Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Agra Handicrafts

A jaunt to Agra has always been a rewarding experience for people of all times. The city enjoys its historical aura and feels pride in being crowned as one of India's wannabe spots. In addition to the legendary Taj, the metropolis boasts of umpteen architectural wonders of Mughal era. The cultural splendour of the city is also not worth a miss and catapults the eyes of the beholder.

But apart from love, romance, history, passion, architecture, kings, monuments and Taj, there is lot more to Agra that make this urban centre, one of the most looked after in the tourism industry. We all are fond of handicrafts, right? Well, all those only aware of the architectural marvels of the city, this is one golden information. The richness of handicrafts in Agra is what makes the place a hot shopping joint which adds an extra domension to the entire trip. The love for exotic handicrafts item can be seen in every nook and corner of the city. Agra has its marble, the way Egypt has Papyrus plant. Some of the famed handicrafts items of Agra include: marble tabletops, soft stone laywork, brassware, carpets, jewellery, embroidery work and hand made leather items. The small replica of Taj Mahal is one of the crowd pullers. In fact your journey to Agra is said to be incomplete without the small sized Taj Mahal.

The city brings you face to face with some of the oldest bazars of India. Taj Ganj, Kinari Bazaar, Sadar Bazar, Pratap Pura, Munro Road and Gwalior Road are some shopping junctions here. Inlaying of semi-precious stones such as onyx, jasper, lapislazuli and agate is apparently a craft unique to Agra.

These handicraft items of Agra serve as major delights for tourists hailing to the place from abroad and adds to the overall glory of the cultural heritage of our country- India.

23 comments:

Incredible India said...

The descripions I received from this site really attracts me a lot to have a journey to Agra and to observe the magnificience of handicrafts as well as to own a small replica of the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders. This site also haunts me a lot to do marketing in the oldest bazars where I can get the essence of mediaeval fragrance.

MaNjari's TeAm said...

I am quite impressed by the article. Next time when I would go to Agra I would definitely be collecting handicrafts mentioned by you.


-
Manjari

Vaibhav Arora said...

Agra is a prized possession of India for sure. The likes of Taj Mahal and the mammoth Agra Fort have to be seen to believe. I have been to Agra once, and though not much knowledgable about handicrafts, I can vouch that the city's art and craft definitely demand a sneak peek.

Harshita said...

Very Useful information for lovers of shopping. After reading your article, I am looking forward for a trip to Agra to see the magnificent Taj and buy some exquisite handicraft items.

Unknown said...

You've imprinted your ideas onto me! I've never been to Agra but now, i genuinely waana explore the beautiful Taj city and buy the outstanding handicrafts suggested by you.

Unknown said...

you wrote a marvellous review on Agra.
The picture here shows the lovely, symmetrical in Agra.
It is too wonderful a place to be missed by us..
sadly , hvnt been 2 Agra yet ..
hey Vaibhav we should planning 2 visit this mesmerising place soon .

Its a treasure to cherish..
keep writing...... such revs.

-Sachin K.

steve said...

The last time I had been to India on 14 March, 2005, I did a bit of shopping at the UP Government emporiums but was unable to explore the markets you mention. I am soon planning a visit to Agra once again to indulge in some real shopping. But, of course, after I have had my share of the Taj.

Deepika said...

oh! cerainly Steve, Taj should definitely be on ur priority list as Taj is wat, has made whole of India d eye candy of the whole world. BT dont forget shopping.....u cannot annoy the rest of Agra, Right??

Md Mudassir Alam said...

Agra has remained the capital of Great Mughals for several years during 15th and 16th centuries. During the time of Mughals there was a popular market named as, "Meena Bazaar". In fact, the eternal love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal started at Meena Bazaar. From Mughals till now, Agra has remained a place for handicrafts, marble items, leather wares etc. One can find these things in markets of Agra, but if you want to buy some unique handicrafts then 'Taj Mahotsav' is the right time,which usually held in 3rd week of February.

steve said...

Can anyone provide me with a list of leather items available in the markets of Agra?

And, if possible, please mention the price range for a few items.

Unknown said...

I thought I had explored whole of the city during my trip to Agra last year. But your write-up has forced me to think again. I will visit these 'bazaars' whenever I visit the city next time.

Deepika said...

I think Steve u should buy a leather wallet, why???? coz there is so much to shop in Agra that more money is required so a larger wallet. Agreed?

steve said...

It's a good idea to start my shopping in Agra with a leather wallet. A bigger wallet as you say!

maya said...

As I had never seen Agra, but after reading your blog, really I impressed. The information all about Agra city is very useful.

mukuzs said...

There is something i appreciate - something written apart from Taj Mahal.Although one cannot lessen the importance of TAJ, the city has been well appreciated by you.

Mukti

Anonymous said...

Agra is also famous for its handicrafts besides the Taj Mahal. I never knew much about the fancy items sold in Agra. This page, however, has instilled in me knowledge about the rare artifacts of Agra. Now, I know about some marvelous creations like marble tabletops, soft stone laywork, brassware, jewellery and leather items. This page also gave me information about major markets of India that sell these products.

Srikant said...

I never thought of anything apart from Taj Mahal when visiting Agra. I've been to Agra few times but never knew so much more is present in Agra. Really a great article for people yet to explore the markets of the city.....n thanks for the new idea.

SHUBHAJIT said...

information in this blog is good but in a boring fashion. make it unique and interesting with some personal anecdotes.

Deepika said...

ya Mukti, we all have a tendency to second wat is known already to the whole world. The same is happening with Taj. I think its high time lets start appreciating other precious gifts of mankind.

Raghav said...

Agra handicrafts are well renowned in world for its exqusitive craft. your blog give a vivid picture of agra market that is so enticing to read.

Deepika said...

Shubhajit, critics like u r always welcomed bt i won't deny that it was a rude form of writing adopted by u.
Never mind.......

Avadhesh Tiwari said...

Your artical is really good.. But you have visited Taj, But you should also go for Agra Fort and Humaun Makbra in Sinkandra(Agra). I have four year relations with agra during my Engineering period. but now when i am in noida want go for these two places again..Continue to write articles ..

Deepika said...

hi avdhesh,

its great to know that u have lived in the historical airs of Agra and its vivid beauties. I wud suggest u to tel me more on agra handicrafts.....