Indian Art & Handicrafts online

It’s interesting how there are a lot of portals today showcasing art forms and handicrafts from remote corners of  India. At a time when it’s difficult to ascertain genuine products from replicas, many of these collectives take it upon themselves to source directly from the artisans and also educate consumers about the various art forms in the country. Here’s a list of 10 websites that are bridging the gap between the maker and the consumer:

1. Dastkar Andhra

Photo source: www.dastkarandhra.org

Dastkar Andhra aims to sustain handloom weaving as a viable rural livelihood option. It works directly with the weavers as well as their cooperatives in Andhra Pradesh. It also works towards capacity building in these cooperatives and makes interventions in design and technology. Products from Dastkar Andhra can be bought here.

2. Chanderiyaan

Photo source: chanderiyaan.net

Chanderiyaan.net is an e-commerce portal which showcases the brilliance of the Chanderi weavers from Madhya Pradesh. This platform is managed by a network of weavers’ self-help groups through a common platform – Chanderi Weavers Resource Integrated Information Resource Centre. Its products can be bought here.

3. Gaatha

Photo source: shop.gaatha.com

Gaatha aims to be the instrument through which artisans  can directly connect with a global audience. The platform aims to create a dialogue between the maker and the buyer. Gaatha also wants be an ultimate online self and  people-sourced knowledge resource for crafts. Its products can be bought here.

4. The India Craft House

Photo source: theindiacrafthouse.com

The platform has a wide range of products from every corner of the country. The products are sourced directly from the artisans or NGOs working with artisans. It aims to provide a unique selection of products, while ensuring a fair price for every artisan. Its products can be bought here.

5. Okhai

Photo source: okhai.com

Okhai produces handcrafted apparel created by artisans from across India. Its mission is to encourage women from less privileged backgrounds to acquire new skills. It has been helping rural artisans earn their livelihoods and has also been promoting traditional handicraft techniques that are in danger of dying. Its products can be bought here.

6. Coppre

Photo source: coppre.in

Coppre is a Pune-based social venture working with artisans to promote heritage crafts. Coppre engages with craftspeople to promote heritage crafts with its design and marketing interventions. Its products can be bought here.

7. KashmirBox

Photo source: kashmirbox.com

Kashmir Box is a platform that promotes the traditional heritage of Kashmir. It is a marketplace for local artisans, craftsmen, producers, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products to the world. It intends to create micro entrepreneurs out of these artisans by increasing their visibility and wages. The artisans and partners also sell their products by their own individual brand names on the site. The products can be bought here.

8. eMithilaHaat

Photo source: emithilahaat.com

eMithilaHaat is a ‘Not-Just-For-Profit’ organisation set up with the sole aim of helping artisans of Mithilanchal get a marketplace to feature and sell their artwork. Mithila painting, popularly known as Madhubani painting, used to  be a glorious art form. eMithilaHaat aims to protect and promote the art. Its products can be bought here.

9. Lal10

Photo source: lal10.com

Lal10 sells products that are authentic to specific regions.  It ensures the originality of the products through tie-ups with various NGOs. Lal10 ensures the artisans and craftsmen expand their horizons beyond local markets as well as educate the consumer. Its products can be bought here.

10. Hands of India

Photo source: Facebook

Hands of India is a platform started by two sisters who believe that sustainable natural processes make the best products. It showcases the timeless creations made by artisans who are largely unaware of the real worth of their products. It has created a market which is as easily accessible to the artisans, as it is to the consumers. You can buy its products here.