Discover with Saarasa

At Saarasa Stories, we believe that Indian traditions and culture hold a vast history of intuitive art forms developed over 3,000–4,000 years ago. The variety in each form of art is immense and ever-evolving. Here, we try to answer some basic questions, but these traditions go far beyond words. They are meant to be seen, heard, and experienced in the practices that continue even today.

  • Handloom is a traditional method of weaving fabric using a manually operated loom, without the aid of electricity. Each weave is created by the rhythm of the weaver’s hands and feet. More than just cloth, handloom represents heritage, community, and artistry passed down through generations in India.

    • Handloom: Made manually, often with natural fibers, unique in design and irregularities (which add beauty).

    • Powerloom / Mill cloth: Machine-made, faster, cheaper, uniform, and often lacking the personal touch of a weaver.
      Handloom is valued for its craftsmanship and cultural significance, while powerloom caters to mass production.

  • India has hundreds of handloom varieties, each tied to a region. Some well-known ones include:

    • Banarasi silk (Uttar Pradesh)

    • Kanjeevaram silk (Tamil Nadu)

    • Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh)

    • Pochampally Ikat (Telangana)

    • Mysore silk (Karnataka)

    • Assam silk (Muga, Eri, Pat) (Assam)

    • Khadi cotton (nationwide, associated with India’s freedom movement)

    Every state of India has its own weaving legacy, making Indian handlooms one of the most diverse in the world.

  • Indian handicrafts are handmade objects created by skilled artisans, often using locally available materials. They include pottery, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, embroidery, and more. Each craft reflects the culture of its region and is often tied to rituals, festivals, and everyday life. Handicrafts are not just decorative—they carry stories, skills, and traditions that are centuries old.

  • Indian artforms can be broadly grouped into six categories: Painting, Sculpture, Music & Dance, Theatre, and Literature. Each category has a vast legacy, evolving through centuries and reflecting the diversity of our traditions.

    Painting – Traditional and folk painting styles include Tanjore painting, Kerala mural art, Gond art, Kalamkari, and many more. These depict themes from mythology, folklore, and daily life.

    Sculpture – Indian sculpture covers a wide range, from ancient terracotta figurines to intricate temple stone sculptures. Other important forms include bronze idols, wood carving, and inlay sculptures.

    Music & Dance – In music, the two major classical forms are Carnatic and Hindustani. Dance traditions include classical styles like Kathakali (Kerala) and Sattriya (Assam), as well as folk forms such as Chhau (West Bengal) and Chhakri (Kashmir).

    Theatre – Theatre traditions include classical Sanskrit plays and folk theatre such as Yakshagana (Karnataka) and Jatra (Bengal). These combine dialogue, music, and performance.