Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet

Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet Latest News

 Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry Chennai has granted a new logo for the Kashmir hand-knotted carpet in order to preserve the exclusivity of the famed Kashmir carpets.

About Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet

• The origin of hand knotted carpets locally known as "Kal baffi" dates back to 15th century after which it progressively attained the high degree of perfection.
• It is said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin brought carpet weavers from Persia and central Asia in to Kashmir to train the local inhabitants.
• The loom used in Kashmir carpet weaving is composed of two horizontal wooden beams between which the wrap threads are stretched, one beam in front of the weaver and the second behind the first.
• The difference between a carpet and other hand woven rugs lies in the fact that short lengths of the thread or yarn are tied to wrap chains to form the pile of the carpet. These are commonly called knots though it is a loop rather than an actual knot.
• There are different types of knots and in Kashmir the Farsi baff and the Persian system known as Sehna, or Sinneh, knot is originally used.
• Very simple tools are used to thread these knots, a wood or Metal comb to push knots and weft tightly together and pair of short scissors to cut the pile of the carpet to an even form once it is finished.

Other GI Tagged Kashmiri Crafts

• Apart from hand-knotted carpet, six other crafts have already been GI registered which include Papier Mache, Kashmir Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband and Walnut Wood Carving.

Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet FAQs

Q1: What is the famous carpet of Kashmir?

Ans: It is the hand knotted carpets locally known as "Kal baffi is famous Kashmiri Carpet.

Q2: Which city is known as the Carpet City of India?

Ans: Bhadohi district 

Q3: What is the difference between hand knotted and handloom rugs?

Ans: A “hand knotted” woven rug will take months to weave, whereas a “hand loomed” rug can be crafted in hours.

Source: NIE