Traditional Rajasthani crafts

Sewing and Embroidery

The colour and vibrancy of Rajasthan extends into its embroidery as well. A wealth of stitchery, motif and design can be found in the Rajasthani textile crafts.. Women in the villages embroider their family’s garments as well as the cloths of the household cattle - the camel, the bullock and the horse are often decorated with beautifully embroidered cloths. The motifs range from floral patterns, to human and animal figures and abstract designs, there is no limit to the inovative range of patterns. The thread used varies from the finest silk and shining gold coloured thread to the thickest wool.

Carpet weaving

Wool is traditionally used in carpet weaving but Rajasthan carpets and rugs are often made out of silk and cotton fibre. The art of carpet and rug weaving was actively promoted in the region under the patronage of the Mughal monarchs and the Rajput royals. Camel wool has in recent days become a highly appreciated yarn in rug weaving. There are different techniques of carpet making in the area and the craft is usually passed on within the family. We found our weaving specialist in the village Bisalpur, about 15 minutes from Chandelao.

Silver work

A variety of metal items, (brass, bronze, silver and gold) are crafted in Rajasthan. The Rjasthani silversmiths have gained considerable renown both within India and internationally due to their superior skills. Beautifully patterned jewellery boxes and caskets, candle stands, incense stick stand, jewellery, daggers, idols and figurines of deities, birds, animals etc are cast out of shiny silver. Traditionally the Rajput royals displayed their wealth by ornately crafted silver canopies, door and window panels and sword hilts.

Tribal jewelry of Rajasthan forms part of the rich handicraft heritage of the state. Big hanging earrings, chunky necklaces and intricate bracelets are favourites among the Rajasthani people. The women and men take pride in their traditional jewellery and Rajasthani womenfolk treasure their heritage. The pieces of jewellery are often heirlooms and passed down in families.

Blockprinting

Hand-block printing is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Hand block printing is not only a traditional form of putting motifs and colour on fabric, mostly cotton, but is also an eco-friendly form of printing on textiles. Metre upon metre of fabric is printed meticulously by hand using hand carved wooden blocks and vegetable dyes.

Printing styles vary from region to region. Traditionally, Sanganer produced fine small delicate floral motifs on white backgrounds for the royal court, whilst Bagru produced simplified linear and zigzag graphic designs in earth colours for the local rural people.