Paper Craft in India

Paper craft is prevalent in India since ancient period. It is the art of producing three dimensional articles using paper as primary medium. The paper craft involves simple techniques such as cutting, gluing, stitching, molding and layering. Use of such simple techniques on vibrant coloured papers helps the craftsmen produce beautiful objects. Different styles, forms and techniques existing in the craft makes paper craft one of the best crafts of India.

Paper craft industry in India

Currently, the paper craft industry is concentrated in Patna, Delhi, Rajgir, Awadh, Ahmedabad, Gaya and Shahzadpur near Allahabad.

Historical Background

Paper is easily perishable. Hence, we find very few recorded evidences of the paper craft that prevailed in the olden ages. The earliest records available of the paper craft in India include the stunning ‘manuscripts’. Other examples include Royal Farmans and account keeping of some prosperous merchants of Mughal era.

The paper industry from earlier period is mostly indigenous and existed in a small scale. The crafts mostly catered to the local needs and did not involve huge export and import.

The craftsmen lived together in the outskirts of Provincial capitals and big towns. Their locality is called as “Kagazi Mohalla”. Kagaz essentially means Paper and Mohalla means Locality.

Forms of Paper Craft

Paper craft involves use of a wide range of colourful, varied textured papers. It provides a huge range of choice to the craftsman. They are various simple to complex paper crafts.  Articles produced can be used as utilitarian items as well as decorations. Decoration articles include flowers, kandeels, kites, effigies, etc.  Various forms of paper craft include,

Khamp

This technique involves the use of thin bamboo strips. These bamboo strips provide a skeletal support to the article. The number of bamboo strips used depends up on the size and design of the article. One of the best example of this form of paper craft is a Kite. A simple kite is made by using two bamboo strips. A square paper is fixed on a diagonal bamboo strip and a curved bamboo strip.

Tazia

This kind of paper craft is extensively found in the Muharram Ceremonies. This method involves construction of huge bamboo minarets covered with paper.

Fireworks in Dussehra festival

Dussehra festival is incomplete without the effigies and Fireworks made out of paper. The fireworks made of paper are carefully filled with explosives. The explosives produce sparkle, sound and light.

Papier Mache

Papier Mache is a unique form of paper craft developed during the Mughal period. The art is still practiced by a huge number of craftsmen in the country.

The craft involves use of paper and textile. The paper is bound to cloth using different adhesives. The adhesives used are glue, starch or wallpaper paste. The articles made out of paper mache technique can be used as household items and for decoration. They are also used in the theatre industry.

In the olden days, the paper mache technique was mostly used to produce paper boats, paper masks, paper observatory domes and paper sabots. Paper mache articles were also used during war period. Military tank drops and combat decoy utilized paper mache technique. Currently the technique is used to produce carnival floats, effigies, puppets and lamps.

Paper craft is widely prevalent in India owing to its simple and unique style. This craft is not only taken up as a profession but is also a huge hobby to many Indians. The craft brings out creativity in people. Endless number of articles can be produced using simple techniques. Hence, paper craft is one of the best crafts of India.