JOIN USCrafts that emerge from Bastar are inspired by nature in all its effervescence. The beauty of Bastar’s crafts lies in the delightful fusion of the antique and the contemporary. The Harappan and Indus Valley flavour of Bastar’s handicrafts heightens their appeal amongst the cognoscenti.
Kondagaon, Narayanpur and Jagdalpur are famous for their terracotta crafts such as elephants with bells and a selection of decorative posts and tabletop items. Jagdalpur is also reputed for kosa silk weaving. While bell metal and wrought iron works are the speciality of Kondagaon and Jagdalpur, wood and bamboo work are best seen in Narayanpur and Jagdalpur. Also, memorial stones are one of Bastar’s oldest crafts.
You can pick some lovely souvenirs at Shilpgram or Narayanpur’s handicraft centre, where you can watch craftsmen at work. Popular amongst these folk arts are elaborate wrought iron lamps and other items, wood and metal combs embellished with images of deities, terracotta animals and figurines, items of bell metal and hand-woven textiles.
The local jail in Jagdalpur offers handicrafts made by the inmates. For true local flavour, visit weekly markets where tribal people gather to buy essentials in exchange for produce collected from the forest.
Some of the finest works of Bastar crafts are showcased in some of India’s five star hotel lobbies and upmarket urban stores. Some of Bastar’s craftsmen have been acclaimed for their participation in prestigious events such as the Festival of India series.