Art Forms of Telangana travel guide

Famous weaves

Pochampally ikat, Gadwal, Narayanpet

Painted woodwork

Nirmal

Metal craft

Bidriware

Signature dance

Perini Shivatandavam

Handlooms

Weaving is the state's best-known craft. Pochampally ikat, in which yarn is tie-dyed before weaving to create sharp geometric patterns, has a following in India and abroad. Gadwal and Narayanpet saris are prized for their borders and texture, and batik work adds another textile style to the mix. Visitors can see looms at work in Pochampally village, an easy trip from Hyderabad.

Nirmal paintings and toys

Nirmal craft goes back several centuries. Artisans carve light softwood into toys, figures, boxes, bowls and screens, then paint them in bright colours with scenes from the epics and old royal courts. The town of Nirmal, in the north of the state, is the home of the craft.

Metal and other crafts

Bidriware, silver inlay on a darkened alloy, is the region's signature metalwork and is widely sold in Hyderabad. Dhokra metal casting, an old lost-wax technique used by tribal artisans for figures and lamps, and Banjara needlework, with its mirrors, bright thread and coins, are other crafts you will come across.

Dance and storytelling

Perini Shivatandavam is the most celebrated dance. Kakatiya warriors are said to have performed it for Shiva before going into battle. Other traditions to look for include the following.

• Gusadi and Dandari, performed by the Gond community
• Lambadi dance of the Banjara community
• Bhamakalapam and Gollakalapam dance-dramas
• Oggu Katha, sung ballads of heroic legends
• Kuchipudi and the Bonalu festival processions

Seeing them on your trip

Hyderabad's emporiums stock most of these crafts, while a day trip to Pochampally or Nirmal lets you meet the makers. Festivals such as Bonalu and Bathukamma are the best time to see folk performance. We can build these into a Telangana itinerary.

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