Rajasthan is known for its handicrafts and many styles of painting and folk art. The Rajasthani miniature paintings are a collector's item. The jewelry of Rajasthan, like the enameled bangles and inlaid pendants, are very popular with visitors looking to take home a souvenir of their visit. This makes Rajasthan a shopper's paradise, and visitors can look forward to blissful hours spent browsing through the handcrafted items displayed in the bazaars and government emporiums like the Rajasthali in Jaipur.
Rajasthan is known for its gemstone cutting. The Thewa pendants of Rajasthan are made by inlaying gold and semi precious stones into a grooved template. Heavy silver jewelry, like necklaces and earrings, are a perennial favorite with women. The inexpensive lac bangles, decorated with colored glass, are also a good buy. Jodhpur is one of the best places to buy ethnic Rajasthani jewelry.
Rajasthani textiles, with bold, block printed or tie-and-dye patterns, are unique in India. The dyed and printed fabric is adorned with embroidery and mirror work. The Jauhri Bazaar of Jaipur offers many bargains to the tourists who want to buy Rajasthani textiles and readymade clothes.
Paintings like the Kota style paintings, done using natural colors like vegetable alkaloids and minerals can beautify a drab wall. The prices of these paintings vary greatly depending on the quality of artwork.
The dhurries or carpets of Rajasthan are another of Rajasthan's attractions. Weavers weave in interesting patterns and motifs on the carpet. Dhurrie making in Rajasthan originated in the 17th century when Afghani weavers settled in the area.
The stone sculptures of Rajasthan, made from marble, sandstone or the unique Kota stone, are also something Rajasthan is known for. The stone carvings can be seen in Rajasthan's palaces and havelis, as well as ordinary homes.
Rajasthan's red terracotta pottery, made from a special kind of clay mixed with other substances, is a beautiful example of the artistic instinct of the simple Rajasthani potters. The Bikaner pottery is decorated with lac, while the potters of the Alwar region make fine pottery known as "kagazi"(paperlike).
For more information on Rajasthan, please click the links below:
