For centuries Indian handicrafts have been
distinguished for their great aesthetic and functional value. In ancient
times, the shilpis conceptualized the intricate designs and patterns,
which were crafted painfully into the temples and the objects associated
with them. Apart from the temples, other handicraft items too have
gained immense popularity.

Handicraft items that were patronized by the Mughal royalty show a
remarkable refinement of workmanship. In these crafts the designs were
very often influenced by the court paintings and miniature art derived
from Persian or indigenous sources. These designs are evident in the
Indian carpets, brocades, papier mache, stone inlay and so on.
Traditionally, the artists prepared the designs on paper which were
subsequently executed by the craftsmen. The designs were assigned to
different craftsmen according to their abilities and skill. Thus the
designer or master craftsman visualized the complete design indicating
the details of form, color distribution and proportion to be realized by
various specialists.
The rules of iconography were written down in the ancients scriptures,
namely the Shilpa Shastra. The master craftsman
would first visualize the image in a particular representation,
according to the rules of iconography laid down in the scriptures on
stone craft, and prepare initially a model in wax or clay. This would
later be cast by craftsmen, while the master craftsman executed the
finer work. This combination of design ability and technical skills was
a part of our craft tradition. There are however, many crafts where the
craftsman both designs and executes the products himself.