 The artists and the craftsmen of Rajasthan were respected so much that they were given incentives and special areas were designated for their work. Today, Jaipur the capital of the state is known as the craft capital of the country. In Rajasthan, craft has itself developed as a full-fledged industry, and is a major source of occupation in the state.
Pottery in Rajasthan Pottery is the oldest handicraft in India. It was practiced from proto-historic times, to which period are ascribed the discovery of pottery from Kalibanga area as a result of excavations. The Rajasthani Potter displays great skill in giving form and design to pots and supplies to people in infinite variety of useful pottery. Kagazi Pottery: Alwar district in Rajasthan is famous for its paper thin pottery referred to as Kagzi Pottery. Kagzi pottery can be classified in three distinct types like, thin biscuit colour pottery, polished and painted with white and red slips and highly polished pottery decorated with strong, deeply incised, stylized patterns of arabesques. Pokhran Pottery: Pokhran has stylized forms with incised decorative patters, which are distinctive. In Pokhran, the potters produce traditional utensils like Surahi (round spherical bottle with narrow mouth), Lotus with long spouts. Blue Pottery: Blue Pottery is a traditional craft of Jaipur, the pinkcity. Its origin is Turko-Persian. The name 'blue pottery' comes from the eye-catching cobalt blue dye used to color the pottery. The art of making blue pottery flourished in Jaipur under the sway of Maharaja Ram Singh. Some of this pottery is semi-transparent. They are mostly decorated with bird and other animal motifs. Bikaner Pottery: In Bikaner, Nohar region is famous for producing painted pottery. Lac colours are used for painting. Golden shade in the painted pottery of Bikaner resembles the sand dunes of the region and makes it more beautiful. Glazed Pottery: In Rajasthan, Jaipur is the centre of this type of pottery. White background with blue and green patterns is the unique feature of this style of pottery. Terracota Pottery: The Rajasthan terracotta items include paper-thin pottery, white and red clay articles, painted pottery and terracotta wall plaques. The black pottery is better sourced in South India and making its mark up north in the district of Dausa, West of Jaipur. Jewellery in Rajasthan Originating from Rajasthan, Rajputana gold jewellery is one of the most exquisite styles of jewellery in India. Rajasthan is rich in jewellery, each area having its own unique style. Some of the traditional designs are rakhri, tirnaniyan, bala, bajuband, gajra, gokhru, jod, etc. Kundan Work: The 'kundan' craft of Jaipur is a part of the Mughal jewelry which has uncut stones set in open lacy gold work. The hollow portions of the ornament in which the stones are set are filed with gold of pure quality. Kundan is a traditional Indian gem and used in heavy pieces of jewellery. Meenakari Work: Meenakari is an ancient and fascinating Indian jewellery tradition. This style of decoration comes very long, holding an appealing position in the fashion market. Raja Man Singh of Mewar, Rajasthan was regarded as the patron of this art in the 16th century. Chunky Silver: Chunky silver jewellery, in the form of earrings, necklaces, anklets and armlets is highly popular in rural Rajasthan, and is sometimes embellished with bits of coloured glass. 
Lac Bangles: Rajasthan is famous for its glass bangles and mirrored lac bangles, contemporary yet ethnic. These bangles make up the display on most street markets of Jaipur and Jodhpur. Made of lac, these hand-made bangles are strikingly beautiful with bold, inglorious, and vibrant colors. Rajasthani wedding rituals require specific ornamentation and festivals that hold distinctive ensembles related to them.
Ivory: Ivory is a hard cream shade material that comes from an elephant trunk. It continues to compare with other expensive stuff like pearl or sliver. Jaipur, Rajasthan is a hub for Ivory. The ivory bangles are a piece of traditional jewellery, with Rajasthani women wearing them on every important occasion. Leather Crafts in Rajasthan Leather is a fairly utilitarian material used by all the sects of people. Rajasthan cobblers have traditionally shod feet of all kinds, and make mojadies with floral patterns notes for their delicacy. Mojadis: Morjaris or Jutis are handmade footwear with exquisite embroidery. This traditional craft has made Rajasthan walk a long way while holding an attractive position. The motifs and patterns of the footwear vary from district to district. However, Jaipur and Jodhpur are the hubs of mojaris. Decorative and Utility Items: Shields, vases and lampshades (in Bikaner); and collapsible chairs made of camel leather which is embellished with embroidery are a specialty of the village of Tilonia, near Ajmer. In addition to these, a vast number of bags, wallets, belts and headgear are available in all of Rajasthan’s cities. Musical Instruments: People in Rajasthan used leather in their folk music instruments like dhol, dhapli, tabla and kamancha etc. Textile Crafts in Rajasthan The textiles of the state have an immense and ever-growing international demand. The array of kaleidoscopic colors and a spectrum of hues used in creating these textiles are mind-boggling. Fabric Work: The myriad colors include the bright and cheerful greens, blues, reds, pinks and the gold used for overprinting (Khan Work). Be it the patterned Bandhani or Bandhej or the wavy Lehariya, the crackled Batik or the Shikari, the Cheent, or the Mothra, Rajasthan is the hub of tie and dye work, and are attractions at local markets of the state. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara are famed for Bandhani textiles. Embroidery and Patchwork: Embroidery and patchwork are practiced well in Bikaner, Barmer, and surrounding regions. The Zari or zardozi work of the state is also very famous. The block printed textiles of Sanganer in Jaipur are very famous. The prints of Bagru and Jajams are distinguishable by their dark hues and attractive circular designs. 
Carpets and Rugs: Moneyed hues and exquisite designing are the hallmarks of the hand-woven carpets and rugs. Carpets traditionally weaved with wool but in Rajasthan, carpets and rugs are often made out of silk and cotton fiber. The carpets and rugs woven at Bokhara are among the finest in the world and are hand-knotted.
Marble Works in Rajasthan All marble items are crafted by skilled craftsmen using simple tools on high-grade Makrana marbles. The handicrafts have Meenakari and Kundan works of Rajasthan. Marble pot and vases, in Matka shape, bottle shape, and Surahi model are uniquely designed in high-quality florals patterns. The floral embossed paintings are also admirable. Statues, sculptures, furniture, tabletops, flower vases, serving trays, are made from marbles in Rajasthan. Wood Crafts in Rajasthan Rajasthan is famed for hand-carved wooden screens, jharokhas of jaali, furniture, and household items. Barmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, and Shekhawati regions are famed for unique styles of furniture making. The miniature paintings embossed sleek tables-chairs of Barmer have made a name for themselves while the quaint Jodhpur pieces lend an old-world charm to the homes. Thewa- Glass Work in Rajasthan The colored glass base, embossed with golden miniature artwork is the attraction of the Thewa work. The stained glass work of the Havelis, palaces, and temples of Rajasthan or Rajputana are visual delights. An excellent display of stained glass windows, glass mosaics and intricately inlaid glasswork mark the beauty of Udaipur City Palace and the old Havelis of the Shekhawati region of the state. Metal Craft in Rajasthan The metalcraft of Rajasthan showcases the classical history of regal culture and traditions. This craft looks so effortless, but it takes great craftsmanship to come up with a perfect product. Also, metal artists of Rajasthan use the finest silver to coat handiwork item. Rajasthan produces items like table boxes, antiques, figurines and brass art. (Last Updated on : 14-05-2021) |
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