India is a country of rich and diverse tradition, colors, fragrances, festivals and languages. Today, owing to the increasing handicrafts manufacturing and handicrafts exports, the Indian traditional handicrafts culture has reached every nook and corner of the world. The legacy of Indian handicrafts culture promises everything - beauty, dignity, form and style. The majestic appeal of the arts and crafts of India lies in its exclusivity and mystical tone which leaves people frenzied. The sheer versatility of the various metals and materials used to create handicrafts and handcrafted gift items, such as wood, stone, metal, grass, papier mache, glass, cane and bamboo, textiles, clay, terracotta and ceramics, makes handcrafted items from India truly unique. Handicraft items manufactured and exported from India largely consist of vases, candle stands, Christmas ornaments, pen holders, brassware, papier mache gift items, ceramic pots and handmade paper products, to name a few.

Exports of handicrafts (including hand-made carpets) during the year 1999-2000 amounted to US$1277 million, and during the year 1998-1999, it stood at US$ 1177 million. The percentage share of Indian handicrafts in the world exports of handicrafts during the year 1999-2000 in US$ was 3.6%, and during the period 2000-2001 (Apr-Oct), it was 3.1%. There was an increase of 6.8% in India's share of world's total exports of handicrafts during the period 1999-2000.

Today, handicrafts and handcrafted gift items manufactured and exported from India are much sought after and have established an unsurpassable reputation in the international market. Wooden handicrafts from India are available as carved, painted or inlaid on Teak Wood, Rose Wood, Shisam, Pinea and Jungle. Stone handicrafts are made using Marble, Soap Stone, Granite, Sand Stone or Semi Precious Stones. Metal handicrafts are created using gold, silver, platinum, white metal and iron which are further painted, polished, lacquered, etched and embossed. Papier mache, one the most popular handicraft items from Kashmir, Rajasthan and Bihar, in great demand abroad, is known for its unique combination of line and colour on moulded forms of various objects. Glass handicrafts are created in exquisite shapes in rich colors, embossed with gold or colored design. Cane/Bamboo handicraft items are also embellished using other metals such as iron and brass. Clay, Ceramic and Stone ware is either painted or lacquered to create pure magic in earthen wares. Lac handicrafts available in little tinker holders used for placing precious ear-rings, rings and as vermilion (sindoor) boxes are of great utility. Paper handicrafts are available as desktop accessories like diaries, pen stands, slip pads, business card holders, magazine stand, dust bin; lampshades in varied designs and hues; sturdy paper; paper shopping bags; etc. Sculptural handicrafts are displayed in an exquisite range of sculptural moulded figures made from varied bases like metals, stones, wood, etc. Macrame handicraft items obtainable as ladies bags, napkin holders, telephone mats and related paraphernalia designed artistically are specimens of excellent craftmanship. The handcrafted costume jewelry embellished in gold, silver, platinum, white metal, crystal, glass, etc. and studded with precious and semi-precious stones is another feature that add to the rich repertoire of Indian handicraft and gift items.