Mughal splendour in Gemstones and Diamonds
Partash is an ancient decorative craft practised in Jaipur. It involves inlaying a piece of sculpted gold to create intricate patterns. This craft is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Mughal emperors around 500 years ago.
The Making
An inheritance from Mughal courtly art, Partash was perfected by artists of Rajasthan. The karigars (craftsmen) first carve out elaborate designs on gold. Then, they fill the carved grooves with lac, set natural gemstones and diamonds and fix kundan around them. Finally, they surround the piece with solid walls of gold.
The Legacy
With the rise of the British East India Company, the craft slowly declined in popularity. Yet, a small and dedicated group of artisans kept the practice alive through decades and centuries. Due to this, the craft form continues to be used in jewellery
Memory Vault
In her book, The Ring of Truth and Other Myths of Sex and Jewellery, American historian and mythologist Wendy Doniger studies stories of jewellery. The book explores the fascinating history of Indian jewellery with a lot of references to Jaipur.
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