Rajasthan Handicraft is richest in India. The land of the Kings, is a part
the ‘colour belt’ of western India. It is not only during
festivals or ceremonies that Rajasthan looks bright, it is everyday. By the
side of the well, at the village haat, weekly market place, at fairs and
festivals, in the temple, on the streets, at weddings, rituals and
ceremonies, everywhere Rajasthan displays the most brilliant of colors
Textiles:
Bandhani or Bandhej is the name of the tie and dye technique used commonly
in the region. Coming from the Hindi word ‘bandhan’ meaning ‘to
tie’, this technique has a self explanatory name. The fabric is tied at
various places with the help of a thread, in a way that it makes some
pattern. After the tying is done, the fabric is dipped in the desired
colour. After it is completely dried, the ties are opened and the amazing
designs come to reality. The threads prevent the tied area from absorbing
the colour and hence the desired pattern is realized.
Carpets and Durries :
The hand knotted woolen carpets of Tonk, Bikaner and Jaipur, are generally
based on Persian styles. The traditional cotton durries of Jaipur, Jodhpur
are, mostly in pastel shades with geometrical motifs design. These can
brighten any dullest floor. Woolen Namda of Tonk (non woven) are equally
popular.
Jewelry :
Rajasthan is rich in jewelry, each area having it's own unique style. Some
of the traditional design are rakhri, bala, bajuband, gajra, gokhru, jod,
etc. tribal women wear heavy, simply crafted silver jewelry . Men also wear
ornaments in the form of chockers and earrings. During Mughal Empire,
Rajasthan became a major canter for production of fine kind of jewelry It
was a true blend of the Mughal with the Rajasthani craftsman ship. The
Mughals brought sophisticated design and new technical know-how of the
Persians origin with them.
Leather-ware:
Particularly jooties with embroidered uppers are famous and popular. Today
even designer hand-bags with graphic embroideries make a good buy. Wood,
metal and Stone are used by today’s craft persons to create decorative
and utility items that shoppers often find irresistible.
Miniature paintings:
Of the finest quality continue to be executed in Rajasthan – both on
paper and on large pieces of cloth. Different regions maintain their own
style, known as different schools of painting. Some well-known schools of
painting are Marwar, Mewar
