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Maharashtra has a great variety of art and craft traditions, which have enriched its cultural heritage. These traditions were expanded under the patronage of Mughals, the Marathas and the British. The quintessential spirit of Maharashtra is visible in its traditional handicrafts and arts.
Handicrafts of Maharashtra
(i) Sawantwadi Crafts
Sawantwadi is the famous destination for handicrafts in Maharashtra. It is popular for the handicraft of lacquer ware; an art form which was introduced here at the end of the 17th century. Numerous schools for teaching the craft were started in Sawantwadi, during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Sawantwadi lacquer ware is available in a wide variety of products. The lacquer ware is divided into three categories such as turned lacquer ware, painting of the floral borders and motifs, and the painting of mythological figures on different surfaces.
The turned lacquer ware is the craft of applying the coloured lacquer on the object that is turning on the lathe. Then, it is polished and buffed by means of kewda leaf. The Ganjifa card games that were played during the 18th and 19th centuries, are produced in different varieties. They can be found in the museums and also graces the private collections.
(ii) Bidri Works
The Bidri ware is an ancient craft of Aurangabad. It is one of the popular handicrafts of Maharashtra. It features the use of copper and zinc as a raw material. It applies the complex workmanship of pure silver, which is embossed, inlaid or overlaid on the metal surface. In the old days, the Bidri ware items were sold as hookahs or paan daans. But now-a-days, they are popular as mementos, adorning fashionable households as decorative items.
(iii) Leather Works
The hand-made leather chappals or sandals of Kolhapur are popular throughout the world. They are famous due to their simple style and comfort level. The cost of these sandals varies depending upon the designs and quality of leather used. These leather wears are an intrinsic part of the rich tradition of the handicrafts of Maharashtra.
(iv) Weaving
Maharashtra is famous for its great textile history. There are different types of materials and sarees available that belong to the particular regions like Pune, Paithan and Kolhapur. The weaving of Paithani sarees dates back to 2000 years. Pure silk is used in making of the Paithani sari along with the zari or gold threads, which makes it so special. It takes about six to eighteen months to weave an elaborately brocaded Paithani sari. Paithani sarees can be construed as the pinnacle of the aesthetic expression of the handicrafts of Maharashtra. The Narayan Peth sari is another type of traditional sari in Maharashtra. It belongs to Sholapur. It is intricately woven in silk with contrasting zari border, usually manifesting rudraksha themes.
(v) Mashru and Himru
Aurangabad is popular for Mashru and Himru fabrics. They are made up of cotton and silk with a shine like a satin. Himru shawls are comparatively less expensive and made by using both cotton and silk threads.
Paintings of Maharashtra
(i) Ajanta Paintings
The paintings in Ajanta Caves have a perennial appeal associated with them. They were painted by the Buddhist monks, who have turned the stone walls of the dark caves into murals, showcasing Buddha's life and his teachings for the generations to get awestruck in wonder and fascination.
(ii) Warli Paintings
The Warli painting style was evolved by the tribal people living in the Thane district. These paintings are representatives of their tradition. They are painted by the women folk during the wedding rituals. These paintings feature the use of rice paste and straw. When the painting is complete, it is smeared on the walls of huts. The Warli paintings are centered around religious themes. They are painted using white colour on the austere brown surface, decorated with the occasional dots in yellow and red.
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