Andhra Pradesh : Arts & Crafts

Adoni:
Cotton Dhurries locally known as 'shatranjis', rich in quality and design, are produced on horizontal looms with heavy cotton threads. Their skilful weaving with beautiful colour contrasts has created a sensation in the export market. Certain low cost dhurries are manufactured at Adoni in Kurnool district. They are also showcased during various events at Shilparamam, the arts and crafts village at Hyderabad.

Bobbili:
This town in Vizianagaram district has an impressive tort that is better know today for the Saraswati Veena manufactured here. The Veenas are unique and have a resonant tone. The beauty is matched by the performers of the area including the erstwhile Rajas and zamindars of Vizianagaram. The Veenas are also available in miniature size suitable as mementos.

Cheriyal:
Paintings done on cloth in earth colours is one of the traditional crafts practised mainly at Cheriyal in Warangal district. Painted in free style depicting mythological stories, they are used as visual aids, and have gained popularity in recent times as artistic wall decorations.

Etikoppaka:
Availability of soft wood in many parts of the state has helped the toy industry flourish. In Visakhapatnam district, the area around Etikoppaka has an abundance of 'Poniki' wood that is used for making toys and dolls that are given a lacquer finish to give off a bright sheen.

Kondapalli:
A village 1 6 km from Vijayawada city is known for what have come to be known as Kondapalli toys. They may be of either Gods or Goddesses, ordinary folk or even birds, vegetables and fruits. The most appealing aspect of the toys is their pure simplicity. An attraction at Kondapalli is a 14th century fort said to have been built by the founder of the Kondavidu Reddy Dynasty.

Madhavamala:
Carving or chiselling wood has become a fine art. The hard red sanders wood was used by artists at Tiruc hanur near Tirupati to carve toys and dolls. The art spread to Madhavamala nearby where artisans went a step further to make larger carvings of wood to adorn temple entrances. Wood carving for decorative pieces has become very popular.

Narasapur:
Crocheted/Lace-work of the Godavari delta has spread to Narasapur and Palakol towns of West Godavari district. The designs are intricate and artistic . Luncheon sets, rounds, ovals and oblongs, table covers, bedspreads and curtains are some of the items produced.

Nirmal:
Nirmal craftsmen aim at achieving life-likeness in their craft. Brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and animals are characteristic of this art. The gloss and sheen give an exclusive touch to these toys and dolls.

Srikalahasti:
Kalamkari, a rare art of printing on fabric is exclusive to only two areas in Andhra Pradesh. The art has its home in Srikalahasti of Chittoor district bordering Tamilnadu.

Warangal:
Hand-knotted Pile Carpets of Eiluru and Warangal originating from the Moghul period, display a Persian influence. They are inexpensive and range from a lower knottage with a rich look, mostly in natural colours to acid-dyed colours with cotjon or jute base and have a great demand and are exported.

Handlooms

Andhra Pradesh excels in handloomsand itssarees are famous ail over the1 world. Each area of the State has its own style and weave.

Dharmavaram:
In Anantapur district, it is here that silk and cotton sarees take1 shape in the hands of master weavers.

Gadwal:
The sarees woven in this town of Mahboobnagar district are a combination of silk and cotton.

Kothakota:
This town in Mahboobnagar district is one1 among various centres where cotton sarees are woven.