Capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur is known worldwide as Pink City and is famous for its iconic fort, palaces, food, hospitality, people, shopping and not to miss handicrafts. This cultural center of the state not only amazes and enriches its locals every day but tourists from the world over too. The handicrafts of the city truly signify the culture and the essence this city is known for. Let’s have a look at the crafts of Jaipur that truly is a delight and enriches our lives-
Blue Pottery: Blue pottery tops the lists of handicrafts and especially when it’s about carrying souvenirs. Whether you want to accessorize your little corner with a vase or accentuate your wall with hanging plates, these Turko-Persian blue potteries of Jaipur are one-stop-shop for you. The blue color which is used to die the pottery is eye catching and name blue pottery comes from the dye blue color only. Some of the potteries are semi-transparent and are beautifully decorated animals and birds are made on it.
Where to buy: Though there are many shops in different parts of the city but the show rooms at Amer Road offers a wide variety.
Puppets: Found hanging in the busy markets of the walled city or inside a traditional set-up with a live puppet show on, these Rajasthani puppets are one of the most inexpensive gifts to carry along. These are made with painted wooden heads, draped with dresses made from sequined old fabrics and stuffing rags in them. With a typical representation of a Rajasthani man and woman, these puppets have a distinctive style that is difficult to pass by. If you are a visitor or even a local, stopping by to see puppet show could be one of the most refreshing cultural things to do when in Jaipur and Rajasthan.
Where to buy: Visit the market around Hawa Mahal or Link Road
Carpets: Known for the finest hand-made rugs, mats and carpets, Jaipur is the hub for all your carpet desires. From rich colour patterns, motifs, sizes to material – wool, silk or cotton, there is a carpet for every need and for every room of your home. These are generally hand-knotted woolen products and have a great resemblance with the Persian Carpets.
Where to buy: Tripolia Bazaar, Jaipur Rugs
Jewellery: Known as the hub of folk, metal, gold and gemstone jewellery, Jaipur is all things jewels. Whether it is working with precious metals like silver, gold and diamond or doing meenakari, jadau and kundan artworks, one can find the most stunning jewellery pieces in town. Also, Jaipur is the world’s largest gem cutting center welcoming tourists – national and international. Every year the city hosts two big jewellery shows- Jaipur Jewellery Show and Jewellers Association Show where visitors and traders from all over the world come.
Where to buy: Johari Bazaar, JJS & JAS
Juttis: Better known as jootis or mojadis, juttis are a must-buy when in Jaipur. Even as a local, every household will have a pair of this traditional juttis for they are best suited under ethnic wear. Made from camel leather and embellished with stones and embroidery, these are colorful and hand-made by local artisans for whom it’s a way of their livelihood.
Where to buy: Hawa Mahal and Link Road
Other crafts that attract visitors and offer a livelihood to its people are Jaipuri quilt, block prints, bandhej and leheriya sarees, sanganeri and bagru print stuff, marble items, wooden furniture, gemstones, lac bangles and paintings. Stay tuned to this page for we are going to soon come out with more information about these. Until then, if you want to shop for the soul of Jaipur, shop for its crafts!
Jaipur Beat 