Indiahandmade, a dedicated digital marketplace under the Digital India initiative, is bringing over 64 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans into the digital economy by connecting them directly with buyers and expanding market access. The platform is helping traditional artisans embrace e-commerce while reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving livelihoods.
‘Indiahandmade’ Expands Digital Commerce for Artisans
Developed by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles and launched in 2023, Indiahandmade enables artisans and weavers to sell handmade products online while strengthening market access.
The platform supports livelihoods, preserves India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage, and allows artisans to earn better returns by selling directly to customers.
The initiative is a key step towards integrating India’s traditional craft sector into the country’s growing digital economy.
‘Indiahandmade’ Supports Women and Rural Livelihoods
According to the official fact-sheet, India has an estimated 64.66 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans.
Women account for more than 70 per cent of handloom weavers and 64 per cent of the overall artisan workforce, highlighting the sector’s vital role in rural employment and women’s economic empowerment.
The platform strengthens financial inclusion by enabling artisans, especially women, to participate directly in online commerce.
GI-Tagged Products and ODOP Crafts Get Wider Market Access
Indiahandmade offers a wide range of handmade products, including:
- Apparel
- Home décor
- Furnishings
- Paintings
- Furniture
- Jewellery
- Bags
- Footwear
- Religious items
- Stationery
- Musical instruments
The platform also showcases Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products and One District One Product (ODOP) items, increasing the visibility of region-specific crafts and helping preserve traditional skills.
By promoting authentic Indian handmade products, the platform also supports cultural heritage and export potential.
Easy Onboarding and Secure Digital Marketplace
The portal offers secure payments, purchase protection, free shipping and buyer support while providing artisans with a simple onboarding process.
To promote inclusive digital commerce, sellers without Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration can also join using an Enrolment ID, provided they sell products within their respective states.
Several artisan enterprises, including Santarms, Dastkar Craft, and Villages Craft, are already using the platform to market products such as wooden décor, terracotta items, handloom sarees, cane, bamboo and cotton products.
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