Bhopal, May 19:

The speciality

* 350-year-old shop

* 150 year old furniture in the shop

* Purses being made for the last 15 generations

* Bhopali Purse - the name itself is sufficient to sell.

* Prices to suit everybody's pocket

* Famous throughout the world, particularly in Japan and China.

Bhopal City is known for its beauty and other qualities. Lakes of Bhopal have inspired several poets. There is a long list to describe the qualities of this City of Lakes and Hills. In this list, Bhopal's special 'Zari Purse' has also found a place. The purses are famous for their quality and attractive look all over the world for the last 350 years! Let's find out more about the purses.

Fashion is changing day by day. Still there are some items, which are liked for their traditional look and quality. We are talking about the famous Zari purses at Parekh Brothers, Chowk Bazaar.

The importance and the quality of these purses can be gauged from the fact that former President the late Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma used to present these purses to the foreign dignitaries. The purses were meant for giving as gift since centuries. Hundreds of years ago when the Nawab of Bhopal wanted to give something special to his guests, the artisans here prepared the purse which had gold and silver interwoven in it. This has become famous as 'Bhopali Batua'. Since then till today, the purse keeps its quality and traditional look. The market is full of new, fashionable and attractive purses. Still demand for 'Bhopali Batua' is increasing. The Bhopali Batua is given to the bride at the time of marriage.

Sunil Jai Parekh, owner of Parekh Brothers said his shop and the Bhopali Batua have been there since several generations. The purse is liked by people from all walks of life. Therefore, some changes have been made in the manufacturing of the purse to suit the taste of the old and the new generations alike. But the basic concept is the same, he said. We are getting customers of different age group - children to aged persons. 'I have tried my level best to continue the tradition started by my forefathers. The tradition will continue, he assured.

Ramlali Soni likes the Zari laden purse. It looks very attractive. This is my favourite purse whenever I attend marriage or other important occasions. Another important factor about the purse is that it is available according to the colour of your dress, she said.

Sudha Soni said the purse is as famous today as was at the time of the Nawabs. The look of the purse has been changed according to the fashion of the time. There are attractive and new purses made from leather and fabric. But I like these Zari laden purses, she said. We are buying these purses for the purpose of giving gifts to our near and dear, she added.

Congress leader Brajmohan Shrivastava said he wanted to give something special to Mrs. Pratibha Patil when she became President. He presented Bhopal's famous Zari purse to the highest dignitary. The President was very happy to receive the gift, the Congress leader said.