Textiles of Rajasthan are ornamented with outstanding designs and vivid colours. The ancient art of textiles in Rajasthan uses fibres like cotton, silk and wool to create beautiful designs and textures. Rajasthani textiles explore handmade textiles that are mainly used for apparel. Century-old skills continue to produce some of the most artistic textiles in Rajasthan which are admired and collected not only by connoisseurs in India but are popular all across the world.
History of Textiles in Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, as in other parts of India, the royal ancestry encouraged master-craftsmen to create the finest fabrics. The remarkable diversity of traditional textiles, both in technique and style, has survived even to the present day. It forms the foundation for further innovation in pattern and design, thus defining the aesthetics of the region and representing the evolving social and cultural values of its people.
Varieties of Textiles in Rajasthan
Rajasthani textiles also specializes in emerging some excellent fabric and the most precious one of the region is the "Tie and Dye" work which is popularly known as "Bandhni" in local language. The Tie and dye work is popular all over Rajasthan in the form of colourful Odhna and Safa. An attractive design dyed in a particular style is the age old artistry that reigns supreme in Rajasthan. The art of bandhni is highly skilled process and Rajasthani artisans have come a long way in developing new designs and patterns every time with the change of fashion. Sikar and Jodhpur are the most favoured destinations for excellent textile works while Jaipur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathwada are still on their way to attain the best market for Rajasthani textiles. Now the tie and dye clothes are one of the most exported fabrics of India which also carries the legacy of Rajasthan along with it.
Rajasthan is the heartland of "Hand-Block Printing" as well. Rajasthan textiles reflect the real core of block printing. Most of the work is done by hand only. The art of block printing and dyeing is associated with home furnishing and fabric for personal wear as well. The main centres for the block printing in Rajasthan are Sanganer and Bagru. Delicate floral prints and designs made in vegetable colour is the specialty of Rajasthan block printing.
The art of Khari or overprinting in gold is also widely practiced in Rajasthan. This makes the traditional form of block printing even more charming and contemporary in the region.
Embroidery on Textiles of Rajasthan
Rajasthani textiles come in a fascinating range of dyed and block-printed fabric which is further decked with embroidery. The women of Rajasthan have mastered the art of embroidering fabrics. In applique, different pieces of cloth are set in patched form together to make a multi-coloured mosaic. The exotic colours, shapes and pattern combinations against contrasting backgrounds make them unique amongst other textile works. Inspired from the neighbouring state Gujarat, the mirror work in Rajasthan is also famous among the local women and people.
The main display season for Rajasthani textiles are during the fairs and festivals of the region. Majority of the Rajasthani textiles are sold in the Pushkar Fair, Nakki Lake Fair, Baneshwar Fair, Ramdeoji Fair, Janmashtami Fair and during the festivals of Teej and Gangaur. Rajasthani textiles are the representative of that myriad hue woven in the cloth. Be it the multi-coloured tie and dye work or excellent block printing, Rajasthan astonishes the entire world with its skill and efficiency through its astonishing textiles and fabrics.