Carpet Weaving

    Carpet weaving, an important trade for the merchants of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kashmir. Raised to a level of artistic and technical excellence by the craftsmen of the Mughal court, Indian carpets are known world wide for their quality, colours and captivating designs. Though having a persian origin, the art of carpet weaving in India, reached the zenith of artistic excellence during the resplendent rule of the great Mughals. Since then it has evolved to become the most thriving cottage industry, meeting the needs of both the domestic and international market for the aesthetically designed, functional rugs.

     The knotted pile carpets or 'Kaleens' are usually woven in both wool and silk. You can also pick up Tibetan carpets with Buddhist motifs in Himachal Pradesh. They are bright-hued with exquisite designs and motifs that range from medallions and vases to flowering trees and trellis patterns, the hallmark of the Mughal tradition. A definite feature of the Indian carpet is its specified border with patterns that match design in the center of the carpet.

    Dhurrie, the poor man’s carpet, is suddenly in vogue all over the world. Earlier relegated to being an underlay for expensive carpets or sandwiched between the wooden frame and mattresses of a bed, it now occupies place of pride in many crystal-flaunting drawing rooms. These are flat woven in cotton because of tropical climes of the subcontinent. The people of Himachal and Kashmir weave the wool and hair of sheep and goat into traditional rugs called namdas (heavy rugs). Usually cream in colour, Namdas are made with beaten wool and are later embroidered in bright colours. The designs of dhurries vary from different coloured stripes to rectilinear sections and their variety ranges from the large palace-commissioned dhurries to the small bed and prayer dhurries

    Kashmiri Kaleens are the finest and the most famed. Their designs are influenced by the Kashmiri shawls. Among other renowned weaves of India are the fabulous cotton carpets of Agra & Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh) and Warrangal (Andhra Pradesh); oriental pile carpets of Walajpet (Tamil Nadu) and Tibetan carpets of Darjeeling with typical dragon motifs.

    Especially famous are wonderfully vibrant dhurries known as 'Jamkhana' of Navalgund (Karnataka). The designs are geometrical with delicate outlines, floral motifs in cross borders and a bird or animal form in the center. The subtle blending of colours gives them a lovely silkiness and an aesthetic look that makes them the most sought after floor coverings. Also appealing are the embroidered and applique dhurries are a speciality of Rajasthan.

Special Shopping Destinations:
Rugs are made on primitive ground looms in the villages of Srinagar (Kashmir), Agra, Fatehpur-Sikri & Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), Panipat (near Delhi), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Warrangal (Andhra Pradesh), Walajpet, Bhavani (Tamil Nadu), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Jullandhar (Punjab) Navalgund (Karnataka), Coimbatore and Salem.