Carpet weaving is an art that has been alive in India in one form or another since time immemorial. Earlier, it was present in the traditional Indian style of Dhurrie-making and later, in the style inspired by other traditional forms of carpet making around the world. There is a long beautiful history behind this art form and it has taken the effort of lakhs of artisans to keep this industry thriving.
At first, there were only handmade carpets and skilled artisans who made them. The Indian vintage rugs you see now are the products of those times. When the industrial revolution took over the manufacturing of these symbols of luxury, machine-made products slowly took over the market. It was the spirit of artisans that kept handmade carpets from disappearing. They made them unique and added elements that a machine could never replicate. Handmade came to symbolise lavishness and luxury, while machine-made carpets started to reflect mediocrity. With ups and downs throughout history, this art form became what it is now.
Origin
In the olden days of India, traditional pile carpets did not exist, but what existed were dhurries. They were flat weave rugs, which were versatile enough to be used in various forms in addition to floor coverings like meditation and yoga mats, bed coverings, wall hangings, and more. They displayed the traditional art of India and were made by the women of the household. They were given in dowry to the bride and held sentimental value that can still not be replaced by pile carpets.
Major Carpet Weaving Centers in India:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Kashmir
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