Jaipur city is the proverbial shopping paradise where you can literally ‘shop till you drop’. Its many ancient bazaars, malls and, government-run emporiums and classy upmarket boutiques, are a veritable treasure trove of shopping allurements gathered not only from the four corners of the state itself but from beyond its borders as well.
When Maharaja Jai Singh built his new capital of Jaipur, in place of the old Kachwaha bastion of Amer, he was very clear about creating a dedicated space for all manner of craftsmen to cater to the needs of its citizenry. Rajasthan’s artisans have a long and tried history of producing some of the most amazing crafts, and their skills have been much lauded from the ancient of days.
For the collector of stone-studded gold and platinum jewellery, Jaipur's Johari Bazaar is a major hub. White marble and grey sandstone are used to make idols, figurines and carved panels. Jaipur’s famous Blue Pottery, a Persian art form, is created from a mixture of quartz and sodium sulphate—with shades varying from light blue to deep indigo enhancing floral and arabesque and animal motifs. Pick up ashtrays, tiles, lampshades, pots and surahis from a mesmerizing range of accessories for your home and office.
This is an honest tour with no kickbacks for travellers who love to collect souvenirs on their India trip.
Since its founding in 1727, the royalty and nobility of Jaipur has been patronizing various craftsmen and artisans in Pink City. Many of these traditions continue to this day, making the modern-day Jaipur a favourable destination to witness India’s rich stitchery, tie-and-dyed textiles, gem-encrusted jewels, footwear, metalwork on swords and shields, marble, stone and wood carving, miniature paintings, pichwais and much more
We explore local markets and shops, where the locals go and take their friends, families, and relativities. Rajasthan’s treasure-trove of arts and crafts is a hold up a mirror to traditional lifestyles of its people both in the cities and rural areas. The desert lands too, provide their own traditional contributions to this rich legacy. their skills to create their fantasies in stone, marble, wood, leather, ivory, glass, silver, gold and textiles. Under the patronage of the Mughal courts and local maharajas, Rajasthan's culture of art and craft flourished with renewed vigour over the centuries.