Imagine a room full of mirrors where the candle in front of you flickers and breaks into shimmering lights, making the room dazzle with a resplendent aura. Sounds aesthetic and magically brilliant, right? This is what Thikri art, or mirror inlay, is all about.
It’s an artistic mirror work on display, and the background or the history of this marvelous discovery is equally fascinating, waiting for you to dive in. A symbol of vanity once for the Rajput royals, you can still witness the amazing Thikri craft in Indian palaces, and this blog is like a tour and a glimpse into the origins of Thikri art, why it’s historically important, and the famous mirror works of Rajasthan.
Additionally, we cannot miss out on the outlook of the modern era on traditional craft and how, as a tourist or a buyer, we can support the local artisans and help overcome the challenges faced by Thikri craft. So, here we go…
What is Thikri Art?
Thikri art is a very beautiful mirror artwork, rich in culture and a heritage that is centuries old. Originally hand-crafted by artisans (thikrakars), shards of mirrors were assembled into intricate designs, patterns, and motifs decorating the walls and ceilings of mahals (palaces), becoming hallmarks of royalty.
The mirrors were embedded within a matrix of paintings dyed with natural pigments, and these works of craft were theme-based with narratives from Hindu mythology. Floral patterns and abstract designs of Thikri craft reflected excellent craftsmanship at work. Unlike mirror mosaics, Thikri craft is hand-made and owes its irresistible charm to thikrakars, perfect for home décor.
Origins and History of Thikri Art
Thikri art originated in India’s heartland, Madhya Pradesh, and eventually made its way to Rajasthan and Gujarat, where it graced the walls, columns, and ceilings of royal palaces and hallways, becoming a style statement for the Rajputs.
Wondering what inspired them to dive into the aesthetics of Thikri craft? The inspiration for the Rajasthani art goes back to an era when idols in Indian temples, multiplied by the reflections on the mirrors, echoed the deity’s omnipresence.
Captivated by the stunning display of mirrors, the Rajputs executed their plans of making their palaces boast opulence and grandeur through the finest manifestations of mirror inlay. The royals realized that to make their rooms dazzlingly bright, mirror work would be an authentic and grand addition to their havelis.
The stunning mirror inlays of the Mughals also sowed the seeds of inspiration within the royal communities of Rajasthan with their intricate designs and inlay techniques. Beyond the luxurious and aesthetic appeal, a legacy was born out of this medieval craft tradition. Peacocks symbolizing beauty with royalty and Hindu deities made their way into the creative culture of Rajasthani art.
Fun Fact: Did you know that mirrors were believed to possess spiritual qualities in Indian culture? Beyond reflections, gazing at mirrors was like staring back into your soul.
Thikri Art of Rajasthan
Sheesh Mahal in Amer Fort of Jaipur
Sheesh Mahal, a heritage of splendor by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, will make your eyes gleam and glisten with exquisite Thikri creations. Sheesh Mahal, in the literal sense, translates to “The Palace of Mirrors,” and the shimmering and dazzling lights magnify the opulence of the palace halls.
No doubt, the craftsmen of ancient or medieval India still awe us with the mesmerizing beauty of their creations. In this regard, Thikri craft is indeed the work of thikrakars who mastered their skills and refined their craft to perfection, as evidenced by the delicacy and precision of its intricate patterns, rich details, and beautiful motifs.
While mirrors reflecting light from each angle made the rooms fulgent, the floral, geometric patterns and glass inlays added depth and dimension to the rooms. As the ceilings of the royal palaces shimmer like stars, visitors to Sheesh Mahal are visibly infatuated with the stunning mirror work.
Sheesh Mahal, which was slowly decaying with neglect, is now restored to its vibrant appeal, thanks to the Archaeological Survey of India, which, after 370 years, reopened the doors of the Sheesh Mahal for visitors and tourists on 2nd July 2025.
City Palace of Udaipur
Four hundred and fifty years old, the City Palace of Udaipur of the Mewaris is another example of an Indian palace where complex mirror work and pietra dura (stone inlays) adorn the walls of the royal halls and courtyards.
Visitors can witness cupolas, balconies, and towers immersed in the rapturous inlay work and leftover colored glass, creating a stunning appeal. The indoor beauty, in contrast to the imposing City Palace, is compelling, where the royal bedroom, “Kanch ki Burj,” will steal your attention with the mosaic of mirrors that decorates the walls.
Thikri Art in a Contemporary World
Thikri art fell out of fashion as other artworks paved their way into the contemporary art scene. However, the traditional expression sprang into the limelight back in the 20th century. Cultural craft must walk alongside modern art, and the only way to ensure this is to stir the two worlds together into a fusion representing their best qualities.
Blending Rajasthani art with modern art will make it relatable to the wider audience without compromising on the rich cultural legacy left behind by the royals. Also, uniting the past and present via artworks will keep things fresh, new, and unique.
The mirror work of art has also seeped into homes, commercial venues, and luxurious hotels because of its aesthetically opulent appeal. Since Rajasthani art amplifies the brilliance via light reflections, it’s also perfect for businesses or homes that revere the tradition and celebrate the elegance of this cultural work of art.
Mirror inlay has translated into souvenirs as they are no longer confined within walls or ceilings and have been adopted into everyday items like bags, clothing, furniture, décor, etc. Rajasthani art continues to survive on the walls of the villages in Rajasthan and luxurious hotels, exuding an irresistible elegance that is hard to miss.
Major Challenges Faced by Thikri Art
Thikri Art Alternatives: Alternatives threaten originality, and this is true for Thikri craft as well. Enter vinyl mirror stickers and laser-cut panels — cheaper alternatives to hand-crafted mirror work. Thikri art is endangered by these new enterprises that can replace the original versions, reducing traditional craft to oblivion.
Lack of Support for Artisans: Local artists practicing the craft for a long time often experience a dearth of opportunities and crave support to continue creating and earning their livelihood. A lack of patronage eclipses their talent, stunting its progress and making them move on from their artistic pursuits to other career choices.
As a social community, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the old cultural art forms do not disappear into the shadows, and for this, reviving old traditions is equally important in a world that celebrates modernism.
Lack of Formal Training: Often, the traditional and cultural art forms are restricted to families who have evolved their craft over time with consistent practice and refined their skills with shared expertise.
People outside the community may be far removed from proper training, limiting their options and potential. To counter this challenge, Rajasthani art conservation courses are the need of the hour so that the traditions don’t fade away — with the right formal training.
Bottom Line
Willing to see Thikri art? Visiting Sheesh Mahal or the City Palace of Udaipur will make your day a dazzling experience to cherish. Witness the royal flavors of Indian culture through stunning mirror work, outshining the ordinary with all its splendor and brilliance.
Navigating the historical palaces and supporting the local artisans will win you beautiful souvenirs to cherish — and also help make a difference. If you are an artist, try creating your version of Rajasthani art with mirror chips and regale the stories you learned through this blog on India’s richest legacy and historical heritage — Thikri art!