Handicrafts of Agra

Other than the famous monuments in Agra, the city is also famous for its wonderful piece of artistic works that are done on marble, textile materials, Brass, etc. The Mugal kings were great patrons of Art and Artifcat, craftsmen from different part of the country used to come to the court. The Mugals took special interest in promoting the arts and crafts, so as to bring out the best of the art forms. Hence, the handicrafts industry flourishes in Agra and there are hundred of small scale industries specializing in various kinds of handicrafts. Every year during Taj Mahotsave, craftsmen from all over India come to display their works. Shopping experience is really wonderful here with some of the popular shopping spots being Taj Mahal Complex, Kinari bazar, Sunjay Palace and Muntro Road. Handicraft emporiums from other states are also there in Agra.

Zardozi works is a specialty of Agra; it is a unique type of embroidery works that gives three dimensional effects to the patterns made on heavy silk, velvet and satin. First, the pattern is worked with thread to get the required thickness and in the last stage colorful thread is used to make patterns of the desired size. A variety of embellishments like the sequence, gold thread, pearls and beads are used to make wedding dress, cushions, curtains, canopies, animal trappings, bags, purses, belts, and shoes. The material on which this kind of embroidery is done is usually Heavy silk, Velvet and Satin. The kinds of stitches used are Salma-sitara, Gijai, Badla, Katori and seed pearls, among others. Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir was a adroit in zari embroidery work and she took special interest in developing it.

Agra is one of the largest manufactures of leather items especially shoes. Colourful Indian chappals made in Agras are popular worldwide. Handmade leather items like belts, jackets, handbags; wallets, etc are also popular among foreign tourist. Also there is a huge demand for semi-precious and precious Jewelries that are made in Mugal designs. Besides, inlay works are also available in brassware, carpets, jewelries, embroidery and Chikan works. Some of the brass and bronze items available are Statues of Animal figures, Hindu Gods, Ganesha, Buddha, Parvati, Dancing Shiva Natraja (Nataraj),etc.

After visiting Taj Mahal and marveling at the monument created in pure marble, every visitor desires to take home marble souvenirs. Agra markets have some of the finest collections of marble and soft stone inlay works like beautifully carved marble table tops, soft stone lay work, etc. Not only are there marble souvenirs but also decoration pieces for houses and gardens like Alabaster and Soapstone, Alabaster Lamps, Pietra Dura boxes, Stylish Life Size Statues, Animal figures, Jewel cases, Ashtrays and Coasters.

It must be noted that a genuine piece of marble does is opaque and does not allow light to penetrate. The marble carving art is also know as petra-dura works, in which semi-precious stones like Lapis lazuli, Onyx, jasper, cornelian, Turquoise, Coral, etc are embedded in the geometrical and floral designs. Also colored marbles are used to create attractive show pieces. In the market place, craftsmen demonstrate the delicate carving of the marbles.