Mitti Attar - "The scent of rain" made in rural India

Kanauj, a town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has a rich history of perfume-making that dates back to the 6th century. It was a major center for the production and trade of perfumes and essential oils during the medieval period, and its perfumes were highly valued in the courts of India and beyond.

Mitti attar, also known as "scent of rain," is one of the most famous perfumes that originated in Kanauj. The town's unique soil composition and climate are believed to be the key factors that give Kanauj's perfumes their distinctive fragrance.

The production of mitti attar involves collecting the clay from a specific region near Kanauj, which is then distilled to extract its essence. The resulting oil is blended with other oils to create the final fragrance. The perfume has been used in India for centuries and is known for its calming and grounding effect.