History of Rajasthan reveals that the
Kings and nobles were patrons of Art and Craft and they encouraged the
craftsmen in activities ranging from wood and marble carving to weaving,
pottery and painting. People of this region had a strong desire to decorate
their surroundings. Rajasthan is among the richest states in the country in
arts and crafts. Below are the famous crafts of Rajasthan that have gained
popularity worldwide:
Though there is a variety of products found everywhere in India, still if
you want to have the best quality, with minimum price, then one should go to
the famous places of Rajasthan like Bikaner, Barmer, Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur and
Jaipur to fend
these. These famous Cities of Rajasthan not only have an array of
Handicrafts but also have attractions like Historical Forts and
Museums, 100 years old Havelis, Sand Dunes, famous
Villages like Kichchinn and so on. Seeing Rajasthan is a absolutely
different experience!
» Miniature Paintings : Different schools of this
fascinating art have flourished here since the 16th century, each with
its own distinctive style. The Kishangarh school is best known for its
Bani Thani paintings. A totally different style with highly exaggerated
features - long necks, large almond-shaped eyes, long fingers and the
use of subdued colours.The verdant greenery of the Kota-Bundi region is
reflected in the paintings of that region. The rulers of Amer-Jaipur
were the closest to the Mughals and a strong Mughal influence crept into
their paintings.
» Ivory : Ivory is often used to make jewellery, especially
bangles, which are considered an essential part of bridal jewellery. The
bangles are often over laid with gold and are often dyed in various
colors, though the most popular are inlaid with glass and coloured
stone. also inlaid and shaped into intricate items of great beauty.
» Lac and Glass : Lac is mainly used bangles and decorative
items. Lac bangles are made in bright colours. These bangles and
decorative items are inlaid with glass and coloured stone.
» Pottery : Palaces, Havelies, even huts are commonly
having Walls and ceilings covered with colorful paintings in Rajasthan.
Some of the finest paintings can be seen in havelis of the Shekhawati
region and the ancient towns of Bundi and Kota. And some of the most
humorous on the walls of houses tucked away in the lanes of Jaisalmer.
The Jaipur blue pottery is equally famous and unique. No cracks develop
in it and since it is impervious, it is more hygienic for daily use.
Some of this pottery is semi-transparent and mostly decorated with
animal and bird motifs. These pottery items, unlike that of Delhi are
made out of Egyptian paste, and fired at very low temperature.
Rajasthani Jewelery : Rajasthan is also well known for its
remarkable Jwelery. Worn on all Indian Festivals and Functions, the
Rajasthani can be broadly categorised in two categories :
» Meenakari : Meenakari is the setting of precious stones
into gold and the enameling of gold. This intricate art was brought in
Jaipur by Raja Mansingh of Amer by inviting some skilled workers from
Lahore. The art grown over the years. Jaipur Meenakari is famous for
it's delicacy and colourfulness. Alwar, Pratapgarh and Nathdwara are
other centers, which produce fine quality enamel work.
» Kundankari : A specialty of Rajasthan, is work of Kundan,
the jewelry in which kundan is applied, mostly made from a core of lac,
a natural resin. The pieces which make up the finished object are first
shaped by specialist craftsmen (and solder together if the shape is
complicated). Holes are cut for the stones, any engraving or chasing is
carried out, and the pieces are enameled. When the stones are to be set,
lac is inserted in the back, and is then visible in the front through
the holes. Highly refined gold, the kundan, is then used to cover the
lac and the stone is pushed into the kundan.
