With a rich cultural heritage and glorious historical past, Andhra Pradesh is the home to some finest forms of arts and crafts. The Andhra Pradesh Arts & Crafts represents several genre of handicrafts, handlooms, curios and paintings. Some of the attractive forms of Andhra crafts are:
Kalamkari - it is a world famous textile pattern known for the beautiful vegetable colors used on the clothes. This art form is prominent in the Machilipatnam region of the state. Hindu mythological designs, prayer carpets for Muslims, chintz, tent lining clothes and curtain fabrics are the areas, which the style deals with.
Bidri - this wonderful form of craft belongs to the capital of the state - Hyderabad. The legendary craft involves exquisite silver works on metal.
Nirmal Paintings - this is a beautiful painting style which features scenes from Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is named after the Nirmal town in Adilabad district where the art is mostly found.
Cherial Scroll Paintings - this art form is practiced mainly in Cherial, Warangal district. The paintings are done in earth colors and mainly used as wall decorations.
Kondapalli dolls - these are specially made toys made of soft wood called Tella Poniki. Saw dust, enamel gums, tamarind seed pwder and watercolors are also used to make these adorable toys.
Decorative hand-crocheted lace - comparatively a very contemporary handicraft, it was introduced by a Scottish couple. Today, thousands of women in the Narsapur and Palokal areas are involved in it. The laces are made with slender threads, woven by steel crochet needles.
For more details on the handicrafts and art works of Andhra Pradesh, please visit the following links:
