Rajasthan is among the richest state of India in terms of Handicraft items. Each little village has its own craftsmen patronised by the local peoples. The craftsmen of the state have been creating the most opulent and richest treasurer. Stone, clay, leather goods, Ivory, lac, brass, gold and textiles are given the most brilliant shapes and forms.
Udaipur is also well-known for it's handicrafts. The beauty of Udaipur lies in abundant traditional crafts making skills. The fine works of producing the swords and the knives with a certain degree of sharpness for the royal kings and warrior represent their ability to carve out rare crafts since the earlier days.
Stone sculpting :
Fine quality of marble and sandstone sculptors are created by the best stone masons and sculptor. Deities of the god and Goddesses are curved out very intrinsically. The finest sculptors work upon the temples of Udaipur in the days of the Rajah's and some of the best work includes the temples of Dilwara in Mount Abu. Artisoms are seen working upon images of deities, domestic utensils such as bowls for grinding spices and kneading.
Pottery :
It was from Rudrapal, the first potter that the potter caste come to, be known as Kumbhars and was believed to be created by Lord Shiva. Rajasthan Pottery has a long lineage with fragments found in Kalibanga of the Harrapan civilization dating back to the 2500 BC. The most famous is the blue potter of Jaipur. Originated in China, it was passed on from the Persian to the muslims. In the Molela region, north of Udaipur potters work with terracotta, formed from day and donkey's dung.
Textile :
The whole of Rajathan get coloured with its vibrant textiles. Cotton is produced by the Julaha caste known as Masuria. Bandhani is the most intricate tie dying process. Part of the fabric are knotted and on dying the knotted section retain the original colour. The dyes were in olden days, derived from natural resources such as vegetables, minerals and insects.
Carpets and Weaving :
The muslims brought the art of carpet making into the country. Carpet weaving stated in the 16th Century and initially small mats called "Jajams" were created on which one person can comfortably sit. Some of the beautiful durries or the flat cotton carpets were first produced by the prisoners in Jail. Shawls are woven too out of hand - span wool called as kheis.
Jewellery :
In the district, silver Jewellery is prominent. People can be seen decked in claborate ornaments of silver bracelets, rings nose rings etc. The other prominent work is the enamel work called as Meenbari that features floral and animal design. Both silver and gold can be used as base for Meenakari and the final piece is a masterly art in the hands of the sonar, the gold smith, the chattera and the enameller.
Wood Work :
The district is famous for it's wood work also. finely wrought doors, window panes, pidas or the low folding chairs with decorative carvings, latticed screen windows are found in the region. Lacquered wares are produced in most part of the state including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur and Udaipur and are known widely for the lac bangles and bracelets. To increase the production of wooden articles, the manufacturers have been provided modified machines by Government. They are also given special trainings in Patna institute.
Paintings :
In Udaipur, around 200 families have been engaged in making paintings. They make paintings on glass, marbel, stone, Elephant tooth, wood, clothes, paper and other such natural raw-materials. During the princely era, the main elements of paintings used to be the pictures of animal-hunting.
Currently, miniature paintings, Portraits, Pictures of Shrinath Ji on paper etc. have been in fashion.
Metal crafts :
In the district, swords, spear, knives etc. are prepared since the Ages. They are made with iron. Some changes have occurred in them with the passage of time. At present, artistic swords, spears, knives, locks, guns etc. are made with metal. The statues and toys of metal are also prepared. These articles have their huge export market which contribute in enhancing the state's economy.
Besides all these, painted wooden heads, arched eyebrows, expressive eyes of puppets, draped with dresses made from old fabrics, all are extremely among the tourists. It's grandness is unique which entices them to capture their movements in their memories.
Source :
