Mandana / Paper Machie Craft of Rajasthan

The papier mache products made include animals and birds like cocks, parrots, and pigeons. Papier mache folk products, especially the bowls of Banasthali, have a very attractive appearance. The making of decorative shelves and containers is also a highly evolved craft of western Rajasthan. The raw materials are waste paper and clay. The big containers or kothis are light and long-lasting and are decorated with pieces of glass, paint, and relief work. Papier mache is a commercial craft now used for marriages decorations and as props and backdrops for jhankis or festive occasions. Bharatpur and Ajmer are important centres. Palai in Tonk district is famous for furniture made out of papier mache. Jaipur is well-known for toy animals and birds made out of papier mache. These are highly imaginative, well modelled, and delicately coloured.