Rajasthan is famed for its exquisite woodcraft. Hand carved wooden screens, friezes and jharokas (windows) of latticework or Jali, furniture (cabinets, stools, chairs, tables and cupboards) and house hold items (boxes, picture frames, spoons and ladles) are made of wood. Barmer, Jodhpur, Kishangarh and Shekhawati regions have all their unique styles of furniture making.
Tilonia Furniture is famous for the designs woven out in jute. Wooden frames are coupled with jute or leather to create beautiful woodwork furniture. The Kishangarh region in Rajasthan is famous for the excellent hand painted pieces its artisans turn out. Sheeham (rosewood), Aam (mango wood), and acacia arabica are beautifully designed and embellished with traditional Mughal motifs and patterns.
The highlight of Rajasthani woodcraft is the tradition of puppetry in the state. It is believed that Rajasthan is the oldest puppet making region in the entire world. Puppets, locally called Katputlis, are an indispensable part of the culture and life of Rajasthanis. The tradition of puppetry in the state was handed down generation after generation. String puppets were the common kinds made in Rajasthan. Made of the local mango wood (aam) the body parts are fashioned out of stuffed rags and pieces of cloth. Wooden carved and painted faces and long traditional outfits make these very catchy. The royal characters are decked up in stone and bead jewellery and shiny clothing. Jaipur’s Katputli Nagar is one of the state’s biggest puppet markets. Udaipur is one of the oldest puppet making centers in the state.
Last Updated on 01 December 2011
