Rajasthan: The hub of exquisite arts and crafts
Rajasthan is the region that is world famous for its historical monuments, traditions and heritage. The region instantly captivates the attention of amateur tourists, reputed historians and cultural enthusiast alike. Whether it is sturdy forts of Jaigadh, beautiful palaces of Amber or magnificent Birla Temple, each of these monuments seems to be vying for attracting tourists. In fact it would not be an exaggeration to call the Rajasthan is a jewel of best Indian architecture and craftsmanship.
However, it is not only architecture and heritage that attracts visitors across the globe. The region is also famous for its art and crafts. Be it Bandhej of Sanganer or Paintings of Nathdwara, each craft of Rajasthan is an ode to the beauty. These masterpieces are crafted by the communities who are engaged with a particular school of art for several generations and one can clearly see the authentic craftsmanship acquired over centuries.
An Overview
The royal state of Rajasthan has been blessed with the brave Rajput kings who were great connoisseurs of art and craft. Their amicable relations with Mughal emperors not only helped them to retain peace in the state but also enhanced the art and craft of the state. To date one can clearly see the strong Mughal influence on the art and craft of Rajasthan.
Here are some of the famous crafts of Rajasthan:
Minakari
The exquisite art of Minakari (or enamel art) is one such example. The erstwhile ruler of Amer Mahraja Man Singh was a great admirer of various arts. During his reign the art and craft of the state saw an unprecedented growth. During that era Lahore was famous for its enamel work and the art also impressed the king. So he called 5 enamel artisans of Lahore to the state and patronized them. He also requested them to train this jewelry art to local artisans. Today the Minakari of Jaipur ranks among the best arts of the world. Apart from supplying to different states of India, a large volume of meenakari pieces is exported to various countries across globe. Apart from Jaipur, Pratapgarh and Nathdwara are also famous for the art.
There is a distinct difference in the jewelry worn by Rajput clan and Tribal people of Rajasthan. While Rajputs wear stone-studded jewelry with intricate designs, the tribal people wear jewelry with basic designs. Design and color is the main criteria for Rajput women while buying the jewelry while weight and number of ornaments plays the vital role in case of tribal women. The Rajput men too are fond of jewelry, especially ear studs. Heavy necklaces with beautiful geometric designs are also favorites for Rajput men. Some other Rajasthan ornaments include Bajuband, Gokru, Bala, Timaniyan, and Gajra.
Wood Craft
Rajasthan is also famous for its wood craft. While Jodhpur’s wooden furniture is a perfect fit for luxurious homes, the beauty of wooden idols of /// effortlessly captivates the attention. Rajasthan is also famous for its wooden puppets that are used to present the puppet show based on various local themes. However, hanging a few of these beautifully clad figurines in your home would surely invite many complements. Being a colorful state Rajasthan artisans are also blessed with the art of making beautiful attire, Bandhej is one among them. It is a local Tie and Dye Work that involves elaborated process to make beautiful geometric patterns on a fabric. As the name suggests multiple knots are tied on the fabric at certain interval and then the cloth is dyed using organic vegetable colors. The tied portions remain unaffected by colors resulting in a variety of geometric designs. Earlier only traditional garments used to be colored in this way, but with increasing demand from tourists, various modern garments like long skirts and tops are also colored in Bandhej. Sanhaner is the region famous for its Tie and Dye Work and Hand block prints. Other prints of Rajasthan include Bagru and Hand block.
Paintings
Rajasthan is also famous for its paintings. In fact after architecture, paintings are another form of art that is heavily influenced by Mughal School. While Jodhpur paintings are based on the theme of legendary lovers and luxuries of royal lifestyle, the kishangarh paintings are based on religious themes and depict various mythological instances showing incarnations of the God. A few painting schools like Marwar paintings are completely regional and uninfluenced by Mughal art. These paintings use beautiful folk style and are known for their subtle beauty. Other schools of painting include Bikaner paintings, Bundi Paintings, Amber Paintings and Mewar paintings.
Paper Maiche
Paper Maiche of Rajasthan uses the mixture of waste paper and clay to craft various beautiful figurines and toys. Flora and fauna is the most favorite theme of artisans. The colorful birds and animals not only serve as a toy but also play an important role in enhancing the beauty of the house. Especially the paper machie of Tonk are world famous for their beauty.
However, it is not only architecture and heritage that attracts visitors across the globe. The region is also famous for its art and crafts. Be it Bandhej of Sanganer or Paintings of Nathdwara, each craft of Rajasthan is an ode to the beauty. These masterpieces are crafted by the communities who are engaged with a particular school of art for several generations and one can clearly see the authentic craftsmanship acquired over centuries.
An Overview
The royal state of Rajasthan has been blessed with the brave Rajput kings who were great connoisseurs of art and craft. Their amicable relations with Mughal emperors not only helped them to retain peace in the state but also enhanced the art and craft of the state. To date one can clearly see the strong Mughal influence on the art and craft of Rajasthan.
Here are some of the famous crafts of Rajasthan:
Minakari
The exquisite art of Minakari (or enamel art) is one such example. The erstwhile ruler of Amer Mahraja Man Singh was a great admirer of various arts. During his reign the art and craft of the state saw an unprecedented growth. During that era Lahore was famous for its enamel work and the art also impressed the king. So he called 5 enamel artisans of Lahore to the state and patronized them. He also requested them to train this jewelry art to local artisans. Today the Minakari of Jaipur ranks among the best arts of the world. Apart from supplying to different states of India, a large volume of meenakari pieces is exported to various countries across globe. Apart from Jaipur, Pratapgarh and Nathdwara are also famous for the art.
There is a distinct difference in the jewelry worn by Rajput clan and Tribal people of Rajasthan. While Rajputs wear stone-studded jewelry with intricate designs, the tribal people wear jewelry with basic designs. Design and color is the main criteria for Rajput women while buying the jewelry while weight and number of ornaments plays the vital role in case of tribal women. The Rajput men too are fond of jewelry, especially ear studs. Heavy necklaces with beautiful geometric designs are also favorites for Rajput men. Some other Rajasthan ornaments include Bajuband, Gokru, Bala, Timaniyan, and Gajra.
Wood Craft
Rajasthan is also famous for its wood craft. While Jodhpur’s wooden furniture is a perfect fit for luxurious homes, the beauty of wooden idols of /// effortlessly captivates the attention. Rajasthan is also famous for its wooden puppets that are used to present the puppet show based on various local themes. However, hanging a few of these beautifully clad figurines in your home would surely invite many complements. Being a colorful state Rajasthan artisans are also blessed with the art of making beautiful attire, Bandhej is one among them. It is a local Tie and Dye Work that involves elaborated process to make beautiful geometric patterns on a fabric. As the name suggests multiple knots are tied on the fabric at certain interval and then the cloth is dyed using organic vegetable colors. The tied portions remain unaffected by colors resulting in a variety of geometric designs. Earlier only traditional garments used to be colored in this way, but with increasing demand from tourists, various modern garments like long skirts and tops are also colored in Bandhej. Sanhaner is the region famous for its Tie and Dye Work and Hand block prints. Other prints of Rajasthan include Bagru and Hand block.
Paintings
Rajasthan is also famous for its paintings. In fact after architecture, paintings are another form of art that is heavily influenced by Mughal School. While Jodhpur paintings are based on the theme of legendary lovers and luxuries of royal lifestyle, the kishangarh paintings are based on religious themes and depict various mythological instances showing incarnations of the God. A few painting schools like Marwar paintings are completely regional and uninfluenced by Mughal art. These paintings use beautiful folk style and are known for their subtle beauty. Other schools of painting include Bikaner paintings, Bundi Paintings, Amber Paintings and Mewar paintings.
Paper Maiche
Paper Maiche of Rajasthan uses the mixture of waste paper and clay to craft various beautiful figurines and toys. Flora and fauna is the most favorite theme of artisans. The colorful birds and animals not only serve as a toy but also play an important role in enhancing the beauty of the house. Especially the paper machie of Tonk are world famous for their beauty.
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