Imagination is deep, it can take you anywhere in your subconscious state. While I still keep wondering why, I console myself believing it was perhaps because I watched an upcoming movie trailer recently while discussing, reading and writing a lot about AI.  

Dwayne Johnson—a global symbol of strength and charisma—reimagined through the lens of India’s rich cultural heritage, using AI? Picture him adorned with jewelry, sipping a warm blue cup of tea and donning a luxurious beige shawl as he rests on a swing. These striking flashes from my mind palace aren’t just a flight of fancy, it’s a glimpse into how India’s extraordinary heritage products continue to capture the world’s image of our nation — or in this context, a writer’s imagi-nation.  

Going beyond Pashmina and makhana, from culinary delights to intricate craftsmanship, India’s legacy is a treasure trove of artistry, passion and history. What look just material objects to the regular makers and producers are ambassadors of a timeless culture.  

Let’s take a journey through 10 iconic Indian heritage treasures that have left an indelible mark on the world stage. 

Darjeeling Tea: West Bengal 

West Bengal is famous for Darjeeling Tea, the first Indian product to receive a GI tag. Known for its distinct aroma, flavor and rich taste, it is a hallmark of the region. It is renowned as the “Champagne of Teas,” and embodies the essence of East India. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the misty mountains and rich soil provide the perfect terroir for cultivating this exquisite tea. Cultivated at altitudes ranging from 600 to 2,200 meters, Darjeeling tea “leaves” behind its contemporaries, boasting a delicate flavour profile with floral notes and a muscatel aroma.  

Its unique taste is aesthetically attributed to the region’s distinct, changing and twinning weather patterns, with cool temperatures, ample rainfall and misty mornings complementing the tea leaves’ character. Beyond its unparalleled light-bodied orange-hued taste and global demand, Darjeeling tea—especially, the invigorating Makaibari— holds cultural significance, with tea estates serving as the backbone of the local economy and providing employment to thousands.  

Its global acclaim—for instance, Sherlock Holmes sipping it in reel and international soccer players in the 2014 World Cup in real—has made it a coveted beverage among tea connoisseurs worldwide, symbolizing not just a drink, but a “taste-a-meant" to the craftsmanship and natural splendor of the Darjeeling region. This is among the top Indian exports.

Chikankari: Uttar Pradesh 

Originating in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Chikankari embroidery is a delicate and intricate traditional art known for its floral patterns on fine muslin fabric. The embroidery is a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and artistic heritage of the region. Dating back over 400 years, this delicate form of white-on-white embroidery from the City of Nawabs adorns fabrics with timeless elegance. 

Traditionally, motifs inspired by nature, such as flowers, birds and vines, grace the fabric, adding a touch of ethereal beauty. This exquisite embroidery not only showcases the mastery of the craftsmen but also holds cultural significance, symbolizing grace and sophistication. Today, Chikankari continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide, with its timeless appeal adorning garments, sarees and home decor, preserving the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh’s artistic legacy. 

Madhubani Art: Bihar 

Madhubani paintings, hailing from the Mithila district of north Bihar, are a vibrant celebration of culture and tradition. With roots tracing back to ancient times, these intricate artworks were traditionally created by women on the walls of their homes to mark auspicious occasions like weddings and festivals. 

Characterized by bold lines, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors derived from natural pigments, Madhubani paintings depict mythological themes, folklore and scenes from daily life. Each motif carries symbolic significance, with elements like fish symbolizing fertility and peacocks representing love and romance. 

Originally passed down through generations orally and visually, the art form has evolved to include various mediums such as cloth, paper and canvas – expanding its reach beyond just beautifying domestic walls to global galleries and museums.  

Kashmir Saffron 

Kashmir saffron often hailed as the “Red Gold,” is a prized spice cultivated in the high-altitude regions of the Kashmir Valley. The saffron crocus thrives in the region’s unique climate, characterized by cold winters and moderate summers, along with well-drained soil. Each delicate stigma is hand-picked with meticulous care during the autumn harvest, making it one of the most labor-intensive spices to produce. 

Renowned for its exceptional quality and distinct aroma, Kashmir saffron stands out as one of the most sought-after varieties in the world. It is celebrated for its intense flavor, vibrant color and medicinal properties, ranging from enhancing culinary dishes to traditional remedies for various ailments. Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses, Kashmir saffron holds cultural significance, often incorporated into rituals, ceremonies and festive occasions. 

Jaipur Blue Pottery: Rajasthan 

This traditional craft originated in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It’s known for its vibrant blue glaze, which is derived from a mixture of quartz, powdered glass and natural gum. Contrary to its name, Jaipur Blue Pottery doesn’t involve the use of clay. Instead, artisans shape the pottery using a dough made from quartz and powdered glass. 

The craft often features intricate hand-painted designs, typically in blue, but sometimes in other colors as well. These designs often draw inspiration from Mughal motifs, Persian patterns and floral or geometric designs. Jaipur Blue Pottery items include various decorative pieces like vases, tiles, plates, bowls and other household items.

Etikoppaka Toys: Andra Pradesh 

Etikoppaka toys are traditional wooden toys crafted in the village of Etikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, these toys are handcrafted using a special technique known as lac-turnery. Made from locally sourced soft wood like Ankudu, the artisans skillfully carve and turn the wood on a lathe, shaping it into various forms such as dolls, animals and figurines. 

What sets Etikoppaka toys apart is the natural coloring process they undergo, using organic dyes derived from seeds, leaves and bark. Etikoppaka toys not only represent a rich cultural heritage but also provide livelihoods to local artisans, preserving age-old craft traditions for generations to come. They serve as beautiful reminders of the country’s artistic heritage and continue to captivate people with their charm and craftsmanship. 

Dokra Art: Jharkhand 

Dokra, also known as metal craft comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of East India. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe. Their traditional and indigenous bell metal products are highly valued and have achieved national and international recognition. 

The Dokra artifacts are made of brass and are unique with no joint. The uniqueness of the product also includes the method in which it is combining metallurgical skills with wax techniques. Here, a mold is used only once and broken, making this art the only one-of-its-kind in the world. The tribe extends from Jharkhand to Orissa to as far ahead as Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and even Kerala. 

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees: Tamil Nadu 

Kanchipuram silk sarees, renowned worldwide for their exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious quality, hail from the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. These sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk threads, characterized by their rich texture, vibrant colors and intricate designs. What sets Kanchipuram sarees apart is the meticulous weaving process and motifs inspired by nature, mythology and temple architecture, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage. 

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Kanchipuram silk sarees represent tradition, craftsmanship and the essence of Indian culture. Each saree is a masterpiece, reflecting the skill and artistry of the weavers, embodying the timeless elegance that has captivated saree enthusiasts for centuries. 

Silver Filigree: Telangana 

Karimnagar region in Telangana is home to many highly skilled artists who practice the delicate craftsmanship called filigree. They are skilled in creating many articles through silver filigree such as spoons, jewelry, design boxes, pandanus and also perfume containers. They create special designs involving peacocks, parrots and fish which are depicted in the perfume containers. Filigree represents a delicate form of jewelry metalwork and it’s usually made of gold and silver. The pieces of work are accompanied by tiny beads or twisted threads, or both of these in combination.  

The roots of filigree can also be traced back to the Italian and French metalwork from the 17th to 19th centuries. The artisans of Karimnagar display fine mastery wherein they twist the delicate silver wire into delicate loops. These are knitted in the form of a zigzag pattern that results in an intricate lace-like appearance. 

Sankheda Furniture: Gujarat 

Sankheda furniture originates from the Sankheda region in Gujarat, renowned for its distinctive wooden furniture adorned with vibrant colors and neat designs. The hallmark of Sankheda furniture is its intricate hand-painted motifs, typically featuring geometric patterns, floral designs and inspired by nature. These designs are meticulously applied using bright colors such as red, green and gold, creating a visually striking aesthetic. 

While Sankheda furniture encompasses a variety of pieces, including chairs and tables, its most iconic piece is the Sankheda swing (jhoola). These swings are not only functional, but also serve as exquisite pieces of art, adding a touch of tradition and luxury to home décor and at events. 

Sankheda furniture holds a special place in the Indian culture and is often used in weddings, festivals and other auspicious occasions. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it reflects the rich heritage and artistic legacy of Gujarat, making it a cherished cultural treasure. 

“The handicraft products mentioned above represent just a glimpse of the vast and diverse range of traditional crafts that India has nurtured over the centuries. Each of these handicrafts carries the distinct imprint of its geographical origin, embodying the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations. Recognizing the invaluable cultural and economic potential of these art forms, both the central and state governments have implemented a comprehensive, multipronged strategy. This approach not only focuses on the preservation and revival of traditional handicrafts but promotes them across national and global markets. Through initiatives like skill development programs, financial assistance and increased digital access, the government has ensured that India's artistic legacy thrives in modern times, creating opportunities for artisans and fostering appreciation worldwide,” says Dr Suruchi Mittar, Senior Vice President & Chief Industry Officer, (Non-Tech Sectors) at Invest India. 

In a world constantly seeking the new, incredible India offers something invaluable: the beauty of enduring tradition, the elegance of ancient art and a legacy that transcends borders. India’s heritage isn’t just confined to the past, it’s a living, breathing expression of art, culture and craftsmanship that continues to thrive and inspire.  

These priceless and timeless treasures are woven into the fabric of global culture, touching lives in ways both simple and profound. As more people around the world discover the beauty and uniqueness of these products, India’s heritage becomes a bridge that connects the past with the future, the local with the global. Whether you're a traveler, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship, irresistible India invites you to be part of this extraordinary story: one that is forever unfolding. 

BTW, do you know about the upcoming PM Ekta Malls?

P.S.: A note on AI and deepfakes
Beyond my figment “pigment” of imagination, experimenting on this subject using AI already happened last year in June when some images of him offering arti dressed like an Indian saint took social media by storm. While imagining The Rock sipping Darjeeling tea and draped in Indian heritage products is a playful use of my unused intelligence and creativity, it’s important to remember that not all AI-generated images are as harmless. With the rise of deepfakes—ultra-realistic, AI-created images or videos that can manipulate real faces and voices, it’s becoming harder to distinguish fact from fiction. As we marvel at the possibilities of AI, we must also stay vigilant and critical of the content we consume and share just for the sake of public entertainment. Just like India’s heritage is authentic and time-honored, let’s ensure we celebrate and share content that’s equally authentic in today’s digital age. Stay responsible, stay aware and stay informed!