Sardar Market: Where Heritage Meets Street Shopping in Jodhpur

The Sardar market in Jodhpur allows one to peep into the past as the market still decks up like centuries ago with clothes, accessories, figurines, spices and more.

Although the 'Blue City' in the state of Rajasthan has many historical forts and sights to offer, the local life of people is best displayed through the lively and colourful affair of the city called Sardar Market in Jodhpur. Being centrally located, it enjoys the privilege of enticing locals as well as tourists.

After the discovery of Jodhpur in around the 1400s, the next major establishment, among others, was the clock tower in the heart of the city that stands as a prime sign for the Sardar market. It is believed that the name of the market had been kept after Maharaja Sardar Singh, the former ruler of Jodhpur who built the Ghanta Ghar and the bazaar that came into operation in the 19th century. It could be because of the same reason why the market still helps one to glance into the past era.

Strolling the narrow lanes on the street might sound challenging, but the beauty surrounding the bazaar makes it all worth your visit. What shines from very far away here are those distinctive hued bangles that can go on all occasions, especially the ones with festive vibes. If you don't get your preferred colours or design at one shop, you need not worry as many small and big shops are on the same route.

Talking about a local market in Rajasthan and not mentioning the popular Bandhni work clothes is impossible, and this market has taken care of the fact well. Expect to get your hands on a variety of clothing options, including hand-embroidered fabric, sarees, suits, dupattas, etc. As Jodhpur witnesses cold during the winter season, the market also offers beautiful pashmina shawls, quits, and blankets during that time.

The third-most visible items here are nothing but the traditional mojaris, which constitute a good part of this market. We also believe visiting Rajasthan without buying mojaris remains an incomplete shopping adventure. However, you can also take a glimpse at variant and vibrant carpets, rugs, and cushion covers once here.

Not just the locals of Jodhpur set up their stalls here; even the villagers from the nearby areas flock to the major shopping hub of this city to sell their artisanal and handmade crafts, souvenirs, and antiques. The puppets dressed in typical Rajasthani styles, mud dolls, camels, and elephants are also sold by the villagers and appeal to the tourists the most. It is also advised not to bargain with them too much because of the hard work they put into the crafts.

For ornaments lovers, the place turns out to be a paradise with intricate silver jewels and many antique jewelleries along with some lacquerware, marble inlay work, semi-precious stones jewellery, gift items, candles, and ties, weaved calfskin shoes, baskets, handmade bags and small household items. While many selling these items have established shops running for a long time, coming across hawkers is also not unusual.

Varieties of spices and tea flavours

Another most important and visible item of this market constitutes varieties of spices which the locals of the city love to visit for. People say that one can pay around Rs. 100 to 150 to take home a 200 g packet of spices and a 150g packet of rice. From vegetables and rice to meat and fish, you can find all kinds of masala mixes here, some of which include cardamom, vanilla, saffron, turmeric, red chilli powder, black and white pepper, and more.

Some popular varieties of tea, on the other hand, are cinnamon-infused Kashmiri Khawa, Assam or Darjeeling tea, and the popular ginger tea. Apart from this, you can have a look at the cooking essentials sold in various shops. Some also offer organic products, vegetables, and fruits, which locals love to buy here. Abhishansa Mathur, a resident of Jodhpur and the editor of Local Samosa, goes down the memory lane and talks about the time when she visited the market. She says, "Often visited by the locals of Jodhpur, the market is distinguished with the colour palette it has to offer."

Walking down the street, especially on a sunny day, might land you at the lassi, kulfi, and stalls of sugarcane juices here. The dessert lovers also like to pay a visit to the old and popular sweet shops here.

All in all, if you are in Jodhpur, we suggest you take a round of this market for its old heritage charm, even if you don't have to buy anything and glance at the city's colourful lives and city dwellers!

Also Read: Bring home some meetha from these local sweet shops in Jodhpur!

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