In the world full of digitalization, modernization and urbanization it is really difficult to preserve the roots of our golden cultural history.
In India, we can see various tourist places who are protecting our rich and diversified cultural history such as architectural marvels, religious history festival unique art n crafts etc. But in this essay, I want to bring the limelight to the village of Rajasthan situated near Udaipur that is – SHILPGRAM.
The shilpgram museum is a craft village. Shilpgram denotes village of artisans. Shilpgram is one of the most exclusive and finest museum in Rajasthan to promote the traditional art and craftwork with a hint of Mughal and European history.
THE PURPOSE
The main objective of converting a whole village into a museum is to promote the lifestyle and culture flourished in western India and to endure the living of ethnic minorities but also to keep them alive and prosperous for the next-gen to know their works.
LOCATION
It is situated at a distance of 3 km from Udaipur. It cover an area of 70 acres and surrounded by Aravali ranges.
ARCHITECTURE
To give shilpgram a rural and traditional look it is surrounded by huts. The small and big huts are constructed using natural building materials like mud to portray a realistic picture of the ethnic diversity of western states of India.
Every hut in this traditional village has a distinct hut style reflecting histories and cultures being raised within India also reflecting “Unity in Diversity” in India.
There are about 26 huts in the museum which includes 5 huts for Rajasthan, 5 for Goa, 5 for Maharashtra, and 7 for Gujarat.
HISTORY
Shilpgram is an ideal place to explore the artistic side of Indian culture. It’s a place where culture, history, diversity blooms together giving a glimpse of the glorious artisanal history of rural India. This museum is inaugurated by our former PM Mr. Rajiv Gandhi in the year 1989.
SHILPDARSHAN
Do not forget to take part in Shilpdarshan, an program where artisans and craftsmen from the deepest rural corners of the western states are invited to exhibit their mastery and skills. It is a 10 day fair conducted in December every year known as Shilpgram festival. The performers here show their talent and enthusiasm in their spirits which includes dance drama stunts like walking on pans and balancing on rope , singing, etc.
THINGS TO DO
Here we can interact with potters, blacksmiths, jute workers needle workers and can hear the stories of their failures and success. We can also have look at minor detailing in their artworks with a direct connection from their culture.
In the huts of Gujarat we can see wood carving and fabric work and In the huts of Goa we can see fishermen and potters. In the huts of Maharashtra we can have a look of fresco walls( traditional wall painting) wax works and kohlapuri slipperson the other hand In the huts of Rajasthan we can see usta Kala, metal work, pottery, hand-woven carpets and rugs.
Workshops and camps are also available at Shilpgram for detailed knowledge about art and craft, also we can learn and observe the art of designing and decorating metal, terracotta, textile, wooden, and bamboo artifacts.
Author: Nidhi Jain Bafna, Delhi
Very Nice