CRAFTS OF JAIPUR Different pockets of Jaipur were created for different crafts. Some of these industries were: Thateron (brass workers), Maniharon (lac workers), Bristi (water bearers), Suratkhana (textile workers), Khansama (culinary experts), Burkamakers, Varak makers, Chitrakar (painters), Farazkhana.

going,going,
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was inspired by the craftspersons of Amber, the old capital of Rajasthan, to settle various craftspersons in Jaipur. Different pockets were created for different crafts. There were 36 industries at that time. Only seven or eight remain...struggling to survive.

History for the government
Which is probably the most boring subject? According to most students, it's history. Almost anyone will say that the past has gone and why do we still study it, learn it and give time to it. So, how can you expect something else from the government which has forgotten all about the history of Jaipur, its heritage and culture and art. The government has also forgot the skilled craftspersons whose families have been in Jaipur since the foundation of Jaipur by Sawai Jai Singh.

One such craftsmen is Om Prakash Thatthera. His ancestors were doing the work of making lamps and other articles of brass sheets since the foundation of Jaipur. He and his family of around 30 members live in a small house built 200 years ago. He expressed his grievances by saying that the government has done nothing for him and his family. They gave him a state award and forgot about his economic, sanitary and health conditions. Further, Om Prakash says, "It takes me almost weeks to complete one lamp which I sell for 2000 and sometimes even less." There are six brothers in the family, out of which four do this work. His son is also doing the same work. Om Prakash says, "When I got the State Award I was very happy and even the government assured me that they would help me financially. But now a lot of time has passed by and there is no word from the government. When we asked him whether he would leave this work for a better work provided by the government, he said, "In the first place the government would not provide a good job and secondly if it happens I won't go because I am more comfortable with my ancestral work."

This is the case not only with the him but also other craftspersons like those who make utensils of bronze; idols, flags for temples, Lalli Begum who make bangles of lac and many more. They will remain poor, uneducated and economically backward until the government takes some steps towards saving our history, heritage, culture, art and crafts.

Anshul Bansal, Sakshi Gupta