Handicrafts of Rajasthan

Tradition Of The Bygone Rajasthani Era

The handicrafts of Rajasthan are popular world-wide. Since very olden times, the art and craft activity developed here. The convention of the bygone era has been carefully preserved. And it continues. Even today, some of the most fascinating handicrafts are produced in Rajasthan. These feature Tie-and-Dye Fabrics, Paintings, Finely Cut Precious Stones, Wood and Ivory Carving, Lacquer Work, Fine Block Printed Textiles, Enameled Jewelry and Pottery.

The carpets and durries are a must mention when talking of the handicrafts of Rajasthan. The hand knotted woolen carpets of Bikaner, Tonk and Jaipur are usually made like Persian carpets. The traditional cotton durries of Jodhpur and Jaipur are quite famous. These are available in pastel colours with geometrical motifs.

Paintings are nowhere more vibrant than those in Rajasthan. Both folk and miniature style of painting are famed for their treatment, composition, color scheme and theme. The traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes instead of synthetic colours so as to add a tinge of liveliness. These are more popularly known as Phad paintings.

Wall paintings are yet another famous form of handicrafts of Rajasthan. They keep alive the tradition of decorating the dwellings. They occupy a special place on the walls of the magnificent palaces and havelis and even small huts. The tourists can witness some of the finest wall paintings in the ancient towns of Kota, Bundi and Jaisalmer and the havelis of the Shekhawati region.

Rajasthani Textiles are well known amongst the tourists visiting this destination. There is a varied range of textiles including tie-and-dyed, embroidered and block-printed fabric. The technique, design and colour scheme applied differ from region to region. Amongst the most popular ones are hand-block printed textiles of Sanganer and Bagru near Jaipur and tie-and-die textiles (bandhani) of Sikar and Jodhpur.

Blue pottery, a unique art form, was first of all introduced in Rajasthan. A blend of ground quartz stone and distinctive colour schemes like blue, white and green make it even more extraordinary form of artwork. Lately, earthy colors have also been used. Articles are shaped in prominent designs and shapes. Flower pots, jars, lamp shades are the forte of this art form of pottery.