Art and Handicrafts

The graceful and colourful arts and crafts of Rajasthan are a big hit with tourists who never go back home without buying some souvenirs from Rajasthan. The rich heritage of its glorious culture has been beautifully manifested in the form of handicrafts. These handicrafts in some way also reflect the life-styles of the erstwhile Raja-Maharajas of Rajasthan. In terms of handicrafts, almost all regions of Rajasthan have something to offer. The traditional art of making amazing handicrafts have been passed on from generation to generation maintaining the heritage of Rajasthan. The craftsmen show a great deal of expertise in transforming raw materials into arresting handicrafts like wood and ivory carvings, textiles with fast and bright colours, tie and dye and block prints on fabrics, silver jewellery/real stones studded jewellery, blue pottery, miniature paintings, marble statues and lacquer and filigree work.

The wooden furniture and artefacts with miniature paintings are a favourite of many a tourist. Chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets are some of the best examples of wooden furniture in Rajasthan.

Various metals like silver, brass, wrought iron are used in making fabulous metal wares such as table tops, wall plates, flasks, boxes, trays, statues of Lord Krishna, Ganesha. Some animal figures are also made from metals.

The dazzling jewellery of Rajasthan is something that tops the shopping list of women tourists coming from far and wide. A wide variety of gem stones such as Lapiz lazuli, onyx, cat's eye, garnets, amethysts and topaz are available in the markets of Rajasthan. The traditional jewellery has its own charm, and never fails to entice tourists.

The beautiful colour schemes and designs of the tie and dye and block printing fabrics attract the attention of one and all who visit Rajasthan. The colours used in the fabrics are fast and the fabrics are durable.

Colourful and embroidered jooties (foot wear), bags, pouches, belts and other accessories made from leather are available at reasonable prizes in the bazaars of Rajasthan.

The colourful carpets and durries available in various designs and sizes are a must- buy item in Rajasthan. The most famous are the woollen carpets of Tonk, Bikaner and Jaipur.

The information on Rajasthan handicrafts is incomplete without the mention of its mesmerizing paintings. Famous the world over for their fineness and bright colours, the miniature and folk paintings of Rajasthan are based on several themes.

Blue Pottery is a great art practised in Rajasthan since ages. It is made from ground quartz stone and only white, blue and green colours are used in it. Some of the blue pottery articles are surahi (pot), tiles, flower pots, ashtray, lamp shades and jars.

The most lively handicraft of Rajasthan is the colourful puppet. They are simply delightful.

The art and crafts of Rajasthan are a fascinating celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the state. The very sight of these colourful and wonderful handicrafts evoke an urge to buy them.