 Carpets of Rajasthan are traditionally well known for fine-quality hand-knotted woollen fibers. Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bikaner are main centers for this craft in rajasthan. It is also found in smaller towns like Tonk, Chaksu, Manaharpura, and Barmer. Some of the motifs used are little rosettes of Indo-Heratic origin; the colours found are blue, red, and purplish-tints in combination. The other combination is light green and deep blue. The border motifs include bold flowers and long serrated leaves.
Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan started to settle in the royal ateliers in the 17th century. Ever since, they have flourished here, with their high-spirited colours and geometric motifs finding their way into showrooms across the globe. Naturally they are available in the bazaars at a price much lower than they command in stores overseas. The traditional designs of carpets of Rajasthan follow dushala, charkona, mehrab and shikar patterns. Otherwise the designs are slanted towards the Indo-Persian. The carpet in Indo-Kerman design made in Rajasthan has ivory or cream as the background colour with floral design all over or in the center.  Complex carpets require 400 to 600 knots per inch, and are not woven any more; simple carpets with counts of 16 to 36 knots are woven in Rajasthan. Rajasthan has a strong wool base as it controls 50 per cent of total wool production in India and there is mammoth scope for disseminating this craft in rural areas.
The Durrie is a special type of carpet manufactured in Rajasthan. It is a simple rug that was once used as an underlay, but presently has become one of the state's best-known weaving traditions. Weavers sit on looms in villages, creating an interesting blend of patterns- mostly geometric, sometimes floral- in an exciting combination of colours. Made from cotton yarn, in areas such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, the camelhair, woolen durrie too is available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured, which are the other two forms of carpets of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a shopper's paradise in regards to carpet stores. The bright use of colors and the flawless designs and knitting make them popular with the tourists. Even if on is not buying them he or she can check out the product for its sheer beauty. Therefore no one can ignore the fact that Rajasthan is full of deft artisans. Wondering why these carpets and durries (rugs) of Rajasthan are so famous. The carpets have a velvety feel and the bright use of colors can change the interior of any house. They are available in various sizes to suit the purpose of the buyers. The best part about the carpets is that they are available in lower prices at Rajasthan when compared to other parts of the country and are available in both silk and cotton fabric. |
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