Rajasthan Handicrafts and Heritage

The name Rajasthan reflects rich heritage, incredible traditions and colorful people. The heritage of Rajasthan is very rich.

An exotic Indian state with varied facets and vibrant hues is a metaphor that complements the royal land of Rajasthan. He heritage of handicrafts in Rajasthan is very rich and exclusive. The elegant handicrafts of Rajasthan are an asset that the state is proud of. The name of the state creates a picture at the back of mind of people donning traditional attires, engrossed in daily life amidst the dry desert. People have a knack of decorating themselves and their homes. They have an added advantage of their position on the trade routes whose offshoot was their dexterity in artistry. The fabulous handicrafts of Rajasthan are a unique hallmark of the Culture of Rajasthan. It is astonishing to see so much work is executed through hands with much sophistication.

Jewelery of Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan is world renowned for the exquisite jewelery pieces. People of Rajasthan are very fond of adorning themselves with jewelery. The people were patronized by the rulers of Mewar during the bygone eras which has helped crafts of jewelry making and meenakari to groom and flourish. These jewelery pieces have aesthetic significance with symbolic values.
Gems of Jaipur
The capital city of Rajasthan - Jaipur - is famous for a gem dealing center. The city has an entire wing devoted to cutting and polishing precious tones using simple unsophisticated machinery. These gems are of prime attraction for national and international visitors to the Pink walled city.

Folk and Silver Jewelery
The poorest villages of Rajasthan have men and women bedecked in very beautiful folk jewelery including bracelets, rings, earrings, nose rings, toe rings, ankle bracelets and pendants. These jeweleries indicate the social and marital status (of women). The silver jeweleries are sometimes alloyed with copper retaining its high quality.
Bangles
They are another kind of symbolic jewelery. The bare wrists are considered inauspicious. Only the widows will be seen bare wristed. The lac bangles of Rajasthan are very popular. Jaipur, Bundi and Karauli in Rajasthan are a great producer of Lac bangles. The surface of these bangles is coated with paint and gold leaf.
Meenakari
Thanks to Maharaja Man Singh I, the founder of Amber, who introduced the beautiful art of meenakari (enamel work) during late 17th century. Silver and gold can be used as a base for this art. However, the colors are limited including gold, blue, green and yellow.

Leather Work
History has it that Rajasthan has been a home to leather work. The leather shoes called juttis are a must on your shopping cart when going to Rajasthan. These juttis are beautifully embellished with embroidery, beads, jardozi. Also famous is the leather bookbindings which flourished under the patronage of Maharaja Banni Singh in the early 19th century.

Paintings of Rajasthan
Miniature paintings are synonymous to Rajasthan. These beautiful paintings were used to decorate the palaces, halls, palatial mansions of wealthy merchants. These paintings display religious and mythological themes with courtly love. Made of vegetable colors, minerals these paintings have a distinctive style.

Pottery
Legends hold that first potter was created by Lord Shiva. The art of pottery has the longest lineage in Rajasthan. Different regions of Rajasthan produce different kinds of pottery of which blue pottery of Jaipur is the most famous with Bikaner's red pottery.

Textiles
The shimmering textiles of Rajasthan are a must haves for the shopping freaks. The textiles are riotously woven, dyed, printed and embroidered. Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar and Jaisalmer. You can look form traditional sarees, or indo-western wears. The bandhini print in fabrics is most appreciated besides block printing. Carpets and weaving have been popular in the state with the advent of Muslims.

Woodwork
The wood carvings are not that popular as the stone sculpture. The reason is arid climate of Rajsthan where it is hard to preserve the delicate work of wood carvings. Shekhawati was an important center for wood carving where marvelous wood work can be seen.