Rajasthan is among the richest state in
the country as far as the fields of arts and crafts is concerned.
Rajasthan has created and preserved rich craft heritage
which includes fabulous fabrics in lovely prints, precious
and semi-precious stones, Kundan Meenakari Jewellery, embroidered
leather work, other hand crafted items of wood, ivory, lac,
glass, brass, silver and gold.
Carpets and durries
The hand knotted woolen carpets of Tonk, Bikaner, and Jaipur
are generally based on Persian styles. The traditional cotton
durries of Jaipur, Jodhpur are mostly in pastle shades with
geometrical motifs design.
Leather ware
Leather is also an essential raw material for making musical
instruments such as the tabla, dhol, kamaycha. These instruments
are used by Rajasthani folk musicians. The world fame jootis
are made from leather having artistically embroidered uppers.
These are incredibly comfortable and sturdy. Jaipur, Jodhpur,
Barmer and Jaisalmer are traditionally known for these footwear.
Bikaner is known for its painted lamp shades, shields and
vases made from camel hide .Designer hand-bags, purses,
belts, hats, stools and collapsible chairs with graphic
embroideries made from leather at Tilonia village near Ajmer
is also example of good craft man ship.
Paintings
Painting of Rajasthan miniature and folk are known all over
the world for treatment and composition, color scheme and
subjecting. Use of vibrant colours, bold lines, two dimensional
treatment of figures and entire composition distributed
in compartments are some of the unique features of these
paintings, popularly known as ‘phad’ paintings.
Wall Paintings
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.
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.
Textiles
Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range of dyed
and block-printed fabric which are further embroidered.
Each region has its own special color scheme, design and
technique. Hand-block printed textiles of the townships
of Sanganer and Bagru near Jaipur have won the hearts of
millions at home and abroad. Jaipur's quilts are a hot favorite
with most tourists. Tie-and-dye textiles, called bandhej
or bandhani are an important Rajasthani craft. Different
methods are used to tie the fabric into small points and
produce various patterns like lehariya, mothda, ekdali and
shikari. The best bandhej comes from Sikar and Jodhpur,
while Jaipur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara are the
other centers. Zari and gota are lavishly used in bridal
and formal costumes. One can pick up saris or even cushion
covers with this elaborate mettalic thread embroidery.
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