Timeless Treasures: The GI-Tagged Handicrafts of Telangana

OT Staff

A Legacy

Telangana is renowned for its rich tradition of handicrafts, many of which have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags to protect and promote their cultural significance. These crafts showcase the region’s skilled artisanship, passed down through generations.

Lac bangles

Lac Bangles

Lac bangles from Hyderabad are handcrafted using a mixture of lac resin, colours, and embellishments like stones and mirrors. These bangles are an essential part of bridal and festive attire.

Lac bangles

Laad Bazaar Legacy

The craft is deeply associated with Laad Bazaar near Charminar, where artisans have made these intricate bangles for centuries, passing down the skill through generations.

Lac bangles

Cheriyal Paintings

Cheriyal paintings are a unique form of scroll painting from Telangana. They depict mythological stories, folklore, and rural life in a distinct, vibrant style.

Cheriyal paintings

Natural Colors and Handmade Canvas 

Artisans use various colours, including organic coloured derived from minerals, on surfaces such as khadi, cotton cloth, or even cardboard.

Cheriyal painting

Silver Filigree of Karimnagar

Silver filigree is a centuries-old craft where artisans create intricate designs by twisting and weaving fine silver wires into jewellery, décor, and utility items.

Silver filigree work

Royal Patronage

Once favoured by the Nizams and royalty, Karimnagar’s silver filigree work continues to symbolise luxury and exquisite craftsmanship.

Silver filigree from Karimnagar

Nirmal Toys and Crafts

Nirmal toys are made from softwood and painted with natural dyes. They have a glossy finish and depict animals, figurines, and mythological themes.

Nirmal toys

Distinctive Painting Style

In Nirmal, skilled artisans transform lightweight Poniki wood into beautifully crafted toys, adorning them with intricate hand-painted motifs and vivid hues

Nirmal toys

Discovering Telangana’s GI-Tag Handicrafts: Part 1

Hyderabad Lac Bangles
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