Rural Rajasthan - Art and Craft of Rural Rajasthan
|
|
|
|
Art and Craft of Rural Rajasthan
|
| Art and Craft of Rural
Rajasthan |
|
Rajasthan is a treasure
trove for the traditional art lovers perhaps more than any other state in
India. Rajasthan is known for its traditional art and crafts all over the
world. These unique art and crafts have captivated the heart of people of
the entire world for many decades. The royalty of Rajasthan is present in
every aspect of its art and craft like murals, paintings, wood craft and
the multi-colured tie and dye garments. The beautifully accomplished art
and crafts are admired and preserved not only by the local people, but
also popular among the tourists. Every year, millions of travellers travel
to Rajasthan, just to purchase the unique range of art and crafts. Today,
Rajasthan has earned a immense popularity, due to its rich handicrafts,
which is also a striking part of the Rajasthan culture. Rajasthan is also
popularly known as the Shopper’s paradise. Here, the tourists can buy the
tie-and-dye fabrics in vibrant colours, block printing, embroidery, wooden
furniture, carpets, blue potteries and mirror work in some of the famous
cities of Rajasthan. Other famous handicrafts comprises of Bagaru prints,
Sanganer prints, fine block printed textiles, Meenakari work, Rajasthani
Jooties, wood and ivory carvings, tattoos, lacquer and filigree work,
delicately cut precious stones, semi precious stones, traditional
paintings, Kota-doria and lahriya sarees, murals and exquisite enameled
jewelleries. Wood, metal and Stone are used by today’s craftsmen to create
decorative and utility items that shoppers often find irresistible. |
| |
| Shopping Items in Rural Rajasthan |
| Antiques |
|
Rajasthan, especially the villages have been always a rich
source of antiques. However so much of the old objects are
sold out to the big hotels or have been brought out of the
country already since the English ruling time in Rajasthan
that not much is left in the state as real antiques. What
you see as Antiques today in Rajasthan may not actually be
antiques. As there are techniques available where the new
articles can be made look like old. Most of the tourists are
attracted by this kind of articles. We at Indo Vacations
advice to get the proper and authentic papers for the
articles which are claimed at antiques and be careful as
real antiques may not be exported out of the country. |
| |
|
Blue Pottery
The Art of Blue Pottery was not local to India. The
tradition of quartz pottery was of Persian origin and the
artisans were invited by the former Maharaja of Jaipur and
he was so impressed by this culture that a school of Blue
Pottery was started.
Blue pottery is made of crushed quartz,
fuller’s earth and sodium sulphate. This combination is
heated on high temperatures. Blue pottery consist of hand
painting in various shades of blue. In the recent past new
colors have been added such as yellow, pink and green. Blue
Pottery products are available meanwhile in a wide range –
to mention some are: tiles, vases, bowls, mugs, urns, door
knobs and recent discovery is costume Jewellery that is
getting popular in the markets of western countries.
Though not easily approachable, there are many places who
follow the exact techniques and traditions that need to be followed
while making the Blue Pottery as initially introduced. Our Guides &
escorts at Rajasthan Visit would be glad to escort you to the Blue
Pottery studio where you can see the work being done as under the
royal patronage in the olden time. |
 |
|
| |
| Durrie |
 |
The Durrie is kind of thin and simple woven carpets which were earlier used as a supporting material under big and thick carpets in the royal houses. Common people used them under their beds to keep them warm during the winter. For big gathering as in the villages and small town, whole community is invited at occasion of birth, death or any family festival and it would not be possible to have such big carpets as this would be very expensive for normal people, so they used Durries (or darris). There has been revival of this art as more people can afford it and this has resulted in a large colorful varieties. In many villages of Rajasthan you may find a large number of Houses where the durrie are woven on the loom in vibrant designs and motifs. A Durrie can be as simple as in a single colour only with a contrasting border.
On the other hand due to demand there are some durries with geometric
motifs and floral patterns in a mix of contrasting colours. |
|
|
Durries are also available in different sizes. In places such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, where in winters the temperatures can dip very low, woolen durries are also woven. In Bikaner camel hairs are also used to make Durries which under the mattress keep your bed warm in the chilling winters of the desert. |
| |
| Carpets |
|
The art of carpet weaving in Rajasthan is a historical royal
tradition. In olden Royal days the carpets were specially
woven for royal palaces according to the size of a
particular room. However it was the Mughals who brought the
richness to the carpet weaving. Some of the excellent
examples can be still seen in the city palace museum of
Jaipur. Even in the Prisons of Rajasthan special looms were
erected and these carpets became famous as so-called jail
carpets. During the olden royal days the weavers from Afghanistan were brought to Jaipur to train the local
people. This is the reason that the hand knotted carpets of
Jaipur have so much in common with the Persian carpets in
regard to geometric motifs and the formal design. There are
many thousand of the families around Jaipur as well as in
other cities all over Rajasthan who are specialized in one
or another particular Designs and producing the same with perfection. Jaipur has become a big centre for the Carpets
in whole of India. Many of the exporters have their head offices here and all possible
motifs are available in their huge showrooms. We at
Rajasthan Visit can assist you further on the carpets of
Rajasthan. Please feel free to contact us ! |
| |
| Fabrics |
|
For
centuries, the printers in Rajasthan has perfected
the art of mixing vegetable dyes and mineral
colours and the results have been very promising.
Some of the colour combinations are used in such a
way that they look as if they were always meant to
be complementary to each other. This Art of
printing is used for the purpose of home
furnishing as well as for the personal clothings.
Each region of Rajasthan has its own designs and
colour combinations which are used in such a way
that a geometric pattern is recognized easily.
Some of the famous area where this work takes
place are Bagru and Sanganer. One
of the famous art of Rajasthan is known as
tie-and-dye. In this technique fabrics are tied
into small twists using a thread and then dipped
into vats with their array of bright colours to
create a mosaic patterns known as bandhani. This
technique is used for sarees and odhnis (a kind of
shawl, used by the women of Rajasthan) and by
using this techniques different designs and
colours can be created. A famous design showing
the waves of different colours in known as
Lahariya. |
 |
|
|
Colours & Dyes of Rajasthan
Being in the markets of Jaipur you really realize
that if you may have the made a mistake choosing
the wrong colour of your newly bought dress or
simply if would like to change the colour of your
favorite cloths after a while - it is not a big
issue in Rajasthan. They can simply be given to
the Dyers who are in penalty here in the Bazars of
Rajasthan. There is an old tradition of dying the
materials in Rajasthan. However these techniques
have been given the boost by the growing demands
of the tourists especially for the colourful
objects. With some specific kind of dye even new
papers can be made look old – making the
tourists happy having bought an antique for such a
less cost !. This is known as aging process of
papers. Vegetable colours for paintings are
obtained by the natural stones like lapis or
indigo. Even Gold is grinded to be used as the
fine Gold dust, as used in the precious miniature
paintings.
For dying clothes the colours are obtained from
flowers and barks. Black colour from the sulphate
of iron, orange from saffron, yellow from
myrobalan, purple from mulberry, green from
pistachio, blue from indigo are some of the
examples of obtaining the natural colours. |
| |
| |
| Furniture
and Wood |
 |
Furniture and wood carving is not a very old tradition of
Rajasthan. It was very usual that even the royal courts were
held on the carpets and rugs while all the participants of
the court sit on the them. Earlier durbars (daily courts at
king's palace) were held on large mattresses spread on the
ground and covered with carpets and cushions for support. In
this old system a strict hierarchy was maintained, a
tradition that was retained even till later even during the
British regime involvement in Rajasthan. Some of the
interesting piece of furniture can be seen in the museums of
Rajasthan like in the Lalgarh museum of Bikaner !Since the tourists starting showing interest in the old
furniture of Rajasthan, there has been development of new
techniques in which the new furniture is made look like old
furniture. Mostly in these areas you can find so called old
items in which windows, a part of carved Balconies, tables,
chairs, benches, swings, dressers is offered. As this kind
of furniture was used in the big Havellis by the rich
business people of Rajasthan, some interesting wooden and metal
combinations |
|
|
are available in the markets with decorative elements which
are carved beautifully. For people interested in buying the old or better
to say “new as made old” furniture of Rajasthan we at Rajasthan Visit recommend the cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur as well as some areas of Shekhawati like Ramgarh. For more information please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Some more famous kind of furniture are like painted Chairs
of Kishangarh, the leather embroidered chairs of Tilonia,
String-bottom chairs of Shekhawati. Marble tops for tables
also have been used highly in the recent past. Though this
art basically flourished after the construction of Taj Mahal
in Agra but the availability of good marble mines in
Rajasthan brought many of the artisans back to Rajasthan.
Wood Figures with carvings are also highly available in
Rajasthan. Wood Carving is done on different kind of woods.
One of the option is using mango wood which is not
considered as good option. Some of the people use the local
Rohira wood which has its reputation for long lasting and
being termite free. Termite could really be danger for
precious piece of wood therefore, Rohira Wood gives you the
peace of mind for your valuable article. There is also a
long tradition of doing carving on sandalwood. Carving on
Sandalwood is mostly done to create the figures of God and
Goddesses as these figures are used in the temples at home
of local people and admired as well by tourists due to the
lovely sweet smell of the sandalwood. There is also carving
work available on the ivory which is banned officially and
we at Indo Vacations do not recommend buying such articles
as import and export of ivory articles is prohibited and
subject to prosecution if caught. There are wonderful
substitutes available like paintings on marble plates and
figures of camel bone. |
| |
| Gesso Work |
|
In Bikaner, the city which has perhaps the largest number of
camels in Rajasthan and with the only camel Farm of
Rajasthan there has been a kind of fine craft related to
camels which emerged here. In this kind of fine art they
used the inner hide (skin) of the camel which is scraped
till it has the consistency of paper and is translucent (let
the light get through) but not transparent. This is then
molded into different forms like lamp shades, frames,
perfume bottles or vases. And as an addition to beautify
this wonderful art it is painted over with fine colors to
make it look richer in its appearance. |
| |
|
Jewellery and Gemstones |
|
Rajasthan is one of the largest centres in the world for
manufacturing of gems stones and jewellery. No where perhaps
in the world, such a large quantity and varieties of gem
stones are cut and polished as in Rajasthan. It is not
unusual to find shops and traders who have their shops full
of real gem stones that it seems hard to believe to be real.
There is every kind of stone which ranges from economical
semi precious stones till precious stones and further as far
as diamonds. To name, some of the stones widely available in
the markets of Rajasthan are: Amethyst, Iolite, Aquamarine,
Labradorite, Citrine, Black Onyx, Lapis, Earrings, Garnet,
Citrine, Moonstone, Carneline, Peridot,
Pendants Crystal, Rose Quartz, Garnet, Green
Venturine, Tourmaline, Green Onyx. Even those who
would not like to spend much would have the temptation to take some
stones home as most |
 |
|
|
of the offers are very so lucrative and the choice and colours available
are incredible. In no other part of the world can you have
the pleasure with the shopping the colour stones and
Jewellery so economically as in Rajasthan.
|
 |
The main centre and big hub for the Semi-precious and
precious Gemstone and Jewellery is Jaipur, the capital of
the state Rajasthan as most of the cutting and polishing is
done here in and around Jaipur and there are also big units
of Jewellery manufacturing.
Stones are not only used in
silver and gold jewellery but you will also find a large
verities of the necklaces made of purely gemstones. Big
Stones are best used for carving and excellent shining
figures are created out of them.
A rough rose-pink quartz
may be seen getting turning to an elephant. A good stone can
be seen being shaped into a God Krishna figure. The reason that Jaipur has become the hub and a mega centre
for the gemstones and related Jewellery is that a vast
number of people are still using the ancient techniques to
cut and polish the stone which are governed by hand and by
doing this way stone is held in the hands and with great
patience and a lot of time is achieved by skill artisans
that almost every part of the rough stone is used in one or
another form which is simply not possible by using the fast
working machines of the modern stone industry. As India is
still not the high wages country, the production remains
cheap and competitive. |
|
| |
|
Kundan Meenakari |
|
Kundan Meenakari is one of the art which is done proudly in
Jaipur. This art originated from the Rajputi times and since
that Rajasthani people have a kind of monopoly on it.
Enameling is an art of using a substance covering the
surface of metal, pots or other objects to decorate and
beautify them. Enamel is applied when hot and cools to give
a hard glossy surface. The Rajputs rulers and royal families
of Rajasthan patronized the enameled form of Jewellery which
is known today as kundan. Today Jaipur and to some extend
Bikaner are the major centres for Kundan. In this art
precious stones and very often diamonds, are set into gold
artistically creating designs. Enamel work is admired so
highly that not only the Jewellery but also the boxes used
for the Jewellery and other precious objects, swords,
bedrooms tables are decorated with this wonderful work.
Visits to goldsmith’s studios can be organized with the
help of Rajasthan Visit who happen to have their head office
in the capital (Jaipur) of Rajasthan. We are sure you will
find amazing to see these craftsmen working in amazingly low
lighted surroundings and using only few basic tools, mostly
unsophisticated for the western standard but creating some
of the finest valuable items of the wonderful Jewellery
world of Rajasthan.
The art of setting the Jewellery in Rajasthan is done with
such fine details that its not one craftman who has the
commend over the whole work but many specializing in their
own filed of jewellery settings. Some of the them are
mentioned here in brief:
Chhaterra is a person whose task is to engrave the ground on
which the stones setting takes place.
Kundansaaz is a person who sets the uncut stones on the made
surface and gives the shape and while cooling the still hot
precious material is sat in the final shape while hammering
putting gold wire around.
Manihar is person who prepares the enamels that will be
poured into the hollows to create the patterns. In Jaipur a
whole street is dedicated to the people of this community.
Minakaar is so called enameller who places the enamels and
fires them individually.
Nyarriya is a person whose task is to refine the gold.
Usually 22 carat gold is used for the making of kundan
jewellery. 24 caret would be too delicate.
Patwari is the person who provides the finishing touch in
the form of the gold and silk cord required by the wearer
and is also responsible for stringing the beads, wherever
required in the existing designs.
Sangsaza is the person whose job is to polish, cut and if
needed to carve the stone with wished decorative motifs.
Sonar or Sunar is the goldsmith who prepares the bezels and
moulds in Gold for setting the stones. He also does the
polishing and cleaning of the jewellery once the peace is
completed so that way also responsible for the quality
control. |
| |
|
Leather Ware
The hides (skin) of dead animals have never found a better
application than in Rajasthan. Considering the fact that animals are
not killed to get the leather but only the leather of the animals is
used who died in nature for whatsoever cause.
The skin of dead camels is used as leather material for the
traditional shoes (known as Jutties), saddles for camels and horses as
well for making beautiful bags and pouches. The leather has been also
used making the back of the resting chairs with embroidery work. The
most interesting part of it remains how the leather is beaten, tanned,
dyed, stitched and as a last effect also embroidered.
The way of the workmanship might look primitive but
the finished products are very individual and give the impression of
perfection of their work. The Guides of Rajasthan Visit would be glad
to tell and show you more about the leather manufacturing in
Rajasthan. |
 |
|
| |
| Metal
Crafts |
|
The Craftmanship of the metalwork would have not reached its
highlights without the need of Rajputi worriors of having
not only good functioning but also good looking arms. Some
of the museums in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner have the
finest examples of the arms collection which are combination
of metal and other materials like wood and ivory studded
with gem stones and having the base of silver and gold. This
development has leaded to the enormous decorative pieces
like a range of soldiers of the local army, a group of
musicians, animals figures, mostly camels and elephants and
some of them so look so real and huge as they used to be the
main decorative pieces in the royal living rooms. Metal
Table tops with floral work on it are some of the further
examples of the metal craftsmanship of Rajasthan. |
| |
|
Paintings |
 |
Painting of Rajasthan have made the state famous not only in
the country itself but also abroad. Especially the Rajputi
and Mogul court scenes, romantic pairs and bathing
princesses and festival celebrations are the most sought
after motifs from the buyers. No matter in which area of
Rajasthan you are – you can not be left unimpressed by the
affect of the master painters. There are many different
techniques which are used while making the paintings.
Painters use brushes which are made out of the squirrel’s
hair, the finest hair considered for hand paintings. Most
popular areas where the paintings are considered as the art
is the city of Udaipur and Jaipur in Rajasthan. These are
the cities where miniature artists continue to create their
incredible portfolios of scenes from myths, legends as well
as of historical happenings. Though there are cheaper
versions of the chemical and synthetic colors but still the
use of high valued traditional mineral and vegetable dyes
remain unmatched for its quality – though they are
expensive and should not be compared with the products
available at every street corner. The reason that the
miniature paintings of Rajasthan have become so famous is
that the fine work with details in it. Every gesture and
activity is worked so fine that this is next to its
liveliness. The figures in the paintings seem to have their
own body language and conveying the messages. Some of the famous schools of Paintings in Rajasthan are Kishangarh, Nathdwara, Jaipur and the Udaipur
being the most famous.Ivory was also used as the base material in
early days as much loved by the aristocrats and the rich ones.Since
recent past it is no more allowed to use ivory and as substitute camel
bones and high quality white marble plates are being used. Silk and
Canvases are also being used as the base for the miniature paintings.
(Canvas has longer life than the silk). Some of the finest
|
|
|
works describe the nature in its full form whether being
just flowers, trees, wild animals or birds. Recently the old traditions of
making paintings with precious stones have been revived and finished
products are getting very popular as most of them are affordable for
everyone. However the highlight remains the miniature paintings from Udaipur on the old rice paper,
silk and camel bones. We at Rajasthan Visit also organize the
short and long painting courses as well as take you to the
traditional painting schools of Rajasthan. For more
information please contact us describing your wishes. |
| |
|
Puppets |
 |
The art of making the puppets has a long tradition in
Rajasthan. But these are not only the puppets who has made
them famous but, also the people who decorate and dress and
finally make them dance before the public.
Most of the
puppets consist of painted wood and are dressed as per the
local customs of the city or area where they are made. The
most vibrant aspect of these puppets is the way their
expressions are painted, large expressive eyes with arched
eyebrows, and a curling moustache for men, or a nose ring
for the women are the typical style of Rajasthani Puppet.
The most famous puppets are the folk heroes, Kings, queens
and the royal court members. Snake Charmer and the dance
with the young lady is one of the integrated part of any
puppet show. The puppet masters are expert in pulling and
releasing the strings to make puppet dance and background
music add an extra to the whole of atmosphere.
One of the
best shows in Rajasthan take place in Udaipur at Lok Kala
Mandal. There is also a puppet museum there. For tourists
who are visiting Udaipur we at Rajasthan Visit recommend to
visit the museum and ask for the show which takes place
frequently even on demand. |
|
| |
|
Stone Carving |
|
In the desert and semi desert of Rajasthan, if there is any
thing in penalty that is stone. Everything from pink, yellow
and red sandstone to the excellent quality of marble, tamara
and chlorite are available in Rajasthan as the art of stone
carving flourished here under the patronage of the Rajput
rulers. Some of the stone workers work with such comfort
that stone in their hands appear as they were working on
wood. Some of the areas have made their name in stone
carving. To Name a few are Dholpur near Bharatipur to Barmer
in the heart of the desert, Marble statues are carved at
their best in Jaipur - making the city again a hub for the
exporters and importers. The area of Sikandra near Dausa in
Rajasthan has also a great number of people working with the
sandstone. The Team of Rajasthan Visit would be glad to
provide you further information on stone carving. |
| |
| |
| Terracotta |
|
Terracotta
has an old tradition in Rajasthan. Even today in
many of the villages women still cook in
terracotta pots over wood fires. Terracotta and
clay pots are normally used for the storage of
water as the slow evaporation through the porous
clay helps in eliminating the surrounding heat and
thus keeps the water cool even in the hottest
temperature of Rajasthan. However once the pores
are filled with the deposits the effect of cooling
is less effective and a new earthen pot is needed
in next summer. This is one of the example how a
village economy keeps working. Terracotta earthen
pots are available in different sizes and some
times with white colorful designs on it to make it
more beautiful.
In almost all the villages the traditions of making and
using clay pottery can be seen. However artists of Udaipur
have developed this culture into a fine art. In Udaipur
Potters are using the clay not only to create just pots but also
objects of art such as warriors fighting on horses, elephants with the
soldiers being just some of the examples. |
 |
|
|
Terracotta is also used to make figures of religious scenes
as well as historic ones. The only biggest obstacle has been for
Terracotta that the transportation needs a lot of care. As material,
Terracotta is fragile being the original material clay. However the
Terracotta lovers find their way with the help of wooden trunks to carry
them safely even far away to distant countries. This all seems to be worth
once a Terracotta article is allotted its final place in a living room. |
| |
| Rajasthan Cities Famous For Art
and
Crafts |
|
Jaipur
Some of the old and famous bazaars of Jaipur are Bapu Bazaar, Nehru
Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Khazane walon ka rasta, Johari Bazaar and
Sanganer from where you can buy famous jewellery stones and semi precious
stones, hand-block prints, minute mirror work, printed carpets, Blue
pottery, tie-and-dye odhnis and the block printed dresses in the form of
modern garments, bed-spreads and table-cloths. Jaipur is also famous for
its textiles, Rajasthani embroidered Jooties, embroidered hand-bags and
fabrics, popular lahariya saris and other saris, leather goods, furniture.
Udaipur
Udaipur also has many shopping arcades. Some of them are Bapu Bazaar,
Khadi Gram Udyog, Kala Niketan, Clock Tower and Hathipol, from where you
can buy the famous ready made textiles, jewelleries, local bheels images,
Rajasthani jootis, Rajasthani silver, block printed bedspreads, wooden and
camel souvenirs, handicrafts, Rajasthan silver, block printed bedspreads
and the popular lahariya and other saris. The Shilpgram is a popular craft
village, which is about 3 kms from Udaipur and famous for unique
collection of handicrafts, weaving, embroidery and mirror work.
Jodhpur
From Jodhpur, you can buy tie and dye saris, handicrafts, textiles,
leather goods, embroidered shoes and utensils.
Shekhawati
In Shekhawati, you can buy the unique art and crafts. From Shekhawati, you
can buy the Shekhawati painting, murals, souvenirs, furniture, chairs,
cradles, and tie-dye fabrics. Mukundgarh is known for beautiful textiles,
brass and iron scissors whereas Mandawa is known for bangles and fabrics.
Bikaner
Bikaner is another renowned city for its exquisite crafts, leather goods,
miniature paintings, and wooden products, made from camel and sheepskin.
Some of the main shopping areas in Bikaner are Kot Gate, King Edward
Memorial Road and Station Road, from where you can buy souvenirs and
handcrafted items.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is another preferred tourist city for art and crafts. There are
scores of narrow lanes shops in its bustling markets, which still retain a
medieval charm. In Jaisalmer, you can buy embroidery, Rajasthani mirror
work, wooden ornaments, rugs, blankets, antiques and old stonework,
colorful handcrafted items, bandhini fabrics (tie and dye), silver
jewelleries, puppets, Rajasthani jooties, woven jackets, leather items. In
Jaisalmer, you can also buy the wall hangings. Wall hangings are made from
pieces of old clothing, with mirror work and intricately embroidered
fabric. These hangings ranges from small cushion-sized squares to
bedspread-sized pieces.
Mount Abu
Mount Abu is an enchanting hill resort for shopping. From here you can
take back home the variety of Rajasthani fabrics, Kota saris, linen with
Sanganeri prints, lightweight Jaipury quilt, metal, stone, marble and
wooden curios, handicrafts, Textiles, Jewellery. Some of the popular areas
for buying art and crafts in Mount Abu are Nakki Lake, Khadi Bhandar,
Kashmir Cottage emporium. |
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
