Types of Bathtubs in India

Indian bathtubs are a blend of functionality and beauty. They are hand-crafted by skilled craftsmen so that no two pieces look alike. Beautifully finished, they add a touch of luxury and royalty to your bathroom. These bathtubs come in a wide range of styles and have an efficient drainage system. They are easy to maintain as well. Having received world recognition, many Indian bathtub manufacturers also export their crafted bathtubs abroad to other nations.

Significance of bathing in India

Bathing in India has been a daily habit ever since the ancient times, unlike in many other countries of the world where bathing was a rare indulgence in those times. In fact, in India, from the olden times to this day, bathing in the waters of sacred rivers like Ganges and Yamuna is considered a religious ritual. Indians believe that a dip in the Ganges waters, considered the most sacred Indian River, can free a person of his sins and help attain salvation.

History of bathtubs in India

Evidence of plumbing systems in India date back to 3300BC; copper water pipes were discovered at the excavation site of a palace of ancient India's Indus Valley civilization. Bathtubs are a Western concept. This idea was probably brought into India by the British who came to India as servants of the East India Company. For the British, the concept of bathing at that time meant lying immersed in a tub that is half filled with tepid water.

Various bathtubs in India

You can buy hand-crafted natural Indian stone bath tubs. Sandstone bathtubs in Agra Red, Dholpur Pink, Dholpur red and grey color are available. Fine bathtubs are carved from Granite with shades like Jhansi red, Colombo Juparna and royal gold. Intricately carved bath tubs made of Bidasar Green or Bidasar brown colored marble are sold in the Indian markets. Slate stone bathtubs are available in exquisite colors like Himachal White/Black and Kund peacock. Antique copper bath tubs with minimum maintenance demands are sold in India. Claw foot design antique copper bath tubs and antique cast iron bath tubs are also available.

Popularity of bathtubs in India

In India today. bathtubs are found in five-star hotels, clubs, spas and at the homes of the elite affluent class. For the Indian wealthy class, a bath in a bathtub filled with hot water with aromatic oils is the ultimate stress buster and means of pampering the body. For the middle class families on a budget. the expensive Indian bathtubs are an item of bathroom luxury that they can easily do without.

Problems faced in using bathtubs in India

Most Indians prefer to have an overhead shower or hand shower in a small shower enclosure as it is cost effective and has fewer plumbing demands than bathtubs. Showers are also more appropriate for oil and turmeric baths that Indians have regularly. Indian families that live in small flats with small bathrooms also prefer the shower to bathtubs due to space constraints. In a country like India that suffers from water shortage bathtubs are also perhaps a tad impractical.

References

• audarya fellowship
• indian traditions
• vani international

Resources

• vani international