The most colorful region in India . An exotic land of valiance and chivalry. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. The State represents an unusual diversity in all its forms-people, culture, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and music.

No other region in the country assembles the many paradoxes of India as does the desert land of Rajasthan. Unexpected forest glens, lakes and temples appear like mirages in the deserts. On the crag are seen rugged forts, testimony to a turbulent history.

Innumerable temples dating back to the 7th century still survive amidst scattered ruins, medieval cities exist around turreted marble palaces and spacious gardens.

Rajasthan, a land of princes, palaces and preening peacocks is renowned for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries. Admire a range of miniature paintings and frescoes of exquisite refinement. There is romance in Rajasthan's forts and palaces and arts of gallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the shimmering Thar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight. Rajasthanis are a handsome people with colorful costumes. They express themselves in color and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in the country. Rajasthan overwhelms with color found in bustling bazaars; in wide ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of Rajasthan art and handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic delight.

Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination on the tourist map of India. A destination that defies definition in shape of Rajasthan Art.

Shopping Paradise in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is among the richest states of India. Each period of its history made if contribution to this fild. The kings and nobles were patrons of hart and crafts and encouraged the craftpersons.

There was an obsessive desire to decorate their surroundings. Right from the walls of the forts and palaces, to the walls of the rural villagers,the desire to add colour prevailed. Warriors, not only gave elaborate attention to their clothing and armours, but also ensured that the horses and elephants that carried them into the battleground where equaly decorated.Ornaments like jewelled saddles and intricate silver howdas were proudly displayed .the women of Rajasthan are famed for there beauty and it is said that the printed patterns on the women's skirts are different in villege even 30 Kms apart.

Rajasthan Paintings- Shopping

'Rajsathan has many schools ol painting having Their own districts styles, well known among them being Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti Kishangarh, Dhundhur and Alwar.

The Miniature Paintings of Rajsthan which had flourishedunder princely patronage are still reproduced and descendants of the original craftsmen continue to produce miniture masterpieces, retaining their classic elegance . They are often made on hand made paper mathological the ms from Ramayana, Krishna Lila, Ragamala, and Geetgovinda are commonly used . In the paintaings , Vivdly rendred are hills valleys, gardens, palaces, court scenes and relifious processions.

Rajasthan Jewellery- Shopping

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.

The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve ( raised field ) technique. The designs are mostly exquisitely entwined flowers and birds and sometimes human and animal figures.

Jaipur is well known for its gold and silver enamelling. This traditional art of Meeriakariis also done in Nathdwara.

The thewa work of Pratapgarh is highly exquisite and popular, in this technique, designs are enamelled in gold on a glass base. The base used is generally green or red in colour.

Rajasthan Textiles - Shopping
Heart-warming textiles, dyed in the bandhani or tie & dye style reign supreme in Rajasthan. The artofbano^an/isa highly skilled process. Different methods are used to tie the fabric into small points producing different patterns like Lahariya, Mothda,Ekdali and Shskari. The best bandhani work comes iikar and Jodhpur, while Jaipur. Pali. Udaipur and Nathdwara are the other centres.

The women of Rajasthan haveembroidering fabrics. Embroidery practised in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The women of skar and Jhunihunu specilize in making patterns of animals. Chain stitch is popular in A!war. Dancing figures. Flowers and peacocks are the favourite motifs. Women of Barmer use mirrors, thus enhancino the beauty of the embroidered piece.

In applique, different pieces of cloth are patched together to make a multicolouredmosiac.. The exotic colours, shapes and pattern combinations against constrasting backgrounds catch the eye.

Rajasthan is among the richest state in the country as far as the fields of arts and crafts is concerned. Rajasthan has created and preserved rich craft heritage which includes fabulous fabrics in lovely prints, precious and semi-precious stones, Kundan Meenakari Jewellery, embroidered leather work, other hand crafted items of wood, ivory, lac, glass, brass, silver and gold.

Carpets and durriesThe hand knotted woolen carpets of Tonk, Bikaner, and Jaipur are generally based on Persian styles. The traditional cotton durries of Jaipur, Jodhpur are mostly in pastle shades with geometrical motifs design.

Leather ware
Leather is also an essential raw material for making musical instruments such as the tabla, dhol, kamaycha. These instruments are used by Rajasthani folk musicians. The world fame jootis are made from leather having artistically emroidered uppers. These are incredibly comfortable and sturdy. Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jaisalmer are traditionally known for these footwear. Bikaner is known for its painted lamp shades, shields and vases made from camel hide .Designer hand-bags, purses, belts, hats, stools and collapsible chairs with graphic embroideries made from leather at Tilonia village near Ajmer is also example of good craft manship.

Paintings
Painting of Rajasthan miniature and folk are known all over the world for treatment and composition, color scheme and subjecting. Use of vibrant colours, 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.

Wall Paintings
Palaces, Havelies, even huts are commonly having Walls and ceilings covered with colorful paintings in Rajasthan. Some of the finest paintings can be seen in havelis of the Shekhawati region and the ancient towns of Bundi and Kota. And some of the most humorous on the walls of houses tucked away in the lanes of Jaisalmer.

Pottery
Palaces, Havelies, even huts are commonly having Walls and ceilings covered with colorful paintings in Rajasthan. Some of the finest paintings can be seen in havelis of the Shekhawati region and the ancient towns of Bundi and Kota. And some of the most humorous on the walls of houses tucked away in the lanes of Jaisalmer.

Textiles
Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range of dyed and block-printed fabric which are further embroidered. Each region has its own special color scheme, design and technique. Hand-block printed textiles of the townships of Sanganer and Bagru near Jaipur have won the hearts of millions at home and abroad. Jaipur's quilts are a hot favorite with most tourists. Tie-and-dye textiles, called bandhej or bandhani are an important Rajasthani craft. Different methods are used to tie the fabric into small points and produce various patterns like lehariya, mothda, ekdali and shikari. The best bandhej comes from Sikar and Jodhpur, while Jaipur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara are the other centers. Zari and gota are lavishly used in bridal and formal costumes. One can pick up saris or even cushion covers with this elaborate mettalic thread embroidery.

Puppets
Puppets is an ancient and popular form of folk entertainment. No village fair, no religious festival and no social gathering in Rajasthan can be complete without Puppets. With their sparkling eyes and brightly colored dresses, the kathputlis , gives unforgettable experience.