Crafts of Northern India
Every Craft Has a Story
Discover the history, materials and makers behind each craft — and shop pieces made by the artisans who keep it alive.
Hoshiarpur Wooden Inlay
Wooden inlay is a traditional craft of the Punjab region, with a history dating back approximately 350 years, according to Inlay World's website. Initially, artisans decorated musical instruments such as the veena, swarmandal, tanpura, and sitar with inlay work. Over time, the craft expanded to furniture, jewellery boxes, trays, chests, and other household objects.
Phulkari
Phulkari, which literally translates to "flower work," is the vibrant and centuries-old folk embroidery craft from the Punjab region of South Asia. It is unique because it is traditionally embroidered from the reverse side of coarse cotton fabric (khaddar) using colorful, untwisted silk threads (pat) to create stunning geometric and floral patterns.