10 Indian Businesses Making The Most Expensive Products In The World | So Expensive

The paragraph discusses the production of wooden chess sets used in the World Chess Championship, specifically in Amritsar, India. The artisans meticulously hand-carve each piece, with the knight being the most challenging to craft due to its detailed design. The value of the chess set is significantly influenced by the quality of the knights, with a finely carved set of knights accounting for up to 50% of the total cost. The process of carving a single knight takes two hours, and only a few artisans are skilled enough to craft them. The chess sets have specific dimensions and features, such as the king's height and the queen's jewel, which require careful attention and contribute to the production time and cost.

This paragraph delves into the design considerations of chess pieces, emphasizing how their height and detailed features affect gameplay and distinguish the pieces. The Staunton design, which is the only style allowed in international competition, is highlighted for its distinctive features that make identification of the pieces easier. The narrative also touches on the electronic components embedded in the pieces for tracking moves in championship matches, which adds to the sets' value. The weight and feel of the pieces are also discussed as important factors in their overall value and gameplay experience. Historical aspects of chess and the impact of media, such as 'The Queen's Gambit', on the popularity and sales of chess sets are also mentioned.

The paragraph explores the process of obtaining and utilizing Indian sandalwood, a highly valuable resource used in luxury perfumes and other products. The labor-intensive process of stripping the wood to access the aromatic heartwood is described, as well as the classification of different types of sandalwood, such as jajpokel. The unique fragrance of sandalwood and its long-lasting properties are highlighted, along with the economic and cultural significance of the wood. The challenges faced by the industry, including supply shortages, legal restrictions, and the environmental impact of overharvesting, are also discussed, along with efforts to restore and sustainably manage sandalwood resources.

This paragraph details the arduous process of harvesting water lily seeds, also known as fox nuts, in India. The challenging work conditions, including wading through deep water and dealing with the thorny exterior of the water lily plant, are described. The importance of timing in the harvest, as well as the meticulous process of cleaning, drying, and roasting the seeds to achieve the perfect pop, are discussed. The economic and cultural significance of the water lily seeds in the region, as well as the impact of weather and environmental changes on the harvest, are also highlighted. The paragraph concludes with the high value and popularity of the popped seeds, both domestically and internationally.

The paragraph focuses on the production of muga silk, a luxurious and durable fabric made from the cocoons of muga caterpillars in the Assam region of India. The unique golden color and protective properties of muga silk are highlighted, as well as the labor-intensive process of unraveling the cocoons to obtain the continuous thread. The challenges faced by muga silk producers, including the threat of climate change and the use of harmful chemicals, are discussed. The paragraph also touches on the efforts to conserve the muga silk industry, such as the designation of Assam muga silk as a protected geographical indication and the promotion of sustainable practices.

The paragraph explores the process of extracting jasmine oil, a key ingredient in luxury perfumes, from jasmine buds. The labor-intensive process of hand-picking the right buds, the importance of timing in the harvest, and the intricate process of extracting the oil are described. The economic and cultural significance of jasmine in India, as well as the impact of the global demand for jasmine oil on local producers, are highlighted. The paragraph also discusses the challenges faced by the jasmine industry, including the high cost of production and the potential impact of climate change on the harvest.

This paragraph delves into the process of harvesting saffron, the world's most expensive spice, and the factors contributing to its high cost. The labor-intensive process of hand-picking the delicate stigmas from the Crocus sativus flower, the impact of climate and soil on the quality and taste of saffron, and the economic significance of the spice in regions like Kashmir are discussed. The paragraph also addresses the issue of saffron adulteration and the efforts to combat fake products, as well as the cultural and historical significance of saffron.

The paragraph describes the traditional method of making bilona ghee, a type of clarified butter that is hand-churned using a wooden beater called a bilona. The process, which involves separating curds and whey from milk and fermenting the milk to develop complex flavors, is detailed. The paragraph also discusses the importance of using the right type of pot and the skilled labor required to produce high-quality ghee. The economic and cultural significance of ghee in South Asian cooking, as well as the growing demand for traditional methods like Bhavesh's, are highlighted.

This paragraph focuses on the production of green cardamom, one of the world's most expensive spices. The process of harvesting the spice, which involves collecting pods by hand and drying them to preserve their flavor and color, is described. The challenges faced by cardamom farmers, including unpredictable weather and the impact of the climate crisis on supplies, are discussed. The paragraph also touches on the economic significance of cardamom in regions like India's Idukki district and the potential impact of increasing global demand on small farmers.

The paragraph discusses the dangerous and labor-intensive process of harvesting cloves in South India. The importance of timing and the skilled work required to pick the unopened flower buds without damaging them is highlighted. The paragraph also explores the complex flavor and medicinal properties of cloves, which contribute to their high value. The economic and cultural significance of cloves, as well as the challenges posed by changing climate patterns and their impact on the global clove market, are discussed.

This paragraph describes the intricate and time-consuming process of creating a Patan patola sari, a traditional Indian textile known for its double-ikat design. The detailed steps involved in dyeing the silk threads, the precision required in the weaving process, and the unique characteristics of the looms used for Patan patola are discussed. The paragraph also touches on the cultural and historical significance of the sari, as well as the economic challenges faced by producers due to rising costs and the potential impact of increased demand on the traditional craft.