SHOPPING IN INDIA:   The Republic of India encompasses most of the Indian Subcontinent in Southern Asia and stretches into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.  This fascinating country, with app. 1.2 billion inhabitants, is the world’s second most populous.  New Delhi is the capital and Mumbai (Bombay) is the largest city.  India is home to one of the world’s oldest and richest cultures, making shopping in India a traveler’s paradise!  India is an interesting juxtaposition of villages, where a great proportion of the people live in poverty, and modern industrialized urban areas with a substantial middle-class; both present fabulous opportunities for shopping in India.  Textiles are a mainstay: ornate silk brocades from Varanasi, beautiful Rajasthan cottons, high-quality wools from Kashmir and much more, are favorites for shopping in India.  Clothing is relatively inexpensive and those shopping in India will find an astounding variety of both traditional and Western fashions.  Shopping in India is made more exciting by the bargaining custom—haggling with merchants for the “best price” is expected!  India is also famous for its magnificent carpets and when shopping in India explore the hand-woven products from different regions.  There is a large leather crafting industry in India, so be sure to check out the sandals and other leather items when shopping in India.  As a distinct departure from “western” jewelry, those shopping in India for jewelry will find a proliferation of highly ornate and heavy pieces composed of precious metals adorned with precious and semi-precious stones.  Indian food is one of the world’s “great cuisines” and travelers should sample the local fare at every opportunity.  Many stores specialize in spices, teas, perfumes and other riches of the East, and shopping in India also includes patronizing these merchants.  Although countless languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country, English is the well-established second language—particularly for commerce—making shopping in India easier for travelers from the U.S., U.K. and other Western countries.