Rajasthan is the home of an astounding variety of traditional crafts. Century-old skills continue to produce some of the most artistic and exciting wares in Rajathan which are admired and collected not only by connoisseurs in India but are popular all across the world Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colours. These colours are a striking part of the Rajasthani life and are found in the bustling bazars, in fairs & festivals,in the customs worn " and produced, and in the tradition al painting & murals. When shoping for souvenirs,the subtal yet ethnic appeal of every item is irresistible whether it be furniture, leatherware, pottery, metal craft or textiles. it is little wonder, therefore, that because of these artistic tressures which let you indulge without being extravagant, rajsthan has been dubbed as the shopper's paradise its craft have always been a source of facinations whethar one appreciates them for purely pleasure or pauses to savour the underlin history, culture and symbolism.

Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range ot dyed and block-printed fabric which are further. embellished by embroidery. Stunning, unusual combinations of scarlet and shocking pink, purple and orange, turquoise and parrot green, saffron and crimson, shot with gold and silver steal the limelight. Rajasthan is the heartland of hand-block printing. Sanganer in Jaipur is virtually flooded with block makers and printers. The art of Khan or overprinting in gold is also practised here. Today, traditional vegetable and mineral'dyes are gradually being replaced by chemical ones.

The town of Bagru excels in delightful circular designs in dark glowing vegetable colours printed on bed spreads, table linen and clothes. Textiles printed here have won the hearts of millions at home and abroad.

The red, black and olive green, mosaic-like patterns of the Jajams of Chlttaurgarh are used for women's skirts & wraps and floor coverings.

he craftsmanship of the jewellers of Rajasthan is renowned all over. Silver is more commonly worn by the rural women and is certainly more affordable for a shopper, although for the dedicated collectors, goldwork of the highest quality is also available. Even the men in Rajasthan wear elaborate jewellery, perhaps even a bold earring dangling down.

Bangles are a special attraction of Rajasthan. Lac bangles are believed to be worn as a sign of good omen and are available in many colours & designs. Glass bangles, made in great variety in Jaipur & Jodhpur, are perennially in demand and are available in most parts of the state.

Kundan and enamel jewellery has been a speciality of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold .

Toy makers of Jaipur make elephants and horses of suffed cloth, decorated with tinsel & embroidered fabric. Paper - mache birds and animals are available in different sizes and colours and make an interesting buy.

Soft tinted clay toys are produced in Merta and Nagaur district.



Sandalwood carvings come in a range of objects and themes.

The choices is so varied that it is difficult to choose, whether it's the desert carvan with tiny camels, or Lord Krishna playing the flute in a divine mood, or nymphs in aesthetic dance poses.

For the budget shoppers, also available in fragent sandalwood, are keychains, paper knives and trinket boxes.

The leather of work of Rajasthan is interestingly a joint effort of the local men and women. While the men do the tanning, cutting and stitching, the women do the embroidery and ornamentation. Designs include sequinwork and tassels, brass studs of machine - stitched motifs depending on the region in which the leather articles is produced. Pick up leather shoes, sandals, water bags, fans, pouches, saddles and even musical instruments.

Jaipur and Jodhpur are traditionally known for their foorwear. The popular jutis come with astistically embroidered uppers. They are incredibly sturdy and long lasting and although somewhat uncomfortable for the first few days, they fit like a glove after they are worn for some time.


The metalware comprises of artistic brassware, enamelled, engraved and filigreed cut work on silver. Apart from jewellery, the silversmiths make beautiful boxes, trays small statues of Krishna, Ganesh, and ornamenta! birds, horses and elephants, enamelled as well as plain. Traditional silver articles like handas, spice bottles and baskets command sizeable export markets. Highly ornamented hilts and scabbards of swords and daggers are also crafted.

Brass enamelling is an art-form in itself with three different styles - chikan. maron and bictii. each with its own repertoire of traditional motifs and designs.

Jaipur also has a tradition of brass sculptures, well finished and polished to a shine. Vivid enamel is also used to highlight the engraving on beaten brassware.