About
To work for the preservation, promotion and development of India's crafts and the welfare and recognition of its craftspeople.
The Crafts Council of India is a national voluntary, non-profit organisation devoted to the preservation and promotion of India's rich handicraft traditions and the welfare of its craftspeople. Part of the broader craft-revival movement associated with the pioneering work of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, it works through a network of state and regional crafts councils to support artisans, organise exhibitions and craft bazaars, run design and marketing initiatives, and advocate for the recognition and rights of craftspeople across the country.
The Crafts Council of India emerged from the post-independence movement to revive India's handicrafts, a cause championed above all by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who founded key national craft institutions. Working through affiliated state and regional councils, the Council has for decades supported craftspeople through exhibitions, design intervention, documentation and advocacy, seeking both to sustain endangered craft traditions and to improve the livelihoods and standing of the artisans who practise them.
Founding & Leadership
The Crafts Council of India was founded in 1964 by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay - freedom fighter, social reformer and the towering figure of India's post-independence crafts revival, who also built the Central Cottage Industries Emporium and the All India Handicrafts Board. Inspired by Gandhi and Tagore's belief in hand production as a force for emancipation, she gathered volunteers to build lasting public awareness of artisans' skills and to address their needs in a modernising India.
Exhibitions + membership + grants + donations
A registered non-profit society headquartered in Chennai, working through a federation of affiliated state crafts councils, and linked to the World Crafts Council.
Leadership & Trustees
Initiatives & Portfolio
A national network of affiliated state crafts councils delivering craft support regionally.
Exhibitions and bazaars giving artisans direct platforms to display and sell their work.
Skill training, design innovation and market linkage for craftspeople.
The Kamala Award and policy advocacy for artisans and crafts.
Impact & Metrics
Partnerships & Network
Partner institutions
Government partners
Funders & patrons
Credentials & Compliance
CSR-eligible · Schedule VII(v) - art & culture
A CSR partner under Schedule VII(v) for crafts promotion and artisan livelihoods, with a federated national delivery network.
Recognition
India's oldest national crafts body; founded by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, the architect of India's crafts revival.
The Crafts Council of India is one of the foremost national bodies for the crafts, central to the organised effort to preserve India's handicraft heritage and support its craftspeople.
[Atlas Perspective] Profiled as an Institution (Operator) in the Crafts field. The Council connects to India's craft traditions and artisan communities through its network of state and regional councils. Named office-holders and current programmes should be verified against the Council's own communications.