Perfecting
their art for centuries, Indian craftsmen have been passing down traditions
and techniques till date. Each town has its own local craftsmen with their
specific skills, every region its own specialties. A sublime mix of ancient
skills and modern aesthetics is the hallmark of Indian handicrafts. Some of
the shopping items in India that have long been famous and widely desired
include silks, spices and jewelery etc. Merchants from all over the world
traveled thousands of miles, despite the hardships and privations of the
long journey to enjoy shopping in India. With the advent of modern modes of
transport, you can access marketplaces of India within hours. Silverware,
fabrics, carpets, leatherwork and antiques... the list is endless. Described
as a shopping paradise, Indian shopping offers myriad exotic exotic,
attractive and beautiful handicrafts. Offering best value for your money,
these goods provide half the fun even while buying them in bazaars. Shoppers
can cross check for reasonable prices at state-run emporiums. Here follows a
list of the best buys, either for the connoisseur or souvenir hunter.
Fabrics
Silks, cottons, and wools - India's main industries - are rated amongst the
best in the world. Brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous
varieties of silk. Major centres of fabrics include Patna, Murshidabad,
Surat and Kanchipuram. Cotton from Rajasthan with its famous "tie and
die" design is generally brilliantly colourful, whereas Chennai
(Madras) cotton has its attractive "bleeding" effect after a few
washes. "Himroo" cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often
decorated with patterns, can be found anywhere in India. Kashmiris sell
beautiful woollens particularly shawls.
Carpets
You can also buy carpets while enjoying India shopping as it has one of the
world's largest carpet industries. Many examples of its ancient and
beautiful craft are available in museums throughout the globe. A long
history of carpet-making in Kashmir is influenced by Persians. Tourists can
buy pure wool and woven and silk carpets for a fraction of the cost that one
would pay in the west. Every region has its own specialty. For example,
distinctive and bright coloured Tibetan rugs are available mainly in
Darjeeling.
Clothes
Very cheap to buy, clothes in India can be tailor made in some shops, almost
very quickly. Shoppers in India can choose clothes of their choice from an
unmatchable range including silks, cottons, brocades, chiffons, chignons and
himroos. These may be touched with streaks of silver and gold thread, or set
with sequins or semi-precious gems.
Jewelery
Jewelery in India and particularly of Rajasthan (Kundan), is traditionally
heavy and stunningly elaborate. Indian silver work is famous throughout the
world. You can buy the gems and get these mounted. Along with diamonds,
other precious stones include Indian star rubies, lapis lazuli, star
sapphires, aquamarine and moonstones. One of the world's leading centres for
pearls is located at Hyderabad.
Handicrafts & Leather Work
Vast range of handicrafts and leather work in India includes fine bronzes,
brass work (often inlaid with silver), pottery and cane work. An exclusive
Kashmir product, Papier Mache, is some decorated with gold leaf. Marble and
alabaster inlay work, including chess sets and ornamental plates, are
specially available in Agra. Open India sandals and slippers are included in
good leatherwork buys.
Woodwork
Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and Madras and
Indian walnut from Kashmir are some of the famous woodwork which can be
bought from Indian markets.
Paintings
The history of paintings in India goes back to the prehistoric times. If you
wish to see the earliest Indian paintings, you can head straight to Madhya
Pradesh to visit the Bhimbetka Caves. There is a huge variety and
diverseness when we talk of art of painting in India. Apart from Mughal
miniatures, local miniature schools in places like Rajasthan, Punjab and
Himachal Pradesh flourished a lot in India.
Stone Work
It would male anyone curious to know that the tradition of stone carving in
India is one of the richest in the world. The history of stone carving in
India dates far back to the 7th century BC. Therefore, Indian shopping can
be a lot of fun if you have already made up your mind to by excellent stone
carvings. Cities of Rajasthan like Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and
Bikaner are famous for stone carving in India.
