Context:
Recently, the famous Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar is attracting locals for a rare spectacle of the washing and clipping of the largest carpet woven in Kashmir so far.
Relevance:
GS I: Culture
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is Kashmir’s Magic Carpet?
- Kashan Style: Features and Origin
- Historical Background of Kashmiri Carpet Craft
What is Kashmir’s Magic Carpet?
- The magic carpet from Kashmir, crafted in the Kashan Style, is an elaborate masterpiece.
- It measures 72 feet in length and 40 feet in width, weighs 1,685 kg, and boasts over three crore knots.
Creation and Challenges
- Artisans dedicated eight years to its weaving.
- They revived the traditional craft, overcoming obstacles like the 2014 floods, the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Handling and Maintenance
- Unrolling the carpet requires a team of at least 30 people.
- A specialized team of 30-35 professional washers cares for it daily.
Destination and Competition
- The carpet is expected to adorn a palace in the Middle East.
- Kashmiri artisans are vying against their Iranian counterparts for the first time. The Iranians have crafted a massive carpet spanning 60,468 square feet, equivalent to a soccer field.
Kashan Style: Features and Origin
Origin and Appeal
- The carpet is designed in the Kashan style, a historic pattern borrowed from the Iranian city of Kashan.
- Kashan ceramic art, rooted in the historic city of Kashan in modern-day Iran, has fascinated art enthusiasts for generations.
Characteristics
- The Kashan style is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate designs, and a harmonious mix of tradition, innovation, and artistic flair.
Historical Background of Kashmiri Carpet Craft
Origins
- The tradition of carpet weaving in Kashmir dates back to the 15th century when Badshah Zain-ul-Abidin invited artisans from Persia and Central Asia to settle in the region.
Evolution
- Initially, artisans focused on crafting fine pashmina shawls. However, with the decreasing demand due to the introduction of jacquard looms in Europe, they transitioned to carpet weaving.
Global Recognition
- Kashmiri carpets earned international acclaim after being showcased at the Great London Exhibition of 1851.
- They continued to dazzle audiences at exhibitions in Chicago, Paris, and London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Preservation of Techniques
- The ancient craft is guided by secret blueprints called talim, which are passed down through generations to preserve traditional techniques.
-Source: The Hindu
