Gems of the Pink City: Local Craftsmen
By Poorvi Singhal
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Potters, bangle-makers, ironsmiths, sculptors, and other artisans bedeck the streets of the old city, Jaipur
The walled city of Jaipur, often regarded as the ‘Parkota’, is host to the world-renowned Hawa Mahal, glittering gemstone market that makes waves across continents, rustic Ikat and block-printed Kurtas that are a tourist must-have, and the oft-overlooked local craftsmen who specialize in crafts of the yesteryears. As you tour along, the pink city and rampage through the busy bazaars, you can witness these artisans in action. Every market has a craft unique to it and here’s a curated list of what to look for in which street.
- Potters (Kumhar) of Chaura Rasta
Onto the left of the famous Samraat eatery is an age-old shop where perches a Kumhari and her husband who breathe soil and conjure it into money banks, lamps, lanterns, flower vase, earthen pots, clay artifacts, utensils and so much more. The Kumhar couple sits happily, creates seasonal artifacts, and even paints their creations in colors of your choice. It is a must-visit during festivals and light up the life of these local craftsmen.
2. Bead stringers (Patwa) of Chandpole Bazar
Treading along the verandahs of Chandpole, you come across men and women sitting on gunny sacks with beads, Sarafas, strings, and custom-made ornaments. They spend the greater part of their day beading orders and the rest, attracting passerby with vivid threads and baubles. Check out these craftsmen for party favors, custom trinkets, and upcycling old jewelry.
3. Bangle Makers (Manihar) of Maniharon ka Rasta, Tripolia Bazar
A women-led industry at its best, the charm of Lac bangles of Jaipur jingles across the country. Generations of Kumhars have inherited this skill from their ancestors and keep it abreast with the latest trends. Customizable in colors and stones of customers’ choice, the craft is witnessing a decline owing to the rise of fashion jewelry. What can we do about it? Well, visit this haven during the festive/wedding season and buy a deck that goes with all your outfits.
4. Sculptors (Moorti artist) of Khejron and Khajane Walon ka Rasta
Moorti (statue) suppliers to the most worshipped temples across the country, the sculptors and carvers of these lanes sit busily throughout the day clad in marble dust, dexterously fine-tuning their art. Gigantic trucks, masons loading statues in them, and ‘muggles’ untouched by the pixie dust yelling in jam-packed traffic are some free features of the Moorti Mohallah.
5. Ironsmiths (Luhar) of Ghat Gate
Herculean utensils, boxes that can contain the world, Choolhas, Sigdis, and cast-iron tools line up the porches of Ghat Gate. ‘Luhars’ grind on the metal to mould it into what the customers demand, primarily huge utensils for Daawats, weddings, and Langars.
