For ages, Rajasthan has been popular for its traditions and customs. This royal landmark is among the most culturally rich states in the world. It is the best tourist place in india and the handicrafts of Rajasthan are appreciated worldwide and amaze everyone. Despite modernization, the Rajasthan handicrafts kept holding the legacy in many respects. Many rural people still earn their livelihood from their creative pieces of art and the state has still managed to preserve its artisans, its art and its handicrafts. They carry the true culture of the state and are a must-buy when you travel to this desert state. Listed are the 10 traditional handicrafts of Rajasthan you shouldn’t miss to buy.
1. Bandhani
Bandhani or Bandhej are the identities of Rajasthan handicrafts. These fabrics are created using the tie-dye technique and are popular for their fabulous prints, colours and wavy patterns. These multi-hued bandhani fabrics have a beautiful amalgamation of tradition with contemporary fashion styles. One will never be short of options as these are available in a huge variety in form of sarees, odhnis, turbans, bedsheets, cushion covers, dresses, suits and much more. The attractive design and elegance of these fabrics make it hard to resist buying, no one can have just one.
2. Jaipuri Razai
Jaipur quilts of razai are famous in India and worldwide and are constantly in demand. These are lightweight, cosy yet warm which makes them stand out from all other options. Jaipuri razai also differs in artistry and functionality making it the best warmer in chill weather. These are crafted using the traditional textile-making skills of cotton carding, cotton voile-making and quilting. Available in both cotton and silk these beautiful quilts carry traditional royal impressions from the region.
3. Jewellery
Rajasthan has a long tradition of jewellery making which is noticeable in all its sparkling forms in the gold, silver, precious stone and gems jewellery. They have delicate Meenakari, Jadau, and Kundan work embellishments to make them look gorgeous. From artificial to precious jewellery you can get traditional styles in necklaces, anklets, headgear, pendants, bracelets, nose rings, earrings, etc. If you are looking for a right piece of jewellery to gift the then Kundan work (setting precious stones in gold), Minakari work (colourful enamel work on gold) and gemstones such as ruby to cat’s eye, topaz, Lapis lazuli, onyx, garnets and amethysts are worth buying.
4. Blue Pottery
Blue Pottery has its distinct value when it comes to handicrafts of Rajasthan. This shining pottery is made from ground quartz stone and is the only pottery not made using clay. This Turko-Persian art has its origin dating back to the 19th century. It got much patronage under Maharaja Ram Singh Ji who first introduced it to the state. A special colour scheme is used in making with an abundance of blue, green and white hues. The designs of the blue pottery are also unique where you can see floral, handmade motifs, and images of animals. These are available in the form of a flower vase, storage box, crockery, tiles, lampshades, and other household accessories.
5. Lacquered bangles
Rajasthan is popular for its lac bangles having Jaipur, Bundi and Karauli as its great producers. Lacquer is a type of varnish on wood and its surface which further has painting and gold leaf coating. The preparation of lac bangles involves using molten lava to pasted on a wooden rod and shaping it cylindrically. These bangles are further beautified with beads, stones, glitters, mirrors, etc. These also have a cultural significance associated with them. Lac bangles are an identity of married women as only the widows are seen bare wristed. These hand-made bangles are usually worn during festivities or special occasions.
6. Leather products
Leather handicraft used to be one of the main occupations of the artist community after agriculture. The leathercraft belongs to the Regar community in the state and is 300 years old. From working on the raw product to its finishing, the entire process has no involvement of machinery. The handmade camel leather products adorned with glittering stones and embroidery are popular across the world. Mojris, purses, handbags, wallets, leather diaries, jackets and belts are a few good choices to buy. Leather mojaris or jutties are the prime attraction of their product range. The eco-friendly and handmade embroidered juttis are much famous. Any Rajasthani traditional wear seems incomplete without leather juttis or mojaris.
7. Puppet
Puppets or kathputli are wooden dolls that connects with strings and dressed up traditionally in Rajasthani attire. There is a single string which passes roughly the puppets’ head to ease their handling. It is one distinct handicraft of Rajasthan that depicts this state’s culture and tradition. Kath means wood and putli means doll and thus named kathputli, these puppets have been famous for the string puppetry shows native to Rajasthan. Puppetry show marks its existence in Rajasthan since ancient times. In bygone times, puppet shows were for entertainment purposes telling folk tales as well as for making people aware of the social issues to educate them. These are excellent souvenirs to take home from Rajasthan.
8. Paintings
Beautiful fine art paintings are the speciality of Rajasthan that belongs to the 18th century. The traditional art of painting has been prevalent in the state since the royal era. It came into existence from Rajputi artistry. Earlier, the walls of the forts and palaces were carved with these beautiful miniature paintings. Apart from this, these paintings were also commonly noticeable in the clothes and murals of that time. These exclusive artistic pieces are famous worldwide for their intricacy and elegance. Every painting speaks a story with its varied themes and different colour scheme. These handmade oil paintings still keep the epics, themes, manuscripts and ancient India alive.
9. Metal crafts
The metal craft products are exceptionally beautiful with a lifelike look and intricate craftsmanship. This age-old handicraft requires a high degree of skill and effort to create a flawless masterpiece through embossing brass, gold, and silver-plated work. One can find some of the best metal crafts enamelled in the finest silver. You can get figurines of god, ornamental items along with wall hangings, jewellery boxes, vases, tabletops, lampstands, antiques, swords and shields and many more items that can adorn your home.
10. Carpets
Carpets and durries are favourite handicrafts of locals and travellers alike. The hand-knotted silk and woollen carpets with conventional geometric and floral designs captivate every eye with their artistry. The use of bold and rich colours in their making lures everyone. Earlier, these carpets were only a part of royal palaces while nowadays these are common in local households to enhance the beauty of a space. The art of making carpets in Rajasthan evolved in the 17th century. The craftsmen of Bikaner and Jaisalmer practise this handicraft. At Bikaner and Jaisalmer, you get rugs of cotton yarns while the Tonk region of Rajasthan produces felted rugs.
To conclude, from each region of Rajasthan comes different handicrafts that increase the charm of this state. These traditional handicrafts of Rajasthan have evolved through many generations, and there are still innovations that keep enhancing its uniqueness while cherishing its origins. So, when are you planning to go for some really amazing shopping experience? Do keep this list with you when you travel next.
