India Showcases Tribal Art and Handicrafts at 44th India International Trade Fair

India’s unique cultural mosaic was on full display at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi, where the country’s rich tribal art and handicrafts took center stage under the theme of ‘Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat’. Representing 705 distinct tribal communities, tribal artists and self-help groups from across India showcased their heritage through textiles, paintings, metal crafts, and more.

This national platform, supported by the Government of India and state-level bodies, served not only to honor centuries-old traditions but also to ensure their continued survival by connecting artisans with new markets.

Promoting Tribal Identity Through Traditional Art

India’s tribal population, comprising 8.6% of the nation’s total, contributes deeply to the country’s artistic and cultural legacy. Recognizing their role, government initiatives such as TRIFED (Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India) are empowering communities by promoting their handicrafts both nationally and internationally.

This year, artisans at the IITF represented various regions and tribal traditions, including,

• Tasar silk sarees imprinted with Warli and Karvat designs by Sachin Walke from the Gond tribe in Maharashtra.
• Appliqué and mirror-work textiles by Ugamben Ramabhai Suthar’s self-help group from Gujarat.
• Paitker scroll paintings from Jharkhand, one of India’s oldest narrative art forms, exhibited by Jhantu Gope.
• Bharewa scrap metal sculptures by Vishal Bagmari from Madhya Pradesh, a vanishing art form revived by the Gond sub-tribe.

Role of TRIFED and Government Support

Established under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED plays a central role in uplifting tribal economies by,

• Capacity Building: Organizing skill training, SHG formation, and sensitization programs.
• Market Development: Expanding national and international exposure for tribal products.
• Brand Creation: Building a unified identity for tribal goods through fairs and exhibitions like Aadi Mahotsav and IITF.

In collaboration with state bodies and cultural institutions like the Jharkhand Kala Mandir and Mukhyamantri Laghu Evam Kutir Udyam Vikas Board, TRIFED supports thousands of artisans to access sustainable livelihoods.

Unique Art Forms Highlighted

Warli & Tasar Silk (Maharashtra)

The Gond tribe’s traditional art combines natural silk weaving with Warli tribal motifs — geometric patterns representing nature, animals, and daily life.

Appliqué & Mirror Work (Gujarat)

Handcrafted by over 300 tribal women, this vibrant textile art from Banaskantha district blends heritage design with cotton and silk fabrics.

Paitker Paintings (Jharkhand)

One of India’s oldest tribal art forms, these scroll-like paintings use natural dyes to narrate folklore, rituals, and epics.

Bharewa Metal Art (Madhya Pradesh)

Practiced by Bharewas, a sub-group of Gonds, this endangered craft uses scrap metal to create spiritual and decorative statues.

India’s Unique Silk Legacy

India holds the rare distinction of being the only country to produce all four commercial silks,

• Mulberry
• Tasar (including Tropical and Oak Tasar)
• Eri
• Muga

Over 9.76 million people across 52,000 villages are employed in India’s silk industry, with many tribal communities deeply involved in its production. These silk-based crafts are often the primary source of income for remote artisan households.

A Step Towards Inclusive Growth

India’s efforts to showcase tribal heritage at events like the IITF align with its broader goal of inclusive development. As the country aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047, integrating tribal arts into the national growth story ensures cultural preservation and economic opportunity go hand in hand.

These fairs not only generate direct sales but also forge lasting market linkages, creating repeat demand for authentic tribal products across urban and global audiences.

Static Facts

• Event: 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF)
• Year: 2025
• Theme: Ek Bharat: Shreshtha Bharat
• Tribal Population in India: 8.6%
• Number of Tribal Groups: 705
• Nodal Agency: TRIFED (Ministry of Tribal Affairs)
• Key Arts Highlighted: Warli, Paitker, Bharewa, Appliqué
• Major Silk Types Produced: Mulberry, Tasar, Eri, Muga
• People Employed in Silk Sector: 9.76 million
• Villages Involved: 52,000