The history of perfumes is said to be as old as history of humankind itself. In the modern era, French perfumes rule the roost. Every civilization has had its brush with perfumes. Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley civilization, ancient China and Roman have had a history of with perfumes.
In the medieval era, Muslims mastered the art. Attar (also called Itar) is a form of perfume making that was mastered during the Mughals in India. Persian master Ibn Sina is often credited to have extracted fragrances from flowers. In centuries that have followed since, Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj has emerged as the ‘attar capital’ of India. In the colonial era and, later, in post-independent India, Western perfumes gained currency.
However, it appears, attars are again making a comeback of sorts. While its dedicated patrons always remained loyal to it, its popularity had taken a beating. Not any more, one would say. They are now listed on Amazon, which itself, speaks volumes of their growing popularity.
Few facts that all must know - these oil-based fragrances are skin-friendly and as most of them are alcohol-free, they are environment friendly too. Also, you don't have to douse yourself by spraying, just a drop or two suffices. What's more is that they are relatively inexpensive!
Here are few attars we have curated from Amazon. Take a look:
1) Menjewell Rose Fresh, Chandan-E-Khaas, Royal Mogra & Rajnigandha Perfume Floral Attar