CRAFTS OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan is among the richest state in India as far as the field of art and craft is concerned. The richness of Rajasthan is so extraordinary that it touches every aspect of life in the desert and semi desert of Rajasthan and finds new meaning in the expressions of its visitors. No matter whether you are here or there you will always find some kind of interesting arts and crafts in this colorful state. There have been collective efforts in remote villages of Rajasthan where cooperative societies have also been set up by non-government agencies to create opportunities for rural craftsmen to get the maximum benefits of their skills by making reach their products to the urban markets of not only in India but also other countries abroad. This is also one of the reasons that local village products are available in the shops of big metropolitan cities today. It is true that quality of many of the handicraft items have got degraded to cater the demand of the tourists for the souvenir marketThe history of Rajasthan also reveals that the kings and their nobles were patrons of art and crafts and they encouraged their craftsmen in activities ranging from wood and marble carving to weaving, pottery and painting. May be it was the result of the war which sharpened the creative senses, artistic skills which inspired the craftsmen of Rajasthan to create the most opulent and richest of treasures. Rajasthan has created and preserved rich craft heritage which includes fabulous fabrics in lovely prints, precious and semi-precious stones, Kundan Meenakari Jewellery, embroidered leather work, other hand crafted items of wood, ivory, lac, glass, and brass, silver and gold. Some of the popular crafts of Rajasthan are Antiques, Blue Pottery, Carpets, Fabrics, Furniture, Leather ware, Jew Ellery and Gem Stones, Metal Crafts, Paintings, Puppets and Terracotta items.Antiques

Rajasthan, especially the villages have been always a rich source of antiques. However so much of the old objects are sold out to the big hotels or have been brought out of the country already since the English ruling time in Rajasthan that not much is left in the state as real antiques. What you see as Antiques today in Rajasthan may not actually be antiques. As there are techniques available where the new articles can be made look like old. Most of the tourists are attracted by this kind of articles. We at Rajasthan Tourism Travel advice to get the proper and authentic papers for the articles which are claimed at antiques and be careful as real antiques may not be exported out of the country.Blue Pottery

The Art of Blue Pottery was not local to India. The tradition of quartz pottery was of Persian origin and the artisans were invited by the former Maharaja of Jaipur and he was so impressed by this culture that a school of Blue Pottery was started. Blue pottery is made of crushed quartz, fullers earth and sodium sulphite. This combination is heated on high temperatures. Blue pottery consists of hand painting in various shades of blue. In the recent past new colors have been added such as yellow, pink and green. Blue Pottery products are available meanwhile in a wide range to mention some are iles, vases, bowls, mugs, urns, door knobs and recent discovery is costume Jewellery that is getting popular in the markets of western countries. Though not easily approachable, there are many places that follow the exact techniques and traditions that need to be followed while making the Blue Pottery as initial.

DurriesThe Durrie is kind of thin and simple woven carpets which were earlier used as a supporting material under big and thick carpets in the royal houses. Common people used them under their beds to keep them warm during the winter. For big gathering as in the villages and small town, whole community is invited at birth. A Durrie can be as simple as in a single colour only with a contrasting border. On the other hand due to demand there are some durries with geometric motifs and floral patterns in a mix of contrasting colours. Durries are also available in different sizes. In places such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, where in winters the temperatures can dip very low, woolen durries are also woven. In Bikaner camel hairs are also used to make Durries which under the mattress keep your bed warm in the chilling winters of the desert.

Carpets

The art of carpet weaving in Rajasthan is a historical royal tradition. In olden Royal days the carpets were specially woven for royal palaces according to the size of a particular room. However it was the Mughals who brought the richness to the carpet weaving. Some of the excellent examples can be still seen in the city palace museum of Jaipur. Even in the Prisons of Rajasthan special looms were erected and these carpets became famous as so-called jail carpets. During the olden royal days the weavers from Afghanistan were brought to Jaipur to train the local people.Textiles

For centuries, the printers in Rajasthan have perfected the art of mixing vegetable dyes and mineral colours and the results have been very promising. Some of the colour combinations are used in such a way that they look as if they were always meant to be complementary to each other. This Art of printing is used for the purpose of home furnishing as well as for the personal clothing. Some of the famous area where this work takes place is Bagru and Sanganer. One of the famous art of Rajasthan is known as tie-and-dye. In this technique fabrics are tied into small twists using a thread and then dipped into vats with their array of bright colours to create a mosaic patterns known as Bandhani. This technique is used for sarees and odhnis (a kind of shawl, used by the women of Rajasthan) and by using these techniques different designs and colours can be created. A famous design showing the waves of different colours in known as Lahariya.

Colours and Dyes of Rajasthan

Being in the markets of Jaipur you really realize that if you may have the made a mistake choosing the wrong colour of your newly bought dress or simply if would like to change the colour of your favorite cloths after a while - it is not a big issue in Rajasthan. They can simply be given to the Dyers who are in penalty here in the Bazars of Rajasthan. There is an old tradition of dying the materials in Rajasthan. Even Gold is grinded to be used as the fine Gold dust, as used in the precious miniature paintings. For dying clothes the colours are obtained from flowers and barks. Black colour from the sulphate of iron, orange from saffron, yellow from myrobalan, purple from mulberry, green from pistachio, blue from indigo are some of the examples of obtaining the natural colours.Furniture and Wood Carving

Furniture and Wood Carving is not a very old tradition of Rajasthan. It was very usual that even the royal courts were held on the carpets and rugs while all the participants of the court sit on them. Earlier durbars (daily courts at king's palace) were held on large mattresses spread on the ground and covered with carpets and cushions for support. one of the interesting piece of furniture can be seen in the museums of Rajasthan like in the Lalgarh museum of Bikaner !Since the tourists starting showing interest in the old furniture of Rajasthan, there has been development of new techniques in which the new furniture is made look like old furniture. Mostly in these areas you can find so called old items in which windows, a part of carved Balconies, tables, chairs, benches, swings, dressers is offered. As this kind of furniture was used in the big Havellis by the rich business people of Rajasthan, some interesting wooden and metal combinations are available in the markets with decorative elements which are carved beautifully.

Gesso Work

In Bikaner, the city which has perhaps the largest number of camels in Rajasthan and with the only camel Farm of Rajasthan there has been a kind of fine craft related to camels which emerged here. In this kind of fine art they used the inner hide (skin) of the camel which is scraped till it has the consistency of paper and is translucent (let the light get through) but not transparent.Jewellery and Gemstones

Rajasthan is one of the largest centres in the world for manufacturing of gems stones and jewellery. No where perhaps in the world, such a large quantity and varieties of gem stones are cut and polished as in Rajasthan. It is not unusual to find shops and traders who have their shops full of real gem stones that it seems hard to believe to be real. There is every kind of stone which ranges from economical semi precious stones till precious stones and further as far as diamonds. To name, some of the stones widely available in the markets of Rajasthan are: Amethyst, Iolite, Aquamarine, Labradorite, In no other part of the world can you have the pleasure with the shopping the colour stones and Jewellery so economically as in Rajasthan. The main centre and big hub for the Semi-precious and precious Gemstone and Jewellery is Jaipur, the capital of the state Rajasthan as most of the cutting and polishing is done here in and around Jaipur and there are also big units of Jewellery manufacturing.

Kundan Meenakari Kundan Meenakari is one of the art which is done proudly in Jaipur. This art originated from the Rajputi times and since that Rajasthani people have a kind of monopoly on it. The art of setting the Jewellery in Rajasthan is done with such fine details that its not one craftman who has the commend over the whole work but many specializing in their own filed of jewellery settings. Some of the them are mentioned here in brief Chhaterra is a person whose task is to engrave the ground on which the stones setting takes place.

Kundansaaz is a person who sets the uncut stones on the made surface and gives the shape and while cooling the still hot precious material is sat in the final shape while hammering putting gold wire around.

Manihar is person who prepares the enamels that will be poured into the hollows to create the patterns. In Jaipur a whole street is dedicated to the people of this community.

Minakaar is so called enameller who places the enamels and fires them individually.

Nyarriya is a person whose task is to refine the gold. Usually 22 carat gold is used for the making of kundan jewellery. 24 caret would be too delicate.

Patwari is the person who provides the finishing touch in the form of the gold and silk cord required by the wearer and is also responsible for stringing the beads, wherever required in the existing designs.

Sangsaza is the person whose job is to polish, cut and if needed to carve the stone with wished decorative motifs.

Sonar or Sunar is the goldsmith who prepares the bezels and moulds in Gold for setting the stones. He also does the polishing and cleaning of the jewellery once the peace is completed so that way also responsible for the quality control.Leather Ware

The hides (skin) of dead animals have never found a better application than in Rajasthan. Considering the fact that animals are not killed to get the leather but only the leather of the animals is used who died in nature for whatsoever cause. The skin of dead camels is used as leather material for the traditional shoes (known as Jutties), saddles for camels and horses as well for making beautiful bags and pouches.

Metal Crafts

The craftsmanship of the metalwork would have not reached its highlights without the need of Rajputi warriors of having not only good functioning but also good looking arms. Some of the museums in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner have the finest examples of the arms collection which are combination of metal and other materials like wood and ivory studded with gem stones and having the base of silver and gold.Puppets

The art of making the puppets has a long tradition in Rajasthan. But these are not only the puppets who has made them famous but, also the people who decorate and dress and finally make them dance before the public. Most of the puppets consist of painted wood and are dressed as per the local customs of the city or area where they are made. The most vibrant aspect of these puppets is the way their expressions are painted, large expressive eyes with arched eyebrows, and a curling moustache for men, or a nose ring for the women are the typical style of Rajasthani Puppet.

Stone Carving

In the desert and semi desert of Rajasthan, if there is any thing in penalty that is stone. Everything from pink, yellow and red sandstone to the excellent quality of marble, tamara and chlorite are available in Rajasthan as the art of stone carving flourished here under the patronage of the Rajput rulers. Some of the stone workers work with such comfort that stone in their hands appear as they were working on wood. Some of the areas have made their name in stone carving.erracotta

Terracotta has an old tradition in Rajasthan. Even today in many of the villages women still cook in terracotta pots over wood fires. Terracotta and clay pots are normally used for the storage of water as the slow evaporation through the porous clay helps in eliminating the surrounding heat and thus keeps the water cool even in the hottest temperature of Rajasthan. Terracotta is also used to make figures of religious scenes as well as historic ones. The only biggest obstacle has been for Terracotta that the transportation needs a lot of care. As material, Terracotta is fragile being the original material clay. However the Terracotta lovers find their way with the help of wooden trunks to carry them safely even far away to distant countries. This all seems to be worth once a Terracotta article is allotted its final place in a living room.

ARTICHETURE

One of the most enduring achievements of Indian civilization is undoubtedly its architecture, which extends to a great deal more than the Taj Mahal or the temple complexes of Khajuraho and Vijayanagara. Though the Indus Valley sites of Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, and Lothal provide substantial evidence of extensive town planning, the beginnings of Indian architecture are more properly to be dated to the advent of Buddhism in India, in the reign of Ashoka and the construction of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Buddhist architecture was predominant for several centuries, and there are few remains of Hindu temples from even late antiquity. Among the many highlights of Buddhist art and architecture are the Great Stupa at Sanchi and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta.By the eighth century, with the consolidation of Hindu kingdoms, the southern Hindu school of architecture was beginning to flourish. The most notable achievements of the Pallavas were the rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram and the temples of Kanchipuram. The subsequent history of South Indian temple architecture takes us, over the next eight centuries, to Thanjavur (Tanjore), to the brilliant achievements of the Hoysalas (as seen in the temples at Belur and Halebid), and the temple complexes, which represent the flowering of the Vijayanagara empire, of Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai, and Vellore.

In north India, meanwhile, architecture was to be a more contentious matter. The fabled temple at Somnath, renowned for its purported riches, is said to have been destroyed by the Muslim invader Mahmud of Ghazni, and after the attainment of Indian independence, the restoration of this temple became a matter of national pride for more ardent defenders of the faith. The story of Somnath points to the manner in which histories, whether political, cultural, or architectural, have become communalized. But the period from 1000-1300 was, in any case, a time when Hindu architecture flourished throughout India. In central India, the Chandellas built a magnificent complex of temples at their capital, Khajuraho, between 950-1030 A.D. These temples, which show Vaishnavite, Shaivite, and Tantric influence, have acquired a renewed reputation today as indices of India's libertine past, allegedly indicative of India's relaxed sexual mores before puritanical Muslims made India a sexually repressed society.

The Mughal emperors of India, most particularly Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, were heavily invested in monumental architecture and spent lavishly on the construction of mosques, mausoleums, forts, palaces, and other buildings. The principal sites of Mughal architecture are Lahore, Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri, though dazzling specimens of Mughal architecture are to be found elsewhere. Shah Jahan constructed a new capital, then to be known as Shahjahanabad, and now a part of Old Delhi. Its most famous buildings include the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, and the Red Fort (Lal Qila), which over the last four hundred years has become uniquely emblematic of state power. Akbar likewise built a new capital at Fatehpur Sikri, a few miles outside Agra, but it was abandoned on account of insuperable difficulties in obtaining a water supply. Some have described the complex of buildings at Fatehpur Sikri, which include the majestic Buland Darwaza and Salim Chisti's tomb, as the most splendrous accomplishment of Mughal architecture.

The Buddhist stupa, a dome shaped monument, was used in India as a commemorative monument associated with storing sacred relics. The stupa architecture was adopted in Southeast and East Asia, where it became prominent as a Buddhist monument used for enshrining sacred relics. Fortified cities with stpas, viharas, and temples were constructed during the Maurya empire Wooden architecture was popular and rock cut architecture became solidified. Guard railsconsisting of posts, crossbars, and a copingbecame a feature of safety surrounding a stupa.Templesbuild on elliptical, circular, quadrilateral, or apsidal planswere constructed using brick and timber.The Indian gateway arches, the torana, reached East Asia with the spread of Buddhism. Some scholars hold that torii derives from the torana gates at the Buddhist historic site of Sanchi .

CLASSICAL DANCEClassical dance in India has developed a type of dance-drama that is a form of a total theater. The dancer acts out a story almost exclusively through gestures. Most of the classical dances enact stories from Hindu mythology.Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people.The criteria for being considered as classical is the style's adherence to the guidelines laid down in Natyashastra, which explains the Indian art of acting. The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian classical dance styles: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathak (North India), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Manipuri (Manipur), Mohiniyattam (Kerala), Odissi (Odisha), and Sattriya (Assam)

BharatanatyamDating back to 1000 BCE, Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, practiced predominantly in modern times by women. The dance is usually accompanied by classical Carnatic music.ts inspirations come from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. It was codified and documented as a performing art in the 19th century by four brothers known as the Thanjavur Quartet whose musical compositions for dance form the bulk of the Bharatanatya repertoire even today.

Kathakali

Kathakali (katha, story; kali, performance) is a highly stylized classical dance-drama form which originated from Kerala in the 17th century. This classical dance form is particularly noticed for dancer's elaborate costume, towering head gear, billowing skirts, and long silver nails. Recent developments in Kathakali over the years include improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming. Kathakali is performed regularly at festivals in temples, at cultural shows for connoisseurs and also at international events, occasionally in fusion dance experiment.

Kathak

Originating from north Indian states, In ancient Indian temples Brahmin priests(pandits) used to narrate the stories of gods and goddesses through dance, they were known as ((kathakar)) and the dance came to be known as "kathak". Kathak traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers.[24] Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement.[24] From the 16th century onwards it absorbed certain features of Persian dance and Central Asian dance which were imported by the royal courts of the Mughal era. There are three major schools or gharanas of Kathak from which performers today generally draw their lineage: the gharanas of Benares, Jaipur and Lucknow.

Kuchipudi

Dating back to 2nd century BCE it is a classical dance from the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi is the name of a village in the Divi Taluka of Krishna district that borders the Bay of Bengal and with resident Brahmins practicing this traditional dance form, it acquired the present name. The performance usually begins with some stage rites, after which each of the character comes on to the stage and introduces him/herself with a dharavu (a small composition of both song and dance) to introduce the identity, set the mood, of the character in the drama. The drama then begins. The dance is accompanied by song which is typically Carnatic music. The singer is accompanied by mridangam, violin, flute and the tambura. Ornaments worn by the artists are generally made of a light weight wood called Boorug.

Odissi

Odissi, also known as Orissi (Oriya: oi, Devnagari:), is one of the eight classical dance forms of India. It originates from the state of Odisha, in eastern India. It is the oldest surviving dance form of India on the basis of archaeological evidences. there are mainly three books of Odissi.The classic treatise of Indian dance, Natya Shastra, refers to it as Odra-Magadhi. 1st century BCE bas-reliefs in the hills of Udaygiri (near Bhubaneshwar) testify to its antiquity. It was suppressed under the British Raj, but has been reconstructed since India gained independence. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi (literally: three parts break), the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka or Chouka that symbolizes Lord Jagannath. This dance is characterized by various Bhangas (Stance), which involves stamping of the foot and striking various postures as seen in Indian sculptures. The common Bhangas are Bhanga, Abhanga, Atibhanga and Tribhanga.