Leather Work

Rajasthan has a long history in leather craft and industry and leather shoes known as jootis or mojdis (shoes decorated with beautiful embroidery) are made in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Embroidery known as kashida is done on the jootis: in Jaipur it is first done on velvet which is then made to cover the shoes while in Jodhpur it is applied directly to the leather. This embroidery is mainly done by the women, who also does a bit of fancy stitching or appliqué work to give a designer look to the shoes that have neither a left or a right foot.
Leather is also used for bookbinding and Alwar is well reputed for this craft that flourished in the 19^th century under Maharaja Banni Singh. Bikaner is again famous for its kupis or camel-hide water bottles.


¤ Leather Work in Bikaner

Bikaner is also well known for the goldsmiths who do minakari (coloured inlay work in gold or silver), metal and wood crafters. Bikaner is especially famous for its minakari on camel hide, and golden minakari in the palaces of Bikaner. This art form came to India from Iran via the Mughals, and later assimilated itself into Indian culture. It was Raja Rai Singh, then ruler of Bikaner, who brought minakari to the city and accorded it royal patronage. Also reputed for its textile printing, camel hide kupis (containers) and lamps, and you will even find table lamps shaped in the form of an ostrich egg.


¤ Delhi Leather Craftsmanship

Delhi was also an important centre of leatherwork during the Mughal period, Traditional leather jootis and slippers, which were sometimes ornamented with pearls, gold and silver were the piece de resistance. Embroidered bags, shoes were other popular items.