Once a top export, prized Kashmir carpet fades

Kashmir's revered handwoven carpet industry, once a top export, is experiencing a decline as younger generations abandon the demanding craft. Masterpieces, woven from mulberry silk or pure sheep wool by skilled artisans, have adorned imperial courts, museums, and luxury homes worldwide for centuries. The hand-spun yarn, painstakingly dyed in natural colors, is woven on handlooms, with intricate designs featuring between 300 and several thousand knots per square inch.

Until the 1980s, the carpets comprised Kashmir's primary export. However, recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have further hurt the trade. Weaving a carpet can take a group of artisans up to a year, depending on the size and design, with the piece fetching up to US$20,000 in the international market. Some weavers remain committed to preserving the tradition, despite challenges.

Mushtaq Ahmad, a 75-year-old weaver, says he will continue working as long as he has the strength. The Indian government has taken steps to modernize the sector and attract new workers, including providing free modern carpet looms and introducing geographical indication tags to distinguish authentic Kashmiri carpets from imitations.