Rajasthani
Arts and Crafts
Rajasthani arts and crafts are a mirror to the love of the Rajasthani
inhabitants commemorating the awe of beauty and resplendence. Not only are
the artifacts of
Rajasthan a specimen of celebration of pulchritude but also
the daily use domestic articles as knives reflect their artistic bent of
mind. The monarchs of the royal lands were a great patron of fine artistic
works. The fascinating arts and crafts of Rajasthan are also a hallmark of
the state's legacy of
culture and heritage. In the older times, the kings
liberally used the artistic forms of embellishment. The artisans of
Rajasthan have the potential of making the lifeless things into a wonderful
creation of art.
History of
Rajasthani Arts and Crafts
The tradition of Rajasthani arts and crafts incepted in 2nd-1st centuries
B.C. It has continued to be a legendary one. The Rajasthani kings of the
bygone eras were so fond of arts and crafts that they took every step to
propagate the traditional arts of Rajasthan. Even their own dwellings were
exquisitely done. The murals, frescoes, paintings and mirror works in the
forts and palaces of these monarchs are a manifestation of their opulence.
The tradition of this art and crafts has made the state a pioneer in the
field of Indian arts. The war like lifestyle of the emperors and their
subjects in Rajasthan might have influenced the artistic knack of
Rajasthanis. An offshoot of the phenomena was the best and the most elegant
arts were produced from the state.
The concept of Rajasthani arts and crafts represents the perfect sampling
of their craftsmanship. The state has produced and preserved some of the
richest crafts heritage which could be seen in its vibrant fabrics, hand
crafted items of wood, ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver and gold, precious
and semi-precious stones, Kundan Meenakari Jewelery and embroidered leather
work. With each era the palmy arts were modified for betterment. Even
history bears a testimony to the kings' patronage for wood carving, marble
carving, weaving, pottery and paintings. The alliance of Rajputs and Mughals
also made the tradition of arts a flourishing affair. Various
schools were
set up for the promotion of the artists. Each Rajasthani clan was engulfed
in propagation of a particular art form.
Famous Rajasthani Arts and Crafts
The stunning varieties of Rajasthani arts and crafts are much to be
appreciated. The astounding artistry is superbly remarkable. Tourists to the
state do not forget to check out the souvenirs of Rajasthan. The non living
stuffs as glass, stone, wood, leather, mud, fabric become a personification
of beauty and grace. What makes the articles a piece of art is their
aesthetic essence. While in Rajasthan you can look out for below mentioned
arts and crafts of the state.
- Carpets and Durries
- Jewelery
- Meenakari
- Kundan
- Masculine Jewelery
- Feminine Jewelery
- Lac
- Glass
- Ivory
- Leather wares
- Brass wares
- Terracotta
- Wall Paintings
- Cloth Paintings
- Miniature Paintings
- Pottery
- Puppets
- Sandalwood and Woodworks
- Stone Crafts
- Textiles
- Tie and Dye
- Sanganeri
- Batik
- Batik
- Zardozi
- Hand-block printing