Crafts Council of Telangana

Our Foundation

Guiding Principles

"Crafts Council of India must always be ready to let others take credit for its achievements and remain completely anonymous in favour of the artisan."

"Those who work for the council must remember that it is the artisan to whom we wish recognition to be directed."

"Those who serve the Council must accept their role as facilitators, not patrons of the artisans."

"Humility is therefore as important as sensitivity if CCI is to generate the national movement for which it was founded."

- Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay
(3rd April 1903 – 29th October 1988)

Guiding Purpose

Our Mission

Recognise, Preserve and Enable Craft Practices

Recognise, preserve and enable craft practices.

Capacity Building with Digital Education

Empower artisan communities by offering capacity building facilities that include digital education and skill development.

Educate Public About Crafts' Economic Impact

Educate larger public about the contribution of Crafts to the Indian economy in order to ensure that artisans are treated with respect.

Provide Market Platforms for Artisans

Provide market platforms to artisans whilst recognizing the importance of local consumption of crafts in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Sustainable Livelihoods & SDG Contribution

Offer sustainable livelihood solutions to Crafts communities while contributing towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our Journey

How We Got Here

1987

Registered as Crafts Council of Andhra Pradesh - affiliated to CCI and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.

1990's

Worked with crafts across the state - sustaining livelihoods, providing medical, design and marketing support.

2001

Hosted UNESCO "Embroidery: Creativity and Tradition" exhibition of the Asia Pacific region on behalf of CCI.

2006

Hosted UNESCO sponsored International Natural Dye.

2008

Seminar on behalf of CCI. Appointed as the implementing agency for the Puttapaka Cluster by the Government. Created a CFC and handed over to the Consortium.

2014

Changed name to Crafts Council of Telangana in view of the new state formation. Inaugurated with a show in Chowmohalla Palace in collaboration with Gaurang Shah.

June 2020

As part of the Creative Dignity Effort, CCT acted as the Lead for the two states of AP and Telangana in offering digital training to the artisans.

October 2020

Constructed CCT Spaces in Banjara Hills, spread over 20,000 sq.ft. to be used as a cultural space promoting craft through a confluence of the young and old, artisans and designers.

December 2020

In view of the pandemic, inaugurated CCT Spaces in a subdued show, Interlace 2020, a collaboration with Gaurang Shah.

Our Cultural Hub

CCT Spaces

CCT Spaces, inaugurated in 2020 stands as a testament to the Crafts Council of Telangana's commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for craftspersons. Initially conceived as a work-shed and training area following representations to the government, CCT Spaces has evolved into a dynamic 25,000 square feet facility across four levels.

Designed to adapt to the changing needs and methods of craftspersons, CCT Spaces serves as a versatile hub for cultural programs, exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and retail spaces dedicated to showcasing crafts. In a city that has burgeoned over the years, this space encapsulates the essence of preserving and promoting traditional crafts while aligning them with contemporary demands.

CCT Spaces values the intrinsic nature of crafts – their rarity, exclusivity, and connection to subaltern cultures. It provides a platform where crafts, contrary to high-value branded products, celebrate the everyday. Crafts, with their roots deeply embedded in traditions, tell stories of communities and reflect the collective creativity and skill passed down through generations. This space serves not only as a physical venue for exhibitions and workshops but also as a symbolic representation of the ordinary, accessible beauty inherent in the craftsmanship that defines the cultural fabric of Telangana.

Ground Floor

Lakshman Prasad Atrium

NOVE

Nove is a first of its kind Italian cafe offering authentic yet casual dine-in experience. Translating to the number 9 in Italian; Nove represents the founders passion for authentic, simple, fresh, nutritious, locally sourced, zero waste, seasonal, low environmental impact and exceptional service. The cozy 70 seater restaurant with minimal interiors that transforms into a gallery space by exhibiting art by various artist.

Kamala Hall

A versatile space for events, exhibitions, and cultural programs.

First Floor

Lalitha Prasad Floor

Trove Craft

Trove is a design studio that aims to create unique, elegant gifting concepts with an ethnic flavour. Their objective is to revive traditional art forms by pairing them with unusual canvases to make them relevant for the fast-changing consumer market.

Through their compensation model, their artists are paid more for larger quantities produced and higher levels of quality. This keeps the artists motivated and enthusiastic, and so the artists are never underpaid just so we can offer more competitive prices.

Wicker Story

Their work involves the translation of digital processes for complex designing for easy adaptability to Indian craft and material systems. Wicker story, apart from being an effective tool to realise customized and complex geometries, also transcends scale and geometry and defines new protocols for design. Their products are 100% sustainable and offer a zero waste production methodology.

CCT Office

Administrative office of the Crafts Council of Telangana.

Khemka Hall - Aadyam

A corporate social enterprise working with weaver communities in India. Their vision is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for the finest artisans of the country by supporting and selling their crafts and thus impacting their quality of life.

At the core of their mission is to redefine the standards of handloom craftsmanship. We strive to transform the raw, uneven, and unpredictable into refined, consistent and meticulously managed creations that exude uniformity.

Second Floor

Lala Shridhar Hall & Bishnoi Hall

Lala Shridhar Hall - Malkha

Malkha's efforts have been to link local production networks of cotton farmers to handloom weavers through the radical introduction of small-scale yarn spinning. To unweave colonial ruptures, Malkha supported experiments in decentralised spinning of unbaled cotton, natural dyeing, handwoven textile designs and hand block-printing that have opened up possibilities for indigenous desi cotton varieties that elude textile industry standards. Malkha facilitates knowledge exchanges between local farmers, spinners, dyers, weavers and consumers to bring textile literacy back into common knowledge.

Bishnoi Hall - CCT Resource Centre

Contains CCT Resource Centre, CCT Seminar Hall, and CCT Library.

Library Timings: Tuesday / Saturday (11 AM to 2 PM)

The CCT Resource Centre stands as a vital repository and hub for the Crafts Council of Telangana, serving as a comprehensive facility encompassing a Library & Archives, Craft Documentation, and Publications. This centre houses a small Crafts gallery as well, that houses the prototypes our council has worked on.

Library & Archives

The library component of the Resource Centre is a treasure trove of information, housing an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and documents related to various crafts. It serves as an intellectual hub where researchers, enthusiasts, and craftspersons can delve into a wealth of knowledge, gaining insights into the history, techniques, and cultural significance of traditional crafts.

Craft Documentation

At the heart of the Resource Centre is a dedicated space for craft documentation. Here, the rich heritage of traditional crafts is meticulously recorded and cataloged. This includes visual documentation, detailed descriptions, and historical narratives, ensuring that the intricate details of various craft forms are preserved for posterity. Craft documentation serves not only as a record of craftsmanship but also as a valuable resource for future artisans seeking inspiration and understanding.

Publications

The Resource Centre plays a crucial role in publishing materials that contribute to the discourse on traditional crafts. Through journals, books, and other publications, the Council shares insights, research findings, and stories related to the diverse crafts of Telangana. This dissemination of knowledge helps create awareness, appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the cultural and artistic heritage embedded in traditional crafts.

In essence, the CCT Resource Centre serves as the intellectual nucleus of the Crafts Council of Telangana, fostering a culture of research, documentation, and publication that enhances the appreciation and sustainability of traditional crafts in the region.

Third Floor

Sheila Kanoria Hall

Dastkari

A workshop which bridges the gap between the designer and the craftsman, Dastkari is a conjuncture where context and constraints amalgamate conceptualizing ideas which are process informed.

We intertwine time honored techniques and innovative processes, yielding treasures that stand at the cusp of tradition and innovation. With a talented and dedicated team at its core Dastkari sets new benchmarks in its domain of design.

Nawazish Kirmani is the founder and principal designer at Dastkari. He connects with the craftsmen at a deeper level which aligns the craftsmen with his vision, enabling Dastkari create extraordinary works.

Sourav Das

Reviving traditional weaves and textiles through cross-country collaboration with weavers. A visionary designer crafting exquisite sarees through a partnership with India's skilled weavers. From Assam to Varanasi, Sourav embarks on a journey each season, collaborating with various communities and bringing their unique skills and heritage to the forefront. From reviving age-old techniques like Patka and Charkhanas to reinterpreting regional draping styles, his designs are a testament to India's rich textile legacy.

Terrace

Open Space

A beautiful open space, allowing us to host workshops and events here as well.

Knowledge Sharing

CCT Resource Centre Initiative

Wicker Story by Ms. Priyanka Narula

The Wicker Story is a research-driven design studio with an ongoing exploration of the Indian craft of weaving. Based in Hyderabad, India, it was founded by architect Priyanka Narula in 2018. The Studio is known for its expansive art installations, inventive fabrications, sculptures and furniture that have trailblazed a new design language for cane and rattan craft in India.

Learn More

Wastra - Indian Textiles in Island Southeast Asia, 1400–1900

By Mr. Peter Lee - Researcher | Curator | Historian

A History of hand painted textiles which were exported to the Malay Archipelago.

Explore the Artistic Legacy of Meena Women

By Dr. Madan Meena

An inspiring session on exploring the artistic legacy of Meena Women was held on 8th March, 2025. Dr. Meena's talk showcased 25 years of documented Meena women's art across 100 villages in eastern Rajasthan. His research explores its historical and linguistic significance, capturing how Meena women transform their homes post-monsoon with intricate paintings. Through extensive visual documentation, he has preserved exquisite artworks on paper and published 'Joy of Creativity' and 'Nurturing Walls.' This session delves into his journey, shaping his work and perspectives on this rich artistic heritage. Dr. Madan Meena serves as a trustee of the Basha Research and Publication Centre and executive member of the Kota Heritage Society & Gramin Shiksha Kendra.

Toranam - A Doorway to Design

By Mr. Yeshwant Ramamurthy - Architect, Urbanist & Design Historian

This presentation uses a traditional doorway to establish the intersection of architecture, traditional craft and art motif across various creative processes in southern India and Asia. Opening doors of the creative process in these fields, this presentation uses the traditional Toran across history - the history of design seen through a doorway and design across traditional creative processes in South India and Asia.

The Jewel in the Crown "Phanigiri" - Interpreting an Ancient Buddhist Site in Telangana

A talk by Dr. Naman P. Ahuja

Prof. of Indian Art and Archeology, JNU and Editor of Marg Magazine

Panel discussion and insights by Dr. NR Visalatchi, CEO Arogysri Health Care Trust, previously MD, Department of Heritage, Telangana

Moderated by Dr. Aloka Parashar Sen (retired Professor of History, Hyderabad Central University)

Honoring Excellence

Sanmaan Recognitions

Sanmaan Awards 2023

No.	Awardees	Award	Craft
1	Smt. Jaya Jaitly	Crafts Council of Telangana Sanmaan 2023 - Lifetime Achievement	-
2	Shri. C Natarajan	Pingle Kamala Reddy Sanmaan 2023 - Excellence in Craft (National)	Tanjore Artisan
3	Shri. Gulam Taher Siddiqui	Jasti Ramaiah Sanmaan 2023 - Excellence in Craft (Telangana & AP)	Bidri Metal Craft
4	Smt. Gurvinder Kaur Gundev	Kalanjali Sanmaan 2023 - Excellence in Textiles (National)	Phulkari Embroidery
5	Shri. Patnam Subrahmanyam	Lalitha Prasad Sanmaan 2023 - Excellence in Textiles (Telangana & AP)	Venkatagiri Jamdhani
6	Shri. Subhash Poyam	Narne Prabhakar Sanmaan 2023 - Craftpreneur (National)	Tribal Craft
7	Shri. Nagarjun Madavi	Gaurav Kilaru Sanmaan 2023 - Young Artisan (Telangana & AP)	Dokra Craft
8	Smt. Thangajothi C	CCT Award of Recognition 2023 - Craft (National)	Natural Fibre Craft
9	Shri. Prakash Naran Siju	CCT Award of Recognition 2023 - Textiles (National)	Kutch Textiles
10	Shri. Odelu Vurugonda	CCT Award of Recognition 2023 - Textiles (Telangana & AP)	Natural Dye
11	Smt. Gajam Madhavi	CCT Award of Recognition 2023 - Textiles (Telangana & AP)	Double Ikkat
12	M/s. Kalapuri Foundation	CCT Award of Recognition 2023 - Craftpreneur (National)	-

Sanmaan Awards 2024

No.	Awardees	Award	Craft
1	Smt. Ratna Krishna Kumar	Lifetime Achievement Award	Paramparik Karigar
2	Dr. Janardhan Havanje	Excellence in Craft - National	Kaavi Kale Craft
3	Mr. Biswajit Mondal	Excellence in Craft - National	Sholapith Craft
4	Mr. Love Kumar Soni	Excellence in Craft - National	Sanjhi Craft
5	Mr. M. Vishwanath Reddy	Excellence in Craft - Telangana & AP	Kalamkari
6	Mrs. Laxmi Jugnu	Excellence in Craft - Telangana & AP	Banjara Embroidery
7	Mr. Kothamasu Sankar	Excellence in Craft - Telangana & AP	Durgi Stone Carving
8	Mr. Balabhai Raval	Excellence in Textiles - National	Kinkhab Weaving
9	Mr. Narayan Das	Excellence in Textiles - National	Odissa Jala Weaving
10	Mr. Dantani Dilipbhai Vaghbhai Chittara	Excellence in Textiles - National	Mata-Ni-Pachedi Painting
11	Mr. Maduri Dubba Rajesham	Excellence in Textiles - Telangana & AP	Gollabhama Weaver
12	Ms. Chittamsetti Veera Basaveshwari	Excellence in Textiles - Telangana & AP	Godavari Weaving
13	Mr. Kandana Asiri Rao	Excellence in Textiles - Telangana & AP	Vizianagaram Weaving
14	Ms. Sheela Powell	Craftpreneur	Toda Embroidery
15	Mr. Tanmay Mohapatra	Craftpreneur	Patachitra Craft
16	Ms. Jyoti Yadav	Craftpreneur	Marbling Craft
17	Mr. Mahmad Jabbar Arab Khatri	Young Artisan	Rogan Craft
18	Ms. Urmila Minakshi Vayeda	Young Artisan	Warali Painting
19	Ms. Amruta Babulal Manodhiya	Young Artisan	Mashroo Weaving

Sanmaan Awards 2025

No.	Awardees	Award	Craft
1	Mr. Samir S Somaiya	CCT Lifetime Achievement Award	Somaiya Kala Vidya
2	Mr. Arshad Kafeel	Smt. Pingle Kamala Reddy Sanmaan	Tarkashi Craft
3	Ms. Fatimbi Devakari	CCT Award of Recognition	Siddi kavand
4	Ms. Dolon Kundu Mondal	CCT Certificate of Appreciation	Terracotta
5	Ms. Sriyasmita Mishra	Kalanjali Sanmaan	Nayaka Kalamkari
6	Mr. Doru Lakhabhai Valabhai	CCT Award of Recognition	Jam Kambhaliya Weaving
7	Mr. Khetaram Sumra	CCT Certificate of Appreciation	Barmer Weaving
8	Mr. N Harinath	CCT Award of Recognition	Kalamkari
9	Mr. K Siva Prasad Reddy	CCT Certificate of Appreciation	Kalamkari
10	Mr. Gajam Yadagiri	Smt. Lalitha Prasad Sanmaan	Teliya Rumal
11	Ms. Lalitha Bai Rangapur	CCT Award of Recognition	Top-Teni (3 shuttle) Weaving
12	Ms. Kondapalli Suryavathi	CCT Certificate of Appreciation	Extra Weft
13	Mr. Akula Charan Nandi	Shri. Narne Prabhakar Sanmaan	Orissa Ikkat
14	Ms. Lakhmi Sahoo	CCT Award of Recognition	Sitalpatti Weaving
15	Mr. Anto Brighten Devados	CCT Certificate of Appreciation	Palmyra Products
16	Ms. Mubassirah Khatri	Shri. Gaurav Kilaru Sanmaan	Ajrakh
17	Mr. Sravan Kumar Dhanalakota	-	-

Foundation