 |
|
 |
| |
Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of
each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering array of goods, and at
very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in
Delhi's markets. Upwardly mobile lifestyle has led to greater sophistication in
display and upgrading of various markets in terms of availability of items.
Delhi has long been the most important trading centre in Northern India. Many of
its localities, like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai, derive their names from
medieval market towns which serviced the bygone, shifted capital cities of
Delhi. Today, all of these have become a part of the rapidly expanding
metropolis. Instead of market towns, there are specific whole sale markets
or"mandi's" scattered throughout the vast city, and their's is another story.
For visitors to Delhi, shopping is high on the list of "things to do". Tourists
find a wide choice of items- such as carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and
silver ware, handicrafts and handprinted cotton - that are synonymus with India.
Each item is available in a range of prices, depending on the quality and the
outlet.
Another interesting is that each market has its own, distinctive ambience and
adds its own flavour to the experience of shopping. Haus Khas Village,
Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk are worlds apart from one another,
yet each of them reflects an aspect of this many - faceted city. In fact one of
the fascinating ways of understanding a city is by wandering through its market
places for it is here that contemporary culture is most visible to the outsider.
The exploration of Delhi's markets could be begin at Chandni Chowk. Despite the
pressures of traffic and population, its historic land marks servive to tell the
story of the last three centuries. Many of the shops here are more than 100
years, old and the mesh of lanes and bylanes is full of superises. Leading off
Chandni Chowk are Dariba, the silver market, Khari Baoli, the spice market and
Kinari Bazar for trimmings and tinsel. In some of these bazaars the item for
sale are manufactured at site, which lands a special charm to the shopping
experience well integrated into the culture of the old city, these bazaars offer
the visitor a glimpse of life in Old Delhi.
There are some antique stores behind Jama Masjid, and more lining the
entrance to the Red Fort, where the Meena Bazar once was. These offer items
arranging from jewellery to painting and furniture, and
cater almost entirely to tourists. Connaught Place, New Delhi's original
shopping arcade was planned as part of the Imperial capital in 1911. On Baba
Kharak Singh Marg, are the numerous government State Emporia. Which afford a
glimpse of the handicrafts of each state. So does the recently- inaugurated new
Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath. Across the road from "Cottage"
as it is popularly known, are the inviting stalls along Janpath.
The Tibetans sell jewellery and ritual objects, while closer to Connaught Place
are available embroideries from Gujarat and Rajasthan, readymade garments and
bric- a - brac. When the wheather is good it is pleasant to amble down Janpath,
where bargaining is the order of the day. Sundernagar Market is a fine place to
shop for antiques and silver jewellery. The well - appointed stores keep a
choice selection, especially of silver jewellery from Ladakh, semi- precious
stones, some textiles and brass, copper and silver object d'art.
Not far from Sundernagar is the Crafts Museum Shop, attached to the museum in
Pragati Maidan. Moving further south are the up market shopping centers of South
Delhi- South Extension, Greater Kailash I and II, Green Park and Hauz Khas
Village.
The haunt of the nouveau riche, these markets offer a combination of ethnic chic
and designer lebels, Indian and international. Hauz Khas Village has set a very
interesting trend as market. Over the countries, a village had developed around
the medieval college and the tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. A few years ago, an
association called Dastakar - set up a showroom in the village. Now the village
has a plethora of boutiques, galleries and restaurants which coexist with the
buffalos, cow pats and men smokking hookahs on charpoys. Far from being a
deterrant, the "rural" ambience is a positive attraction.
Other villages like Mehtauli, Khirkee and Lado Serai are fast following suit.
Seeing the popularity of crafts bazaars held periodically in the capital, Delhi
Tourism has set up a permanent outlet for craftspersons at Dilli Haat, where
space and the availability of Indian cuisines make the visit a very pleasant
experience. A more up market outlet for Indian handicrafts and antiques is the
bazaar near the Qutub Minar.
The Santushi Shopping Arcade opposite the Ashoka Hotel has become another
popular up market haunt. Developed by the Air Force Wives Association, it has a
select number of boutiques where apparel, furnishings and accessories are
available. A restaurant and patisserie add to the quiet charm of the place.
|
| |
|
|
|
