The Indian carpet industry is the true expression of the worker's philosophy and

their insight in to the nature. They express nature's changing moods in the form of
designs on carpets. The designs, composition, color, size, finish, methods have
been influenced by the incidents in Indian history, culture, myths, life style, and
geographical conditions prevailing in the country.

History of Indian Carpets

Indian carpet industry does not originated as a part of tradition, but as an act of
importation by Mughal emperors. It is believed that the first Mughal emperor Babur
(1526-30) imported carpets from Turkey and Persia to enhance the ambience of his
court. But, later imperial workshops for carpet production were actually set up by
Akbar in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. With the ruin of Mughal Empire, Indian
handicrafts faced a set back. During 19th century local carpet workshops were
governed and directed by English or European companies. 

In the post-British period such indigenous industries started flourishing in

different parts of the country. Each region engaged in making different types of
carpets with variations in material (silk, wool, etc.), designs, color and quality.
On the basis of quality of wool used in the production, the feel of carpets
differs. Northern region carpets are soft and shiny - while those of southern
region are rough and opaque. The leading carpet manufacturing workshops are located
in Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, Utttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

The carpet industry in India is one of the oldest and well established regionalised
sectors employing over two million weavers. The industry has been thriving since
the 16th century. India is one of the largest handmade carpet producers and
exporters in the world. As a matter of fact, almost 90 per cent of the carpets
produced in India are exported. Indian carpets are known for exclusive design,
attractive colours and quality. Indian carpets have an outstanding demand in the
international market.

Carpet weaving was introduced in India by the Mughals. Some of the most splendid
and magnificent carpets were woven during their time. Royalty, nobility and the
wealthy were its patrons. Later, carpets entered the house of common people and the
business class. Over time, weavers have turned into artists who not only weave
carpets in exotic colours and designs but give an aesthetic touch to Indian
carpets.

Post-Independence

The carpet industry progressed rapidly during the post-Independence. Overseas

demand surged in the 1970s. As a result, exports which were worth around INR 110
million in 1970-71 registered an amazing increase to INR 36 billion in 2006-07.
According to a report by Wool Research Association, there was a sharp decline in
carpet exports after 2007-08 due to global economic recession.

Major carpet weaving centres

Earlier, there were a few carpet weaving centres. Carpet weaving centres have
gradually spread across northern India due to availability of resources and several
other historical reasons. The major carpet manufacturing centres are Agra, Jaipur,
Srinagar, Danapur and Bhadohi. In the past few decades, Panipat has also emerged as
another major centre for carpet production.
Carpet Industry in Kashmir

Kashmir is famous for its fine quality hand knotted carpets, which are expensive
and considered as lifelong investment. An average piece is made with about 324
knots per square inch. Persian culture influenced the Kashmiri carpet for quite a
long time, but gradually the Kashmiri Carpet industry has acquired an indigenous
character. Kashmir has developed some of its own designs based on, the traditional
paisley, shawl patterns, leaves and flowers. In Kashmir, Talim method is used to
train craftsmen. 

Wool is the basic material used. Silk is also commonly used not only for the pile
but also for the warp and weft. The number of knots on the back of the carpet
indicates the quality. Bokhara hand knotted carpets are one of the finest with
about 120-500 knots in a square inch. 

The deep pile of Indian hand knotted carpets comes in magnificent colors, with
designs which are oriental, exotic and uniquely modern. 

Namdhas: 

The namdha is a specialty of Kashmir; these carpets are embroidered with woolen
thread that completely covers the base of Hessian. A namdha is prepared by
spreading wool with certain quantities of cotton evenly either on mats, as in
Kashmir, or on sackcloth, as in Rajasthan. This is moistened with a special
solution, which is pressed either by tramping upon it or by applying pressure by
hand. Namdhas are either embroidered or appliqued.

In Kashmir this trade is passed from one generation to the next. During cold winter
when tourism business ends, they market it personally by approaching urban cities
like Delhi on a door to door basis.

Carpet Industry in Rajasthan

Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, is also famous for luxurious carpets. The designs
are beautiful, with geometrical patterns generally in black on a maroon
background. 

Agra is the traditional center of carpet weaving from the period of Mughals. Agra
is specialized in the use of silk mixed with woolen yarn. Designs resembles to that
of Persian style. 

The weavers of the Mirzapur-Badohi region are renowned for their versatility by
weaving carpets of practically any design, including the Old Persian ones that are
in great demand.

Carpet Industry in Andhra Pradesh

Masulipatnam, Elluru and Warangle are the prominent centers for carpet
manufacturing in Andhra Pradesh. In Masulipatnam, patterns used are named after the
fruits and flowers like babul, guava, ambarcha etc. Also the main designs called by
the name of famous patrons for example Nurjaha, Farasi, Shah Navaz. More often,
combination of blue and green with soft yellow and pastel shades is used. 

The carpets of Elluru and Warangal are the pride of Andhra Pradesh and have a
strong local flavor. The carpet weaving at warangal is done on a large scale
because of ease to access cotton. Handspun wool and jute thread are used. The
design are again here of Indo-Persian origin. Images are in deep green and orange
colors while off-white background is used.

Carpet Industry in Himachal Pradesh

Sheep and goat rearing is a very common occupation of many villagers in Himachal
Pradesh who are also engaged in blanket weaving texturing. Carpets in Himachal have
magnificent designs and durable texture. Mainly carpets of these areas are made in
pure wool and for dhurries cotton is used. 

Many Tibetan craftsmen are engaged in weaving woolen carpets, as a result motifs
are influenced by Tibetan tradition and culture. Designs of birds, dragon, lion and
swastika are popular. Threads of ground color are used.

Indian Carpets are famous the world over. With its magnificent designs and the
heart winning workmanship it has been able to capture the export market and to make
mark in the global carpet market. India has made remarkable progress in export
market. Handmade Woolen Carpets, Tufted Woolen Carpets, Chain stitch Rugs, Pure
Silk Carpets, Staple/Synthetic Carpets, Handmade Woolen Dhurries, are some of the
types for which there is a huge market demand in the European and American market.
India with a geographical and cultural diversity possesses varieties of carpet
manufactured across the country. Carpets from Jammu & Kashmir have great demand in
European markets. The Indian carpet industry is a vibrant and has considerable
potential for growth. However due to lesser innovation techniques, outdated
technology, labor law problems and lack of infrastructural facilities in some of
the rural areas, are the major hurdles which makes Indian carpet industry less
competent as compared to other carpet supplying countries. But now the government
has taken active measures to get rid of these shortcomings and produce good quality
carpets. Government has established, Carpet Export Promotion Council Of India
(CEPC) to promote the exports of hand knotted carpets and other floor coverings. It
provides the necessary assistance to the Indian exporters, identifies the markets,
provides financial and marketing assistance, sponsors participation in fairs and
exhibitions and also conducts publicity abroad.

Types of carpets

India has a variety of hand-made carpets:

Pure silk carpets

Tufted woollen carpets

Hand-knotted woollen carpets

Staple and synthetic carpets

Gabbe woollen carpets

Hand-made woollen dhurries

Chain stitch rugs

Each type of carpet has its own significance, pattern and tradition satisfying
different needs of the customers. Each is unique in its respective category.
Refrences

Indianretailer.com

2.      Ibef.org

3.      Transparencymarketresearch.com

4.      Dessenceconsulting.com

5.      Wraindia.com

6.      Freedoniagroup.com