Attars are like flowers - as old as the ages but as fresh as tomorrow’s dew drops. The subtle blending of the various aromas is very likely the creation of melody. This is called an accord and constitutes of the base note, middle note and top note (top note being the most volatile one and the base note being the most long lasting one). And like Indian music’s various ragas, the use of attars matches the seasons of the year. Indian perfumes have never been classified separately for men and women. They have an inherent oriental charm. That is why they stand out in the world of perfumes. As Praful Gundhi, the perfumer puts it: “Perfume making is art, science, creativity, hard work and research all rolled into one.”

Gulab Singh Johri Mal, one of the most well known shops of Old Delhi, was established in 1816 mainly as an attar manufacturing business by Gulab Singh Ji and his son Johri Mal Ji. It is said that during the reign of Akbar Shah II, the nobility including the Nawabs, Rajas, landlords and subedars sat for hours with Gulab Singh Ji delicately sniffing and selecting the attars (Indian perfumes).