Surajkund owes its name and perhaps its
very existence to an ancient amphitheatre
sun pool dating back to the 10th century,
the remains of which can still be seen here.
Historians tell us that this area once fell
under the domain of the Tomar clan. Raja
Suraj Pal, one of the chieftains of this
clan of sun worshippers had a sun pool built
in this area. It is believed that a temple
also stood on its periphery. It is after
this sun pool that this complex has been
named Surajkund.
This picturesque site, surrounded by the
Aravalli range, is enlivened with the arrival
of master craftsmen from different parts
of the country in the month of February.
As one enters the mela, one is greeted by
a 'living' Indian village. The uneven, unpaved
paths lead to innumerable thatched platforms
that provide glimpses of the exquisite and
skilful paintings, textiles, wood stock,
ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework,
papier-mâché, lac work and
cane and grass work. There is an amazing
variety and diversity in each craft. As one moves into this colorful world of
Indian handicrafts many beautiful and intricate
paintings catch the eye. At one stall you
will find Kalamkari, which is done on cloth
with a swab dipped in paint and given a
fine point. The hairline fineness of lines
in each painting tells the story of the
deep devotion of the painter to this art
form. Mythological tales of religious figures
and local deities are themes depicted on
these wall hangings.
Tourist cluster around the textiles, which
are displayed by craftswomen, attired in
colourful dresses that they have created
themselves. The tie and dye and laharia
(striped) designs on silk, georgette and
cotton scarves, veils and saris flutter
in the gentle breeze attracting the attention
of all. In this craft, the design is obtained
by tying up garments in a set pattern before
dyeing it. Shawls, blouse pieces, dress
materials, cushion covers and wall hangings
from Gujarat, textile block printing, chikankari,
a breathtakingly fine needlework embroidery
on crisp cloth, and typical Kashmiri patterns
embroidered on wool and silk known as crewel
work are put on display here. Bed sheets,
cloth pieces, dress materials and saris
can be admired and purchased at affordable
prices.
Brass and metal crafts also form a prominent
part of the mela. Life-size temple idols,
human forms, horses, carriages and animals
of metal and brass made with perfection
and decorated with fine lines will delight
your eyes. Besides these, sculptures in
marble and soapstone as well as marble and
ivory inlay work, woodcarvings are also
available.
Some craftsmen have perfected the art of
making beautiful creations of Sikki grass.
Under their nimble fingers the harsh Sikki
grass acquires new and joyful forms like
wall hangings, toys, baskets, dolls and
plats.
If you need a change then you can delight
in the folk dances and music of India. Men
and women attired in gaily-patterned clothes
perform folk dances and sing folk songs
from different parts of the country. The
atmosphere is filled with melodious music
and will leave you spellbound. There are
also magic shows, puppet shows and snake
charmers to entertain you further.
|