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Conjuring
up images of a desert state, it is a place no one would
think of palaces shimmering on idyllic lakes; or
imaging, in its blazing heat, temples and forts of
stunning artistry carved from stone i.e. honey or rose,
marble - white or sandy stone - red; nor would any one
fill their mind with painted streets where pageantry and
color walk out of life - size frescos, producing crowds
of brightly turbaned men with proud moustaches and women
whose beauty is lethal, though, alas, veiled. But this
is exactly what the desert state of Rajasthan is.
Not many places in the world can boast an ancestry
dating beyond 2500 B.C. It has now been proven that the
very ancient civilization of the Indus valley had its
precursors in the north Rajasthan. It seems that the
local Bhil and Meena tribes inhabited this area around
1400 B.C. The Aryans wheeled their fast equestrian
chariots into Rajasthan, shooting strong arrows from
taut bows.
More than a half of Rajasthan is desert or semi-arid, a
continuation of the sand belt that girdles the world.
This desert belt is separated from Indian Peninsula by
the Aravalli ranges, geologically the oldest mountain in
India.
Both the Thar Desert and Aravalli Ranges lend their
distinct personalities to the landscape of Rajasthan. It
is interesting that this picture of a rocky, rugged
skyline over the soft-stagnate dunes where camel plod,
is only one of the clichés which represent Rajasthan.
General information
Population: 56, 473, 122
Area: 342,239 sq km
Capital: Jaipur
Languages: Hindi and Rajasthani
District: 32
People Per Sq. km: 165
Literacy: 61.03%
Best Season: October to March
Festivals
Marwar Festival (October)
An annual festival of dance and music, celebrating the
classical 'Maand' style of folk music. The festival
brings alive the legend, folklore and romantic lifestyle
of Rajasthan's rulers.
The Desert Festival (February)
During the three day long festival, Jaisalmer
reverberates with music, color and joy, displaying its
glorious past and rich culture. Under the full moon, the
vigorous folk dancers sway to the enchanting music. The
turban tying contest and Mr. Desert contest add to the
enthusiasm. A trip to Sam sand dunes, where one can view
folk musicians performing and even enjoy a camel safari,
marks the finale of this colorful extravaganza.
Camel Festival (January)
Held in the month of January every year on the full moon
night, the festival is dedicated to the indispensable
ship of the desert. A fascinating spectacle of camel
performances. Camel races, camel dances and camel rides,
along with the joy, color and vigor unique to Rajasthan,
make this a joyous event.
Kolayatji Fair (October)
Held in October-November at Kolayat (53 km. from Bikaner).
Devotees throng here in large numbers to take a holy dip
in the Kolayat Lake on the full moon of Kartik or
Poornima and offer prayers to Karni Mata.
Marwar Festival (October)
An annual festival of dance and music, celebrating the
classical 'Maand' style of folk music. The festival
brings alive the legend, folklore and romantic lifestyle
of Rajasthan's rulers.
Art and Handicraft
Jewellery
Rajasthani jeweler made of purest and finest materials
is world-renowned. Sophisticated jewelry, set with
precious stones using the ‘Kundankari’ technique, or
decorated with bright enamel work, known as ‘minakari’,
were made for the Rajput courtiers and affluent people.
Skillful artisans from Lahore, Delhi, Gujarat, and
Bengal, attracted by the liberal patronage of the kings,
came to work in Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jodhpur,
Jaipur are the center for gold ‘kundan’ work and a
renowned center for diamond and emerald cutting. The
temple market at Nathdwara is the best place to buy
silver ‘kundan’ and ‘meenakari’ work
Old silver jewelry, which is much in vogue, can be
bought in Jaisalmer’s every nook and corner. Pratapgarh
in Chitorgarh district is famous for ‘thewa’ jewelry
.The red, green, or blue foil below highlights the
intricate gold work in the best possible manner.
Metalware
The metal ware of Rajasthan comprises artistic brass
work, enameled, engraved and filigree cut work on
silver. The Jaipuri-engravers have mastered the medium
of engraving on metal. Lacquered and engraved brassware
comes in an amazing variety of articles: hanging lamps,
boxes, bowls, picture frames, and plates. Traditional
designs are used in different techniques such as
hammered, chased or embossed and the motifs are of
flowers, hunting scenes and landscapes.
Pottery
One of the old crafts, has its own standing tradition in
Rajasthan. Certain shapes are characteristic of
Rajasthan. Alwar has been known for its double cutwork
pottery known as “kagzi”. It is made of a thin layer of
clay and needs a high degree of skill. Purely
decorative, the pottery of Bikaner uses lac colors
embellished with gold to give a glittering finish.
Blue Pottery of Jaipur is unique in appearance. The art
of glazed pottery came to India through Persia. The
materials used are Multani clay or 'fuller's earth',
quartz, raw glaze, and sodium sulphate. The best pieces
are hand painted with conventional floral or arabesque
patterns and sometimes with figures of animals. Besides
traditional articles like 'surahis', pots and
cylindrical jars, other items include ashtrays, tiles,
flower pots, lamp stands, beads, ear rings, soap cases,
jugs, mugs and door knobs.
Paintings
Miniature and folk painting of Rajasthan are known world
over composition and color schemes. Women have been
given prominence in all the artists’ creations. Folk
paintings have also developed side by side. Use of
vibrant colors, bold lines, two dimensional treatment of
figures and entire composition distributed in
compartments are some of the unique features of these
paintings, popularly known as ‘phad’ paintings.
Leather Work
The beautifully designed leather shoes are well known
items in the world market. Leather is embroidered,
punched, studded and stitched in various eye-catching
designs. The best known centers of traditional footwear
are Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Decorative saddles for horses are prepared in Bikaner,
Jaipur and Jaisalmer. A special type of water bottle
called ‘kopi’ is made from camel hide.
Carpet And Namdas
The Rajasthani carpet is a true expression of the
workers' simple philosophy, his sensitive perception of
nature and its changing moods convincingly translated
into the craft. The color combinations are lovely and
workmanship exquisite. It is a treasure that lasts a
lifetime. From Bikaner and Tonk come also the
gaily-patterned, felt 'numdahs' or small rugs. A Durree
is a cool, light rug. Rajasthani durries are smooth and
closely woven. Jaipur is a thriving center for carpets
and durrees today.
Ivory Carving
Among the most intricate and painstaking crafts is ivory
carving. Under regal patronage, the most delicate art of
ivory carving flourished, in the princely capitals of
Rajasthan; Bharatpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The
art is still alive in the delicate ivory figurines of
gods and goddesses, minutely carved and perfectly
proportioned. Jali-work of lace like intricacy is
testimony to the ivory carvers, fine eye and unerring
hand. Animal figures, birds, fish trays and paper knives
and a host of other decorative objects are carved with
utmost artistry and craftsmanship
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