Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state in western India occupying a substantial portion of the Deccan plateau. It is a wealthy state and continues to receive many migrants every month with dreams of better jobs and better pay. With many large private businesses in the state, it has welcomed individuals from all over the country and has set the standards for growth and development in India.
Maharashtra Art and Craft
Maharashtra boasts not only of a rich business culture but also of friendly localities, a rich cultural heritage which is derived from Hindu, Muslim and Jain cultures as opposed to its other Deccan neighbours who have a rich Dravidian culture. Its exquisite art and craft reflect the vivacious spirit of the state. The cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora, the beautiful jewelry of Kolhapur and the handicrafts of Maharashtra reflect the rich past of the state.
Kolhapur Jewelry: Handmade to Perfection
Kolhapur, Maharashtra is a city known for being home to artisans that make excellent handmade jewelry including a traditional necklace called the KolhapuriSaaj that has 21 leaf pendants symbolizing different aspects of life including friendship, good luck charm, life, union and power.
Kolhapuri Chappals: Ethnic comfort wear
Apart from Jewelry, Kolhapur is known for its chappals which are hand-crafted leather slippers that are tanned using vegetable dyes. Handmade in the city, these slippers are made with open-toeand a t-strap. It was used for festive purposes previously but today it is used on a day-to-day basis by both men and women. In the past these slippers were made from buffalo hide and thread but today it is made with simpler and softer materials. Since it takes 6 weeks to make a pair of Kolhapuri slippers by hand, it is prized and bought by people from all over the world.
Warli Paintings: Simple Ancient Art
Warli paintings are tribal art created by tribes who reside in Dahanu, Talasari, Jawhar, Palghar, Mokhada in Maharashtra. Warli paintings use rudimentary shapes such as circles, triangles and squares each of which is symbolic of nature. The paintings are created on the tribal clay huts as much as other tribes used cave walls as their canvases. This art form has regained popular in mainstream culture with an effort to bring back to life ancient tribal art.
Mashru and Himroo: Fabric Worn by Nobels
Himroo (Kum khuab) is a fabric that is considered luxurious and used as fabric for clothes worn by royalty and nobles in the past. The Himroo fabric is weaved out of cotton and silk on a loom. What was once hand woven is now machine made. Products made from the Himroo fabric are shawls and sarees. Mashrufabrics have bold patterns and colours.
Sawantwadi Craft: Lacquer Ware Craft
Sawantwadiis a taluk in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra that is associated with the craft of lacquer ware, popularly known as Sawantwadi craft. Products made from lacquer include chess boards, board games, candle stands, handmade dolls and toys, furniture and light fittings.
Paithani Saris: Expensive and Famous
Paithani is a variety of sari that is handmade with silk in the Paithani region in Maharashtra. These saris are one of the most expensive and famous saris in the country.
Ajanta Paintings: Culture From the 2nd Century BC
Ajanta caves, situated near Aurangabad is known for its beautiful paintings depicting emperors and rulers from 2nd century BC. These paintings have made it a major tourist attraction for people from around the world. The paintings are done using a fused art style of China and Japan. Later studies showed that the paintings were most probably done by Buddhist monks who dwelt inside the caves.
Maharashtra Snacks and Sweets
Maharastrians love food that is spicy and sweet. Maharashtra is known for its snacks including: Shankarpali, Aluvadior Patrode, Chiwdaor Poha, KothimbirVadi, Rice Chakli, Bhakarwadi, Kanda Batata Poha, Batata Vada and so many more.
Maharashtra Utensils
Copper ware is a traditional practiced in Maharashtra in places such as Ambernath, Thana, Kalyan, and Nasik. Products made from copper are perforated chandeliers, lamp stands, ashtrays, glass holders, paper cutters, pin cushions and trays. Other metalware created in the state are decorative door handles, key chains, cuff links and moulded figures of the Trimurti are purchased by tourists and made for the export market.
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