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Spread
widely across the world, the extent of
the industry depends on the availability
of raw materials, presence of skilled
weavers, presence of a tradition of
weaving art, etc. Every nation takes on
the art differently and has a different
taste, preference, designs, quality and
colours imparted to it which makes the
finished rug a unique product specific
to the region.
In vogue since ages carpets have been
one of the priced possessions. At its
peak during the Mughal period, the
carpet industry got the patronage of the
kings and the noblemen and the industry
flourished and manifested itself in
varied forms. Earlier, the admirers of
the art form were Kings and aristocrats
but after the dawn of modernism, the
carpets soon entered the houses and
business enterprises.
The art of carpet making has been
perfected by millions of weaver’s
working day and night throughout the
world. The carpet industry talents,
mostly tribal’s, are found in the remote
parts where modernism has not hit yet.
In India, Jammu and Kashmir’s name has
been synonymous with carpet weaving.
Though there are millions of artisans
also working this art to the perfection
in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar
Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir etc.
Worst hit with the power loom in place
when weavers were replaced by automatic
machines the conditions of the weavers
of the carpet industry has worsened and
millions were unemployed. Living below
poverty line, the weavers had to switch
to other professions to earn their
living.
Despite stringent measures by the
Government, the carpet industry has been
hit by the recent global economic
slowdown. With several NGOs coming up
for the welfare of the weavers, the
downturn in the carpet industry has
slowed down a bit. In spite of the
allocation of funds by the central
government in the Five Year Plans, there
has been no significant change in the
lifestyle of the carpet weavers. Weavers
have always served and yet produced one
of the best forms of aesthetic beauty
which has mesmerized the world through
the ages. There has been nothing
concrete done for the welfare of these
artisans and millions of weavers are
still living below poverty line and
struggle for their livelihood.
Need of the hour seems to be to stand up
for the welfare of the workers of the
industry which is slowly dying at the
hands of power loom. We can contribute
by buying the Hand Knotted Carpet
products which will help preserve the
tradition, exquisite design carved out
by the Indian carpet weavers.
Across the world, these are the
countries where carpet industry
flourishes well:
•
China
•
France
•
India |
