Report on

Promotion of Textiles & Crafts

done by the
Indian Postal Department

Submitted by - Aasawari Agrawal

Roll no. - MFM/21/N982
Traditional craft of India: Textiles on stamps
Due to their enormous reach – both domestically and globally – stamps are referred to as
"cultural ambassadors." However, the email generation has robbed them of their visible
power, and hence taken away the allure of representing India through artistic magic. This
becomes clear when one considers how these stamps covered India's cultural diversity,
flora and fauna, endangered species, wildlife, national parks, art societies, artists,
cinema, corals, Himalayan lakes, India's fairs, rose fragrances, brides of India, temple
architecture, traditional Indian textiles, and many other aspects of our cultural and
societal foundations. The stamps serve as a window into India for foreign visitors and are
an important part of the nation-building process.

India has a long history of textile production, dating back over 5000 years. For many
years, one of the key interests of the Indian government has been the development of the
country's handloom sector. Several plans have been created to boost skill development,
provide workers with insurance coverage, improve marketing and exports, and conduct
research and development, among other things.

The Department of Posts honours India's textile legacy by issuing postal stamps
that patent a geographical region's name and method to memorialise this noble
endeavour.

Banaras Silk - This magnificent fabric is prized around the world for its multicoloured
wraps and weft threads. Its design is woven with gold and silver threads, primarily for
sari weaving. In 2009, India Post released a stamp to commemorate the expanding
sector.

B) Pashmina Silk - The Kashmiri shawl was India's most famous textile, but the diamond
among them was 'Pashmina,' which is cashmere wool of the best quality. This beautiful
brocade is depicted on a commemorative stamp issued by India Post in 2009.

C) Apa Tan Weave - This textile is made by a tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh's
beautiful Zora Valley. In 2009, India Post published a set of stamps portraying Apa
Tan Weave's soft and gorgeous material.
 Kalamkari Silk Kanchipuram Silk Patan patola issued
issued on 10 Dec, issued on 10 Dec, on 15 Nov, 2002
2009 2009

Tmt. Panabaaka Lakshmi, Minister of State for Textiles, introduced the stamps by recall-
ing the rich traditions of Indian handlooms and listing the many initiatives done by the
Textiles Ministry for the welfare of handloom weavers. These postal stamps will aid in the
greater popularisation of India's rich traditions and culture. The Department of Posts is
distributing Postage Stamps on Indian Textiles for the first time. He believed that the
Textiles Ministry's action will inspire millions of weavers who use their lowly fingers to
make enchantment on their looms.

Kashmiri Pashmina Silk Baluchari Saree Bhagalpur Silk

The above-mentioned handloom is commemorated with a stamp issued by India Post in

2018. These textiles on stamps have a GI- Geographical Indication label to identify the
product's geographical location. These marks ensure that the popular product name can
only be used by individuals who have been registered as authorised users or who live in
the geographical area.

Pochampally Ikat issued in Tangaliya Shawl

India post has issued a commemorative stamp for the above-mentioned handlooms to
recognise these tradition artist crafts of India called textiles on stamps series. This stamp
also consists of a GI mark to patent their authenticity.

There are other additional textile and handloom traditions in India, however it is difficult to
include all of these vibrant craftsmen skills from various places. Each and every state in
India has its own distinct textile and handloom traditions. Almost every textile created in
India is detailed, and these fabrics are also recognised and remembered by India Post
as part of the textile stamp series.

Stamp of support: Postal cover on Kashmir’s

famed hand-knotted carpet

A special cover of the Indian Postal Service featured Kashmir's famous hand-knotted
carpet, with its intricate and colourful floral patterns. This is a significant boost to the J&K
Handicrafts and Handloom Department's efforts to get Geographical Indication (GI)
certification, re-establish the fading trade, and reclaim its former glory.

"Using Kashmir's hand-knotted carpet as a postal cover will assist to raise awareness of
GI tagging and reach a larger audience." The situation necessitates the development of
trust and the restoration of consumer faith in our genuine carpets.
Traditional craft of India: Handicraft on stamps
India is fortunate to have some of the world's most skilled craftspeople, as well as the
ability to preserve their work. Many rural populations have made a living from handicrafts,
and each state in India has its own method of making them. Because of its popularity
and strong demand in the worldwide market, India is claimed to be the mass manufactur-
ing base for 80% of handicrafts supplied all over the world. These indigenous handicrafts
have become so well-known in recent years that India Post has released a series of
commemorative stamps with the theme Handicraft on stamps to commemorate this
timeless masterpiece that is distinct in its own traditional and cultural context.

a b c
a) Dhokra - Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal lost wax casting process. In 2002, India Post
released a commemorative stamp as part of the Handicraft on Stamps series. In 2018,
the Alidabad Dokra in Telangana was designated as a Geographical Indicator, and the
stamp portrayed a metal bull cast using this process.

b) Thewa Art - also known as Meenakari, is a traditional Rajasthani jewelry-making

method. In 2002, India Post released a set of four stamps as part of the Handicraft on
Stamps commemorative series, one of which depicts Thewa art ornaments: a plate and a
locket with green and red coloured glass and an ancient metal inherent and delicate
design over it.

c) Cane and Bamboo Work - Cane and bamboo furniture has a lucidity and comfort to it
due to its aesthetic beauty and appeal. It includes states like Assam, Sikkim, Nagaland,
and Arunachal Pradesh, which have vast expanses of territory rich in natural resources.
The Cane and Bamboo piece was published in India Post in 2002. A flower pot and jar
made of cane and bamboo are seen on the stamp.

d e f
d) Zardozi - Zardozi is an intricate embroidered design that is frequently made with gold
and silver thread. Lucknow, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mumbai, Ajmer,
and Chennai are known for their zardosi embroidered work. In 2017, India Post released
a stamp picturing a carpet created using the Zardozi stitching technique. In the same
year, India Post published "the fan of India series," which featured a Rajasthani fan craft-
ed with Zardozi motifs.

e) Pitera Dura - Pitera Dura is a stone cutting technique. It is most commonly employed
in mosaic design: a mosaic is a work of art created on a hard stone using various
coloured stones. In 2017, India Post released a sheetlet of 12 stamps to commemorate
the New Year, displaying Indian handicrafts, sculpture, and architecture on stamps. This
block's 11th stamp displays a tabletop with the famed Pietra Dura.

f) Terracotta Art - Terracotta' is an Italian word that means "baked sand," and it refers to
products constructed of earthy clay. The Indian Government created the Sanskriti
Museum of Indian Terracotta in New Delhi to preserve and honour this well-known art
form that is found throughout the continent. The museum houses terracotta art from every
state in India.

In 2010, India Post released a stamp honouring this Indian craft. The terracotta doll from
the craft museum is depicted on the stamp. Many stamp series depicting handicraft have
been published by India Post.

Since ages, the Indian subcontinent has held a high regard and value for its craft culture.
Due to its significant cultural importance and preservation, this tradition is still practised
in India today. The Indian government, as well as several contemporary artists and
designers, have worked together to restore and preserve this old handcraft.