An educational visit to the Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy was undertaken by a group of 12 students specialising in Fashion Studies and Fine Arts ( classes XI and XII) on 5 August 2025. The visit was organised to offer experiential exposure to India’s living textile and craft traditions. The group was accompanied by Ms Prerna Sawhney, Fashion Studies' teacher.
Upon arrival, students were welcomed into an environment characterised by earthy tones and vibrant cultural motifs. The museum walls had been adorned with Madhubani-style paintings, which immediately captured the attention and established the aesthetic tone for the visit.
A walkthrough of the handicraft stalls was facilitated, wherein a diverse array of traditional crafts from various regions of India was observed. Jamdani sarees from West Bengal, stone carvings from Gujarat, and Ikkat tie-and-dye textiles from Telangana were prominently displayed. Puducherry’s contribution included hand-printed tie-dye fabrics and intricate wire work. West Bengal was further represented through wooden dolls, toys, and jute jewellery. Madhubani paintings by Delhi-based artists were viewed, and the process of kite-making from Uttar Pradesh was demonstrated. Crochet work was also noted for its delicacy and aesthetic appeal. Each stall showcased region-specific craftsmanship, thereby offering insight into India’s rich artistic diversity.
Subsequently, the students navigated the museum galleries independently, engaging with the exhibits at their own pace. The Folk and Tribal Art Gallery featured wooden sculptures of Kathakali characters, Kinjal dolls, and figurines crafted from cow dung and clay originating in Odisha. Masks composed of wood, sawdust, papier-mâché, cloth, and metal were displayed alongside traditional puppets from Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. Tribal paintings, terracotta artefacts, and pottery were also exhibited, each artefact contributing to the narrative of India’s cultural mosaic.
The students also visited the Bhuta Sculpture Gallery, where a short video presentation was screened. The film provided mythological context and cultural significance of the Bhuta sculptures of Karnataka, thereby enhancing understanding of their ceremonial and spiritual relevance.
Further exploration was undertaken in the Embroidery Gallery, Courtly Craft Gallery, Cultic Craft Gallery, and Textile Gallery. These sections offered a comprehensive view of traditional embroidery styles, ceremonial crafts, temple offerings, and the historical evolution of Indian textiles. The exhibits were curated to reflect the cultural depth and heritage embedded within these art forms.
As the visit drew to a close, the students participated in an interactive session in the museum’s audio-visual room. Quizzes and visual content were employed to reinforce key learning outcomes in an engaging format. Active involvement was encouraged, prompting students to reflect on their observations and insights.
The visit culminated in a final stroll through the open-air craft stalls and artistic installations, where students engaged directly with practising artisans. Conversations unfolded around techniques, materials, and regional inspirations, offering a rare glimpse into the lived experience of traditional craftsmanship. This hands'-on interaction deepened the students’ appreciation of India’s creative legacy and the enduring relevance of its craft traditions.
The educational visit was deemed highly enriching, having provided students with a nuanced understanding of India’s textile and craft heritage. The experience served to reinforce classroom learning through direct engagement with cultural artefacts and practitioners.
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