Gujarat and its portrayal through provincial icons

Folk art and craft is a way of life for many in Gujarat.

May they be clay reliefs on Bhunga walls, Pithora painting of Rathwas, the terracotta horses of Poshina or Matani Pachhedi of Ahmedabad, they are not objects of display or decoration but instead manifestations of a way of life. 

No wonder Gujarat boasts of the highest number of national award winning artisans. 

Textile has been the forte of Gujarat's art and craft. Ahmedabad, large stretches of Saurashtra and Kutch are rich in this craft. Ahmedabad, Surat and Jamnagar were known for Kinkhab - silver and silk woven cloth and saris. Mashru and Himru were also made here. 

Silk Patola saris of Patan are unique examples of handloom, Ikat weaving, only one of the kind and known internationally. Also unique to Gujarat is Mata ni Pachhedi from Ahmedabad which is a combination of hand painting and block printing in red and black. Block printing especially with Sodagari, geometric and floral motifs is the particularity of Ahmedabad.  Gujarat is rich with 'tie and dye' and embroidery work. Saurashtra and Kutch are the main centres.

Apart from textile craft Gujarat is equally rich in woodwork. Pols of Patan and Ahmedabad or the havelis of Vaso or Saurashtra are the testimonies of the exotic craftsmanship in wood for domestic architecture. The craft has survived even today and is extended to temple adornments as well. Lacquered furniture of Sankheda, Patara and Majus (Chest) with brass inlay from Bhavnagar and Surendranagar has become the identity of Gujarat. Lacquered toys and implements of Idar and Nirona are also very popular. Bhuj and Anjar are known for knives and nut crackers. Jamnagar specialises in the brass hardware.  

In Gujarat, the tribal museum at Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad, Shreyas Museum of Folk Art in Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad City Museum at Sanskar Kendra etc house some of the specimens of its craft.

However, these crafts and folk art can be best explored in their own living environments and context, dotted throughout the diverse and vibrant landscape of Gujarat. In the era of tourism, promoting craft as tourism resource can mean win-win for the tourists, state economy as well as craftsman's sustenance.