The Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan display Indian
handicrafts and offer first-hand experience of craftsmen at work. Some
of the most rare and exquisite pieces of art and craft that have
collected selectively and carefully from all over India are the prized
possessions of the museum. Established in 1956 with an aim to showcase
and promote the works of native artisans, it has over 20,000 objects on
display by early 1980s. The distinctive architectural display of Indian
villages and authentically constructed mud huts adorned with folk art
and tribal exhibits such as woodcarvings, paintings, paper-mache and
embroidery attract the tourists very much. One can even see the
full-sized wooden haveli from Gujarat at the museum.
The Crafts Museum Shop in the complex is also worth visiting. The
museum has been subdivided into several specialized galleries including
the Tribal and Rural Craft Gallery, Gallery of Courtly Crafts, Textile
Gallery and Gallery of Popular Culture. There is a reference section
too, which is of great help to the benefit of scholars, designers and
crafts persons. The live demonstrations of producing and making folk
arts and crafts are amazing. Interested people can also buy souvenirs
from here such as the ritual objects, ornaments, rugs, shawls and books,
either from the craftsmen or from the museum.
