|
Spread
widely across the world, the extent of
the carpet 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 special taste, preference,
designs, quality, and colors imparted to
it, which makes a finished rug, a unique
product specific to the region.
In vogue since ages, carpets have been
one of the prized possessions. At its
peak during the Mughal period, the
carpets got the patronage of the kings
and the noblemen. The hand-knotted and
weaving forms flourished and manifested
themselves 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 of the commonality and business
enterprises.
Millions of weavers throughout the
world, working day and night have
perfected the art of carpet making. The
carpet industry talents, mostly
originating from tribal art forms, 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.
Nevertheless, 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 was
saddled by the recent global economic
slump. Fortunately, several NGOs coming
up for the welfare of the weavers have
slowed down the curve of the carpet
industry profit-chart. In spite of
allocation of funds by the central
government in the Five Year Plans, there
has been no significant optimism in the
lifestyle of the carpet weavers. Weavers
have always served and yet produced one
of the best forms of aesthetic beauty,
which are specimens of mesmerism. Still,
the welfare of these artisans and
millions of weavers living below poverty
line is at standstill and struggle for
their livelihood.
The need of the hour is to stand up for
the welfare of the depressed carpet
weavers of the industry who are
perpetually affected due to power looms.
We can contribute our part to save by
buying such fine-looking Hand Knotted
Carpet products. Patronizing such floor
coverings would help preserve the
tradition, exquisite designs and so much
more, woven by the Indian carpet
weavers.
Across the world, these are the
countries where carpet industry
flourishes well:
•
China
•
France
•
India |
