India, Feb. 17 -- One may try to understand a neighbourhood market by observing its humans. One may also do the same by observing the market's mute, fibreglass dwellers - the showroom mannequins. Indeed, it is fun to compare the mannequins of two vastly different destinations: Main Bazar in Paharganj and Sadar Bazar in Gurugram.

In Paharganj's Main Bazar, mannequins lean decisively westward. Some shops have them attired in the so-called "cocktail dress." Many other mannequins flaunt a less formal wardrobe that veers towards a bohemian style, in which patchworks of colour and fabric are interstitched with studied randomness. Baggy and airy, some of these mostly cotton dresses prominently bear sacred symbols of spirituality. The shirt, or ...