Short answer
Rajasthan is known for block-printed textiles, bandhani, blue pottery, silver and gemstone jewellery, mojari shoes and miniature paintings. Buy from workshops and trusted shops, bargain politely, check quality, and never take part in schemes to resell gemstones abroad.
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Shopping is part of the Rajasthan experience, and the state has some of India's finest crafts. It is also a place where visitors can be overcharged or pushed into buying things they do not want. This guide explains what is worth buying, where to find it and how to shop well.
Textiles
Block-printed fabrics. Hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes make beautiful cotton prints. The villages of Sanganer and Bagru near Jaipur are famous for it. Bagru is known for earthy dabu mud-resist prints. Visit a workshop to see the process, and look for cotton, scarves, bedspreads and dress material.
Bandhani. Tie-dye work, where small points of cloth are tied before dyeing to make dot patterns. It is widely sold in Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Leheriya. A wave-like tie-dye pattern, particularly associated with Jaipur and used for turbans and sarees.
Jaipuri razai. Light, warm quilts, popular as souvenirs.
Embroidery and mirror work. Found in Jaisalmer and the desert villages, on bags, cushion covers and wall hangings.
Jewellery and gems
Silver jewellery. Tribal silver, oxidised pieces and more modern designs are found in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer.
Kundan and meenakari. Traditional Jaipur jewellery with set stones and coloured enamel.
Gemstones. Johari Bazaar in Jaipur is known for cut stones. Be cautious: you may be offered stones at inflated prices, with false claims about resale value abroad.
Lac bangles. Bright, light bangles from Tripolia Bazaar.
Pottery, paintings and crafts
Blue pottery. Made from quartz and glass rather than clay, with blue cobalt designs. Jaipur is the centre. Look for hand-painted designs and even glazes.
Miniature paintings. Udaipur, Bundi and Kishangarh have distinct styles. Check whether a painting is hand-painted or a print. Prices range widely.
Pichwai paintings. Large devotional paintings from Nathdwara, near Udaipur.
Puppets. Colourful string puppets (kathputli) make good gifts.
Marble and stone carving. Jaipur's craftsmen carve statues and decorative pieces, though shipping can be complex.
Leather. Mojari shoes, camel leather bags and Bikaner leather goods.
Spices, sweets and local products
Spices, tea, pickles, papads and sweets are good presents. Rose water and rose products are special to Pushkar. Attar (natural perfume) from Ajmer is another souvenir.
Where to shop
- Jaipur: Johari Bazaar (jewellery), Bapu Bazaar (textiles and shoes), Tripolia Bazaar (bangles and brassware), Sanganer and Bagru.
- Udaipur: The lanes near the City Palace and Jagdish Temple, for miniatures, silver and textiles.
- Jodhpur: Sardar Market and Clock Tower area, for spices, textiles and handicrafts.
- Jaisalmer: The fort lanes and Sadar Bazaar, for embroidery, mirror work and silver.
- Pushkar: The main bazaar, for silver, bangles and rose products.
- Government emporiums: State-run shops such as Rajasthali sell fixed-price crafts and are a useful benchmark for quality.
How to bargain
In street markets and many shops, prices are negotiable. Start by offering about half and meet somewhere in the middle. Be polite and smile, and be willing to walk away. Avoid bargaining in fixed-price shops and emporiums.
Avoiding scams
- The gem scam. Someone suggests that you buy stones, jewellery or carpets for resale abroad, with promises of profit. Do not take part.
- Commission shops. Drivers and guides may take you to shops where they earn a commission. If you do not want to shop, say so firmly at the start.
- Fake antiques. Genuine antiques over 100 years old cannot legally be exported without clearance.
- Misleading claims. "Pure silk" or "handmade" may not be accurate. Compare and ask questions.
Quality checks
For textiles, look at the print alignment and colour fastness; rub a damp white cloth on the fabric to see if dye bleeds. For silver, look for a purity mark such as 925 and use a magnet to check it is not iron-based. For leather, check stitching and smell. For paintings, ask whether the pigments are natural and the paper is handmade. For rugs, look at the knot density. Honest sellers will welcome your questions.
Shipping and export
Most shops can ship large items home, but costs, insurance and delivery times vary. Choose well-known shippers and pay by card where possible to have some protection. Do not ship items made from protected materials, such as ivory, certain shells or wildlife products. Antiques more than a hundred years old cannot be exported without government clearance.
Practical tips
- Set a budget and a list before you shop.
- Carry some cash for markets, but also use cards or UPI where accepted.
- Ask for a bill, and check the return or shipping policy for large items.
- For jewellery, ask about metal purity and hallmark.
- For fabrics, look at stitching and colour fastness.
- Be wary of shipping agents who promise to send goods home; use trusted companies.
A shopping checklist
Before you go to a market, decide on one or two things you really want, and a rough budget. Ask your hotel which shops are reliable, take a photograph of the item and the price tag, and compare before you buy. Keep your receipts and any certificates in a folder, and check whether the shop can arrange insured shipping for fragile pieces such as blue pottery.
Gifts that travel well
Small block-printed scarves, mojari shoes, spice boxes, tea, silver earrings and miniature paintings in flat frames all pack easily. Wrap fragile pottery in clothing, and keep receipts handy for customs on international flights.
Shop with a plan
Allow a half-day in Jaipur for bazaars and a workshop visit. Plan shopping for the end of the trip so that you carry less. Ask your hotel or planner for recommendations, and note that we do not earn commission from shops. See our Jaipur guide or tell us what you want to buy.
Practical tips
- Compare prices at two or three shops before buying anything expensive.
- Ask about material, origin and process; real craftsmen are happy to explain.
- Never buy gemstones for resale; it is a known scam.
- Ask for a proper bill and, for jewellery, hallmark or purity details.
- Ignore pressure from touts and drivers who earn commission on shop visits.
