The medieval walled city of Jaipur, now an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a wonderment of fusion with the city’s contemporary alignments. When Swai Jai Singh II commissioned his new capital in 1727, to replace the clan’s old bastion of Amber, it was considered to be one of the earliest planned cities of modern India — albeit along with the auspicious tenets of the Vedic Vastu Shastra.
That Swai Man Singh II created niche areas in its nine-grid setting for trade and commerce is a delight for the shopper. What you adore about the atmospheric streetscapes about the Old Quarter (Purana Shehr) and its wraparound protective wall, is how easily accessible are your favourite shopping haunts. This legacy of the local commercial, artisanal and cooperative traditions holds strong to this day.
It’s such a delight to plunge into this amazing layered heritage of tradition and contemporary allurements. From the aromatic scent of spices and ittars, to the glitter of gems, zardozi brocades and shiny utensils…from the lazy swirls of a lehriya saree to a Sanganer block-printed bedcover…all of Rajasthan’s crafting delights find a voice in Jaipur’s bazaars and markets. It’s a tradition long set in place by the visionary Raja Jai Singh who encouraged artists and craftsmen to settle in his new capital of Jaipur for it to prosper.
Generous in their atmospherics and hospitable in their attitude the bazaars of Jaipur are an evocative theatre of engagement. How can one not succumb to the treasures of Badi Chaupar, Chotti Chaupar, Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar?
These are the bustling hubs to where the locals go — and drag their friends, families and relatives. These brilliant shop streets hold up a mirror to the traditional lifestyles of its people both in the cities and rural areas. Plunge into a welter of thrilling sensory delights as you marvel at the bounty of rich stitchery, tie-and-dyed textiles, gem-encrusted jewels, footwear, metalwork on swords and shields, marble, stone and wood carving, miniature paintings, pichwais et al.
Opposite Hawa Mahal which makes up the Sireh Deori Bazaar, fill your bags and memory bank with bargains for jewel-toned textiles, light quilts, puppets, leather footwear and jewellery. Ramganj Bazaar has leather shoe-makers craftsmen that still ply their ancient trade, while Tripolia Bazaar is ablaze with shiny steel and brass utensils. Johari Bazaar lures you with its bandhani and block-printed textiles as well as its glittering jewellery and gemstones. Step lightly towards Gopalji ka Raasta and Haldiyon ka Raasta to discover the legendary Jaipuri meenakari artisans, gem-cutters and polishers work their magic. On a budget? Try the lac bangle makers Maniharon ka Raasta, off Tripolia Bazaar. For marble works the place to head for is Khazane Walon ka Raasta. Shops at Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar spill over with their allurements of textiles, handmade shoes and other handcrafted goodies.
Lift your head from all that shopping and take a breath! You must stop and take delight in some of the delicious street food Jaipur’s Old Quarter is renowned for. Chatorio Ki Gali is so named as it caters to your taste buds in the most rapturous way. Tuck into the spicy golgappe, channa bhatura, tikki chole, papri chaat, fruit chaat and faluda- kulfi. Who knows you might even land up at some outlets that are a century old!
While you’re out and about you are sure to cross some gorgeous architectural gems, which will certainly stop you in your tracks. It could be some old haveli (mansion), a courtyard or an ancient shrine. And, they will demand your attention — simply by still being around, despite the clamour, the chaos and the rush of modern-day development.