Indiahandmade, a digital marketplace launched in 2023 under the Digital India initiative, is facilitating the integration of more than 64 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans into the digital economy. By directly connecting artisans with buyers, the platform enhances market access, supports livelihoods, and preserves India’s handloom and handicraft heritage. It enables artisans to sell their handmade products online, reducing reliance on intermediaries and enhancing income opportunities.
The platform, developed by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles, aims to strengthen the visibility of traditional craft communities in the digital economy. With over 70% of handloom weavers and 64% of the artisan workforce being women, the sector plays a significant role in rural employment generation and women’s economic empowerment. Indiahandmade offers a diverse range of handmade products, including apparel, home décor, furnishings, paintings, jewellery, and more.
Indiahandmade also promotes region-specific crafts by showcasing Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and One District One Product (ODOP) items. This initiative not only boosts the visibility of traditional skills but also ensures the preservation of unique crafts. The platform provides a secure digital marketplace with features like secure payments, purchase protection, and free shipping, making it convenient for artisans to sell their products online.
To enhance inclusivity in digital commerce, Indiahandmade allows sellers without Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration to join the platform using an Enrolment ID, provided they sell within their respective states. By empowering artisans to engage directly in online commerce, the platform not only expands market reach but also fosters financial and social empowerment. Artisan enterprises like Santarms, Dastkar Craft, and Villages Craft are already leveraging the platform to market a variety of handmade products.
The government’s vision is to onboard more than 60 lakh artisans onto the Indiahandmade platform, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to bolster self-reliance while ensuring the sustainability of India’s traditional crafts in the digital economy.
