A magical sojourn reverberating with age old culture and traditions, the state enfolds in its lap a diverse kaleidoscope of breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating art-de-facts. The range is unparalleled even while it is sophisticated in its simplicity.

It has something for almost every kind of traveler, revealing a vast range of arts and crafts, which is a treat for the visuals and are ready to be picked. The Bazaars spill with products and there is a magnificent glow of colours all over. Intricate work carved on handicrafts or the wonders of gems and stones, it has it all and even more like the colours dancing on the textiles and fabrics with silver or gold threads settings and complimented with the variety of Silk-threads, Beads, Gota, Zari, Zardosi, Banarasi, etc. designed by the age old families of skilled artisans

The amazing use of clay in the form of sculpture and decorative arts, the paintings from different schools like Miniature, Mughal and the different Rajasthani shailis (school of art) and more are piled up, revealing the medieval splashes and recording historic and dramatic events. Almost capturing the senses!

The age old art of dyes and colours hold the centre of attraction.

Each area has its own unique style that follows the age-old traditions. Be it the regal and classic forms of jewellery adorned by the Royals, Aristocrats and Nobles done in real Gold, Platinum with precious stones embedded to lend glamour or the rural who prefer the reasonable, chunky Silver or the cheap metal with coloured glass cuts to give it an effect.

Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centre for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.

Jewellery and Gem Stones
 
Rajasthan is known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears. A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its Lac bangles, Kundan and Minakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Chittaur popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are Rakhdi (head ornament), Tussi (necklace), Baju Bandh (armlet), Adah (special neclace worn by Rajputs), Gokhrus (bracelets), Pajebs (anklets), etc.

Designs in jewellery and the works

Kundan,the art of setting stones in gold famous in Bikaner and Jodhpur.

Minakari is the Art of enamelling in gold and silver for other metal (meenakari can be done in precious, semi precious gems or the cheaper coloured glass also. it is made in Jaipur, Nathdwara and Pratapgarh.

Regal and exquisite Ornaments
Made in precious and semi precious gems. (Ex. Ruby, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire. It is made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jaipur market holds the monopoly in the jewellery houses all over India and in the global arena too. This colourful market is popular as the name of JOHARI BAZAAR which ranks among the most exclusive jewellery markets in the world. The variety of ranges is beyond compare and not only does it cater for the elites or the high socialites but a vast collection of semi-precious and silver creations are at display in reasonable prices too. An exclusive Rajasthani traditional work of art is of setting precious stones (diamond chips, precious gems, ) in solid 22-carat gold, the design and workmanship is beyond compare. It is famous of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
 
Designs in jewellery and the works

Lac work
Bangles are most exclusive and auspicious for a Rajasthani women. Lac work bangles are a sign of good omen. Made in astonishing design and variety, using

flat colours, some marbled while others flash a white shining reflection from shine stone or tiny mirrors( with intricate cuts). Glass Bangles in astonishing colours are a delight with the Indian women. Although accessible in most of the parts of Rajasthan, its collection is exclusive in Jaipur and Jodhpur.
 
Paintings
 
Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressing than that of Rajasthan. Tradition of painting traces back to the dawn of civilisation. Traces of earth colour drawings on walls and intricate motifs of geometrical and natural designs on clay vessels and potteries have been unearthed in the proto-historic Harappan sites of Kalibangan and Peelibanga in north-western Rajasthan. And these traditions of decorating dwellings and articles are still alive. Rajasthan, is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myth and legend to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from Wall paintings on Palaces to huts, Miniature paintings, Phad and Pichwais. Though many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes. The cost of the painting depends on an artist's workmanship.
 
Miniature Paintings

This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting, colourful pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers. The miniature painter did not lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal patrons. The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century. Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court style, yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.

Mewar 

One of the largest ateliers in Rajasthan was to be found in Udaipur where progression in miniature art has been rapid. The main theme consisted of traditional texts that ranged from the Krishna Leela to the Ramayana and the Bhagvad Puran (epics of India).The Mewar school is celebrated for its strong colour emphasised along with the accentuated Mughal cross fertilisation .
 
Marwar

The Rathore Kingdoms tended to depict similar creative characteristics although they were often at loggerheads, which was rather synonymous to them. With creative expressions they become patrons of some of the greatest collection of Sanskrit and vernacular text and commissioned paintings on a generous scale. The Jodhpur artist merges their works with the traditional figures where the faces were accentuated and the eyes are large and curving (in what have come to be referred to as Jodhpuri eyes). The turbans work high and they portray a sense of vibrant energy. The backgrounds tends to be characteristic with thick rolling clouds. The Paintings do give a peculiar look.
 
Dhundar (Amer-Jaipur School)
 

The miniatures of Jaipur managed a very active and formal state of art . Akin to the Mughals in its use of background and court settings, the Jaipur styles differed in other subjects like the secular aspects, etc. The highlight of Jaipur School was its use of understated colours and the depiction of natural scenic views that were exceptional.
 
Kishangarh
 
For sheer lyricism and romance, there is nothing that matches the sheer brilliance of the Kishangarh artist. Being a Rathore Kingdom the works were more or less similar to the house of Marwar. Under the patronage of Savant Singh the art developed a more advanced style. The image of Krishna and Radha took over a prominent style that later on become the most exceptionally attractive figures of miniature painting in the world. The famous Bani Thani was basically inspired by the Krishna- Radha images. The background shares the elaborate styling of Mughal paintings. The use of fine colours on the canvas contributed in ranking it among the finest expressions of work.
 
Hadoti(Bundi & Kota School)
 
One of the most eminent styles in the forms of miniature painting, these two ateliers developed their own identity in portraying hunting scenes, the landscapes and the forest scape along with the women leading to colourful works etc. These paintings were marked by a particular green tint and were creatively handled .There is a lyrical expression of love that permeates the paintings.
 
Bikaner 

One of the finest schools of miniature developed in this dessert state. Though Bikaner artist was more expressive but a mark of Mughal influence adding luxuriant foliage as the highlight made them attractive to compliment the desert conditions.
 
Leatherware

The  hides of dead animals  is  used  by  skilled cobblers for  Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jooties  reflect the  unique  style of every  district  they  belong  to. It  is  amazing how the leather is beaten, tanned and dyed  and put to the best use. The leather is punched and gouged  to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered  with  woolen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer  is famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli), stringed instruments (Kamayacha) made out of leather. Bikaner is best known  for painted Lampshades, shields, vases, Mojharies made out of camel hide. Hard Bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.

Stone Carving

White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything is used to make elegant statuary, idols, figurines, carved panels, even elaborate jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.
 
Metal Craft

Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage, than traditional.
 
Textile 

The Textile of Rajasthan has a fascinating range of dyed and block printing fabrics. Each state has its own special colour-scheme design and technique. The various types of Textile are:-

Hand-block prints- the quilts of Sanganer, Bagru are the favourites.
Tie and dye- Bandhej, Bandani, Lehriya, Batik, Mothra, Ekdali, Shikari, Cheent comes under this category.
Bandhej- Bandhej of Jodhpur, Sikar, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur, Jaipur is more popular.
The lehriya is an entire line of cloth is dyed in different colours. Udaipur's lehriya work is well known.
Samdar Lehar, Phagun are the designs to be worn in the spring season.
 Textile and fabric colouring and dying can be seen at length in the communities of Leelgarhs and Rangrez. The Chunari and Bandhej ( the art of tying a small point on the cloth by threads and later dyed with the required colours . After drying when opened, there is a small circle in the white splashed around the fabric)is known as tie and dye. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner are famous for this. In addition, the art of embellished fabrics with embroidery using thread-work, mirror work or gold brocade is prevalent.

Block Printing in vegetable dyes is another famous art. Carved wooden blocks soaked in different colours and pasted on the fabric. Main Market of these products are Jaipur, Sanganer and Bagru.
Zari - Gota, zardosi, banarsi for formal and bridal ensembles, metallic and threaded embroidery.

 Blue pottery 

An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji was first introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.
 
Terracota 

An age old craft in Rajasthan saw dust, mashed and mixed finely with mud and clay in a semi solid paste on which the image is sculpted and later dried and polished in colour retaining its natural hue, they make best of decorative items with authentic ethnicity .
Every village and community has its potters, and the pots for everyday use along with other storing vessels , hookahs, chillums, coin-banks ,pickle jars,etc...
Places where they made are:

Alwar: for paper thin kagji pottery.
Bikaner: known for its painted pottery tinted with lac colours.
Jaisalmer: stone wares
Molela (near Udaipur): wall plaques generally depicting the images of Heroes or the religious ones.
Pokaran: the potters make tiny bells with clay that resound like their bellmetal counterparts.
 
Dhurries And Carpets

The dhurrie, a simple rug that was once used as an underlay, has now 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 camel-hair, woolen dhurrie too is available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured.

Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan were installed in the royal ateliers in the 17th century. Ever since, they have flourished here, with their exuberant colours and geometric motifs finding their way into showrooms around the world. Naturally they are available in the bazaars at a price far lower than they command in stores overseas.
 
Wooden Artefacts

Wood-sometimes plain often painted- is used to make everything from furniture to artefacts.While the furniture ranges from the made-as old that is such a range all over the world, its contemporary variants include chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets.

Artefacts include a range of animal -horses ,elephants, parrots- that are beautifully painted as well as boxes, chests snuff boxes and other interesting paraphernalia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the doors.

Blue pottery

An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji was first introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.
Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of different shapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.
 
Terracota

An age old craft in Rajasthan saw dust, mashed and mixed finely with mud and clay in a semi solid paste on which the image is sculpted and later dried and polished in colour retaining its natural hue, they make best of decorative items with authentic ethnicity .
Every village and community has its potters, and the pots for everyday use along with other storing vessels , hookahs, chillums, coin-banks ,pickle jars,etc...
Places where they made are:

Alwar: for paper thin kagji pottery.
Bikaner: known for its painted pottery tinted with lac colours.
Jaisalmer: stone wares
Molela (near Udaipur): wall plaques generally depicting the images of Heroes or the religious ones.
Pokaran: the potters make tiny bells with clay that resound like their bellmetal counterparts.
 
Dhurries And Carpets

The dhurrie, a simple rug that was once used as an underlay, has now 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 camel-hair, woolen dhurrie too is available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured.

Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan were installed in the royal ateliers in the 17th century. Ever since, they have flourished here, with their exuberant colours and geometric motifs finding their way into showrooms around the world. Naturally they are available in the bazaars at a price far lower than they command in stores overseas.
 
Leatherware

The  hides of dead animals  is  used  by  skilled cobblers for  Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jooties  reflect the  unique  style of every  district  they  belong  to. It  is  amazing how the leather is beaten, tanned and dyed  and put to the best use. The leather is punched and gouged  to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered  with  woolen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer  is famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli), stringed instruments (Kamayacha) made out of leather. Bikaner is best known  for painted Lampshades, shields, vases, Mojharies made out of camel hide. Hard Bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.
 

Stone Carving

White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything is used to make elegant statuary, idols, figurines, carved panels, even elaborate jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.
 

Metal Craft

Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage, than traditional.
 
Textile

The Textile of Rajasthan has a fascinating range of dyed and block printing fabrics. Each state has its own special colour-scheme design and technique. The various types of Textile are:-

Hand-block prints- the quilts of Sanganer, Bagru are the favourites.
Tie and dye- Bandhej, Bandani, Lehriya, Batik, Mothra, Ekdali, Shikari, Cheent comes under this category.
Bandhej- Bandhej of Jodhpur, Sikar, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur, Jaipur is more popular.
The lehriya is an entire line of cloth is dyed in different colours. Udaipur's lehriya work is well known.
Samdar Lehar, Phagun are the designs to be worn in the spring season.
 Textile and fabric colouring and dying can be seen at length in the communities of Leelgarhs and Rangrez. The Chunari and Bandhej ( the art of tying a small point on the cloth by threads and later dyed with the required colours . After drying when opened, there is a small circle in the white splashed around the fabric)is known as tie and dye. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner are famous for this. In addition, the art of embellished fabrics with embroidery using thread-work, mirror work or gold brocade is prevalent.

Block Printing in vegetable dyes is another famous art. Carved wooden blocks soaked in different colours and pasted on the fabric. Main Market of these products are Jaipur, Sanganer and Bagru.
Zari - Gota, zardosi, banarsi for formal and bridal ensembles, metallic and threaded embroidery.

 Jewellery and Gem Stones

Each area has its own unique style that follows the age-old traditions. Be it the regal and classic forms of jewellery adorned by the Royals, Aristocrats and Nobles done in real Gold, Platinum with precious stones embedded to lend glamour or the rural who prefer the reasonable, chunky Silver or the cheap metal with coloured glass cuts to give it an effect.

Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centre for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.

Sightseeing Descriptions - Agra | Aurangabad |  Bangalore |  Belur and Halebid |  Beneras |  Bhubneshwar |  Bikaner | Chennai |  Darjeeling | Delhi | Gangtok |  Gwalior | Hyderabad |  Jaipur | Jaisalmer | Kochi | Kolkata | Kovalam | Lakshadweep | Leh | Madurai | Mount Abu |  Mumbai | Munnar | Mysore | Orcha | Pemayangste |  Puri |  Ranakpur | Sanchi | Sikandra |  Tanjore | Trichi | Udaipur

National Parks: Bharatpur | Corbett | Kaziranga | Madumalai & Bandipur | Nagarhole | Periyar |Ranthambhore  

Special thanks to Karoki Lewis, Aditya Singh and Outlook for use of their photographs.
Sight designed and maintained by Plan Travel Network

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