Art and Crafts of Uttar Pradesh | Course for UPPSC Preparation - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Different Crafts of Uttar Pradesh

Here are Some of The Important Arts and Crafts of Uttar Pradesh

• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Chikankari Embroidery 
  Among the various handicrafts, Chikankari embroidery from Lucknow holds a prominent place. This delicate form of embroidery involves intricate needlework on fabrics like chiffon, muslin, organza, and silk. Chikankari exhibits various styles such as mure, lerchi, keel kangan, and bakhia, incorporating Mughal architectural motifs. This embroidery is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable, making it popular for sarees and salwar suits.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Varanasi Brocade sarees
  Varanasi Brocade, also known as Varanasi Silk, is a notable handicraft of Uttar Pradesh. These sarees, made with cotton fabric, feature gold and silver threads, creating intricate designs. Benarasi sarees, a subset of Varanasi Brocade, are particularly significant in Indian marriages due to their royal appearance and elaborate patterns, often showcasing floral motifs.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Stonecraft
  Uttar Pradesh is known for its exquisite stonecraft, a skill that flourished under Mughal rule. The Taj Mahal in Agra stands as a masterpiece of this craft. Elaborate carvings, sculptures, and decorative items are prominent examples. Agra, Varanasi, and Fatehpur Sikri are recommended destinations to witness and purchase stonecraft in Uttar Pradesh.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Carpets Weaving
  Carpets weaving in Uttar Pradesh, influenced by Persian skills, has evolved into a remarkable art form. Originating during the Mughal era, cities like Bhadohi, Shahjahanpur, and Mirzapur have become hubs for carpet production. Uttar Pradesh is often referred to as the 'Carpet City,' contributing to 90% of the total carpets produced in India. The carpets exhibit diverse styles featuring flora, fauna, and various patterns.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Brassware
  Uttar Pradesh is a major producer of brass and copper articles in India. Cities like Etawah, Banaras, and Sitapur are renowned for their metal artifacts. Moradabad stands out for its metalwork, offering traditional vases, Ganeshas, laughing Buddhas, stools, trays, and contemporary bowls. Metal engraving techniques, such as Nakshi and khudai, contribute to the unique beauty of brassware.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Glassware
  Firozabad, Varanasi, and Saharanpur are recognized for their exceptional glass-oriented handicrafts in Uttar Pradesh. Molded glassware, including colorful glass bangles, chandeliers, jewelry, decanters, cutlery sets, and trinkets, showcases the artistic prowess of the region. Firozabad, in particular, is celebrated as the "city of bangles," producing world-famous glass beads.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Pottery
  Pottery, with a history dating back nearly 600 years, is an integral part of Uttar Pradesh's culture. Cities like Meerut, Khurja, and Hapur are renowned for their pottery skills, producing handmade pots adorned with vibrant floral designs. Surahi, a vessel with a long neck, is a unique pottery creation used for keeping water cool. Khurja, Chunar, Rampur, and Nizamabad are notable for their diverse pottery styles, patterns, and colors.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Perfumes
  Uttar Pradesh is famous for its ittar (perfume) since the Mughal period. Fragrances like jasmine, Heena, rose, and khus are popular. Cities like Agra, Lucknow, Aligarh, Ramnagar, Gazipur, Saharanpur, and Kannauj are known for cultivating the roses used in rose ittars. Lucknow, in particular, is recognized as the "capital of Essence," producing long-lasting fragrances using aromatic oils, herbs, sandal, musk, and various flower and leaf fragrances.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Zari Embroidery
  Varanasi, the oldest city in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its zari work. Traditionally, gold and silver threads are intricately woven into sarees, giving them a royal appearance. Zardozi embroidery, another unique art form, involves three-dimensional embroidery. Banarasi sarees with Zari work are globally acclaimed.
• Crafts of Uttar Pradesh - Terracotta 
  Gorakhpur district's villages specialize in creating clay figurines, with decorated terracotta horses being particularly famous. Artisans use separate pieces of mud on a wheel, carving them to form the basic structure. Terracotta horses are produced not only in Gorakhpur but also in other cities of Uttar Pradesh.
  In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse and intricate crafts, each showcasing the artistic skills and traditions of the region.