Shopping in Rajasthan

'Shopper's Heaven' is an apt phrase for Rajasthan when it comes to shopping. The people of Rajasthan show a great deal of zeal for life and incomparable love for colors. And all this is reflected in their bazaars (market) which offer a wide variety of handicrafts and handlooms with unmatched beauty and quality. The Rajasthan state is widely acknowledged for its arts and crafts that are an integral part of the lives of its people.

They use bright colors in their clothes to compliment it with the desert, they adorn themselves with jewelry to look beautiful, they give amazing forms to clay and wood and metals which become masterpieces, and they make unique miniature paintings to add uniqueness to their culture. Their bazaars abound in such items giving tourists an opportunity to buy what they like. So what tops your shopping list?

Different regions offer different variety of handicrafts providing many options to the buyer.

Blue Pottery: Shaped out of crushed quartz, fuller's earth and sodium sulphite and hardened and dried in kilns at high temperature, blue pottery is hand painting on a wide variety of items like tiles, vases, mugs, bowls, pots, urns like doorknobs. Recently yellow and pink colours have also been added for variety. Blue pottery originated in Persia and was introduced in Rajasthan by Maharaja Ram Singhji. Jaipur is famous for this art type.

Furniture: The quality of furniture available here can make your home look like the abode of a Maharaja. Meticulously designed chairs, bed, cradles and low tables and stools beg for attention.

Jewelry: Lapiz lazuli, onyx, cat's eye, garnets, amethysts and topaz; name any gemstone and the bazaars of Rajasthan have them. Rajasthan is also known for its enamel jewelry, uncut stones, silver jewelry as well as a wide range of accessories.

Fabrics: Rajasthani craftsmen have perfected the art of tie and dye and block printing long time back. Their work is liked by people all over the world. Mainly vegetable and mineral dyes are used here. It is available for both home furnishing and for personal wear.

Leather ware: Leathers of animals have been used in the best possible ways to make leather articles like footwear, bags, pouches, belts and other accessories. Women are equally involved in the entire process of making these articles. Embroidery and patchwork are used to adorn these objects.

Metal Crafts: The metal ware available here range from table tops to wall plates, flasks, boxes, trays and statues of Krishna, Ganesh, and decorative birds, horses and elephants reflecting the uniqueness of Rajasthan.

Paintings: The painters here make unique and incredible paintings taking care of even the minutest detail. The themes are endless ranging from their folk heroes, warrior princes, scriptures as well as romantic ballads. Most artists use traditional mineral and vegetable dyes and some even use good quality paint.

Puppets: Walk around the bazaars of Rajasthan and you are bound to get attracted by a wide variety of puppets on display. Puppetry is an old tradition of Rajasthan and this craft is used to tell numerous stories. Children will surely be delighted with the gift of a puppet.

Terracotta: Terracotta pots (not having a shiny coating) are black in color and still used by the villagers for cooking and storage.

Stone carvings: Beautiful images are carved in stone by the skilled stone cutter. They are simply appealing and can be used to decorate your houses.