Handicrafts are produced in every corner of India-every State, town and city has its special craft to offer. The variety is eriormous,. ranging from the most intricate and delicate work to colourful 'folk art' made in the home of villagers. For visitors from a world of mass produc and synthetic materials of all kinds, the diversity and richness to be found in hand-made objects can be bewildering. In a glorious brocade, the shimmering th-reads among the silks are of ppre gold' or silver, the hand-woverz. materials can be as fine as a spider's web or heavy and lustrousbold, hand-blocked designs contrast with the most delicate embroidery. Handloom cottons  fine or coarse, printed pattern's or woven -are hardwearing, cool and distinctive. ,
In metal, the same loving care which is lavished on temple lamps and images of gods and goddesses, has also been turned to modern objects for household use and decoration; plain and austere or inlaid, enamelled or embossed with silver, whether of copper, brass, bronze or coal-black Bindi-ware, skilled hands have worked to produce articles which are distinctive.

      Indian jewellers have long been famous for their skill in filigree silver and heavy gold-and-jewel work. Lesser known is the wonderful enamel work from Jaipur, which delighted the Mughal princesses and nobles. Traditionally laid on to pure gold, the craft has in recent years adapted itself to modern times and the glowing jewel colours, brilliant or muted, are on silver or silvergilt, either in classic or contemporary designs, to enchant a new generation of women, whether from the East or the West.

     In the cities, Government emporia stock a huge selectiori of the country's handicrafts where the visitor with limited time can make a wide choice while under one roof.

     For those with more time to spare.-and the inclination-there are the bazaars to explore where bargains must be bargained for.

     If antiques are the treasures sought, there are many shops of repute where figures of stone, bronze, wood or precious stones, Mughal or later jewellery, paintings from the 15th century to more recent days and countless other fascinating things are to be found.