Jaisalmer happens to be one of the most important cities of Rajasthan and it is known for its rich heritage. It is known as the Golden City, thanks to the yellow limestone that is found abundantly in the region, and of which the formidable Jaisalmer fort is made of. The city was formed in the 12th century under Rana Jaisal and today the fort is a World Heritage Site. The city continues to attract tourists from all over the country and the rest of the world and there are desert festivals, sand dune safari and much sightseeing to be done. The Indo- Pak Border nearby is also frequently visited and then of course, there is the delectable food to taste. What makes Jaisalmer even more attractive is the plethora of markets that are there in the fortified city and which have frankly speaking, not undergone much change. Although there are some shopping malls in Jaisalmer, noting can beat street shopping. By coming to these markets, you will very well get an idea of what trade and commerce in Jaisalmer used to be like, as it was one of the most important commercial areas in Rajputana. Here are some of the things and markets you should look out for:
The mirror work embroidery of Jaisalmer is famous where small pieces of glass, turned into mirrors are sewn into clothes and other items. The mirrors are sewn into brightly dyed local fabrics and once it is moved around in the light, you will not need any brocade to up your look. Mirror work in Rajasthan is very famous but Jaisalmer is the hub for it. You will find this work on dupattas and ghagras, cushion covers and table cloths, quilts and bed covers and even wall hangings. It takes immense time and patience to sew each small mirror into the fabric, which is why this art is to be much appreciated. What makes this even more attractive is that in spite of so many mirrors sewn in, the fabrics remain very lightweight. It is a classic piece of embroidery and will never go out of fashion.
Leather products in Jaisalmer are quite popular and what is unique is that most of these items are made from camel leather, and this is a practice here that goes back to medieval times. Camel hide is extremely tough and durable and the way they are treated makes them lightweight and a classic item to carry around. While earlier, the stock was limited to shoes, bags and belts, today everything is available from folders, phone covers, hats and leather bound diaries as well. One of the most unique things to buy here is the Kopi- the traditional leather sack that was used to carry water around in earlier times when water bottles were non- existent. Some desert dwellers still use them and city dwellers buy them for their uniqueness. The decorative leather saddles are also exported worldwide and many prominent horse riders tend to use them.
Do you love traditional jewelry in unique patterns? If yes, then the markets of Jaisalmer will leave you spoilt for choice. The intricately carved gold and silver jewelry here will give any designer jewelry brand a run for its money. You will get jewelry in traditional motifs- patterns which were once worn by the queens and princesses of Rajasthan. Apart from necklaces and jhumkas, keep an eye out for mang-tikas, anklets, kangans and kamarbandhs. Most of them are set with traditional gemstones and you will also come across a wide range of junk jewelry made from brass and copper, and available at very low prices indeed.
Jaisalmer will offer you something which you will not find anywhere else. You will find the Hadur Stone, which carries the residues of aquatic animals that were in existence 180 million years ago. It is believed once there was a water body in Rajasthan and the fossils are all that remains of them. The stone is believed to have medicinal properties and is also considered mysterious by some. The stone is itself beautiful to look at and it can also be used to ferment milk into yoghurt. It is reddish brown in color with dark patterns and can be seen paved into the floors of Jain temples in Rajasthan. What makes it even more unique is that the stone is only available in Jaisalmer and Fatehpur Sikri. Depending on what size and quality you are buying, they can cost between INR 150 to INR 5000.
Jaisalmer is famous for yellow limestone, which is found in the vicinity of the city. It is a pale yellow, almost gold- like appearance and this is why all items made from it look very appealing. It was, in fact, the catalyst which helped the Detective Prodosh Mitra solve his very famous case in Satyajit Ray’ film, the Golden Fort. The items make for great gift items and adornments for your home.
You will find no dearth of items to buy in Jaisalmer to take home back with you. Rugs, carpets, handcrafted jewelry, household knickknacks, traditional paintings with natural colors, clay pots and bowls, stone carved figurines, mojris and dupattas- name it and you will find them aplenty in the city, and also at really affordable rates. In fact, it is quite an adventure to roam through the various markets in search of what you are looking for.
Now that you know what to buy in Jaisalmer, let us have a look at where to buy them:
One of the most prominent bazaars in the city, the Bhatia Bazaar is the once stop destination for mirror embroidery, dress materials and all sorts of decorative items. Centrally located, it is easy to find and it is where most of the old shops of Jaisalmer still do business. One can also find a range of silk sarees and kurtas here. The shops here remain open from 9 am to 8 pm. It is one of the best Jaisalmer cloth markets in the region.
This is a great place to buy shawls, stoles and scarves and one can also find shops selling all kinds of pottery and paintings. An entire section of the bazaar is dedicated to leather products and you will find a great collection of shoes and mojris here in particular. The shops here remain open from 10 am to 6 pm.
Literally meaning the village of goldsmiths, this village is where all the jewelry making and selling takes place. For obvious reasons, this hub is very crowded during festivals like Navratri and Diwali and the women, and even men, adorn themselves with all kinds of jewelry during the festive occasions. You will find craftsmen selling exquisite silver jewelry and ornaments that are studded with semi- precious stones. The shops here remain open from 9 am to 9 pm.
If you are looking for indigenous Rajasthani objects, then head to Pansari Bazaar, which happens to be the oldest street market in the city. It is also called the Villager’s Market and apart from all the traditional items, you will also find puppets here which are synonymous with the culture of the land.
Located near the Jain Temple, this is a truly unique store that is famous for selling all kinds of chandeliers and crystals. Adding them to your home décor will light up your room like nothing else. This store is especially popular among foreign tourists who love to buy exotic crystals here. You will find Onyx, Sandstones, Jasper, Quartz, and Aquamarine here as well. A precious piece of Apophyllite is kept in the shop which is not for sale.
Located at the Amar Sagar Pol, the Manak Chowk is known for its textiles and ethnic jewelry stores. Although it seems like a regular marketplace now, it was a very crucial hub of commerce during the medieval periods. The skilled artisans of Jaisalmer still do business here and there are quite a few family owned shops as well, whose ancestors had once served the Ranas and their families. Apart from the items sold here, the market is also a must visit for its heritage. The shops remain open from 10 am to 8 pm.
Seema Gram is very good destination when it comes to dupattas and trinkets and knickknacks which you want to buy at affordable rates. The Khadi Gramoudyog Bhavan sells handmade and sustainable items, which are made by the local weavers and it has given their profession a new lease of life. The market is visited mostly because of its affordable prices.
Jaisalmer will prove to be quite a treasure trove when it comes to shopping in Jaisalmer and you are sure to return with your bags full to bursting. If you are planning a trip to this city, must visit places in jaisalmer to take an experience of this city. A tour of the markets will also give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the people and you are sure to have a wonderful experience here.
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