Sanganer

Sanganer is located 16 Kms from Jaipur. It is also known for exquisite Jain temples. Moreover, it is an important centre for crafts and hand-printed textiles that are internationally famous.

The most beautiful temple in Sanganer is the ancient Shri Digamber Jain Temple. The temple has fine carvings similar those of the magnificent Dilwara temples of Mount Abu. Built in various phases with sky-high shikharas (spires), the temple represents an old style of architecture. The last phase was probably built in the 10th century AD. The beautiful nij-mandir (inner temple) is a stone shrine with three pinnacles. At the centre lies the idol of Parshwanath with seven serpent hoods. All around it are carvings of lotuses and creepers, and elephants pouring water from pitchers held in their trunks. But the main idol is that of Adinath, installed in the shrine behind this.

The town is most famous for its hand made paper and mostly screen-printed fabric. The fabric is popular for small floral designs. A wide variety of material for apparels, furnishing and curtaining is available. Some of the traditional designs were produced under the patronage of the royal family. It is a beautiful sight to see brightly coloured fabric drying out in the sun, near the river. Sawai Jai Singh II set up a paper business in Sanganer. It is said that in the 16th century, the ruler of Amber, Raja Man Singh, brought Kagzis (paper makers) to Sanganer situated on the bank of Saraswati River, where abundant clear water was available. Hence, this town emerged as one of the biggest paper making centres in northern India.

In between the industry suffered a setback but after independence, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) included the handmade paper in its agenda and promoted the industry. It is famous for kagazi mohulla (paper maker’s quarters) and is the world’s largest centre for hand-made paper. Sanganer is blessed with adequate water and open spaces, essential for papermaking. From here the Kagzis enjoyed patronage of the royal court of Raja Man Singh and his successors. Today there are about 10 hand-made paper industries in Sanganer, all owned by Kagzis. The Sanganer paper makers are the largest producers of hand-made paper in the world.

The airport of Jaipur is also located in Sanganer.