Thanks for all your replies.

It has boiled down to two options

a)Check in the extra luggage as excess baggage with the airline. This is at a rate of $132 (approx) for 32 KILOGRAMS (72lbs).

However, this would mean sending the extra luggage from DTW to NYC since my USA-India flight is from NYC.

b)Send it as Air Freight via a freight forwarder. His rates at approximately $367/- for a minimum of 100 KILOGRAMS.

Although it makes more sense to just take the baggage with me as excess baggage, it may be tough to clear 5-6 or more pieces of luggage at Indian customs at one time.

Given that, is air freight usually reliable, safe?...it will be easier for me to clear it through customs if sent via air freight as opposed to taking it all with me on the flight.

Thanks
Raj