Handcrafted textiles adorn the colourful bazaars of Rajasthan. Visitors can take their pick from the choicest offerings available in sophisticated boutiques or the shops that line the markets across the state. There’s tie and dye work from Jodhpur, the distinctive native handblock fabrics of Sanganer and Bagru villages around Jaipur and the lehariya prints from the villages around Udaipur.

Jaipur is one of the world’s leading diamond and emerald cutting centres. The tradition of Minakari and Kundan work in gold reached an all time high in enamel jewellery centres like Bikaner, since Mughal times. From Pratapgarh comes the pretty Thewa work, gold filigree work on glass, which is seeing a revival. Ivory and Lac bangles, and silver tribal ornaments made in the state are stunning in their artistry.

Mughal miniature painting is richly represented in Rajasthani art. The popularity of miniature painting was translated in the mushrooming of styles distinctive to various regions of the state creating the Kota-Bundi kalam, the Marwar School, the Jaipur School, the Bikaner School and the Kishangarh School of painting. From Nathdwara came the tradition of pichwais. The pichwai was a cloth hanging or backdrop to the deity Krishna, painted in bold colours. Phads or scroll paintings relate the tales of the Bhopa folk hero Pabuji.      (Click Here for Paintings)

Jaipur’s pottery tradition is translated into its various bues of blue pottery, which is made from crushed quartz. This is embellished with painted motifs in geometrics and nature’s bounty in bright yellows, oranges and green. Its skilled stone carving is evident in beautiful fretwork, carved deities and elaborate columns. Marble tabletops, lamps and candle stands bear the fine detailing at which the native craftsmen are so skilled. Rajasthan’s leather craft tradition is showcased in its juttis, both plain and embellished. Bikaner’s famous gesso work (treated camel leather) is available in a range of boxes lampshades and containers.