Markets for Rajasthan’s Leheriya Textiles

By definition, a living craft must have a market. In Jaipur's old town, markets like Johari Bazar are home to shops like this one, which sell an assortment of textiles for local and tourist consumption.

Customers are ushered to cushions or plastic chairs, while salespeople opens various pieces to suit tastes and budgets.

Leheriya pieces are stored in bundles and are opened in front of customers.

Bundled leheriya textiles are opened for customers, to reassure about these being genuinely (made through tied and dyed resist techniques) and not printed imitations.

The shops here cater to all requirements, and many times, genuine Leheriya has to compete with its cheaper printed versions.

The more successful leheriya artisans are not limited to the local market and the shops of Johari Bazar. They cater to a variety of customers.

Discerning customers include textiles lovers from Japan who have a preference for handwoven fabrics and natural colours.

Indian customers look for new designs that are either bold or subtle, and while still using traditional techniques, contribute to a more contemporary wardrobe.

Sometimes experimentation produces interesting results to attract new customers.

Read more about Leheriya textiles here:
- Leheriya textiles from Rajasthan
- The Process