The thumb rule while visiting any destination is not just to see its touristy spots and capture them in your camera but also shop for things that are unique to the place. In India, every city has something ‘unique’ to offer ranging from leather products to chikan cloth work, but Jaipur is that one sole destination that has a plethora of souvenirs to offer a discerning traveller. Leheriya work clothes, Lac bangles, ethnic Jaipuri earrings and colourful leather footwear – the city has something to please everyone, no matter what your age group is. Here’s a look at some of the must buy items available in the city and also the best places to buy them from –
Priyanka Saxena Ray
What can be more alluring for a shopper or a tourist to Jaipur than the streets overflowing with the most creative and colourful ware that you can only imagine! ‘Kundan’ jewellery is made locally in Jaipur and is one of the most worn pieces of jewellery in the world. Add to this the exotic ‘blue pottery’ that is the hallmark of Jaipur, that is decorated with bird and animal motifs and delicately crafted and coloured with exotic blue ‘dye’. These items of ashtrays, vases and coasters make for great show pieces and are gifted across the world today. Batik paintings are another rare work of art found in Jaipur. The paintings are done on cotton textiles in vibrant colours and decorations are made on dyed fabric. These can be framed and make great gifts and you can see visitors buying these by the hordes in the bazaars of Jaipur. The city is also well known for its ‘tie and dye’, locally known as ‘Bandhej’ fabrics and block printed bed spreads and wall hangings all in an array of the most vibrant colours! Sanganeri and Bagru block prints that originate here are extremely popular and are used extensively by designers today across the globe today. Too much information in one go? Ok, let us break this down for you into bits and pieces –
Jewellery
The various jewels available in the numerous markets of the city are enough to entice any shopper (or even a non-shopper) and turn him into a shopaholic. Jaipur has a collection of beautiful and precious gemstones, which are not just unique but also breathtaking in their look and grandeur. Rajasthani Jewellery is well known across the globe, and people fly down to the place to get a hand on it. Precious, as well as semi-precious gemstones, add to the beauty of this already beautiful city. The Lac bangles, thewa jewellery from Chittaur and enamel ornaments from Pratapgarh are some of the most famous items of the place and definitely a must-buy.
Fabrics
For all shopaholics, Jaipur is the perfect destination; a haven actually. The splendid capital of Rajasthan takes pride in its remarkable fabrics, which are exclusive and rare to the state. The city is best known for its colourful and vibrant fabrics and block printing, which comes with intricate embroidery, die work and appliqué. Rajasthani fabric work known as Mothra and lahariya are amongst the most famous ones, even worldwide. Jaipur offers the most colourful and bright designs, which are definitely worth buying.
Paintings
The paintings of Rajasthan commonly known as Rajputana paintings are very bright, colourful and have a very vibrant touch to it. The paintings always depict something meaningful, some incident from either Ramayana or Mahabharata. One is likely to find these kinds of paintings in abundance, and along with them, some other styles including ‘Thani Bani’ painting from Kishangarh can be found here too. These masterpieces are not too costly and are quite affordable.
Carpet
Carpet weaving has been prevalent in the city from the 17th century thereby turning it into a sort of like their profession. People from all across the world buy these colourful, delicate, woollen patterns that have a weaving history which dates back to so many centuries old. It is advisable to collect buy carpets from the factories manufacturing them to get a good deal.
Blue Pottery
The blue pottery of Rajasthan is something which is known by almost everyone. What makes this style of pottery distinct is the fact that it is made up of quartz stone and follows the Persian style of art. Initially, the only blue colour was used in the making of these items but now, other colours such as yellow, brown, red etc. are also being used. Items ranging from jars to ashtrays can be spotted in different sizes and can be purchased as per need.
Puppets
What is the one thing that we all as kids had in common? Our love for puppet-shows! The puppets made in Rajasthan are some of the unique and alluring items you will ever come across. These puppets are made so vibrant, colourful and attractive that it becomes difficult for one to ignore them while they are displayed on the stand. They serve as a great decorative item in the house and make the living room more adorable than ever.
Well, we have given you a glimpse of what the city has to offer in terms of souvenirs but this article would be incomplete if we do not tell you where to shop these souvenirs from? So here’s a look at some of the famous street markets in the city, which are age old and can give you a really good deal if you are good at bargaining!
Johari Bazaar
As discussed above, Jaipur is one of the biggest gemstones and jewellery producing city, which is why one can find a variety of designs in numerous stones here easily. This buzzing and one of the oldest markets offer some dazzling jewellery options that come studded with precious and semi-precious gems and handmade necklaces at affordable prices. The place is like a shopper’s paradise and you can literally shop till you drop here! It remains open on all days of the week.
Tripolia Bazaar
Tripolia Bazaar is famous for its lac jewellery and the mind-boggling variety of bangles that it offers. Textiles too including Bandini and other dye fabrics embroidered intricately can be found in here. One can get a good deal here at a reasonable price, after some bargaining. This particular market remains closed on Sunday.
Chandpol Bazaar
Chandpol lies amongst the most traditional shopping destinations of Jaipur. It comprises of handicrafts; marble carved showpieces and handlooms. There is a khazanewalon ka rasta from where one can shop for turbans, carpets, handicrafts, shoes, wooden sculptures and much more. Marble sculptures are a big hit here in this market. The price too is not very high and is infact quite affordable for the common people.
Kishanpol Bazaar
Textiles at the best buying price can be found in Kishanpol Bazaar of Jaipur. Its name lies amongst the best places to go for street shopping in Jaipur. The place is famous for its wooden carving, and one can buy wonderful wooden sculptures and souvenirs from the place as a gift for family and friends. It remains closed only on Sunday
Bapu Bazaar
This market is famous for its leather products and Mojari shoes, i.e., famous Rajasthani footwear made from camel leather, which you can easily spot many fashionistas sporting in their shows etc. Other shops here sell textiles, handicrafts, perfumes, lehengas, saris, sandstone, etc. One can easily bargain and buy Rajasthani souvenirs in a good deal. It is like an all-in-one market with a variety of items to shop.
Nehru Bazaar
The specialities of Nehru Bazaar include Rajasthani juttis, ready-made garments and blue pottery items. The prices of the garments are moderate. It has some shops offering household items, bags, gifts and footwear.
Aravali Bazaar
This market is famous for its bedspreads, quilts, salwar suits, table linen, wrought iron and stoneware, giftware, stationery items and carved ethnic furniture. It is a perfect place to enjoy at affordable prices.
Mirza Ismail Road
Mirza Ismail Road is the perfect shopping spot for those who love to buy one-of-a-kind pottery items, wooden artefacts and brass statues. Gifting such an exquisite hand-made item says ‘you care’. This market offers a lot of options for all those who wish to buy stuff for decorating their homes or giving gifts to their loved ones.
