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Saharanpur: The City Of Exquisite Furniture And Handicrafts |
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Saharanpur is situated between the Ganges and the Yamuna, the holy rivers of India. One of the major district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, the history of Saharanpur dates back from 2000 B.C. It was part of the Indus Valley civilization later to be ruled by the Aryan Kings. The Mughals took over in the 1300’s and it became the administrative hub and summer resort of the Mughal Empire. In the year 1803 the British took over from the Mughals later to be ousted after the Mutiny of 1857. Saharanpur, now, has become the primary road and railway junction of Uttar Pradesh. Apart from being the major agricultural market, it also features in the world map as one of the foremost manufacturer of wood products and handicrafts. The Anguri and Pinjara Style FurnitureThe vintage of the city along with its cultural mix, the handicrafts of Saharanpur has evolved into a unique blend of Mughal and Indian style. The artifacts excavated during archaeological findings only prove the most beautiful and blooming period of the art of Saharanpur. The wooden entrance doors and the decorative designs and motifs on the ancient Havelis (bungalow of landlords and kings) are executed by the Hindu artisans with intricate geometrical forms, floral decorations and the unique Anguri (entwined grapevines) style. The lattice work which is accomplished by Pinjara (fret-saw perforation) technique was developed in Persia and adopted by the immigrant craftsmen in Saharanpur and is still used to manufacture the artistic screens at Saharanpur.Jalliwork made with Rosewood, Ebonite, TeakThe exquisite floral designs on the wooden tables, chairs and other furniture are a pride of India. Designed to perfection and chiseled out of exotic woods from the hills of the Shivalik range the artwork of Saharanpur is applauded worldwide. Exported to Germany, U.K., USA, Canada, Kuwait Sweden and countries around the globe the ‘jaali’ works on the wooden screens and room dividers have gained immense popularity. The raw materials primarily used are shisham, teak, ebonite and rosewood. The craftsmen also use combination of different woods to achieve a variety of texture, color and durability. With the advent of modernization, metals are now frequently used to gain popularity in the western countries. To get a feel of all these one needs to roam the streets of Saharanpur. One can view the dedication and expertise of local craftsmen as they carve one exquisite design after the other. Even women are greatly involved in this industry. Wide Range of Products and PricesThere are hundreds of shops and 20,000 artisans selling their wares, but a few shops which specialize in export quality handicrafts are on Bazdaran Street, Ambala Road and Kishanpura. The Craft, Indus Creations, Earthen Artware, Kazmi Craft and National Handicraft are to name a few. Here one can have a look at a variety of tables, wooden baskets, screens, kitchenware, wall mounts and other home decorative items.One can buy products at a throwaway price of five bucks for a kitchenware to a couple of grand for a plush three seater sofa. You can always bargain a bit. But at the same time you have to remember the hours of hard work that has gone into the exquisite piece that you will show to your neighbors. |
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