Craft Trails in Rajasthan

India’s largest state Rajasthan has an exceptionally rich heritage. The grand monuments are the testimony to that. The ancient art-forms have also been kept alive and thriving here. The state offers everything from little mementos to precious jewellery. We are taking you on a craft-trail through the lanes of Rajasthan today-

1.Blue Pottery

The fragile Blue Pottery from Jaipur is popular world over. This art form is of Turkish origin and Mughals brought it to India. It has been kept alive in Rajasthan so the state has to take the credit. As the name suggests, the Blue Pottery items come in various shades of blue. You will also see brown and yellow colors in it.
Alwar and Bikaner also have their unique styles of pottery.

 

2.Leather Products

The leather Jootis belong to all of Rajasthan but the ones from Jaipur and Jodhpur are more prominent. In Rajasthan the Jootis are made mostly with camel leather. The designs have changed as per the fashion trends so you get both traditional and modern styles.
Besides Jootis, bags, pouches, saddles and other leather products are also available in the state.

 

3.Block Printing/Tie and Dye

There are so many distinct prints from different areas of the state. The classy block-printing is done in Jaipur, Bagru, Barmer and Pali. All the cities have their own unique way of making block prints.Tie and dye is also a very beautiful print seen on Rajasthani fabrics. Dots like print are called ‘chunri’ and leheriya is the print that has long waves printed on fabrics.
Mirror work, gota-patti, appliqué work and heavy embroideries are other popular styles from Rajasthan.

 

4.Terracotta

The main centre for terracotta is Molela village near Udaipur. Terracotta products are made using the local clay in Molela and other regions. Terracotta plaques depicting ceremonial occasions are popular among art-aficionados. You can find sculptures, decorative items, tiles and even jewellery made of terracotta.

 

5.Woodcraft

Sculptures, furniture and other wooden items from the state are sure to give a royal touch to any setting. The wood of Acacia plant is used in making these most of the times. There are two reasons for this- Acacia tree is found in plenty in Rajasthan and the finish of products made of this wood is much better and appealing. The intricately carved furniture from Kishangarh and Shekhawati-style of Jodhpur are especially famous.

 

6.Gems

Rajasthan is one of the main centres for precious and semi-precious stones in India. Garnet, Ruby, Lapis, Emerald, Topaz, Agate, Amethyst and Carnelian are some of the stones that are found mainly in the state. The stones are used to make unmatched jewellery here and are exported too.

 

7.Jewellery

The state is rich in so many art forms and jewellery is no exception. Thewa jewellery, kundan, Meenakari (enamel work) and silver jewellery from Rajasthan have made the state the hub of jewellery shopping.
Rajasthan is also well-known for its Lac bangles that come in every color you can imagine.

 

8.Stone Art

Rajasthan is the land of pristine white marbles so it’s no wonder that the marble artwork of the state is quite famous. Perfectly carved marble statues from Jaipur need no introduction. Besides marble other stones are also used to make sculptures and other artifacts.

 

9.Puppets

When you are in Rajasthan, you will frequently come across street-vendors selling beautiful puppets. These are made with cloth-stuffing. The head is made of wood usually. Faces are made with just paint. This makes these puppets cheap and must buy souvenirs.

 

10.Paintings

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Nathdwara and Kishangarh are the most well-known for paintings. Murals, miniature paintings, portraits are some of the styles popular in the state. The paintings are made using precious stones, conch shells, precious metals, minerals and vegetable dyes. The paintings mostly depict scenes from Indian mythology.

 

11.Crafts of Metals

Jodhpur, Jaipur and Alwar are the prominent centres for brass and silver work. Decorative pieces like vases and figures of animals &humans are mostly made using these metals.

Image source- 4

Blue Pottery Shines At Yet Another Level

The attractive village of Kot Zewar, which lies in Dudu tehsil of Rajasthan, is all set to come up as a tourist destination.The art of blue pottery started deep down in this toy-world of Kot Zewar, later flourishing the success story of this renowned art all over the world.

Image credit: The Times of India

Yet there is another village to add into the rural development of the state of Rajasthan and add a stimulus and boost to this diminishing art.

A firm initiated to turn the look of the village by twisting the infrastructure, other facilities, activities and even the cuisine around this antique art and the change the picturesque of this town of Kot Zewar.

Re- living 64 Years Of Rajasthan On Rajasthan Diwas Today

As Rajasthan celebrates its 65^th Rajasthan Diwas this year on 30thMarch 2015, we tell you the magnificent journey of 64 years. What makes Rajasthan so unique is its colorful culture, rich heritage and one of the tourist hubs. The state dazzles in its beauty and every glimpse is captures with due importance.

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Rajasthan is a state which is known for the richness of traditions, and diverse culture. All the festivals are celebrated with joy, enthusiasm, zeal and zest. Some major fairs and festivals are Pushkar Fair, Jaisalmer Desert Fair, Gangaur, Teej, Marwar Festival, Holi and the list goes on.

2. CUISINES

One cannot leave Rajasthan without tasting its food which is known for it spiciness and rich flavor. Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian but can be put together in a variety of mouthwatering dishes. A sweet is a must which is complemented with every meal. Some relishing dishes are dal bati churma which is a well known delicacy all around the world. Every region in Rajasthan has its own speciality and taste.

3. FORTS, MONUMENTS & PALACES

Rajasthan is well known for its historically rich ‘Forts and Palaces’. The forts of Rajasthan tell stories about the kings and queens and their journey during their period of reign. Each and every fort and fortress has a unique and unparalleled story behind it. Some monuments of Rajasthan are well recognized due to recognition by UNESCO, namely – Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Kumbhalgarh fort, etc.

4. FOLK MUSIC AND DANCES

The folk music and dance are important part of our culture and thus performed at every occasion, may it be a birth of a new born, anniversary or a welcome to the new season. The famous dance form of Rajasthan is Kalbelia, Terahtaali, Ghoomar, Chari, etc. Though dance is not the only art, music is considered important in the state of Rajasthan.

5. WILDLIFE

Rajasthan is an abode to a number of species. It is known for diverse flora and fauna. Rajasthan lying in a desert region and having a varied topography is a home to various species. The Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve are well known wildlife sanctuaries in this dry- arid region.

6. HAND BLOCK PRINTING & BLUE POTTERY

Rajasthan is famous for its art and craft. Hand block printing, especially Bagru pint with floral and leaf motifs are seen and worn by a large number. Another recognized traditional art is of blue pottery, which has its origins from Rajasthan in India. In it the color blue and its shades are kept as the base color. Lehariya is also a style which originated from the land of Rajasthan.

7. MUSEUMS

Museums are built to showcase the in-depth history of a place and to know about its culture. The museums of Rajasthan throw limelight to its rich heritage and varied, and diversified culture. Rajasthan is known worldwide for 1^st silver museum in the world, situated in Udaipur. Not to forget the oldest museum of the state- Albert Hall, Jaipur is known for its rare articles. The other museums include- Government Museum in Jodhpur & Ajmer, Maharaja Sawai Mansingh Museum in Jaipur, etc.