Rajasthani Crafts – A Magnificent Combination Of Color And Culture

Reflecting the true culture of the state, Rajasthan crafts are known for their unique designs. The art seems to be influenced by the Rajputs and Mughals. In addition to historical monuments, exotic wildlife, and vibrant culture and traditions, Rajasthan specializes in handicrafts. These unique items make Rajasthan a shopper’s paradise. One can spend hours browsing the handmade items on display in government bazaars and emporiums like the Rajasthali in Jaipur. The main specialties of Rajasthani handicrafts are:

Jewelry and gemstone cutting

Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Udaipur are some of the best places to buy Rajasthani ethnic jewelry. Rajasthan is world famous for its jewelry items such as rakhri, gokhru, timamyan, bala, bajuband, etc. Jaipur is the largest gem cutting center in the world and a great center for Minakari (a colored glass process). Thewa pendants from Rajasthan are made in Jaipur by inlaying gold and semi-precious stones (rubies, emeralds and diamonds) in a slotted template. Bikaner and Jodhpur are very popular for Kundan, the art of setting stones in gold.

Textiles

Rajasthani Textiles, on dyed and printed fabric adorned with embroidery and mirrors, showcases the incomparable artistry of the Rajputs and Mughals. The Jauhri Bazaar in Jaipur is a famous place to get a great variety of handmade textiles. Bandhani or Bandhej is a unique Rajasthan dyeing and tying technique that provides a different texture and design to textiles.

Paints

This fascinating state art is especially popular in Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Kishangarh, Dhundhar, and Alwar. The miniature and folk styles and Kota-style paintings represent a unique combination of vibrant colors, composition, and themes. These paints are made with natural colors like mineral and plant alkaloids.

Durries and rugs

Durries was born to the Afghans in the 17th century. Today, this segment is among the most popular handicrafts in Rajasthan. These rugs are generally hand-knotted wool products and bear a strong resemblance to Persian rugs.

Stone and marble handicrafts

Marble sculptures, statues, stone artifacts, religious idols and stone carvings, etc. they are something Rajasthan is known for. These masterpieces can be great decorations for your home. Unique stone carvings can be seen in various palaces and havelis, as well as common houses.

Rajasthani Jootis

These jootis are an important part of Indian ethnic dresses. Originally from Jaipur and Jodhpur, the Mojaris Jootis of Rajasthan with exquisite embroidery form another specialty of Rajasthani handicrafts.

Rajasthani wooden furniture

The most famous work in furniture in Rajasthan is the trellis. This is one of the finest works of art to be found in Rajasthan, popular for its intricate carvings on small chairs and tables, bajots and chowkis, stools with rope seats, boxes, cabinets, mirrors and picture frames, doors and windows, etc. Jodhpur and Kishangarh are the renowned cities to buy these wooden handicrafts.

While exploring the artisan specialties in Rajasthan, one cannot ignore the incomparable and extraordinary red terracotta pottery, Bikaner pottery, blue pottery crafts, ivory bangles, and feather-light quilts (carrerai). These dynamic craft traditions reflect the true culture and royal splendor of Rajasthan.

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