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The Indian craftsman has been
perfecting his art for centuries, passing down traditions and
techniques from generation to generation. Each region has its own
specialities, 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
 One of India’s main
industries, silks, cottons, and wools rank amongst the best in the
world. Of the silks the brocades from Varanasi are among the most
famous variety; other major centres include Patna,
Murshidabad,Surat and Kanchipuram. Rajasthan cotton with its
famous "tie and die" design is usually brillantly colourful, while
Madras cotton is known for its attractive "bleeding" effect after
a few washes. Throughout the country may be found the "himroo"
cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with
patterns. Kashmir sells beautiful woollens 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 coloured 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 centres for pearls.
HANDICRAFTS
AND LEATHERWORK
 Once again, each area
will have its own specialty; the vast range includes fine bronzes,
brasswork (often inlaid with silver), canework 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.
NOTE: It is forbidden to
export antiques and art objects over 100 years old, animal skins
or objects made from skins
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