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Kannauj: India’s Forgotten Perfume Capital & The Need for Government Action Kannauj, often called the Grasse of India, has been crafting perfumes for centuries. This small town in Uttar Pradesh is known for its attars, made using the ancient deg bhapka distillation technique. From mitti attar (the scent of rain-soaked earth) to rose, oudh, and sandalwood, Kannauj’s fragrances are natural and unique. Yet, this heritage is fading fast. Rising costs, lack of branding, and competition from synthetic perfumes are forcing many artisans to shut shop. Younger generations are moving to other jobs, and the industry is on the verge of extinction. Why France Leads & India Falls Behind France turned Grasse into the global perfume capital through government support, branding, and infrastructure. Today, French brands dominate the world, while India remains just a supplier of raw materials. Indian oudh, jasmine, and sandalwood fuel global perfumery, yet foreign companies make billions while Kannauj struggles. Government Must Act: Making India a Global Perfume Hub To revive Kannauj and position India as a major perfume player, the government must act: • GI Tag & Global Recognition – Protect Kannauj attars like Champagne in France to boost their global value. • Financial Support & Modernization – Small perfumers need grants, subsidies, and better distillation units to compete. • Perfume Tourism – Develop a “Kannauj Perfume Trail” to attract visitors like Grasse. • Luxury Indian Perfume Brands – Instead of just exporting raw materials, India should build high-end perfume houses to compete globally. • Research & Innovation – Establish labs for blending traditional attars with modern perfumery. • Stronger Export Policies – Improve trade agreements and showcase Indian perfumes at global expos. Time for Entrepreneurs to Step In Kannauj has everything—rare ingredients, skilled artisans, and history—but lacks branding and investment. If Grasse became a global hub, why not Kannauj? Entrepreneurs must invest in homegrown luxury perfume brands to make India a true fragrance powerhouse. Act Now Before It’s Too Late Many perfumers in Kannauj are shutting down. Without urgent action, this thousand-year-old craft will disappear. With government support and smart business strategies, India can compete with France and reclaim its rightful place in global perfumery. The world already loves Indian scents—it’s time for India to own them.