Lacquer Work
The craft of making lac bangles is traditionally practiced by the Manihar or Lakhera communities in Rajasthan. Manihars belong to Muslim communities while Lakhera community consists of Hindus. Historically both the communities are engaged in the craft of making lac bangles and the same is transferred to the younger generations too. There are around 500 families practicing the lac business making Jaipur a hub of the same. These families are either from Jaipur or have migrated from other districts of Rajasthan. The artisans of lac business come from the lower income group therefore are less educated and socially unaware. Due to the lack of education and proper awareness they face a lot of problem in terms of work and health. In India Lac bangles hold a significant place in the life of married women. The culture is prominent both in Hindu and Muslim communities and prevails mainly in North India. Craft is practiced mainly in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Maharashtra. In Rajasthan lac bangles are made in Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Jaipur is considered to be the hub of lac bangles and related products. Apart from Maniharon ka Rasta in Jaipur, there are number of artisans practicing the craft in neighboring places like Gangauri Bazar, Ramganj Bazar, Shashtri Nagar, Jhotwara, Ghatgate, Haldion Ka Rasta etc.
