16/02/2025
Graphic Of The Year 2024 | 1st Position
Category: A
Project Code: GT129
Participants Name: Ishan Jadhav, Jeevika Halbe, Khushi Somani, Bhavya Patil
Project Description: Kannauj, known as the 'perfume city' of India, has a rich history in ittar production, dating back to the 7th century AD. Located near the Ganges and Kali Rivers in Uttar Pradesh, it gained prominence during the Mughal era, especially with Queen Noorjahan’s introduction of rose-based ittar. Today, the city’s ittar industry remains a cottage industry with around 300 units, producing Rs 1,000 crores worth of natural perfume oils annually. Kannauj’s ittars are highly prized in the Middle East and Europe, with exports valued at Rs 100 crores. However, alcohol-based perfumes dominate the Indian market. India’s rich tradition of aromatics, especially ittar, has ancient roots, dating back to cities like Kannauj, Benaras, and Patna, which thrived on trade routes like the Uttarapatha and Dakshinapath, connected to the Silk Road. Perfumes were exchanged globally, with historical texts like Firdousi's Shah Nama and archaeological sites such as Mohenjo-Daro highlighting their cultural importance. Aromatic plants, originally used for medicinal and odor-masking purposes, evolved into perfumery and cosmetics. India’s ittar culture, once a royal luxury, traces its origins to early distillation techniques, with essential oils still valued for fragrance and therapeutic benefits today.
