Rajasthan Handicraft
The arts and crafts of a place indicate its cultural richness. The diversity of Rajasthan's handicrafts is mind-boggling and the workmanship is exquisite. These are traditional crafts that are handed down from generation to generation. Connoisseurs have always valued the aesthetics and artisanship of Rajasthani handicrafts.
Whether antique or made-to-look-like antique furniture for your home is what you desire or opulent jewellery, all these and everything in between like miniature paintings, silver accessories, textiles made with organic dyes, brass and metalware, leather crafts, garments embellished with traditional embroidery and even designer garments, all are available in Rajasthan.
The royals were patrons of the arts. As a result, each erstwhile princely state has something that distinguishes it, in the realm of handicrafts. The styles also differ according to the place.
Kundan and enamel jewellery is a specialty of Rajasthan. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enamel work. This traditional art of Meenakari is also done in Nathdwara. The thewa work of Pratapgarh is exquisite. In this technique, designs are enameled in gold on a glass base. The base used is generally green or red in colour.
Hand block printed and tie & dye fabrics of Rajasthan are also known the world over. Applique as well as several styles of embroidery are practiced in various towns. Most notable are Bikaner, Jhunjhunu and Sikar.
Kishangarh, Shekhawati and Jodhpur are known for their furniture made of wood. Miniature paintings are made according to different schools of style. Udaipur and Jaipur miniatures are known for their fine brush strokes, while Bundi and Kotah are known for their scenes of battle and of shikar (hunts). The Kishangarh School portrays the eternal love story of Radha-Krishna. Phad paintings are famous folk paintings, executed on cloth, and themes are devotional.
Rajasthan is a popular place to buy gem stones. Jaipur is world's largest gem cutting center. Garnets, amethysts or quartz are available at unbelievable prices. Precious stones, both cut and uncut can also be purchased here.
Glazed blue pottery, originally from Persia, is a recognized art of Jaipur. This unique art of pottery does not use clay but crushed quartz instead, to obtain the colour.
Whatever your destination in Rajasthan, you will be able to buy local handicrafts and also watch artisans at work. The products however are also available at the emporiums run by state government in major towns, particularly Jaipur.
