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.

Stone Carving

Stone Carved Statue Of Goddess Saraswati

Old Stone Carving At Alwar

Religious themes are carved in stone all over Rajasthan. The images are life- like and are skillfully sculptured in different varieties of stone.Statues of gods & goddesses, animals and human figures are carved out of while marble in Jaipur.
The soft, Pink sandstone, Tamara stone and the soft Chlorite of Dungrapur are the other varities of stones that are used for making icons, utility items, figures etc. White marble, pink Dholpur, green Kota, white and grey soapstone everything is used to make elegant statuary, idols,figurines, carved panels, even elaborate jharokhas for gardens and pavilions. One of Rajasthan's most enduring arts that is evident in its prevalence in homes all over the state, stone carving is both an artistic as well as an industrial product.

Rajasthani Cuisine

Lip Smacking Cuisine


Baati With Dal And Shrikhand

Land of Princes, as Rajasthan is called, shows off, many a fine gastronomic both within the palaces and outside. The royal kitchens of Rajasthan, the preparation of food was a very complex matter and was raised to the levels of an art form. Thus the 'Khansamas' (the royal cooks) worked in the stately palaces and kept their most enigmatic recipes to themselves. Some recipes were passed on to their descendants and the rest were passed on as skills to the chefs of semi states and the branded hotel companies.
Rajasthani cooking was inclined to the war-like lifestyle of the medieval Rajasthan and the availability of ingredients of the region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred, more out of necessity than choice. Scarcity of water, fresh green vegetables have had their effect on cooking.
In the desert belt of Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, cooks use a minimum of water and prefer, instead, to use more milk, buttermilk and clarified butter. A distinct feature of the Maheshwari cooking is the use of mango powder, a suitable substitute for tomatoes, scarce in the desert, and asafoetida, to enhance the taste in the absence of garlic and onions.
Generally, Rajasthani curries are a brilliant red but they are not as spicy as they look. Most Rajasthani cuisine uses pure ghee (clarified butter) as the medium of cooking. A favourite sweet dish called lapsi is prepared with broken wheat (dalia) sautéed in ghee and sweetened.
Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma(dal is lentils;bati is baked wheat ball; and churma is powdered sweetened cereal), but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. Besides, each region is distinguished by its popular sweet - Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar from Jaipur to name a few.
Contrary to popular belief, people of Rajasthan are not all vegetarians.The unique creation of the Maharaja of Salwar is the Junglee maas. Junglee maas was a great favourite among the Maharajas and due to the paucity of exotic ingredients in the camp kitchen, the game brought in from the hunt was simply cooked in pure ghee, salt and plenty of red chillies. However, now this dish has been adapted to the less controversial ingredients like kid/lamb, pork or poultry.
The personal recipes of the royal KHANSAMA still rotates around their generations and are the highlights of regal gatherings. Each state of Rajasthan had their own style of the recipes, and are continued in the Rajput households. It was mainly the men folks of the family that prepared the non-veg. Some of the Maharajas apart from being great hunters relished the passion of cooking the SHIKARS themselves for their chosen guests and the trend continues among the generation.