From the Land of the Rajas: Creativity in Rajasthan

From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

Herding and Farming

Because so much of Rajasthan is dry, the land is more suitable for herding of cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep, horses, and camels. These animals are bought and sold at great livestock fairs, often coinciding with pilgrimages and other religious and social gatherings. In Rajasthan, herding is especially popular with tribal peoples such as the Bhils and Rebari.

The one-humped Arabian camel is a special subject of loving care. While bulls, used for plowing, are more commonly traded than camels at the annual Pushkar fair, camels and sand dunes have become the icons of Rajasthan: half of India’s camel population lives in Rajasthan.

Camels may be decorated and identified by brands, tattoos, and patterns of decorative hair-trimming. Camels are elaborately clothed in decorative cloth trappings (rope and leather neckbands, beaded necklace, girth, saddle, and saddle bags); men make saddles and harnesses, women produce the woven and embroidered regalia.

Camel with rider
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, Jaisalmer, 2005–06

(L) Camels, with patterned fur and belts
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, Jaisalmer, 2005–06

(R) Row of seated camels
Photo by Shalini Ayyagari, Jaisalmer, 2005–06

Puppets

Henna prints

Religious Paintings