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Modernity and antiquity are finely balanced in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Ethnic art forms are the state's special features. The tribal groups here have preserved their various art forms. Clay pots, carpet-making, wooden toys, leather and clay toys, calico paintings, Chanderi sarees, handloom cloth and garments, and cotton and woollen products, embody the rich handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh. Wood work and lacquer-ware are the state's specialties.
The vivid handicrafts and art works in Madhya Pradesh add to its mystique charm. The hand-crafted products of Madhya Pradesh assure you to sweep you off your feet. Papier Mache, an art practiced since times immemorial, is practiced widely in cities like Ratlam, Bhopal, Gwalior and Ujjain. The main centre for this handicraft is Ujjain. The Nagavanshi community is mainly involved in the production of this handicraft. Human figures, birds, animals, idols of gods and goddesses, models of famous historical buildings, etc. are made with the aid of this handicraft.
Objects of utility in rural areas are made with bamboo and cane. Seoni, Balaghat, Shahdol and Mandla are the areas of bamboo plantations, and the artisans here are adept at transforming bamboo and cane into marvelous objects. Stone carving perhaps is India's oldest handicraft form. Many temples in Madhya Pradesh exhibit this art form amply. Today, various artists in Tikamgarh, Jabalpur and Gwalior are keeping this craft alive with their stone works, and they are the bearers of the perennial handicrafts tradition of Madhya Pradesh.
In Madhya Pradesh handicrafts, dhurries or carpets made from a rich and thick variety of cotton deserve a special place. Most of these carpets have folk designs imprinted on them and come in bright colours. Carpets dyed with synthetic dyes are a handicraft form, that dates back to the Mughal age. Folk painting is widely practiced in areas like Nimar, Gondwana and Malwa. These paintings have gained world-wide recognition, and have been featured in exhibitions in France, Japan, Australia and some other countries. Candle stands, lattices, furniture, lamps and other decorative items are made through the handicraft of iron molding. This art is practiced by the Gond, Muria, Bhatra and Dhruvia tribes.
Jute works and zari works are practiced in the urban areas of Madhya Pradesh. Woodcraft for making fancy wood objects is practiced mostly in the rural and tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh. Well-crafted attractive stuffed leather toys are made in Indore, Gwalior, Dewas and Bilaspur. Metal craft and ornaments are usually made by the tribal groups for daily and occasional use. Terracotta articles in vibrant colours, ranging from pink, red, brown, light grey and dark grey, are made in Bastar and Bundelkhand. Dainty little dolls made of small pieces of cloth are produced in Jhabua, Indore and Gwalior. Work of a craftswoman called Battobai in Gwalior has attracted international acclaim.
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