Arts and Crafts of Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Arts
& Crafts of Rajasthan
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.
Popular Arts and Crafts :-
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 emroidered 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 manship.
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 colourful 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 :-
Pottery one of the old crafts, has its own standing tradition in Rajasthan, certain shapes are characteristics of Rajasthan. Alwar has been known for its double cutwork pottery known as 'Kagzi'. Its made of a thin layer of clay and needs a high degree of skills. Purely decorative, the pottery of Bikaner uses lac colours embalished with gold colors to give a glittering finish. Possbly the only pottery in the world that is made without using clay, 'Blue pottery of Jaipur' is unique in appearance.
Textiles :-
Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range of dyed and block-printed fabric which are further embroidered. Each region has its own special colour 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 favourite 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 centres. 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.
Puppets :-
Puppets is an ancient and popular form of folk entertainment. No village fair, no religious festival and no social gathering in Rajasthan can be complete without Puppets. With their sparkling eyes and brightly colored dresses, the kathputlis , gives unforgettable experience.
