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Incomparable India
From the Himalayas to the Deserts, India is a vast country, the seventh largest in the world, with a rich 5000+ year heritage encompassing a wide range of cultures.
Rich in tapestry, textile, silver, gold and multiple other media the state of Rajasthan, India is a leader in the development of arts and crafts in India. The early Rajasthan Kings were noted supporters of art and that helped it flourish within the country. Whether it be the beautiful silk saris, the magnificent gold and silver jewelry, this culture has contributed greatly to the arts scene. Rajasthan is located in the North West of India and is a huge land area, bounded by Punjab, Utter Pradesh, Harayan, Pradesh and shares a border with Pakistan.
JaipurJaipur, a city at the heart of Rajasthan, is a leader in the development of art and culture in India. The city's founder, Sawai Jai Singh, issued an invitation for artists to move to Jaipur and work freely. He included financial and other incentives to attract artists to make Jaipur their home. To this day, some still refer to and believe that Jaipur is the capital of arts in India. Visitors should include the Amber Fort on their must-see list. The Amber Fort was built by Man Singh I and was meant to rival the style of the ruling Mughals. The frescos are breathtaking in their beauty. The City Palace at the center of Jaipur was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawait Jai Singh. In 1900 the Mubarak Mahal, built by Sawai Madho Singh II, was added to the City Palace. Today it is in the the Mubarak Mahal where the visitor will find the Textiles and Costumes Museum. The former Coronation Hall of the City Palace, the Pothikhana, deserves some time for it's phenomenal Venetian Glass chandelier, wall tapestries, and Rajput miniatures. While reviewing these works be certain to locate the one of the Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, famous for being at the center of the story surrounding the building of the majestic Taj Mahal, at Agra.
Jaipur is often called 'The Pink City' a reference to the pink buildings of what is known as Old Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, made from pink sandstone, is an excellent example of this architectural style . The building features five stories dominated by windows. The purpose was to allow the Royal ladies the ability to watch either normal life or the Royal Processions on the street below. It is now a museum of artifacts of the history and culture of Jaipur. The bazaars of Jaipur are worth the visit to avail the visitor of both historic and modern Indian art and crafts including the phenomenal jewelry. Kundan and Meenarki are both native to Jaipur, the former being the inlay of unpolished diamonds, the latter is enameled gold pieces of jewelry. ArtsIndian Artists and Artisans have long dominated creative activities in a host of fields, whether jewelry, ceramics, or performing arts adding to the growing popularity of Bollywood, which naturally reflects elements of the Indian culture.
Tapestry and frescoes are another medium used to display the brilliant talents of their creators. Much of the impressive architecture in India features incredible frescoes and can be found in what is geographically known as the Golden Triangle: New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
India is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Given the heritage, culture, and multitude of arts the country is incredible! |
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