Aside from visiting the UNESCO rock-hewn monuments, another popular pastime in Mahabilupuram is shopping. From humble stalls to boutique shops, there are things to be purchased. Be sure to bargain though, as prices are quite inflated, particularly for non-Indians!
The biggest draw are the rock carvings, fashioned into Hindu deities, elephants, decorative balls, and other shapes. The more expensive ones are carved out of granite, an incredibly hard rock. Craftsmanship is quite good. Even if you don’t want to
buy anything made out of rock, do take the time to stop at a workshop or stall where men are chiseling away on the rock, fashioning large sculptures for temples and other important places.If stone stuff is not your thing, Mahabiluparam also has a fairly large selection of textiles and other crafts from northern India. I declined purchasing any of these, as I’d like to go up north where they are made and then make my selection. Jewelry is also a popular item.
In a boutique I noticed some wooden masks. One had small multiple skull-like heads above the main head with b
ulging eyes. Another was of an elephant, a favorite subject of Indian art and a reminder of its beloved god Ganesh. This boutique also has some wood carvings and brass pieces that had strong stylistic similarities to the Dogon in Mali. Alas, things were very expensive there so I went away empty-handed.Even if you don't visit the shops, the shopping will come to you. At the entrances of stone monuments, sellers suddenly envelop the visitor, showing their wares and starting with highly inflated prices. Some are young kids, following you with repeated attempts to show off their stone-carved pendants and hoping for a sale. Quite persistent fellers!
1 comment:
Nice pics....I will be visiting Mahabalipuram this month.
-Maneesh.
Admirableindia.com
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