Eight artisans from eight Indian states showcased the country’s rich handicraft traditions at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, bringing indigenous skills and handmade creations to the attention of international delegates at the Parliament House Complex.
Supported under the Centre’s PM Vishwakarma scheme, the artisans participated in a two-day Cultural Bazar Organised alongside the forum. The exhibition highlighted India’s diverse craftsmanship, traditional techniques and living cultural heritage.
The showcase featured crafts from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland. The exhibits included Dokra metalwork, marble sculptures, Kolhapuri chappals, traditional wooden toys, lac bangles, Kashmiri garments and crochet dolls inspired by Naga attire and tribal motifs.
Among the participants, Makbul Jadu Patiya from Jharkhand presented Dokra metal craft, renowned for its intricate designs and ancient lost-wax casting technique. Anurag Sahu from Madhya Pradesh displayed marble sculptures and decorative products associated with Jabalpur’s stone craft, while Bajirao Shamrao Satpute showcased handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra.
Deepu S from Karnataka presented traditional Channapatna and Kinhal toys, while Dheeraj Kumar from Bihar exhibited wooden and stone sculptures depicting Lord Buddha and other deities. Rajasthan’s Mohamad Nasim showcased handcrafted lac bangles, and Masrat Fayaz from Jammu and Kashmir displayed traditional garments, including pherans, shawls and stoles.
Representing Nagaland, Throngli Sangtam exhibited crochet dolls inspired by the state’s cultural motifs and traditional attire.
Selected artisans also demonstrated their craft-making techniques, giving visitors an opportunity to observe the precision, creativity and expertise involved in producing the handmade items.
The Cultural Bazar provided international delegates with an opportunity to explore India’s regional art forms and traditional livelihoods. By bringing artisans to a major international parliamentary gathering, the initiative also highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous craftsmanship and supporting traditional artisans.
