-| Shopping in India | -
India
is packed with beautiful things to buy. One may see the beautiful items all
over the country.
Carpets
It may not surprise you that India produces and exports more handicraft than
Iran, but it probably is more of the surprise that most of the carpets are the
best in the world.
In Kashmir, where India's best carpets are produced, the carpet-making techniques
and styles were brought from Persia even before the Mughals era. The art flourished
under the Mughals and today Kashmir,
Varanasi
and Rajasthan are packed with small carpet producers.
Paper Mache
This is probably the most characteristic Kashmir craft. The basic papier-mâché
article is made in a mold, then painted and polished in successive layers until
the final intricate design is produced. Prices depend upon the complexity and
quality of the painted design and the amount of the gold leaf used. Items include
bowls, cups, containers, jewelry boxes, letter holder, tables, lamps, coasters,
trays and so on.
Pottery
In Rajasthan, interesting white-glazed pottery is made with hand-painted
blue-flower design- it is attractively simple. Terra-cotta images of the gods
and the children's toy are made in Bihar.
Metalwork
Copper and brass items are popular throughout India. Candle holders, trays,
bowls, tankards and ashtrays are made in Mumbai and other centers. In Rajasthan
and Uttar Pradesh, the brass is inlaid with exquisite designs in red, green
and blue enamel.
Jewelry
Many Indian women put most of their wealth into jewelry,so it is no wonder
that so much of it is available. For tourist taste the heavy folk-art jewelry
of Rajasthan has particular appeal. You will find it all over the country, but
particularly in Rajasthan. In the north you will also find Tibetan jewelry.
Leather-work
Of course Indian leather-work is not made from cow skin but from buffalo,
camel, goat hide or some other substitute. In craft shops you can find well
made leather bags, handbags and other items.
Textiles
India has the major textile industries. There is amazing variety of cloth
styles, types and techniques around the country. The popular items to buy in
India are like cotton tablecloths, cushion covers or material for cloths, Nehru
cap and jackets, embroidered with mirror-work dresses and wall hangings.
Silks
Silk is cheap to buy in India and the quality is often excellent. The 'Silk
Capital' these days is in Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu State, although Varanasi
is also very popular place to buy silk stuffs.
Bronze Figures
In the south, the age-old lost-wax process makes delightful small images
of the gods. A wax figure is made, a mold is formed around it and the wax is
melted and poured out. The molted melt is poured in and when it's solidified
the mold is broken open. Figures of Shiva as dancing Natraj are amongst the
most popular.
Woodcarving
India is a popular place for wood carved items out of Sandalwood; Rosewood
is used to carve animals-elephants in particular. In Kashmir intricately carved
wooden screens, tables, jewelry boxes and tray are carved from Indian walnut.
Paintings
Reproductions of the beautiful old miniatures are painted in many places.
Antiques
Articles over 100 year old are not allowed to be exported from India without
an export clearance certificate.
Other Thing To Buy
Marble inlay pieces from Agra are pleasant reminder of beauty of the Taj. They
come as either simple little pieces or larger items like jewelry boxes. Indian
musical instruments and Indian music tapes always have an attraction for the
tourist. .
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