The Shilp Guru is the highest honour in the Indian handicrafts sector awarded by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
It is conferred annually upon 10 master craftspersons who have created an exceptional piece of craft work, showcased highest level of quality and skill in the traditional Indian handicrafts and passed on their skills to the next generation of artisans.
[1] The awards were first introduced in 2002 where 10 eminent master craftpersons were honoured with Shilp Guru (master artisan) title by the President of India.
[2] Most recent awards were presented on 28 November 2022 by the Vice President of India to 30 master craftspersons for the year 2017, 2018 and 2019.
[3] As of 2019[update], the award consists of ₹2 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.1 lakh or US$2,400 in 2023) prize money, a plaque, a gold coin, a shawl and a certificate.