Sigh fills Kashmir's carpet industry

The Kashmiri carpet is a hand-woven rug closely associated with Kashmiri handicraft. The carpet industry of Kashmir is said to have originated in the 15th century. Sultan of Kashmir Zainul Abedin brought artisans from Iran.

ALSO READ: Hospitals Overwhelmed, Graveyards Overflowing As Covid-19 Infections Surge In India

The specialties of Kashmiri carpet is that wool and tasar are used in it. It is also important that weaving is done by adding knots.

The tools used for carpet weaving include an iron comb, blade and scissors.

The loom on which the carpet is woven has two beams to the wood. Meanwhile, metal is also being used for beams.

ALSO READ: Hospitals Overwhelmed, Graveyards Overflowing As Covid-19 Infections Surge In India

The design that is used to make carpet is called talim. It is on paper that is hung between the threads during weaving.

The special market of Kashmir carpets is in the countries of Europe. In recent years, there has been a steep decline in carpet exports.

Falling business

According to the statistics of the industry association, there was an export of about 80 crores in 2014-15, then it fell to 22 crores in 2017-18.

Employment crisis

There are still some weavers left in Alamgari and Gulshan Bagh areas of Srinagar. Most of the weavers have given up employment. Those who are left are in a bad condition.

ALSO READ: 20-30% Covid-19 infected people lose natural immunity against infection in 6 months: Study

Covid hit

Corona has also been hit by the carpet industry of Kashmir. The lockdown has caused a lot of destruction. The business is not yet back on track.

Broken homes

The remaining artisans live in their broken homes and it is becoming difficult to run everyday life. Artisans earn 2000 to 3000 rupees a month.

You can connect with Ground Report on Facebook, Twitter and Whatsapp, and mail us at [email protected] to send us your suggestions and writeups