July 6, 2026: The Government of India has highlighted IndiaHandmade, a dedicated digital marketplace developed under the Ministry of Textiles, as a key initiative to connect India's handloom weavers and artisans directly with consumers while expanding market access for traditional crafts.
Launched in 2023 and developed by the Digital India Corporation, the platform enables artisans and weavers to sell their handloom and handicraft products online, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving income opportunities. The initiative also aims to preserve India's rich craft heritage while integrating traditional livelihoods into the digital economy.
India's handloom and handicrafts sector supports an estimated 6.466 million (64.66 lakh) artisans and weavers. According to government data, women account for 71% of handloom weavers and 64% of the overall artisan workforce, underlining the sector's significant role in rural employment and women's economic empowerment.
The marketplace offers a wide range of handcrafted products, including apparel, home décor, furnishings, paintings, furniture, religious items, stationery, musical instruments, jewellery, bags and footwear. It also showcases Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) items, providing greater visibility to region-specific crafts.
