Expatriates are people not residing in the country of which they are natives. They live in other countries working as skilled workers, professionals, or artists. In this article, we will see the different choices available for expatriates living in/visiting Hyderabad and who are interested in shopping for handicrafts.
The historic city of Hyderabad in South India has plenty to offer for persons interested in shopping for handicrafts.
- Handicrafts: When an expatriate intends to purchase handicrafts, Hyderabad is the best place for them. In the city, you can buy both handicrafts that are made in Telangana and also the ones belonging to other states. There is a variety of local handicrafts available from the state of Telangana in which Hyderabad city resides.
Pembarthi metal handicrafts are one such type of handicrafts which is a village close to Orugallu (also called Warangal), the capital city of the last native kingdom of Kakatiyas and later resurgence under Musunuri Nayaks. The handicrafts are made of brass and this is a thousands of year old art tradition. South Indian has a very ancient tradition of working with metal as many kinds of metal ores are found in this region. Due to lack of state patronage due to non-locals and non-Hindus being rulers for almost 600 years, most Pembarthi handicrafts are of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. But a few items like lamps, elephants, and other sheet metal engraving are also available.
Also famous are the Nirmal soft wooden toys, Nirmal paintings, and Nirmal decorative wooden panels engravings typically used as wall hangings. Despite no state support for over 600 years and sporadic support after 1948, these handicrafts have survived – it speaks of the popularity of these handicrafts with the public. These handicrafts lacked patronage due to native rulers losing wars to foreign invaders and the disinterest of non-native rulers in native handicrafts and culture.
Bidriware has received extensive patronage and support for the last few centuries due to conquest by warfare by non-native Telugu people. The non-native kingdom capital was established in Bidar from which the handicraft name is derived, now in the adjoining state of Karnataka. Bidriware is a collection of varied handmade items such as candle stands, vases, boxes, and trays in black color, which is considered inauspicious color by the local population.
The local natives prefer bangles made of glass, silver but the first preference is gold. Non-natives prefer the lac bangles which are rarely worn by the natives.
- Handlooms: You have access to an extensive range of handlooms in the city. This range is inclusive of traditional Indian dresses as well as decorative items like carpets, pillow covers, and floor mats. Irrespective of your location in the city, you are never distant from reputed handloom stores.
Also, it is a lovely idea to travel to the village of Pochampally, which is only around thirty miles from the city. There you can buy the World-renowned Pochampally silk sarees, which are woven in varied patterns and colors. Banjara embroidery is another variety of handicrafts.
- Spices: You get different types of spices in Hyderabad that are very famous. But there are several supermarkets and other stores spread across the city where varieties of spices are sold. The expatriates can conveniently purchase them in any of these outlets.
- Gold Jewellery and Pearls: Handmade gold jewelry and pearls are integral elements of the history of Hyderabad. The city has been a major market for the business of pearls for several centuries. Here, you shall invariably find the pearls of your choice, whatever might be your exact budget. Many leading jewelry stores of the city have pearls in their collection, too.
Along with the points discussed above, there are many other options for expatriate shoppers in Hyderabad. For instance, for persons of Indian origin, numerous kinds of pickles are available in the city. Overall, the city offers something for everybody.