Bharatpur

Know More About Bhartpur
Deeg Palace

Iron Fort

Government Museum

Bharatpur Palace

Swamps At Keoladeo National Park

Kingfisher

Central Asian Egret

Coot

Rose Billed Pelicans

Spot Billed Ducks

The region of Bharatpur in Rajasthan is regarded as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan. Bharatpur is internationally famous for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the top-graded bird Sanctuaries in Asia.
Location:

Bharatpur is located at a distance of 55 kms from Agra, 22 kms from Fatehpur Sikri, 32 kms from Deeg, 39kms from Mathura, 176 kms from Alwar and 184 kms from Jaipur .
Connectivity :

Air: Agra Airport is the nearest airport that has flights for Delhi, Bombay, Varanasi and Lucknow.

Rail: Agra, Bharatpur is also connected to Mathura, Sawai Madhopur and Kota by the main Delhi - Bombay line.

Road: Bharatpur is well connected by road with Agra, Delhi, Mathura and Jaipur. There are regular bus services that operate for all major cities.

History:

Maharaja Suraj Mal founded Bharatpur in 1733 AD and was a well bastioned city. According to a popular legend, Bharatpur derives its name from Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama who was one of the incarnations of Vishnu. Bharatpur was under the dominion of the Jats in the 17th century.
Places to See in Bharatpur :

Lohagarh(Iron) Fort:

The colossal iron edifice was built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal. It miraculously withstood the ravages of time and even sustained the numerous British attacks. The fort consists of three palaces namely - Kishori Mahal, Mahal Khas and Kothi Khas.
Government Museum:

This museum is the repository of traditional artefacts, delicately carved sculptures and ancient inscriptions that speak a lot about the region's cultural heritage.
Bharatpur Palace:

The magnificent imperial building reflects the fusion of Mughal and Rajpat architectural styles with majestic apartments and exquisitely designed floor tiles exhibiting fascinating patterns. The ancient exhibits displayed in the museum at the centre of the palace inspire awe of the beholder.
Keoladeo National Park:

The Bharatpur National Park (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) or-as many people prefer to call it-the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary lies between two of India's most historic cities, Agra and Jaipur. This north Indian sanctuary is situated in the country's northwestern state of Rajasthan, about 190 km from the national capital of Delhi.
While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India; Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a Maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur Lake.
At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world.
The park, with its rich Bio-geographic diversity, is home to more than 380 species of birds - about quarter of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent! It is considered one of the true bird parks of the world. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheat ears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc. The numerous water bodies provide an ideal habitat for Ducks and Waders which are migratory. The park forms a natural crossroad and meeting ground for avian species from high altitude areas, plains and eastern and western regions.
There are well-defined forest trails, which can easily be covered on foot or on a cycle or you can also hire a rickshaw that are available on hire. Rickshaw pullers have been trained by the park management in bird watching and are quite knowledgeable. Boats are also available on hire. A early morning boat trip or a late evening one is quite a rewarding experience to check out the hidden surprises of Bharatpur.
Places of Worship:

Ganga Mandir, Laxmi Mandir, Jama Masjid, St.Luke's Church and Gurudwara.

Know More About Bharatpur

Miniature Paintings

Paper Paintings

Paintings With Mughal Influence

Mewar Style Of Painting

Kishangarh Style Of Painting

Girl Feeding Birds

A Girl With Dog

Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressing than that of Rajasthan. Tradition of painting traces back to the dawn of civilisation. Traces of earth colour drawings on walls and intricate motifs of geometrical and natural designs on clay vessels and potteries have been unearthed in the proto-historic Harappan sites of Kalibangan and Peelibanga in north-western Rajasthan. And these traditions of decorating dwellings and articles are still alive. Rajasthan, is known for its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myth and legend to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from Wall paintings on Palaces to huts, Miniature paintings, Phad and Pichwais. Though many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable dyes. The cost of the painting depends on an artist's workmanship.
Miniature Paintings:

This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting, colourful pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers. The miniature painter did not lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal patrons. The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century. Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court style, yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
Region Wise Description:
Mewar:

One of the largest ateliers in Rajasthan was to be found in Udaipur where progression in miniature art has been rapid. The main theme consisted of traditional texts that ranged from the Krishna Leela to the Ramayana and the Bhagvad Puran (epics of India).The Mewar school is celebrated for its strong colour emphasised along with the accentuated Mughal cross fertilisation .
Marwar :

The Rathore Kingdoms tended to depict similar creative characteristics although they were often at loggerheads, which was rather synonymous to them. With creative expressions they become patrons of some of the greatest collection of Sanskrit and vernacular text and commissioned paintings on a generous scale. The Jodhpur artist merges their works with the traditional figures where the faces were accentuated and the eyes are large and curving (in what have come to be referred to as Jodhpuri eyes). The turbans work high and they portray a sense of vibrant energy. The backgrounds tends to be characteristic with thick rolling clouds. The Paintings do give a peculiar look.
Dhundar (Amer-Jaipur School):

The miniatures of Jaipur managed a very active and formal state of art . Akin to the Mughals in its use of background and court settings, the Jaipur styles differed in other subjects like the secular aspects, etc. The highlight of Jaipur School was its use of understated colours and the depiction of natural scenic views that were exceptional.

Kishangarh:

For sheer lyricism and romance, there is nothing that matches the sheer brilliance of the Kishangarh artist. Being a Rathore Kingdom the works were more or less similar to the house of Marwar. Under the patronage of Savant Singh the art developed a more advanced style. The image of Krishna and Radha took over a prominent style that later on become the most exceptionally attractive figures of miniature painting in the world. The famous Bani Thani was basically inspired by the Krishna- Radha images. The background shares the elaborate styling of Mughal paintings. The use of fine colours on the canvas contributed in ranking it among the finest expressions of work.
Hadoti(Bundi & Kota School):

One of the most eminent styles in the forms of miniature painting, these two ateliers developed their own identity in portraying hunting scenes, the landscapes and the forest scape along with the women leading to colourful works etc. These paintings were marked by a particular green tint and were creatively handled .There is a lyrical expression of love that permeates the paintings.
Bikaner:

One of the finest schools of miniature developed in this dessert state. Though Bikaner artist was more expressive but a mark of Mughal influence adding luxuriant foliage as the highlight made them attractive to compliment the desert conditions.

Phads And Pichwais

Some Of The Beautiful Phad Paintings

Vase Painted With Phad Painting

Pichwai Painting

The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives in Rajasthan as Phad. A typical Phad is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life and heroic exploits of the two popular folks heroes Pabuji and Dev Narain. It displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Painted by the Joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara based on subjects like Bhagavad purana or other popular folk stories.
The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué form.

Folk Painting

The Beautiful Folk Paintings Of Rajasthan

Folk art painting has been an integral part of Indian civilization and Indian Folk Painting continues to be a living tradition. Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony and other festivals in Rajasthan. This tradition is found in villages and rural areas practiced by various tribes. Folk art painting has been an integral part of Indian civilization and Indian Folk Painting continues to be a living tradition.

Rajasthani Ornaments

Rajasthani Tribal Jewellery

Kundan Work

Rajasthani Silver Jewellery

Each area has its own unique style that follows the age-old traditions. Be it the regal and classic forms of jewellery adorned by the Royals, Aristocrats and Nobles done in real Gold, Platinum with precious stones embedded to lend glamour or the rural who prefer the reasonable, chunky Silver or the cheap metal with coloured glass cuts to give it an effect.
Some of the most charming and attractive hand crafted jewellery comes from Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its jewellery industry and it is one of the world's largest centre for hand-cutting of gems. It is India's important source for precious and semi precious stones like; Ruby, Emerald, Garnets, Agate, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Carnelian, etc.
Rajasthan is known for the art of silver smithy, beginning from anklets to earrings to head gears. A lot of effort goes into its making since most of the rural communities wear silver ornaments. Besides silver, it is known for its Lac bangles, Kundan and Minakari, enameled gold jewellery, uncut diamonds and emerald-cutting. Another most exclusive art is 'thewa' from Chittaur popular for its gold work on glass. Some of the traditional adornments are Rakhdi (head ornament), Tussi (necklace), Baju Bandh (armlet), Adah (special neclace worn by Rajputs), Gokhrus (bracelets), Pajebs (anklets), etc.
Kundan,the art of setting stones in gold famous in Bikaner and Jodhpur.
Minakari is the Art of enamelling in gold and silver for other metal (meenakari can be done in precious, semi precious gems or the cheaper coloured glass also. it is made in Jaipur, Nathdwara and Pratapgarh.
Regal and exquisite Ornaments: Made in precious and semi precious gems. (Ex. Ruby, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire. It is made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Jaipur market holds the monopoly in the jewellery houses all over India and in the global arena too. This colourful market is popular as the name of JOHARI BAZAAR which ranks among the most exclusive jewellery markets in the world.The variety of ranges is beyond compare and not only does it cater for the elites or the high socialites but a vast collection of semi-precious and silver creations are at display in reasonable prices too. An exclusive Rajasthani traditional work of art is of setting precious stones (diamond chips, precious gems, ) in solid 22-carat gold, the design and workmanship is beyond compare. It is famous of Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Lac Work

Pink Bangle Set

Multi Coloured Bangle Set

Lac Kadha

Bangles are most exclusive and auspicious for a Rajasthani women. Lac work bangles are a sign of good omen. Made in astonishing design and variety, using flat colours, some marbled while others flash a white shining reflection from shine stone or tiny mirrors( with intricate cuts). Glass Bangles in astonishing colours are a delight with the Indian women. Although accessible in most of the parts of Rajasthan, its collection is exclusive in Jaipur and Jodhpur.

Blue Pottery

Some Of The Beautiful Articles Of Blue Pottery

Diyas

Ash Tray

Candle Stand

Flower Vase

Pot

Surahi

An art form, from Persia under the patronage of Maharaja Ram singhji was first introduced in Rajasthan. A new art form with a fascinating recipe of distinctive material like the ground quartz stone. The colour schemes are also peculiar like, blue (oxide of cobalt), Green (oxide of copper) and the external white.Some of the pottery is semi- translucent and lately is been experimented with other colours such as , yellow, dark blue and brown. The conventional floral or arabesque, hand made patterns and the animal figure patterns are the prominent designs. The various articles shaped out are mostly the traditional ones like surahis or pots of differentshapes and size for multiple use, ashtray, tiles, flower pots, lamp shades, jars various accessories or interior items are the forte of this art of pottery.

Metal Craft

Some Of The Beautiful Metal Works Of Rajasthan

Some of the finest metal work in Rajasthan uses enamelled silver that is used for everything from pill-boxes to figurines. Brass enamel is less expensive, and more prevalent from table-tops to dancing peacocks, caparisoned elephants, dancing camels, swords and shields .In recent years, wrought iron has become popular, though this is more contemporary in its usage, than traditional.

Wooden Artefacts

Wooden Candle Stand

Wooden Jewellery Box

Wooden Table

Wood-sometimes plain often painted- is used to make everything from furniture to artefacts.While the furniture ranges from the made-as old that is such a range all over the world, its contemporary variants include chairs with painted backs, camel-hide stools, marble-top tables and carved cabinets. Artefacts include a range of animal -horses ,elephants, parrots- that are beautifully painted as well as boxes, chests snuff boxes and other interesting paraphernalia including dancing figurines and dwarpals or guardians of the doors.

Leather Ware

Rajasthani Jooties

Leather Hand Bags

The hides of dead animals is used by skilled cobblers for Jooties (foot-wear), chairs, musical instruments, mojaries, etc. The Jooties reflect the unique style of every district they belong to. It is amazing how the leather is beaten, tanned and dyed and put to the best use. The leather is punched and gouged to create patterns, studded, sequined and even embroidered with woolen motifs. Cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer is famous for Jooties, musical instruments (like Tabla, Dhol, Dhapli), stringed instruments (Kamayacha) made out of leather. Bikaner is best known for painted Lampshades, shields, vases, Mojharies made out of camel hide. Hard Bag, belts, hats, chairs, foldable chairs with graphic embroideries are from Tilonia.