Meenakari is an enchanting form of enamelling metals with intricate designs and vibrant colours. Nathdwara in Rajasthan, famous for its Shrinathji Temple and Pichhwai paintings, is also known for a distinct form of silver Meenakari.

The practice of enamelling originated during the Safavid era in Persia. In the 16th The practice of enamelling originated during the Safavid era in Persia. In the 16th Century, Raja Man Singh of Amber invited skilled Persian meenakars from the Mughal palace in Lahore to Jaipur. Eventually, Jaipur emerged as a prominent hub for the art. With time, Meenakari spread to various regions, each developing a distinct approach to the art.

The intricate process demands exceptional skill. It involves the fusion of coloured powder glass onto a metal surface through high-temperature firing. First, the meenakar sketches and engraves the design—flowers, birds and esoteric symbols—on the surface. Then the gharia (co-artisan) creates a skeleton, or ghat. The meenakar then creates a recess on the silver surface, and fires a mineral like cobalt oxide (for blue) and copper oxide (for green) into it to enamel the piece without fusing it. Each colour is applied using a brush, and each time, the article is fired at 850°C. This method creates thin separators for enamels. The finished piece is buffed to shine.

Over time, artists have reimagined Meenakari for versatility and variety. This includes jewellery, intricate boxes, parrots, elephants and other decorative pieces.

American metal artist Oppi Untracht described a Nathdwara Meenakari Vishnupada pendant in his book, Traditional Jewellery of India.

Jaswant Kumar Meenakar's family has been crafting Meenakari jewels for royalty for several generations. His name remains well-known in Rajasthan.

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