India

     India described in two words is a culture shock, but it is an experience worth having in order to obtain new views on the world. India has the wealthiest and poorest people throughout one country and split throughout different cities. The culture is now modernized, but they still stay true to their traditional roots. It is shocking to see streets of poverty stricken people begging for money, and asking tourists to buy souvenirs. Agra is a very poor city and while it houses two of the most fabulous sites to visit, there is a level of stress in visiting because the Indian people are fascinated by the American population. It is intriguing to see how many people want to take pictures of Americans and talk to Americans at any point in time. New Delhi is a more advanced city and easier to travel around because tourists visit the city regularly; there is a higher level of comfort for tourists. The fashions in each city stayed true to tradition. Many people in Agra wore the traditional Sari, and in New Delhi the Sari could also be seen. There were modernized twists on some traditional styles such as, tunics with leggings. The bright colors and sequins were eye catching on the streets throughout India and gave a cheerful appearance to the most poverty stricken areas.

            The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra. The Taj Mahal is the one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and is the reason why most people go out of their way to visit the city. The Taj Mahal was built between the years of 1632 and 1653 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. He decided to design this elegant structure in honor of his loving wife because she died during child birth. Shah Jahan intended to make himself a building across from the Taj Mahal, but his plans didn’t follow through. The king and queen need to be across from each other, which is the explanation for needing two buildings. The building was constructed of pure white marble with accents of gold. The intricate floral designs seen on the front and sides of the structure are made from precious and semi-precious stones; all of which have a unique color that light up with the shine of a light. The Taj Mahal is fascinating because it is able to change colors due to the purity of the white marble. The marble can take on the color of the light that is shining on it, which is why the Taj Mahal always closes at sun down; Indians want visitors to appreciate the magnificent structure at the best time. Shoes are not to be worn when stepping on the marble of the Taj Mahal. Local Indians pile up their shoes outside and walk around barefoot, but it is amazing that they all know how to find their shoes later. Tourists can put shoe covers on their feet if they don’t feel comfortable going bare. Inside the Taj Mahal are the tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife, but only the replicas can be viewed because the actual tombs are in the bottom of the building; the husband and wife must always lie together. The long pathways leading to the Taj Mahal are lined with peaceful ponds and areas of clean cut grass, but on the weekend the park is packed with tourists and local Indians. Despite how many times they may have seen the Taj, Indians continue coming back to appreciate it. The greatness of the structure can be slightly downgraded by the affect of poverty and crowds of people when it becomes heavily crowded but it is elegant, nevertheless.

            The factory and Mixed Noveau showed how India is emerging into one of the biggest markets in the world to practice business. The buying office at Mixed Noveau works with major department stores in the United States such as, Nordstrom, Macy, Neimans, and Victoria Secret; they cater to the trends that people need for instant gratification. Currently, consumers want bright colors and glitter to make hard economic times easier to deal with. The company is able to deliver clothing in as fast as six weeks if it’s necessary because they want a high turnover and need to cater to demanding consumers. Despite how quickly clothing is beginning to be manufactured the business is still staying true to their traditional and ethnic roots by creating handmade quality pieces. For example, the macramé pieces in the collection are made completely by hand in the homes of women. The new trend is for major businesses to allow women to work from home, which creates a family friendly environment. Women are able to support their family financially as well as with care. The target market of Mixed Noveau is for an updated “missy” that wants high fashion at a low rate. During difficult economic times consumers still want to look fashionable, but for less money. The items seen at Mixed Noveau were very trendy and fit their target market and the stores they cater to. The clothing was trendy but affordable for a woman on a budget. The clothing is highly fashionable with hints of Indian culture. The bright colors, sequins, and embroideries reflect the Indian culture; the company is able to be trendy, but also stick to traditional values in Indian society.

            The poverty that is seen throughout India would lead any one to believe that the factories there are dirty, disorganized, and display poor treatment of employees. However, this is not the situation seen in Indian factories. The factories seen in India are the cleanest and most organized factories one could possibly imagine. Thousands of workers mesh together doing their individual duties without any distraction. Popular brands such as, Old Navy, Target, H &M, and Zara can be seen on the assembly lines. Each piece of clothing has its own assembly line and each person in the assembly line sews a separate part onto the garment. At the end of the line the garment is compared to the specifications board to ensure that it meets all standards of quality of the company. There are 37 factories and each one is interested in producing in bulk; a minimum of 5,000 pieces needs to be ordered from a company in order to ship it overseas. The stores that are being shipped to have a high turnover for trendy clothing, which makes it easy to order several thousand pieces. The factory has a motto of quality and completing work the right way the first time. Many companies choose to outsource the intricate work such as embroidery, but this factory purchased expensive machines to do embroidery, and for special pieces the embroidery is finished by hand. Embroidery machines are expensive and people that do embroidery by hand need to be dedicated to their job. They are also following the up and coming trend of allowing women to work in a family friendly environment; children have a daycare at the factory so mothers can support the family too. The factory can be compared to the Mango warehouse in Barcelona because in both situations large groups of people need to work together harmoniously to provide consumers with a quality product. India is interested in producing for thousands of consumers, but don’t stop short of quality.

            The Agra Fort is best described as a walled city. Today about 60% of the fort is used for military purposes, which means that the public can only view a few of the buildings throughout the fort. Akbar, the grandfather of Shah Jahan, made the walled city his capital in 1558. At the time the buildings were in a destroyed state and he wanted to renovate them to their best quality. The buildings were finally completed with red sandstone and bricks in 1573. Shah Jahan, also known as the designer of the Taj Mahal took reign over the Agra Fort and demolished some of the buildings to give it his signature style. Based on the design of the Taj Mahal it is clear that Shah Jahan liked the sleek look of marble and intricate gem stone designs. When Shah Jahan’s son took reign over the fort he kept his father as a hostage prisoner and left him to die within the fort. Shah Jahan died in a marble tower that overlooked the Taj Mahal. Today the Agra Fort can be viewed in the state that Shah Jahan left it. The fort is 94 acres of serenity; it is a quiet and relaxed environment. The fort has four sides each of which has its own gate; The Dehli gate, and the Lahore gate are the two most notable gates. The Dehli gate is the grandest, but it cannot be used by the public to visit. The Dehli gate was used by the King and was built in order to enhance protection with its grand marble entrance.  Some of the rooms in the fort have unique uses such as, the room that has hollow walls. The walls were hallow so that they could fill up with water and avoid flooding.  If one is to speak to the wall on one side of the room the echo travels around the walls. The magnificence of the room can be felt throughout the palace, but like always there is an undeniable sense of culture that never seems to be lost in India.

            Precious and semi-precious gems are found throughout India for ridiculously low prices for the American dollar. The emporium can be compared to a strip mall. It is a long row of shops offering scarves made of fine fabrics, jewels, rugs and cultural souvenirs. During the time of the festival there is live music, stands full of piping hot local food and entertainers trying to make a few rupees. The restaurants offer every type of food; including some American and the tables are full. The stores clothes around seven, which is why it is important to arrive early to receive all the best deals. The shop employees are eager to help their customers as soon as they enter the door, and they always try to offer their best prices to make a sale. At times the sales clerks can be haughty, but their haughtiness is endearing and the customers get excited about making a purchase. There is an endless selection of precious and semi-precious gemstones for the taking. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and topaz are among the selection and can be found in earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or pure solid stones. Each shop has its own glass case crammed with jewelry and shelves six feet tall stacked with Pashminas; two of India’s signature merchandises for the tourists. The music and festival transform the emporium and it is no longer an ordinary shopping center, but it is a magical time to enjoy with friends and appreciate a new culture so different from the United States.

            Dilli Haat is a well known open festival market that offers authentic Indian gifts and food for the tourists to have an ideal cultural experience. With the help of an inexpensive and wild tuk tuk ride the market is easy to find and the ride will be entertaining. In order to get into the festival it costs about 10 or 20 rupees, which is only a few cents in American dollars. Inside the gate the trees are hung with lights and music is playing to add theatrical enjoyment. The colors are vibrant just as one would expect in India. Each station has a plethora of color flowing out of the booth with brightly colored scarves, shoes, and jewelry. There are not any brick and mortar stores in Dilli Haat; there are rows and rows of tents and booths set up for locals and tourists to get a feel for what they are trying to sell. The huts at the festival make it an informal environment and give comfort to those shopping. The sales clerks still display their haughtiness, but they are also much more willing to give a reasonable price than the stores at the emporium. Haggling is always welcome at Dilli Haat and they are eager to make a sale. Several booths offer the same type of merchandise, which makes it easier to compare products and prices between the huts. The sales clerks are friendly and encourage the tourists to try on their merchandise at no cost. Some of the souvenirs and crafts available are handmade such as the shoes. The shoes are very inexpensive and made in all sizes. The employees will help prospective purchasers find their size and offer several different designs or colors. Some of the designs are very distinct to the Indian culture and probably not as socially accepted to wear in other countries, but they offer styles that appear to be the same as any flat shoes sold in the United States; it depends on what the customer desires are. Dillia Haat is perfect to visit at night or during the day and is a fantasy for those looking to shop for a bargain.

            India is by far a unique country with its own traditions and values. India should be admired for their ability to add a modern twist onto their traditions that they never lose sight of. Despite the economy, the people of India have found ways through fashion and festivals to make times lighter and happier.