From Nagara Drums to Frescoes: A 20-Day Journey Just Began to Uncover Rajasthan's Hidden Craft Legacy
What if a single road trip could unlock centuries of forgotten craftsmanship hiding in Rajasthan's dusty lanes and painted havelis? That journey has officially begun. Cartist's much-awaited initiative, "Stories of Indian Cities – Rajasthan Chapter," kicked off on September 4, 2026, promising to bring alive the state's forgotten artisans and their timeless traditions.
Ananya soch: The 20-day expedition started from Jaipur and will wind its way through some of Rajasthan's most culturally rich pockets. On day one, the team travelled from Jaipur to Samod, Nawalgarh, Dundlod, and Mukundgarh, before finally reaching Mandawa by evening.
The first stop, Samod, turned out to be a treasure trove for traditional craft lovers. Here, the team explored and documented the age-old art of Nagara drum making, a skill passed down through generations of local artisans who still hand-craft these ceremonial drums using time-tested techniques. Moving ahead to Nawalgarh, the focus shifted to the traditional craft of Arisha/Aarish work, a lesser-known decorative art form unique to the Shekhawati region.
At Mukundgarh, the team documented the intricate process of traditional scissor-making, a craft that has quietly survived despite the rise of mass manufacturing. Beyond craft documentation, the journey also gave the team a glimpse of Shekhawati's iconic havelis, adorned with elaborate wall paintings and centuries-old fresco art that continue to tell stories of the region's royal and merchant past.
According to the organisers, the core idea behind this initiative is to spotlight Rajasthan's living heritage — its artisans, folk art forms, and cultural traditions — many of whom continue their craft with little recognition despite carrying forward a legacy passed down through generations. By documenting their stories, Cartist aims to create a lasting archive of Rajasthan's cultural and artistic identity.
Day one of the journey concluded at Mandawa, often dubbed the "open art gallery of Shekhawati" for its stunning haveli architecture and mural paintings. Here, the team continued documenting local stories, architectural styles, and the region's rich painting tradition, setting the tone for the remaining days of this cultural expedition.
With 19 more days to go, the Rajasthan Chapter promises to unearth many more such untold stories from towns and villages that rarely make it to the mainstream travel map.
