Shekhawati Wall Plate by Master ArtisanBhairunlal Swarankar and Nand Kishore Swarankar
SIZE: 11 inch (diameter)
MEDIUM: Natural Colours on Handmade plate
MAKING OF THE PLATE: The base plate is a cotton canvas pasted onto a moulded plate using tamarind paste. A mixture of chalk powder and multani mitti is applied, dried, and smoothened with stone for a polished canvas. To prevent insect damage we use crushed neem leaves. With multiple layers of coating, drying, and finishing, the complete plate-making process spans three full days.NATURAL COLOURS: This Shekhawati-style plate features rich natural colors. Red is derived from hingloo, yellow from hartaal and peewadi, orange from sindoor, and brown from geru mitti. Green accents come from malachite, while touches of gold are added using fine dust and foil. Each pigment is hand-ground and mixed with gum for lasting depth.
Desert Voyager
In Rajasthan’s arid landscapes, camels are lifelines, earning the title “Desert Voyager.” In Shekhawati, along the historic Silk Route, camels played a crucial role in trade, connecting India to distant lands like Persia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They transported goods across the desert, symbolizing wealth and status for Shekhawati’s merchant class.
President Awardee Bhairunlal Swarnkar honored the camel’s significance in frescoes, depicting them laden with trade goods or marching in caravans. These paintings tell stories of commerce, resilience, and cultural exchange. Each stroke highlights how camels helped transform Shekhawati into a prosperous hub. They remain symbols of endurance, bridging lands and histories through Shekhawati’s vibrant art.
