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SHOPPING PLACES IN INDIA
The Indian craftsman has been perfecting his art for
centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from
generation to generation. Each region has its own
specialties, each town its own local craftsmen, its own
particular skills.
The results is a consummate blend of ancient skills and
modern aesthetics. Silks, spices, jewellery and many other
Indian products have long been famous and widely desired,
and merchants would travel thousands of miles, willingly
enduring the hardships and privations of the long journey in
other to make their purchases. Nowadays, the marketplaces of
the subcontinent are only 9 hours away, and for fabrics,
silverware, carpets, leatherwork, antiques the list is
endless India is a shopping paradise. Goods are exotic,
attractive, beautiful hand-crafted and excellent value for
money. Half the fun when buying goods in the bazaars is the
bargaining, and you can always check for reasonable prices
at state-run emporiums. Below are some of the best buys,
either for the souvenir hunter or the connoisseur.
FABRICS:
All travelers to India must possess a valid Visa (single/Multy
entry) depending upon the number of visit/s. It is advisable
to carry your passport during your travel while in India for
possible identification requirements.
Throughout the country may be found the "himroo" cloth, a
mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns.
Kashmir sells beautiful woolens particularly shawls.
CARPETS:
India has one of the world’s largest carpet industries, and
many examples of her ancient and beautiful craft can be seen
in museums throughout the world. Kashmir has a long history
of carpet making, influenced by the Persians. Pure wool and
woven and silk carpets are exquisitely made, and can be
bought for a fraction of the cost that one would pay in the
west. Each region will have its own specialty; such as the
distinctive, bright colored Tibetan rugs, available mainly
in Darjeeling.
CLOTHES:
Clothes are very cheap to buy, and can be tailor made in
some shops, usually very quickly. Choose from an unmatchable
range; silks, cottons, himroos, brocades, chiffons,
chignons, touched with streaks of silver and gold thread,
set with sequins or semi-precious gems.
JEWELLERY :
Particularly of Rajasthan (Kundan), is traditionally heavy
and stunningly elaborate. Indian silverwork is world-famous.
Gems can be bought and mounted. Apart from diamonds, other
stones include lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star
sapphires, moonstones and aquamarine. Hyderabad is one of
the world’s leading centers for pearls.
HANDICRAFTS AND LEATHERWORK :
Once again, each area will have its own specialty; the vast
range includes fine bronzes, brass work (often inlaid with
silver), cane work and pottery. Papier Mache is a
characteristic Kashmir product, some decorated with gold
leaf. Marble and alabaster inlay work, such as chess sets
and ornamental plates, are a specialty of Agra. Good
leatherwork buys includes open India sandals and slippers.
WOODWORK :
Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and
Madras, Indian walnut from Kashmir. These are often
exquisite and make excellent presents.
OTHER BUYS :
Foods such as pickles, spices and Indian tea, perfumes,
soap, handmade paper, Orissan playing cards, musical
instruments- anything that takes your fancy.
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