Rajasthan has something for almost every kind of traveler, revealing a vast range of arts and crafts, which is a treat for the visuals and are ready to be picked. The Bazaars spill with products and there is a magnificent glow of colours all over. Intricate work carved on handicrafts or the wonders of gems and stones, it has it all and even more like the colours dancing on the textiles and fabrics with silver or gold threads settings and complimented with the variety of Silk-threads, Beads, Gota, Zari, Zardosi, Banarasi, etc. designed by the age old families of skilled artisans.
The amazing use of clay in the form of sculpture and decorative arts, the paintings from different schools like Miniature, Mughal and the different Rajasthani shailis (school of art) and more are piled up, revealing the medieval splashes and recording historic and dramatic events. Almost capturing the senses! The age old art of dyes and colours hold the centre of attraction.
Rajasthan Jewellery : The artistic delicacy and elaborateness in the manufacturing of Rajasthani jewellery made of purest and finest materials is world-renowned. Rajasthan became famous for its jewellery industry from very early times, being an important source of precious and semi precious stones. Sophisticated jewellery, set with precious stones using the 'Kundankari' technique, or decorated with bright enamel work, known as 'minakari', were made for the Rajput courtiers and affluent people. Skillful artisans from Lahore, Delhi, Gujarat, and Bengal, attracted by the liberal patronage of the kings, came to work in Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur and Jodhpur . Jaipur is the centre for gold 'kundan' work and a renowned centre for diamond and emerald cutting. The temple market at Nathdwara is the best place to buy silver 'kundan' and 'meenakari' work. Old silver jewellery, which is much in vogue, can be bought in Jaisalmer in every nook and corner of the small bazaar area. Pratapgarh in Chittaurgarh district is famous for 'thewa' jewellery .The red, green, or blue foil below highlights the intricate gold work in the best possible manner.
Rajasthan Leather Wear : The use of leather in Rajasthan is very old. The beautifully designed leather shoes are well known items in the world market. Leather is embroidered, punched, studded and stitched in various eye-catching designs. The best known centres of traditional footwear are Jaipur and Jodhpur. Decorative saddles for horses are prepared in Bikaner, Jaipur and Jaisalmer. A special type of water bottle called 'kopi' is made from camel hide.
Rajasthan Paintings : Paintings of Rajasthan- miniature and folk are known all over the world for treatment and composition, colour scheme and subjecting. The purpose of Rajasthani paintings is pleasure. Hence, women have been given prominence in all the artists' creations. Folk paintings have also developed side by side. Use of vibrant colours, bold lines, two dimensional treatment of figures and entire composition distributed in compartments are some of the unique features of these paintings, popularly known as 'phad' paintings.
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