Have you ever wished to capture the musky or woody fragrance wafting through dense forests? Or longed to capture the scent of damp soil after rains, eloquently termed as petrichor? Different fragrances evoke diverse memories, and you can seamlessly include these in your life by heading to Kannauj, the land of perfumes in Uttar Pradesh.
Popularly called ‘The Perfume Capital Of India’, Kannauj has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Known for its art and craft, the city is one of the very few places in India producing attar or itr without the use of any artificial substances. Let’s embark on a fragrant journey through the lanes of Kannauj.
Fragrant chronicles: Kannauj’s rise as the ‘Perfume Capital of India’
Kannauj gained prominence during the Gupta Period (between the fourth and sixth centuries) and later served as the imperial capital during Emperor Harsha’s reign around the seventh century. The art of perfume making, specifically attar, dates back to the Mughal era. Legend has it that Jahangir’s wife, Noor Jahan, mesmerised by the scent of roses from Kannauj, experienced during her bath in Agra, played a pivotal role in the genesis of attar.
For 400 years, Kannauj has been the torch-bearer of perfume craftsmanship in India, owing much to its favourable climate and soil. These natural elements provide an ideal environment for growing the herbs and flowers essential in crafting this aromatic wonder enclosed in glass vials, often called ‘liquid gold’.
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Decoding the artistry of perfume-making in Kannauj
Perfume-making is a delicate art in Kannauj, where skilled artisans, known as sazh, employ the age-old traditional distillation process called deg-bhapka. In this intricate method, large pots called deg are filled with flower petals and water, sealed with a specific clay mixture, and covered with lids. These pots are connected to vessels with long necks called bhapka.
As the deg sits in a furnace, the bhapka, containing a base essential oil – preferably sandalwood oil – sits in a cooling chamber with water. The oil absorbs the fragrance of the condensed vapour from the deg through a bamboo nozzle or pipe. Despite its seemingly simple description, this process is both challenging and time-consuming, giving attar or oudh its due importance.
Aromatic alchemy: The perfumers shaping Kannauj’s ‘liquid gold’
Kannauj is home to numerous centuries-old perfume manufacturers, each passing down the art of creating attar through generations. One of the most sought-after fragrances is the ‘mitti’ attar, capturing the essence of petrichor. Another favourite is Shamama, a type of attar with strong woody notes and remarkable longevity. Its popularity stems from the unique and intriguing fragrance that teases the olfactory senses.
Let’s explore the unparalleled artistry of Kannauj’s oldest and most popular perfume manufacturers, the modern-day alchemists who craft exquisite perfumes by masterfully transforming nature’s bounty into liquid gold.
Kannauj Attar
Globally recognised as one of the first attar makers in India, Kannauj Attar is a popular Indian brand known for creating authentic fragrances using natural products. Among their bestsellers are Dehn Al Oud Attar or Oudh, featuring spicy and floral notes with a hint of honey, and Mitti Attar, capturing the refreshing scent of rain.
Follow Kannauj Attar on Instagram.
Kannauj Perfumery
Kannauj Perfumery presents a luxurious collection in glass bottles with enticing names such as Indian Ocean, Black Ambergri, Forest Moss and Jannet-E-Kashmir. You can buy an array of scents through a set of mini samples and dive into the world of opulence.
Follow Kannauj Perfumery on Instagram
Oriental Perfumes
One of the leading manufacturers and exporters of attar, essential oils, floral water, perfumery compounds, absolutes and more, Oriental Perfumes has been in the business for over 130 years. Their repertoire includes absolute oils (concentrated aromatic oils) like blue lotus oil, frangipani oil, ambrette oil and angelica oil.
Follow Oriental Perfumes on Instagram
Puja Perfumery
For lovers of essential oils, Puja Perfumery offers a diverse range of naturally extracted authentic products, including lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, lemon essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, myrrh essential oil, cedarwood essential oil and vetiver essential oil.
Follow on Puja Perfumery Instagram
Indian Naturals
One of the oldest manufacturers of perfumes in Kannauj, and proudly proclaimed as an ‘eighth generation fragrance house’, according to their website, Indian Naturals pioneers Perfume Tourism in India. Explore an ancient tradition with their immersive and interactive private tours, complemented by a luxurious stay. Make the most of your ‘perfume-filled’ vacation by concocting your bespoke blend.
Follow on Indian Naturals Instagram
The other side of Kannauj: How to reach and places to visit
Key attractions of Kannauj
Explore the Archaeological Museum to delve into the centuries-old clay idols and visit the Gauri Shankar and Annapurna temples for peace and tranquillity. Include Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary in your itinerary, especially if you are an avian enthusiast. The sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, jackals, fishing cats and monkeys. Marvel at the 52-pillar mosque, known for its distinct architecture.
How to reach Kannauj
By air: Kanpur Airport is approximately 97 km away
By train: Kannauj has its own railway station
By road: Kannauj is approximately 141 km from Lucknow and around 220 km from Agra
Best time to visit
Plan your visit between October and March for pleasant weather. Be prepared for colder temperatures in December and January, and pack accordingly.
(Feature image credit: PradeepGaurs/ Shutterstock)
Related: The Sweet Scent Of Kannauj’s Jasmine-infused Perfumes And Fragrant Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is special about the perfumes produced in Kannauj?
Kannauj perfumes are authentic, and crafted without extensive use of chemical compounds or liquor. They are made using natural extracts of flowers and sandalwood through an age-old traditional distillation method.
What is attar, and why is it significant in Kannauj?
Attar is a perfume with a high concentration of naturally extracted essential oils, free from chemicals and alcohol. Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh is among the few places in India producing and exporting attar.
Which are the main ingredients used in perfume-making in Kannauj?
Major ingredients include flowers like rose, marigold, jasmine and lavender, as well as herbs and spices such as cardamom, saffron, cloves, and vetiver.
Can visitors tour perfume manufacturing facilities in Kannauj?
Yes, visitors can tour perfume manufacturing facilities in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, with prior permission.
Can I purchase perfumes directly from manufacturers in Kannauj?
Yes, you can directly purchase perfumes from manufacturers of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh.
Which are the best perfume events in Kannauj?
There are no specific popular perfume-related events in Kannauj.
What are the other attractions to explore in Kannauj besides perfume-related activities?
You can explore the Archaeological Museum, Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary, and Annapurna Temple.
Is there a specific time of the year when the fragrance of flowers is particularly strong in Kannauj?
The fragrance of flowers is particularly strong in Kannauj during July and August, the Jasmine season.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
