When shopping, the most important thing to keep in mind is to bargain. Some outlets only offer fixed prices, but for those that don’t, as a general rule, buyers shouldn’t pay more than half the initial asking price. This is especially the case in markets and bazaars where the starting prices are usually highly inflated.
Here's a selection of the most common items that can be found in India and the quality places to buy them.
Carpets
Kashmir, on the far northern Indian border, is the undisputed carpet state of India. The country’s finest carpets are produced here, with techniques brought all the way from Persia long ago before the rule of the Moguls.
Those who can’t make it as far as Kashmir to purchase carpets shouldn’t be concerned. There are many shops in Delhi that sell them. One of the best and most reputable is Zoon, the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium. It’s located at A-7, State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi. Ph: (91-11) 23364723.
Kashmiri carpets aren’t cheap however. A well woven 4ft by 6ft one will cost at least 10,000 rupees ($250 USD).
Jewellery
Silver, gold, modern and traditional, the jewellery available in India is eye catching and varied. Gold is viewed as an investment and the styles are endless, although not always suited to western tastes. Shoppers can expect to spend 20 to 40 per cent less than U.S. prices on loose stones and jewellery in India.
Those looking for something a bit special should head to Waterfield Road in Mumbai’s hip western suburb of Bandra. This street is lined with large jewellery shops selling everything from inexpensive mass produced items to unique designer pieces. Diamonds can also be purchased relatively cheaply in Mumbai. The city’s famed diamond district in south Mumbai is called Opera House. However, almost 2,500 diamond merchants are expected to move from here to new premises at the Bharat Diamond Bourse in the Bandra Kurla Complex, East Bandra, by mid 2008.
Jaipur, in India’s desert state of Rajasthan, is the best place to buy silver folk art jewellery and gemstones. The Gem Palace on M I Road has been in business since 1852 and is renowned for its stunning collections of fine jewellery. It also has a reputation to match. Ph. (91-141) 2374175. Another popular place to shop along Jaipur’s M I Road is Amrapali in Panch Batti. Ph: (91-141) 2377940. Johari Bazaar (particularly the two lanes called Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldion ka Rasta), and Chameliwala Market on M I Road, are also excellent places to hunt for ready-made costume jewellery and bangles.
Traditionally styled Tibetan silver jewellery is widely available in India’s north around McLeod Ganj and Darjeeling.
Handicrafts
The handicrafts in India are as diverse as the people who make them. Each region has its own specialty including the blue pottery and papier-mache of Jaipur, terracotta wares of Calcutta, sandalwood carvings of Mysore, marble of Agra, folk art paintings of Bihar, and copper and brass items from the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
In Delhi, the landmark Indian Handicrafts Emporium at 5 Miian Mehrauli Road (near Qutab Minar) is a 200 year old treasure trove brimming with Indian arts and crafts. Ph: (91-11) 26521049. A wide cross section of handicrafts is also available from the huge Central Cottage Industry Emporiums in New Delhi and Mumbai. They’re located at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi, Ph: (91-11) 23320439 and 34 Chhatrapatti Shivaji Maharaj Mark, Colaba Causeway, Mumbai, Ph: (91-22) 22026564.
Musical Instruments
Two of the most popular Indian musical instruments are the tabla (drums) and sitar (guitar). Interested shoppers will find the best ranges in large cities such as Delhi, Calcutta, and Varanasi. In Delhi, the street to visit is Netaji Subhash Marg in Darya Ganj, which is home to number of music emporiums. In Calcutta, well priced traditional instruments are available in the area around the Rabindra Sadan cultural complex, located on A.J.C. Bose Road and Cathedral Road. The Triveni Music Centre, at D24/38 Pandey Ghat in Varanasi, also sells musical instruments.
Buyers should expect to pay upwards of 5,000 rupees ($125 USD) for a good quality sitar and 1,500 rupees ($40 USD) and up for a tabla.
Textiles
Textiles is India’s main industry after agriculture and there’s an eye-catching array of items on offer, including clothes, cloth, and cushion covers. Stunning embroidered mirror works on bedspreads, bags, and wall hangings, are produced in Rajasthan and Gujurat. Batik is another popular Indian textile technique that’s undertaken all over the country. Tripur, in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, is one of the county’s textile hot spots where knitted garments are produced.
The biggest ranges of textiles are available in the emporiums in Delhi and Mumbai, as well as in Jaipur in Rajasthan. In Mumbai, shoppers should head to the World Trade Centre at Cuffe Parade, where there are a number of state government emporiums. In New Delhi, a vibrant variety of textiles can be found at the Gujurat and Rajasthan Emporiums, both located in the State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Ph: (91-11) 23363802 and (91-11) 23343140 respectively. The Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in the Regal Building in Delhi’s Connaught Place is also a good place to shop for quality clothes and materials. Ph: (91-11) 23411651.
In Jaipur, the Rajasthan Handloom House at the Government Hostel on M I Road has a wide range of textiles. Ph: (91-141) 2360537. Jaipur based Anokhi is also highly regarded for its contempory textiles, including clothing, bedspreads and bags. This store is located at 2 Tilak Marg, Opposite Udyog Bhawan C-Scheme. Ph: (91-141) 2229247.
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