Kashmir’s Centuries-Old Carpet Weaving Tradition Gets a Boost with Modern Looms

Srinagar — In a significant development for Kashmir’s centuries-old handicraft industry, Indian Textile Secretary Neelam Shami Rao on Wednesday reaffirmed the Indian government’s commitment to reviving and modernizing the valley’s renowned carpet weaving tradition.

Speaking at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) campus in Srinagar, Rao inaugurated modified modern steel carpet looms for artisans under the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP). She said the initiative aims to empower artisans, upgrade tools, and expand the global appeal of Kashmiri carpets — an art form that has long been central to Kashmir’s cultural identity and global reputation.

Rao urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to bring forward additional proposals for expanding the craft sector, stressing the need to upgrade testing and certification facilities while blending traditional designs with contemporary patterns to meet international benchmarks.

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“I have come here with a senior team from Delhi to gain first-hand insights into new standards that will strengthen backward and forward linkages in the handicraft sector,” Rao said during the event.

Earlier, she inspected IICT’s training programmes, design studio, and NABL-accredited laboratory, along with the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre. She assured full support for deploying advanced technology to preserve the authenticity of Kashmiri pashmina and related handicrafts.

During her visit, Rao interacted with several acclaimed Kashmiri artisans, including Padma Shri awardee Ghulam Hassan Khan (for patchwork Jamaawar), National Award winner Ghulam Nabi Dar (wood carving), and Farooq Ahmad Mir (Kani shawl weaving). Emerging entrepreneurs such as Shahnawaz Carpets and Banish Crewel Toys also presented their innovations to the visiting delegation.

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As part of the initiative, groups of artisans from Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Kulgam, and Srinagar received the newly introduced steel looms. Rao also indicated that the ministry is considering the procurement of an additional 500 looms for wider distribution across the valley.

The programme has been welcomed by artisans who hope that modern tools, combined with institutional support, will help revive an industry struggling with declining exports, imitation products, and market disruption. The move is seen as both an economic and cultural investment — one that could safeguard one of Kashmir’s most treasured art forms for future generations.