some families have stated that they use Budithi brassware for many years because of how durable and special it is to them. This brassware is so precise that it has even achieved a highlight of GI or Geometrical Indication, which makes it the pride of the Indian nation.
The Detailed Art of Kalamkari
Women in Andhra Pradesh adorn themselves with traditional clothing that has the capability to narrate stories by itself. There are two distinctive styles of Kalamkari work that is Srikalahasti style as well as Pedana style.
In the former style, the artisans dip their pens of bamboo into natural dye which allows them to create images of popular events in the mythological epics of India like Jatayu getting killed brutally by Ravana or when Krishna provides Arjuna with wisdom in the Bhagvad Gita.
In the latter style, the artisans use wooden blocks in the place of a bamboo pen. Although they do not draw images of the epics, they showcase images of floral motifs or peacock motifs. One similarity among the two styles is that both make use of vegetable dyes.
Kondapalli Toys
When it comes to five iconic handicrafts of Andhra Pradesh in Birdiware and beyond, the little children of Andhra Pradesh are brought up with these toys which have been procured absolutely naturally. These toys were first created in Vijayawada where they showcased the daily activities of village life like a farmer working very passionately in his field or a Bengali bride and groom that have newly married. These toys were even used as puppets during the festival of Sankranti.
Ventagiri Saris
These saris offered an adequately royal look although they are not particularly heavy saris like the Kanjeevaram or a Banarasi. They are well suited for the hot weather of Andhra. You can recognise these saris by the zari border or the fine silk used to create them. Some people also state that the saris are so light that it feels to them as if they have not put anything on their skin. The motifs on these saris are extremely charming like tiny leaves or baby blossoms. It is reported that it takes weeks to weave a singular sari because the process of creating it is complex.
Tholu Bhommalata
Tholu Bhommalata is also called the puppet theatre of Andhra Pradesh because it consists of a white cloth and a glowing oil lamp behind it which is the only source of light. Other than that, you will be able to spot a puppet which is dancing to the tunes of its maker as it playfully narrates a story that is enthralling to the audience.
In conclusion, these crafts of Andhra Pradesh are worth holding onto because they represent the legacies that has been carried on for generations.
Author
Shreeja Mukherjee