Threads of Exploitation: The Silent Erosion of Indian Indigenous Art and Handloom Heritage Under Weak IP Protection

India’s indigenous art forms and handloom traditions, embodying centuries of cultural expression, face an alarming threat of exploitation under the weak intellectual property protection framework. Despite the existence of Geographical Indications (GI) laws, enforcement remains inadequate, allowing unauthorized commercial use of folk designs like Madhubani paintings, Knajeevaram Silks and Pattachitra by global brands. Traditional IP structures, built around individual authorship, fail to accommodate the collective ownership nature of indigenous creativity. As a result, artisans face economic marginalization, cultural dilution and the loss of intangible heritage. This paper critically examines these systemic gaps and highlights the urgent need for sui generis legal protections, stronger GI enforcement and internationally recognized frameworks through WIPO. By situating indigenous art protection at the nexus of intellectual property, cultural preservation and human rights , the research advocates for reforms that ensure rightful recognition and sustainable preservation of India’s artistic legacy.