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The state enfolds in its lap a diverse kaleidoscope of breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating art-de-acts. The range is unparalleled even while it is sophisticated in its simplicity.The state has something for every traveller, presenting 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. For instance, the colours dancing on the textiles and fabrics with silver or gold thread settings and complimented with variety of silk-threads, beads, gota, zari, zardosi, banarasi, etc. are designed by the age old families of skilled artisans.
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 meenakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Pratapgarh, popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are rakhdi (head ornament), tussi (necklace), baju bandh (armlet), adah (special necklace worn by Rajput ladies), gokhrus (bracelets), pajebs (anklets), etc.
Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressive than those of Rajasthan. Tradition of painting goes 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. The tradition of decorating dwellings and articles is still alive. Rajasthan is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myths and legends to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from pre historic rock paintings to 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 the artist's workmanship.
This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting consisting of colourful pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers & on cloth sheet. The miniature painters received state patronage. Accordingly seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations). They initially used manuscripts for text illustrations but gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their royal patrons.The miniature painting tradition goes back at least to the 11th century AD. Later, the Mughal influence became evident - However, the painters settled for traditional idioms and regional elements by the 17th century. The modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives in Rajasthan as ‘phad’. A typical ‘phad’ is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life and heroic exploits of the two popular folk heroes 'Pabuji' and 'Dev Narain'. It displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Painted by the Joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara, it is also based on subjects like 'Bhagavad Purana' or other popular folk stories.The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué form.
Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony and other festivals, this tradition is found in villages and rural areas of Rajasthan, practised by various tribes & communities. They are very original, fresh and done with raw-hand.
Skilled cobblers use the hides of dead animals for ‘jooties’ (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, ‘mojadis’, 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 best use. The leather is punched and gouged to create a variety of patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered with woollen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer are famous for ‘jooties’, musical instruments (like ‘tabla’, ‘dhol’, ‘dhapli’) as also stringed instruments (‘kamayacha’) made out of leather.Bikaner is best known for painted lampshades, shields, and vases and ‘mojadis’ made out of camel hide. Hand bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.
White marble, pink Dholpur stone, green Kota stone, white and grey soapstone- everything is used to make elegant statues, idols, figurines, carved panels, even elaborate ‘jharokhas’ for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts, which is conspicuous by its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.
Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used for everything from pillboxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive and therefore more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields. In recent years, use of wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary than traditional in usage.
The Textile of Rajasthan has a fascinating range of dyed and block printing fabrics. Each princely state had its own special colour-scheme design and technique which are still prevalent in different part of Rajasthan. The various types of textiles 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 and Bikaner is more popular.The lehriya is an entire line of cloth dyed in diagonal lines in same or different colours. Udaipur's lehriya work is well known.Samdar Lehar, Phagun are the designs to be worn in the spring season.
An art form from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh was first introduced in Rajasthan. It was 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, which lately is being experimented with other colours such as yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade 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 sizes for multiple use. Ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars, accessories etc are the forte of this art of pottery.
The ‘durrie’, 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 exciting combination of colours. Made from cotton yarn, in areas such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, the durrie made of camelhair and woolen are also available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured.Salawas in Jodhpur district is famous for its cotton durries.Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan were invited in the royal ateliers in the 17th century AD. 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.
Wood–sometimes plain, often painted–is used to make everything from furniture to artifacts. The furniture ranges from antique to its contemporary variants which include chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets.Artifacts include a range of animals–horses, elephants and parrots– that are beautifully painted, as well as boxes; chests, snuff boxes and other interesting memorabilia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the doors.
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 meenakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Pratapgarh, popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are rakhdi (head ornament), tussi (necklace), baju bandh (armlet), adah (special necklace worn by Rajput ladies), gokhrus (bracelets), pajebs (anklets), etc.
Paintings
Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressive than those of Rajasthan. Tradition of painting goes 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. The tradition of decorating dwellings and articles is still alive. Rajasthan is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myths and legends to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from pre historic rock paintings to 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 the artist's workmanship.
Miniature Painting
This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting consisting of colourful pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers & on cloth sheet. The miniature painters received state patronage. Accordingly seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations). They initially used manuscripts for text illustrations but gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their royal patrons.The miniature painting tradition goes back at least to the 11th century AD. Later, the Mughal influence became evident - However, the painters settled for traditional idioms and regional elements by the 17th century. The modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
Phads and Pichwais
The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives in Rajasthan as ‘phad’. A typical ‘phad’ is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life and heroic exploits of the two popular folk heroes 'Pabuji' and 'Dev Narain'. It displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Painted by the Joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara, it is also based on subjects like 'Bhagavad Purana' or other popular folk stories.The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué form.
Folk Painting
Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony and other festivals, this tradition is found in villages and rural areas of Rajasthan, practised by various tribes & communities. They are very original, fresh and done with raw-hand.
Leatherwear
Skilled cobblers use the hides of dead animals for ‘jooties’ (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, ‘mojadis’, 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 best use. The leather is punched and gouged to create a variety of patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered with woollen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer are famous for ‘jooties’, musical instruments (like ‘tabla’, ‘dhol’, ‘dhapli’) as also stringed instruments (‘kamayacha’) made out of leather.Bikaner is best known for painted lampshades, shields, and vases and ‘mojadis’ made out of camel hide. Hand bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.
Stone Carving
White marble, pink Dholpur stone, green Kota stone, white and grey soapstone- everything is used to make elegant statues, idols, figurines, carved panels, even elaborate ‘jharokhas’ for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts, which is conspicuous by 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 pillboxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive and therefore more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields. In recent years, use of wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary than traditional in usage.
Textile
The Textile of Rajasthan has a fascinating range of dyed and block printing fabrics. Each princely state had its own special colour-scheme design and technique which are still prevalent in different part of Rajasthan. The various types of textiles 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 and Bikaner is more popular.The lehriya is an entire line of cloth dyed in diagonal lines in same or 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 dyeing can be seen at length in the communities of Leelgarhs and Rangrez. The tie and dye process of colouring is represented by Chunari and Bandhej (the art of tying a small point on the cloth by threads and later dying it with the required colours. After it is dried and opened, there is a small circle in the white splashed around the fabric). That is known as tie and dye. Jodhpur, Jaipur and 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 Markets of these products is Jaipur, Sanganer and Bagru. Zari (metallic and threaded embroidery) - Gota, zardosi, banarsi are for formal and bridal ensembles.
Blue pottery
An art form from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh was first introduced in Rajasthan. It was 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, which lately is being experimented with other colours such as yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, handmade 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 sizes for multiple use. Ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars, accessories etc are the forte of this art of pottery.
Durries And Carpets
The ‘durrie’, 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 exciting combination of colours. Made from cotton yarn, in areas such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, the durrie made of camelhair and woolen are also available. In areas around Tonk, namdahs or felted rugs are manufactured.Salawas in Jodhpur district is famous for its cotton durries.Carpets first began to be manufactured in Rajasthan when weavers from Afghanistan were invited in the royal ateliers in the 17th century AD. 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 Artifacts
Wood–sometimes plain, often painted–is used to make everything from furniture to artifacts. The furniture ranges from antique to its contemporary variants which include chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets.Artifacts include a range of animals–horses, elephants and parrots– that are beautifully painted, as well as boxes; chests, snuff boxes and other interesting memorabilia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the doors.
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