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Crafts of Chamba District reflect the rich culture and tradition of the district. Several art and crafts are popular in this district of Himachal Pradesh. Like for instance, metal craft, wood carving, painting, basket making, Chamba rumal embroidery, pottery or earthenware, weaving and leather works are some of the main crafts of Chamba District. These are practiced by a huge number of local people. Moreover, art and crafts of Chamba District also draw the attention of the travellers. One of the most interesting crafts of Chamba District is the art of metal craft. The tradition of bronze casting was introduced by the Kashmiri artisans. Kashmiri influence on these Chamba bronzes is cleanly discernible. Lakshmi, Ganesh and Narsimha bronze statues in Bharmaur and Harirai and Gauri Shankar at Chamba are the marvels of the Bronze Sculptures. The method of casting of images in Chamba is Cire Perdu. The image is first made in wax and then a thin coating of clay is given to the wax model, keeping a hole for pouring the metal in. After burning the clay-covered mould, the melted metal is poured in the hollow of the mould and hence images are assumed. Some crafts persons still, are practicing the art of metal craft in Chamba. Metal works is the centuries old craft which is still popular in Himachal Pradesh with the name Mohra. The metal work called mohras represents deities like—Lord Shiva and others which are most commonly found in Kullu and Chamba. The metal craft or metal work made in Himachal Pradesh usually signifies the unique jewelleries prepared by the expert metal-work designers, to preserve the tradition of the Himachal Pradesh. Many of the doors of the temples in this region are crafted with the metal, especially the Buddhists are very fond to use the metal crafts, and thus they use them in their monasteries.

Significance of Mohra Metal Work in State :

• Himachal Pradesh is one of the great states of India that makes Indians proud with its amazing architecture, natural beauty, arts and crafts such as painting, stone carving, jewelries, metal works like Mohra and so on.
• The metal work of the state also includes the tradition of creating beautiful metal jewelries that are artistically created, few namely bangles, bracelets and so on.as per the state’s tradition. Every town of this state has its own unique metal-craft-mohra which is as old as the 14th century A.D.
• The metal works of Himachal Pradesh are most popular in the world, and has been the main tourists’ attraction, because of its flower designs. Whereas, there is another metal craft work which is very different and most popular with the name Metal-craft-mohra. Such metal works are found in very famous places like—Chamba, Kullu, Bharmour, Kangra and so on.
• The metal work artists are practicing the art and have become professionals in the unique creations. The statuettes at the temple entrances of Brahmaur, or the Vajreshwari Devi temple, are the very few fulgent models of excellent metal craftswork. Even, the temple doors of Vajreshwari Devi, Jwalamukhi, Bhimkali and Chandika Devi, explore the great craftsmen installed.
• Another metalcraft unique to Himachal is the mohra. Mohras or metal plaques representing a deity are common in Kullu and Chamba. The metal crafters who design the metal craft work use bronze, copper, iron, and bell metal as well.
• Apart from the glittering statues, many home items are made such as—lamps, handles, bells, and many others, by using the metals. Another unique metal object, prepared are glass or a small pot to preserve water can be found in different shapes and size, which drags attention of the tourists or the local people.
• The metal crafts of Himachal Pradesh are not just supplied to the temples, monasteries etc. but, they are served to every person in common. As per the history, the metal craft in Himachal Pradesh is developed because of the region’s law court of the kings, who were experts in metalwork during the period of 600 AD. Since then, the metal craftsmen have been practicing the art and have become experts in this unique craft making.

Popularity of Mohra Metal Work :

• The life of the Himachal Pradesh people is highly determined by the religious beliefs and rules where the worship process is very expandable. To worship, the temples need several items or materials, which are made by metal like copper, tin, and many others. Metal contains copper, tin, brass, bell metal and iron. Despite of the shining statues, there are many objects which are made by using metal like lamps, bells, musical instrument, and vessels.
• The metal word done in Himachal Pradesh is a kind of tradition that lets artists to make beautiful metal jewelries that are artistically created. The jewelries also include- The Pahari jewelries that are artistically created and give the same charm of nature, which it borrows from. Also, there is another kind of necklace made out of metal called ‘Chandahaar’ which comprises 5-7 rows of quality gold beads. Usually, such jewelries are worn by Pahari women who wish to dress-up with metal bangles, beaded metal necklaces etc.
• These Mohras have been available since last 1, 400 years ago till now in Himachal Pradesh, and can be seen a lot in temples especially during the giant festivals like Dussehra at Kullu district.

Craft Process :

• In Livelihood Himachal Pradesh is very popular for the special metal work called ‘Mohra’, and every village of this region has its own mohra metal, where the metal-craft-work of Himachal Pradesh stands as the antique metal works, and is most commonly found in several temples of Himachal Pradesh in the form of statues of gods and goddesses appear as ‘mohras’ or metal plaques.
• One of the most interesting crafts of Himachal Pradesh is the art of metal craft. Chamba district was the foremost centre of metal casting; also, the temples of Bharmour and Chamba are carved with bronze, by a professional craftsman. The tradition of bronze or image casting was introduced by Kashmiri artisans at Chamba, where some craftsmen still practice the metal craft work to become a master of metal carving.
• Among the handicrafts, Himachal Pradesh has also a very famed quality metal crafts like bangles, earrings and many other items which are created using copper, brass, mercury and bell metal. While, the statues made of copper and brass are beautifully carved, whereas bells and mugs have very excellent designs sculpted. The metal works also include lamps, whose handles are beautiful carved in temples. Even some items that include— jugs, trumpets etc. are also made of the copper or bronze metals.
• The mohras made of brass and copper usually contain carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga of Chamba and Kullu. The metal work of the Kinnaur district displays a unique style of Buddhism and Hinduism. While, another type of ornament called ‘Lahaul-Spiti’, influences the Tibetans with its design that is created with semi-precious stones such as coral, giant pearl, and so on.

WoThe Hilly area of Himachal has remained isolated from the world for a long time. This isolation has acted as a boon for the region as it has enabled them to have a culture of their own. The vivacious assortments include detailed work of wood, classical embroidery on leather, wonderfully decorative carpets, customary woolen shawls apart from other things. The distinct culture and traditions of the himalayas are evident in its artwork. Weaving, carving, painting, and chiseling – have made a foray into the very essence of Himachal and its culture. The colorful pashminas, exquisite wooden doors, and rhythmic sculptures are all inspired by the natural beauty.

Significance of Wood in State :

• Wood has always been an instrumental element in Himachal. One of the only places where it is used as a basic structural material, Trees like Pine, Cedrus deodara, and wild black mulberry are some of the woods that are in generous quantity in Himachal. Places like Chamba, Kalpa, Kinnaur, Kullu and Tisza are well known for the same. With carved doors, Windows and balcony panels, Wood is undoubtedly the most used material in the village houses. Kinnaur and Kullu exhibit this the best.
• The First temples made of wood date back to as long as the 6th Century AD. They were traced to be in the Brahmaur and Chhatrarhi in Chamba valley of Himachal. Numerous extra temples sculpt in timber lie sprinkled across Himachal. The skill further translates as idols of gods made in wood. They are present both in rural and Urban styles. Useful items carved in wood are often used to decorate Pahari homes –The extent of which exhibits the class and strata of the family.
• Another place famous for utensils made out of wood are the households in Gaddi in Chamba. Brahmaur is also famous for the same. Wooden Utensils are still widely used across Kinnaur. With the coming of nobility in the state, Western and European influences started creeping into the art and soon wood was used to carve out chairs, tables, matchbox, Cigarette Holders etc. Wood is also a part of the basic Hindu belief as its used for many rituals. Although the craze for wood carving is losing its glitter in the fast westernizing world, In Himachal, The tradition of wood carving is still held in high regard.

Popularity of Woodcraft :

• One can see and realize the importance of wood in Himachali culture through its existence in the old village and rural homes. These wondrous works of arts can also be seen in the valleys of Kinnaur and Kullu.
• The main regions in Himachal Pradesh which are celebrated for wooden arts and crafts are places like Chamba, Kalpa, Tisa, Kinnaur and Kullu. This attractively completed carpentry is noticeable by its exceptional texture and elaborate designs. This renders the wood  a stunning look. Wooden items such as several jars, serving bowls, storage carved idols, candle stands, trays and baskets, jewelry, fruit bowls, photo and mirror frames are some of the famous products in the markets. Chamba is also famous for the boxes that store grains, Known for its animal motifs, These are large in shape and are very popular amongst tourists. Chamba, Chhatrarhi, Rarang, Sapni, Batseri, Shaung, and Bhaba are Villages famous for woodcraft.

In livelihood :

• Having a straight authority on the daily life, The custom of statuette express all the principle and knowledge of manusing easy and simply comprehensible symbols. The three-dimensional art has a unique power to translate the subtlety of the dreamy values by means of position and flexion. Certain symbols are used exclusively to communicate certain ideas, which have linked meaning.
• Apart from this, the beautification of architectural designs and creation of imagery, wood was once used for purposes of furniture, decorative artifacts, utensil, etc. The utensils were carved out of cylinders of wood and then they are further shaped as desired. They were once used for keeping and storing grains and cereals etc.
• Wood was extensively utilized as a substance for the structuring of buildings which made it achievable for the artists to devise a variety of creative designs, which were detailed and polished beneath the impact of different styles with time. The craft of the Pabbar valley and of Himachal in general has been deeply influenced by the nearby states and regions which have deeply formed the ideas and designs of this region. Having said that, The details of the carving has been preserved despite the heavy external influences. The craftsmen basically are well versed with the old technique and love it also they include newer techniques and aesthetics to satisfy the locals.

Himachal has explored the art of stone carving to its fullest. The credit of this also goes to the wondrous types of stone that this state has .Variousshikhara (spired) sand stone temple speckle the land. In Chamba, the Laxminarayan Temple and In Kangra TheMarsur and Baijnath Temple are a few grand specimens of the work done in Himachal since ages.

Temples and fountains are also surrounded with several stone memorials that add to the grace of the place :

• In the Himachal Pradesh region, Stone carvers till today hold the old world charm and are busy using their apparatus to create out of dead stones lively products of use. 
• Classical stoves (angithi), spherical storing pots (kundi) and chakki are some of the innumerable things of use made out of stones in Himachal. Shimla, Kinnaur, mandi and Chamba are the main centers of Stonework.

The Chamba Rumal or Chamba handkerchief is an embroidered handicraft that was once promoted under the patronage of the former rulers of Chamba kingdom. It is a common item of gift during marriages with detailed patterns in bright and pleasing colour schemes.

Introduction :

• Himachal Pradesh is famous for its traditional folk craft, woodwork, metal wares, carpets, woolen textile and leather embroidery. Among theHandicraft in Himachal Pradesh, embroidery is an importantaspect praiced by the womenfolk.
• The big handkerchiefs calledrumal of Chamba are famous andhas always been a symbol of affection and good omen.
• They are presented at festivals and weddings. They are also used for wrapping ceremonious gifts exchanged between the bride and bridegroom's parties during marriages.
• The embroidery on the rumal is the image of a miniature painting on fabric. Thecreations came to be termedas rumals or scarves, as theywere mainly produced in asquare format.
• The rumals  reflected the artisticexpression of the women of the household and were usedto cover gifts and offerings.
• There are Pahari miniature paintings in existence, whichshow gifts covered with Chamba rumals being  exchanged between the families of the bride and groom.

Rumals :

• were also used to cover offerings to the gods and while presenting gifts to the ruler or other high officials.
• The name 'rumal' meanshandkerchief, but these are not used to be kept in the pocket. Theseare generally used for covering gifts placed on metal & bambootrays and baskets on any special occasions as birthdays, weddings, festivals or fairs.

Historical Background :

• It all began as a craft to cater to kings. And from there, the products of this domestic craft spread to every household thatcould afford them - or whose womenfolk could create them. At itssimplest, the Chamba Rumal, literally, handkerchief, was a pieceof cloth used a small drape or scarf. Steadily this embroidery begancovering a range of items for daily use - caps, hand fans, pillowcases and wall hangings.
• The embroidery art form of the Chamba rumal  originated andflourished in the erstwhile princely hill states of Chamba, Kangra, Basholiand nearby states which arenot a part of HimachalPradesh. Though practicedthroughout this region, the  craft came to be associated specifically with Chamba owing to the patronage given by the rulers of the area as well as to the quality of its craftsmanship.
• The artistic style of the Pahari miniature paintings which was influenced by Mughal Miniatures wasreflected in the rumals which flourished in the 18th and 19thcenturies.There are Pahari miniature paintings in existence, whichshow gifts covered with Chamba rumals being exchanged betweenthe families of the bride and groom.
• The earliest Chamba Rumalsdate back to the mid 18th century - and have had an unbrokenlineage as it were, to the present day. The technique is similar toPunjab's "Phulkari", which is not surprising given the trade andcultural links. But the themes that unravel in the stitches are bornof the artistic traditions of the hills.
• The place of the fine brushstrokes that created the exquisite miniature paintings of Kangra isshared by the needle and thread of chamba.Though the Chamba Rumal has a very old history but it wasin 1884, under the patronage of Raja Umed Singh that this piece of art got a new thrust. Thereafter the traditional needlework on theChamba Rumal became famous in the country and even abroad.
• Some of the best Chamba Rumals can still be seen at theVictoria and Albert Museums in London. One such 'Rumal' at oneof the two museums is in the form of a wall hanging which depictsscenes from the Mahabharata.