Rajasthan has a vibrant culture and a thousand-year-old heritage. The official language of the state is Hindi but the primary spoken language is Rajasthani. There are however deviations according to various regions. For instance, Malwi in South-East Rajasthan, Mowati in North East Rajasthan and Jaipuri in the eastern part of the state to name just a few. Rajasthan is renowned for its beautiful hand embroidery. The Zari, bagaru, sanganeer along with block, tie and die prints are world famous and earns a good amount of foreign exchange for India as export items and commodities. It is also famous for its kundan and gold jewellery, patari craftwork and brasswork and stone engravings. Rajasthani Bandhini sarees and the quintessential Jodhpur shoes have both carved a niche for themselves. Rajasthan is the richest state in India as far as art and handicrafts are concerned. It is believed that the sheer desolate and barren landscape of the state has made its people to be more creative which is amply reflected in their dress pattern. Men are dressed in full sleeved shirts with a potia on their head. During the festivals, they were churidar and pyjamas along with a colorful turban. The turban can be an indicator to ones class and social status. Women are at the dazzling best with their Ghagra, Kanchuli and Orni, surma in their eyes, mehendi in their palms, gorgeous nose ring, ear rings and necklaces all of which makes them look absolutely stunning in the backdrop of the desolate desert landscape. As far as paintings are concerned, the Rajasthani miniature paintings can be found in palaces. In certain old and historic towns in the interiors of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, paintings and exquisite frescoes can be seen adorning the parapets of even the huts. They exude with a rich sense of humor. The paintings found in the palaces are particularly evocative of Lord Krishna's legends. |
