Jaipur
shares a worldwide reputation for possessing uniquely elegant structures
like the Amber Fort, the City Palace and the Hawa Mahal. But do you have any
clue that it's also known for cutting, polishing and setting of precious and
semi precious stones ? That it's jewellery markets are a craze among
tourists?
Yes, options truly abound when it comes to carrying something back home as
souvenirs. And the credit does go to the craftsmen and artisans who have
inherited the skills generation after generation. It also pertains to the
styling senses of the maharajahs of yore. These monarchs were great
patronages of such skills and craftsmanship. Brass work of Jaipur is also
know all over. Once in the hands of the artisans, the dull metal of brass
comes out as a charming piece of jewellery.
Besides, the Jaipur Meenakari work has
also gained an equal appreciation from far and near. The Meenakari items are
truly one of its kind and traders arrive in the city from all over the
country to buy their shares. What more, the pink city is also famed for its
textiles. Specially the Sanganeri and the Bagru block prints have become
quite poplar with fashion designers.
Stone and marble carvings are also very much in demand. After all, it was
Markana in Rajasthan from where the marbles for the Taj Mahal were procured.
The stones used in carvings are either from Jaipur or from Markana itself.
Shopping Arcades in Jaipur
Jauhari Bazar
If it's jewellery and sarees you are after, you should head straight to the
Jauhari Bazar. The main road itself remains lined with silver smiths. At the
first instant, even a stranger will know that this is the jewellery trove.
Ethnic tie and dye fabrics can also be bought here.
Bapu Bazar & Nehru Bazar
Shoes made of camel skin! Sounds interesting? Bapu Bazar and Nehru Bazar
are the places to be then. Besides, one can also find here textiles and
local perfumes. The markets lie on the Mirza Ismail Road.
M. I. Road
The M. I. Road puts together items of jewellery, brass and textiles. So, if
all these items are of interest to you, the market can be a one-stop
destinations for buying these all. The shops that line the thoroughfare
stock a huge variety and you'll of course land buying at least one of the
whole lot or perhaps many.
Tripolia Bazar & Chaurasta
Tripolia Bazar and Chaurasta are places where you have the opportunity to
witness artisans at work, the genesis of these exquisite pieces of
handicrafts. The markets sell items of textiles, utensils, ironware and
trinkets.
Shopping Item-wise
Shoes – Ramganj Bazara
Tie/ Dye Textiles – Kishanpol Bazar
Lac Bangles – Maniharon Ka Rasta (Tripolia Bazar)
Carpets – Subhash Chowk & Achrol House
Marble Carvings – Khajanewalon Ka Rasta
Block Printing/ Blue Pottery – Sanagner Village
