Art & Crafts

The constant warlike state of the princely states of Rajasthan would normally be considered a hindrance to the development of the arts and crafts in the region. On the contrary, it seems to have inspired the artists and craftsmen of Rajasthan to achieve new heights and unleash their creative potential and imagination in their work. The richness and brilliance of fine arts in Rajasthan in varied forms is astonishing. You will some of the most precious gems and rare pieces of artwork in Rajasthan, whether irrespective of its medium. The textiles, stone, wood, lac, leather, ivory, glass, brass, silver and gold – all serve to manifest sublime expressions and fabulous workmanship in the hands of Rajasthani artists.

The oldest pieces of artwork available date back to 2nd and 1st centuries BC that continued to evolve over the centuries. Several 10th century sculptures belonging to one art school have been found in the Hadoti region of Baroli. Other relics such as cave paintings, and stone and terracotta sculptures that were excavated elsewhere corroborated the presence of the art school there. History notes that Rajasthan rulers actively patronized and encourage arts and crafts ranging from painting to potter to weaving to wood and marble carving.

Women actively contributed to evolution of Rajasthani handicrafts such as embroidery, tie-and-dye fabrics, leather jootis, enameled jewellery with inlaid work of precious gems and semi-precious stones, wall paintings and intricately patterned curios made out of straw and twine. The scenes of battles and victory processions are reiterated on paintings made on handmade paper and frescoes that grace the walls of Rajasthani homes. Some of the most famous Rajasthani handicrafts are:

Jaipur Meenakari: Colorful jewellery pieces with fine quality enamel work and delicate designs at Jaipur are quite famous. Other famous centers for Meenakari are Pratapgarh and Nathdwara.

Jewelery: Jewelry is quite popular in Rajasthan and each region has its distinctive traditional designs such as rakhri, tirnaniyan, bala, bajuband, gajra, gokhru, and jod. Tribal women happily wear plain but heavy jewellery all the time that weighs up to 5 kg. Men are not much behind in wearing ornaments and earrings and chokers are not considered to be the domain of women here.

Ivory: Auspicious ivory bangles with inlaid stonework and intricate designs are quite popular in Rajasthan. Miniature paintings done on ivory are also popular.

Lac and Glass: Lac bangles and decorative items in vibrant colors and sometimes inlaid with glass find favor with Rajasthani women.

Sandalwood and Wood: Ranging from simple and inexpensive to most intricately designed doors, jhoolas and furniture, carved wooden pieces of Rajasthan are coveted all over the world.

Stone: Statues of religious deities and intricately carved pillars and brackets made by Rajasthan stone carvers are worth buying.

Other Rajasthani crafts that lure domestic and foreign tourists alike, include blue pottery, hand block printing, camel hide and cloth paintings, terracotta sculptures, durries and carpets and metal ware with inlaid work

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