Udaipur Shopping Guide

Udaipur's miniature painting tradition dates back to the 16th century Mewar court. Artists use extremely fine brushes (sometimes a single hair) and natural pigments -- ground minerals, semi-precious stones, and vegetable dyes -- to create breathtaking scenes of royal courts, hunting expeditions, Hindu mythology, and Rajasthani landscapes on handmade paper, silk, or marble.

Pichwai paintings are large devotional artworks from the Nathdwara tradition depicting Lord Krishna (Shrinathji). Phad scroll paintings tell epic tales of local heroes (Pabuji, Devnarayan) and are traditionally used by traveling storytellers. Both art forms use natural pigments and are unique to the Mewar-Marwar region.

Udaipur's silver jewelry reflects both tribal and royal Rajput traditions. Tribal designs feature bold geometric patterns, heavy anklets, and statement necklaces, while court-inspired pieces showcase delicate filigree, enamel work, and stone settings. Silver is worked into rings, earrings, bangles, necklaces, and anklets.

Kathputli (string puppets) are Rajasthan's iconic folk art -- colorful wooden puppets dressed in traditional costumes depicting kings, queens, dancers, and musicians. Udaipur also offers carved wooden furniture, painted boxes, mirrors with camel bone inlay, and traditional Rajasthani crafts at artisan-direct prices.

Udaipur sits in a marble-rich region and has a thriving marble craft industry. Artisans carve deities, elephants, decorative items, and utility pieces from local white marble. Some workshops also do Pietra Dura-style inlay work (similar to Agra but in distinct Rajasthani patterns).

Udaipur's markets overflow with colorful Bandhani (tie-dye) and Leheriya (wave pattern) textiles in sarees, dupattas, turbans, and dress materials. The Mewar region has its own distinct Bandhani patterns and color palettes, often featuring brighter pinks, oranges, and yellows than other Rajasthani regions.