The number of artisans in different states of India varies based on government surveys, census data, and various reports by the Ministry of Textiles, the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and other agencies. Below is an approximate distribution of artisans across Indian states based on past reports and available estimates:

Estimated Number of Artisans by State (Approximate Figures)

(Figures may vary based on the source and year of data collection.)

1. Uttar Pradesh – 3.5 to 4 million (Brassware, Carpets, Chikankari, Woodwork)
2. West Bengal – 3 to 3.5 million (Terracotta, Kantha, Jute, Dokra, Handloom)
3. Rajasthan – 2.5 to 3 million (Blue Pottery, Tie & Dye, Leatherwork, Metal Craft)
4. Gujarat – 2 to 2.5 million (Bandhani, Patola, Embroidery, Wood Carving)
5. Madhya Pradesh – 1.5 to 2 million (Zari Work, Gond Art, Bell Metal Craft)
6. Tamil Nadu – 1.5 to 2 million (Kanjeevaram Silk, Tanjore Painting, Bronze Casting)
7. Odisha – 1.5 to 2 million (Pattachitra, Silver Filigree, Stone & Wood Carving)
8. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – 1.5 to 2 million (Bidriware, Kalamkari, Pochampally Ikat)
9. Bihar – 1 to 1.5 million (Madhubani Painting, Sujani Embroidery, Sikki Craft)
10. Karnataka – 1 to 1.5 million (Mysore Painting, Sandalwood Carving, Kasuti Embroidery)
11. Maharashtra – 1 to 1.5 million (Warli Art, Paithani Saree, Kolhapuri Chappals)
12. Jharkhand – 0.8 to 1 million (Dokra Art, Sohrai Painting, Tribal Handicrafts)
13. Chhattisgarh – 0.8 to 1 million (Bastar Iron Craft, Bell Metal, Kosa Silk)
14. Kerala – 0.8 to 1 million (Coir Craft, Kathakali Masks, Aranmula Mirrors)
15. Assam – 0.8 to 1 million (Assam Silk, Bamboo & Cane Work, Bell Metal)
16. Punjab – 0.5 to 0.8 million (Phulkari, Wood Inlay, Jutti Making)
17. Haryana – 0.5 to 0.8 million (Handloom, Embroidery, Metalwork)
18. Manipur – 0.3 to 0.5 million (Black Pottery, Manipuri Handloom)
19. Tripura – 0.3 to 0.5 million (Cane & Bamboo Craft, Tribal Textiles)
20. Nagaland – 0.2 to 0.4 million (Naga Weaving, Wood Carving)
21. Meghalaya – 0.2 to 0.4 million (Bamboo Craft, Weaving)
22. Mizoram – 0.1 to 0.3 million (Mizo Weaving, Bamboo Handicrafts)
23. Arunachal Pradesh – 0.1 to 0.3 million (Wood Carving, Carpet Weaving)
24. Sikkim – 0.1 to 0.3 million (Thangka Painting, Handloom)
25. Goa – 0.1 to 0.3 million (Shell Craft, Coconut Art)
26. Himachal Pradesh – 0.2 to 0.4 million (Pahari Paintings, Kullu Shawls)
27. Uttarakhand – 0.2 to 0.4 million (Ringal Craft, Wool Weaving)
28. Union Territories (Delhi, J&K, Ladakh, etc.) – 0.5 to 1 million (Kashmiri Handicrafts, Papier-mâché, Carpets)

Total Estimated Artisans in India

According to government estimates, India has around 200 to 250 million artisans involved in traditional crafts, including handloom weavers, handicrafts workers, and folk artists.