NEWS: Prime Minister of India gifted Thewa motif cufflinks to the President of Slovakiaà Highlighting Rajasthan's renowned Thewa Art on the global stage.

ABOUT

• Thewa Art is a traditional jewelry and decorative craft involving the fusion of intricately carved 23-carat gold sheets onto colored glass.
• Exclusively practiced in Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan.
• Holds Geographical Indication (GI) Tag status (2013–14).

HISTORY

• Originated around 1707 during the Mughal-Rajput period.
• Invented by Nathulal Soni, a master goldsmith.
• Patronized by Maharaja Samant Singh of Pratapgarh, who conferred the title "Rajsoni" (Royal Goldsmith) on the artisan family.

KEY FEATURES

• Gold-on-Glass Techniqueà Hand-carved gold foil is fused onto colored glass without glue or solder.
• Intricate Latticeworkà Fine engravings create delicate openwork designs.
• Colored Glass Baseà Traditionally uses vibrant red, green, blue, and maroon glass.
• Silver Framingà Artwork is usually enclosed in ornate silver settings.
• Storytelling Motifs: Depicts:
  • Flora and fauna (peacocks, elephants, lotuses, deer)
  • Hindu mythology (Krishna, Radha, Ganesha)
  • Royal life (hunting scenes, processions, darbars)

SIGNIFICANCE

• Represents Rajasthan's rich artistic heritage and traditional gold craftsmanship.
• Combines jewelry-making with miniature storytelling.
• Provides livelihood to artisan families and promotes India's cultural diplomacy globally