Apart from its wealth of architectural treasurs, Agra also has talented craftsmen and artisans, who have carried forward the traditions of artistry and application, handed down to them over generations. And so, you could go for an interesting shopping spree here, and many of the souvenirs that you buy are an extension of the culture and history of this city. You will find the market abounding with replicas of the Taj, and you will also find beautiful marble inlay decorative boxes, table tops, coasters and other bric-a-brac. Semi precious and precious jewelry emulating Mughal designs is another good buy, depending on your budget.
The local artisans are also good at making ‘chappals’ or open sandals, and there is an abounding leather industry here, so you can get a variety of shoes and handbags at very reasonable prices. Agra has a large jail,whose inmates also make leather items that give them some small earnings. Perhaps, in tradition with the exquisite and ornate royal costumes of yore, this city still maintains its huge talent of master tailors, who work deftly at gold embroidery or ‘Zari’ work.
The main shopping areas include the Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar, all being crowded streets, emanating the true flavors and sounds of a bustling town. However, the city is also moving ahead with the times, with shopping malls and flyovers rapidly coming up. ‘Gangotri’ is the official emporium at the Taj Mahal Complex , as also UP Handlooms at Sanjay Place..In these emporia, prices are fixed , and products authentic (for instance, exercise caution when you buy marble products in small shops, as there is a white stone which is a marble look-alike !) |
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