The Ancient Art of Kannauj Perfume Making

October 2, 2025

For centuries, Kannauj—the perfume capital of India—has been home to a tradition unlike any other: the making of natural attars (perfumes). This ancient art has been passed down through generations, using methods that remain almost unchanged for hundreds of years.

At Hari Bhai Shah, we are proud to be part of this living legacy, crafting perfumes, rose water, and gulkand using the same time-honored techniques that our ancestors perfected.

1. The Legacy of Kannauj

Kannauj is often called the “Grasse of the East”, a town where fragrance fills the air. For over 400 years, artisans here have distilled perfumes using flowers, herbs, sandalwood, and other natural ingredients. Unlike synthetic perfumes, Kannauj attars are natural, chemical-free, and deeply soulful.

2. The Deg-Bhapka Distillation Method

At the heart of Kannauj’s perfume-making lies the deg-bhapka (copper pot distillation) technique:

Fresh flowers, like roses or jasmine, are placed in copper vessels filled with water.
The pot is sealed with clay and slowly heated over a wood or cow-dung fire.
Steam carries the fragrance into a receiver (bhapka) filled with sandalwood oil, which absorbs the aroma.
The process takes hours—or even days—resulting in a natural, pure attar.

3. Sandalwood: The Soul of Attar

Pure sandalwood oil acts as the base for absorbing fragrances. Known as liquid gold, sandalwood enhances the depth and longevity of the perfume. The combination of floral steam and sandalwood creates a unique essence that cannot be replicated by synthetic methods.

4. A Craft Protected by Time

What makes Kannauj perfumes unique is their unchanged tradition. While modern perfumery uses machines and chemicals, Kannauj artisans rely on manual labor, natural resources, and centuries of knowledge. This makes every drop of attar a symbol of heritage and sustainability.

5. The Role of Hari Bhai Shah

As a fourth-generation perfume house, Hari Bhai Shah carries this legacy forward. Our attars and rose waters are crafted with respect for tradition, ensuring purity, authenticity, and sustainability. Every bottle we create connects you to the ancient roots of Kannauj.