Crafts Centers of India

Jaipur is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. It is also known as the pink city. It was built in 1787 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The entire city is built on the grid pattern. The main attractions of Jaipur are: the walled city with all its havelis, fort, and numerous traditional bazaars within the walled city, parks and monuments.

Rajasthan is said to be the main center for crafts in India, similarly Jaipur is the main craft center in Rajasthan. Jaipur is well known not only in India but also abroad for its vast range and variety in craft products .

Kullu:
Jaipur is best known for its gems and jewelry. It is the center for gold kundan-meena work. It is also well known for diamond and emerald cutting and polishing. The johri bazaar or the jewelers market is the nerve center of jewelry making in Jaipur. One can find a wide range of ornaments made in kundan-meena style. The front side of these gold ornaments is encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones (kundan), while the rear side has colourful and exquisite enameling on it (meenakari). Kundan-meena jewelry from Jaipur is very popular in India and abroad. Women in India take great pride in wearing kundan-meena jewelry.

Enameled and engraved brass products are also produced in Jaipur. Intricate designs and patterns can be seen on the surface of brass items like, vases, bowls, trays etc. Jaipur is also known for bronze sculptures, depicting various gods and goddesses. Craftsmen from jaipur are also known for metal damascening work or Koftgiri, which involves engraving wires made out of gold or silver into other metals. This work can be seen on swords, shields and daggers, created as decorative items.

Jaipur, like other parts of Rajasthan is known for tie and dye and block printed cotton garments. Woolen carpets and cotton durries are also made in Jaipur. One can fine delicately carved sandalwood and redwood, items in markets of Jaipur. Jaipur is well known for zari and gota embroidery work. Gold thread with appliqu is used to create intricate designs on fabrics. Gota work is usually seen on ladies formal wear.