Reflecting the true culture of the state, handicrafts of Rajasthan are known for their unique designs. The art seems to be influenced by the Rajputs and the Mughals. Besides the Historical Monuments, Exotic Wildlife, and Vibrant Culture and Traditions, Rajasthan specialises in Handicrafts. These unique items make Rajasthan a shopper’s paradise. One can spend hours browsing through the handcrafted items displayed in the bazaars and government emporiums like the Rajasthali in Jaipur. The major specialties in Rajasthani Handicrafts are:
Jewellery and Gemstone Cutting
Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur are some of the best places to buy ethnic Rajasthani jewellery. Rajasthan is world famous for jewellery items like rakhri, gokhru, timamyan, bala, bajuband, etc. Jaipur is the world’s largest gem cutting center and a great hub for Minakari (a process of colored glass). The Thewa pendants of Rajasthan are made in Jaipur by inlaying gold and semi precious stones (rubies, emeralds and diamonds) into a grooved template. Bikaner and Jodhpur are quite popular for Kundan, the art of setting stones in gold.
Textiles
Rajasthani Textiles, on the dyed and printed fabric adorned with embroidery and mirror work, display the unmatched art of the Rajputs and the Mughals. The Jauhri Bazaar in Jaipur is a renowned place to get a huge variety of handmade textiles. Bandhani or Bandhej is a unique tie and dye technique of Rajasthan providing a different texture and design to the textiles.
Paintings
This fascinating art of the state is mostly popular in Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti, Kishangarh, Dhundhar and Alwar. The miniature and the folk styles, and Kota Style paintings depict a unique blend of vibrant colours, composition and themes. These paintings are made by using natural colors like vegetable alkaloids and minerals.
Durries and Carpets
Durries came into existance with Afghanis in the 17th century. Today, this segment is among the most popular handicrafts of Rajasthan. These carpets are generally hand knotted woolen products and have a great resemblance with the Persian carpets.
Stone and Marble Handicrafts
Marble sculptures, statues, stone artifacts, religious idols and stone carvings etc. are something Rajasthan is known for. These showpieces can prove to be great decoratives for your home. The unique stone carvings can be seen in various palaces and havelis, as well as ordinary homes.
Rajasthani Jootis
These jootis are an important part of Indian ethnic dresses. Originated from Jaipur and Jodhpur, the Mojaris Jootis of Rajasthan with exquisite embroidery form another specialty of Rajasthani Handicrafts.
Rajasthani Wooden Furniture
The most famous work on furniture in Rajasthan is the latticework. This is one of the best art work found in Rajasthan popular for its intricate carvings on small chairs and tables, bajots and chowkis, stools with string seats, boxes, cabinets, mirror and picture frames, doors and windows etc. Jodhpur and Kishangarh are the renowned cities to buy these wooden handicrafts.
While exploring the handicraft specialties in Rajasthan, one cannot ignore the matchless and extraordinary red terracotta pottery, Bikaner pottery, Blue pottery crafts, Ivory bangles and the feather-soft and feather-light quilts (razai). These dynamic craft traditions reflect the true culture and royal splendour of Rajasthan.
