Since time immemorial craft has been a part and parcel of the life and culture of the people of India.
In the architecture and interiors of old buildings, one can see the crucial role of crafts in giving an exclusive regional character. In Rajasthan, the red stone carvings of Bikaner, yellow limestone carving of Jaisalmer are some very good examples of regional resources giving character to the architecture and interior spaces. Not just in the palaces and forts, even in residences of common people, crafts were present. Craftsmanship would start at the very beginning of any construction. It started from the cutting of the stone, and its fixing and fitting, to carving or inlaying which became decorative as in the Taj Mahal. However, the craft was not just decorative, but technically it also enabled the builders to implement certain details that gave their work uniqueness, strengthened construction and increased functionality. A good example is the ‘Aaraish’ technique of finishing; it was functional, aesthetically pleasing and technically strong at the same time. It provided a cool, waterproof and a decorative surface. The craft of lime mortar trellis in Palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur are good examples of the decorative and functional use of crafts in interiors.
This story is from the October 2016 edition of Insite.
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This story is from the October 2016 edition of Insite.
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