Agra’s deep connections with the artisanal world has been amply showcased worldwide through its most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal. From the fantastic pachekari or inlay work to the rich carvings and sculpting of white marble, from the fusion of arabesques and geometrical decorations, the versatility of its artisans has found much favour with culture buffs the world over.
Agra has long been reputed for major industries like footwear, jewellery, and the tourism industry. But apart from these, there are many small and traditional businesses like pachekari or inlay work, zardozi embroidery, marble carving and sculpting, kite making etc. These have been run for centuries by old families who’ve been transmitting these high-skilled crafts across generations.
This tour offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich and diverse world of the creative arts. Whenever we walk or go through the old markets of Agra, we encounter tiny shops selling these indigenous goods.
Explore workshops where artisans still hone the Pietra Dura and Zardosi crafts which made the Taj Mahal! The walk through Agra’s atmospheric old bazaars will rekindle the tales and legends of its amazing crafting skill. Pachekari was purportedly introduced in Agra by empress Noor Jahan in the 1600s. You can watch artisans at work as the diligently bend over the minutest detailing of a piece of marble to be inlaid with semi- precious stones like coral, garnets, lapis lazuli etc. At another workshop marvel at the flawless skill of embroiders at work on a garment to be embellished with zardozi. Even a machine-made reproduction cannot replace the magic wrought by the human hand in these wondrous creations. During the walk, we will explore the working system of these small factories that have silently been serving the city for generations. You will bear witness to the beautiful handiwork and the myriad skills of the artisans.