Gujarat is far more than salt flats and street food — it's a living, breathing showcase of craftsmanship honed over generations. Across bustling towns and quiet villages, artisans continue to create stunning works by hand, using skills passed down through centuries. From bold Kutchi embroidery and mesmerising Ajrakh block prints to vibrant Bandhani tie-dye and gleaming Sankheda woodwork, each piece tells a story rooted in culture and tradition. These crafts aren't just decorative — they're deeply personal expressions of heritage. Here are 10 traditional Gujarati arts and crafts worth knowing, created by makers who transform age-old techniques into designs that still feel strikingly modern.
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Here Are 10 Traditional Arts & Crafts From Gujarat You Must Know About
1. Patola Weaving
Photo: Unsplash
In the old city of Patan, one of India's most exclusive weaving techniques lives on. Patola is a double ikat weave where every thread is dyed before being woven — a technique so complex it can take six months to a year to complete a single saree. The patterns, often geometric or inspired by flora and fauna, appear identical on both sides, and the precision is mind-blowing. These sarees were once a status symbol for royals and are still considered heirlooms today.
2. Rogan Painting
Photo: Courtesy of Gujarat Tourism
Tucked away in the village of Nirona, only a handful of families continue to practise Rogan art, an almost-forgotten painting style that uses castor oil-based colours and a metal stylus instead of brushes. The most famous design, the Tree of Life, is painted entirely freehand and without a template. With no more than a dozen artisans left who truly master the craft, it's one of Gujarat's rarest and most prized art forms.
3. Kutchi Embroidery
Photo: Courtesy of Gaatha
If you're into colour and texture, Kutchi embroidery will stop you in your tracks. This craft from the Kutch region is known for its mirror work, chain stitch, and vibrant motifs that often reflect the community's nomadic life. From heavily embellished jackets to intricate wall hangings, each piece is a visual overload — in the best way possible.
4. Ajrakh Block Printing
Photo: Courtesy of Gujarat Tourism
In Kutch, Ajrakh isn't just fabric — it's a process, a philosophy, and a family legacy. Made using hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes like indigo and madder, the fabric goes through up to 16 painstaking steps to achieve its distinctive symmetry and depth. The patterns are often inspired by Islamic geometry and star motifs, making every piece a study in patience and precision.
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5. Warli Painting
Though its roots are in Maharashtra, Warli art has found a second home in Gujarat's Dang district, where tribal communities paint their lives onto mud walls using rice paste. The style has evolved into contemporary formats like canvas and fabric, but the essence remains: Simple white line drawings that capture everything from farming scenes to folk dances. It's storytelling in its rawest, most minimalist form.
6. Bandhani Tie-Dye
Photo: Courtesy of Gujarat Tourism
In towns like Jamnagar, Bhuj, and Mandvi, Bandhani tie-dye is more than just a textile — it's a festive essential. The technique involves tying thousands of tiny knots by hand before dyeing the fabric. When the knots are untied, they reveal patterns that look pixel-perfect, from dots to waves and flowers. The colours are unapologetically bold, making Bandhani a favourite at weddings and celebrations.
7. Sankheda Lacquered Woodwork
Photo: Courtesy of Gaatha
In the small town of Sankheda near Vadodara, craftsmen turn plain teakwood into dazzling, lacquered furniture. Using natural dyes and hand-applied lacquer, they create everything from ornate jhoolas (swings) to rocking chairs with floral or geometric detailing. These pieces are not just decorative — they're family heirlooms that often last for generations.
8. Sabarkantha Terracotta
Photo: Courtesy of Gujarat Tourism
In the northern district of Sabarkantha, potters continue to shape earthy terracotta into decorative and functional art. Think animal figurines, ritual vessels, and quirky homeware, all shaped by hand and fired using traditional techniques. The natural red and orange tones lend a raw, organic vibe that's hard to replicate with mass-produced ceramics.
9. Meenakari Enamel Work
Photo: Courtesy of The Heritage Artifacts
Bhavnagar may not be the first place that comes to mind for enamel jewellery, but its Meenakari artisans hold their own against the best. Using fine chisels and vibrant colours, they create intricate designs on gold and silver surfaces. The end result is luminous and layered — ideal for statement jewellery that still feels steeped in tradition.
10. Kutch Leather Craft
Photo: Courtesy of Gujarat Tourism
In and around Bhuj, the Meghwal community has made leatherwork into an art form. Their hand-stitched bags, belts, and footwear often feature embossed patterns, colourful threads, and even mirror work. Made using vegetable-tanned leather, these pieces are as eco-friendly as they are stylish — and tough enough to last through years of use.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)
