Thigma Art explains Indian art, crafts and heritage for readers in India and around the world. This page explains how our visitor guides are put together, so you know what they are based on and how far to rely on them.
What these guides are
Our guides for visitors and buyers, such as Start here, the questions page, the trails, the festival calendar and the buying guides, are compiled from published sources. We read widely, compare what different sources say, and keep what is consistent and well supported.
Some of what we write draws on our own visits and purchases. But these guides go further than that, so they may not be based on first-hand travel or buying experience. Where a guide suggests a route, a season or a price range, treat it as a well-researched starting point, not a personal recommendation.
Where our information comes from
- Government and official bodies, such as the Archaeological Survey of India, the Geographical Indications Registry, the Ministry of Textiles and Indian customs.
- Museums and their online collections, in India and abroad.
- Books and academic writing on Indian art history and craft.
- Craft organisations, cooperatives and well-established cultural and travel publications.
Each guide ends with a list of the main sources we used, so you can read further and check for yourself.
What we do not do
- We do not describe experiences we have not had, or invent tips, quotes or reviews.
- We do not recommend particular shops or sellers, and we are not paid to mention anyone.
- We do not give legal, tax or customs advice. Where rules matter, we point to the official source.
Things that change
Opening hours, ticket prices, festival dates, shipping rules and customs limits change. Guides that include this kind of detail carry a last checked date. Always confirm with the official source before you travel, buy or ship.
Help us get it right
If you know a place, a craft or a rule better than we have described it, please write to lalit.bhatt@thigma.art. We read every message and correct the guide itself. See also About Thigma Art.
Last checked: November 2026.