India, July 16 -- In dimly lit karkhanas, cramped spaces that double as workshops across the city, it takes 35 pairs of hands to make an earring, 23 to fashion a bangle, and 28 to produce hair accessories. These karkhanas supply all kinds of art jewellery - from flashy hair pins, to colourful bangles, fake pearl necklaces, to earrings and anklets - to Bhuleshwar, Mumbai's oldest imitation jewellery market. But these traditional crafts are fighting a losing battle - against time and cheap Chinese imports.

Traders and manufacturers say Chinese imports have steadily eroded business in Bhuleshwar, the bustling and vibrant jewellery market situated in the city's old town, just north of Crawford Market in South Mumbai. The only way to revitali...