HISTORY
Carpets have become the epitome of luxury flooring in our country.
Most of us are familiar with the Bhadohi carpets produced in the Bhadohi region
of Uttar Pradesh, India. These Indian carpets are regarded as the apotheosis of
luxurious standards all around the globe.
History of Indian carpets dates
as far back as the 16th century when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. It all
started when Emperor Babar arrived in the country and was utterly disappointed
by the deficiency of Persian luxuries present in his surroundings. The most
missed amenity was the presence of soft carpets on the floor. This encouraged
Akbar, to lay the foundation of carpet weaving in India in 1520.
Akbar brought the finest carpet weavers from around Persia to his
place in Agra. Although illiterate, Akbar had a great eye for arts and crafts
and always knew how to appreciate the same. This made him expand his carpet
weaving operations, which, with the help of the Persian Carpet makers, were set
up in Agra, Lahore, and Delhi. The carpets that were being made were inspired
by the designs of Kimran, Kashan, Isfahat and Herat.
Few years laters, Akbar came up with the brilliant idea to teach the
prisoners in his prisons the art of carpet weaving. He instructed the Persian
carpet makers to start teaching the inmates. This reform was revolutionary for
the Indian Carpet manufacturing history. Soon enough, the inmates mastered the
art and surpassed their teachers, producing some of the fines carpets to ever
surface in history. These events marked the birth of the Indian Carpet Making
industry. This is when other parts of our country developed a sense of
acceptance, and moreover, an affinity to appreciate the beauty of this art of
making handcrafted carpets.
TYPES
Synthetic Carpets are
made of synthetic fibres, which is unusual for carpets in the country. These
have minimal domestic application and are primarily used for Industrial and
sometimes, military purposes.
Pure Silk Carpets , as
the name suggests, are made of pure handwoven silk. Most major producers of
this product have been producing the carpets for generations, passing secret
family techniques that make for the most unique carpets the world has seen.
Even the most successful hospitality chains have ensured the presence of this
mark of ultimate luxury and comfort for their customers.
Gabbe Woolen Carpets are primarily produced in the Bhadohi-Mirzapur regions of Uttar Pradesh. Considered to be one of the finest types of carpets, the unique weaving and colouring technique and indigenous tribal designs that are elegant, make it one of the most sought after carpet on the globe. Even the most successful hospitality chains have ensured the presence of this mark of ultimate luxury and comfort for their customers.
Tufted Woolen Carpets are
usually made by machines, although, in some places, exclusive handmade versions
are available. These are quite similar to the Gabbe Woolen Carpets and have
popular application in domestic use and home decor.
Hand-Made Woolen
Durries are renowned world over for their premium feel and durability and
require an elite skill in carpet weaving to produce. Available at stores across
the country, these are produced by the finest carpet makers in the inlands of
the country. The premium feel and durability have made these carpets an ideal
choice for long term use in reception halls and holiday properties
Wool Chain Stitch Rug are
made by loosely twisting the yarn on cotton or linen based material. These
create unique and distinct designs that have been featured in many museums all
over the world.
Hand Knotted WoolenCarpets are famous across the planet for their unique styles and complex
craftsmanship. They are produced in many different parts of the country and
many of the handmade carpet manufacturers produce personalised and custom
designs for their customers.
CONCLUSION
The carpets produced by the Indian Carpet Manufacturers are known for
their intricate and unique designs and the realistic representation of
attributes. But this was not always the case. In the 19th century, just like
every other industry, the carpet industry of India was suffering the
adversities brought upon by colonisation. Synthetic dyes were being used
increasingly and markets were being stocked with carpets made imitating Mughal
motifs as directed by European companies. Since carpet making was brought to
India by the Persians, in the 19th century, the Indian carpets could not make a
brand for themselves like their Persian counterparts.
Fortunately, the Indian carpet industry witnessed a refreshing but
conservative revival years after the British Colonisation came to an end. The Indian
Government created organizations like Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)
that helps Indian Carpet Exporters and Dealers connect with International
buyers by creating various trading opportunities within and outside the
country.
Ever since the art of carpet weaving was brought to India in the 15th
century, the skill of Indian carpet makers has been acknowledged world over.
Today, hand woven carpets have evolved into a thriving cottage industry
employing over 2 million Indians. Hand woven carpets in India have many
different varieties that have been inspired by different countries, times and
religions and enjoy an ever increasing demand amidst the most tasteful and
refined buyers across the globe.
