Kannauj, Ancient trading city in Uttar Pradesh, India
Kannauj is a town in Kannauj district, Uttar Pradesh, India, positioned along the Ganges and known for its long tradition of perfume making. The older quarters show narrow lanes between brick houses and small workshops where copper vessels used for distillation sit near open courtyards.
In the 7th century, the town became capital under King Harsha, who ruled northern India from here. Over the following centuries, several dynasties attempted to control this strategic center until its prominence faded after the 11th century.
Generations of skilled artisans in Kannauj maintain traditional perfumery methods, creating fragrances through copper pot distillation of natural ingredients.
Travelers reach the town by train or bus from Kanpur, located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southeast and connected to major Indian routes. Within the town itself, much can be explored on foot, while cycle rickshaws help cover longer distances between quarters.
Over 200 small distilleries here produce natural scents by heating flowers such as jasmine and rose in copper vessels over sandalwood fires. This technique, called Deg Bhapka, has been passed down through generations without modern machinery and still supplies essences to international perfume houses today.
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