History of Handicrafts by Ahanger HOBO. Emperor Zain-ul-Abidin introduced art of papier mashie, wood carving, stone cutting & polishing, and also developed the silk, shawl and carpet weaving in valley. It is said that art and craft developed under the patronage of Sultan who brought in the master artisans from Samarqand and Bukhara, he provided all amenities of life to these foreign artisans to popularize craftsmanship in Kashmir.

it is said that Zain ul Abidin as a boy Shahi Khan had been sent to Samarkand by his father Sikander with presents for Timur, there he was showered with many favours and at the same time Timur wanted him to stay in his empire. For seven years Shahi Khan stayed in Samarkand and learned himself many things about Arts and Crafts. When Timur died in1405 AD during expedition in China, Shahi Khan returned to Kashmir and empowered people with the art of handicrafts. Shah Hamdaan also contributed to the development of Shawl making in the valley during the reign of Sultan Qutab ud Din in later part of 14th century. The Emperor Akbar improved the department of shawl making. Jehangir, Shah Jahanand Aurangzeb were also fond of shawls and patronized the industry.

The Afghans further improved the industry, during their reign shawls were in demand in Iran, Afghanistan and Russia. The carpet industry got a boost during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jehangir when Persian knot style of weaving was adopted in manufacturing of carpets. During the reign of Jehangir, a Kashmiri muslim named Akhund Rahnuma during his way back from Haj pilgrimage via Central Asia visited Andijan, where the carpets were manufactured, he learnt the art and brought the tools and script with him to Kashmir.

The artisans of Kashmir learned the art and adopted the Persian way of making carpets. Shopping The renowned silken, handwoven knotted Carpets are available in magical colours and designs. Carpets are manufactured on the traditional looms knitted by the men ‘Qalin-baaf with a crescent shaped tool called ‘aear’, the instruction document Talim’ is prepared by the master designer in secret code which is impossible to understand by ordinary people. Perfect combination of colored threads, the creative designs, crafty hands and days of hard labour gets into the making of a complete carpet. Silken carpets produce twin shades when turned in different sides, the quality of carpets is also measured by knots per square inch, a double knotted carpet is usually costlier.

There are cheaper quality of carpets available in wool and silicon silk at very economical prices. However, if you desire to buy one that would last forever don’t mind paying a huge sum for a good cache of Silk carpet. The famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawls have adorned the wardrobes of royal houses and elite in Europe and Asia. Napoleon Bonaparte presented Pashmina to Empress Josiphine. The French Queen, Marie Antoinette, proudly wore it. Kani shawl’s unique weaving gives it a good price tag, this shawl is woven on unique twigs ‘Keain’ and needs most able crafts men. Kani shawl is completed in more than 6 to 8 months.’Raffal’ is a pure woolen shawl used for cold weathers. Semi-Pashmina shawls are available in attractive designs and affordable price range.

The Shah toos shawl for its production from a mountain goat has been banned for sale Shawls & Empresses It is said that the garment seen over the head and shoulders of famous Mona Lisa portrait painted by Leonardo da Vinci is a Kashmiri shawl that could be passed through a ring as a test of fitness and fabric. During the reign of Queen Victoria it was customary for her Majesty to present a Kashmir shawl as a wedding gift to a bride, if her people were connected with the court.

It is believed that shawls formed a portion of almost every bride’s trousseau (treasure). Similar practice of having a supreme collection shawls for brides and ladies wardrobe, is noticed in Kashmir itself which has further extended to the most of states of India, Asian countries, Europe and America as well.

More Handicraft The small & large handicraft items made of walnut wood, papier machie,  copper & silver work and willow wicker can be fascinating in rooms and offices. Aari & Sozni embroidery (Needle work) kurtaas, suits and sheets are most fashionable ladies items. Crewel embroidery bedcovers& curtains, chain stitch rugs and Namdas will give your room a typical Kashmiri look. The leather from Kashmir gets exported to different parts of the world – jackets, wallets, handbags and gloves are some favorițe buys among the visitors. The Jewelry of Kashmir is unique in design and quality-earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and other articles decorated with the jewels are most fascinating. Precious and semiprecious stones are also sold by the jewelers as per the choice, budget and the zodiac sign of the customer.

Ahanger HOBO is a travel company located and based in Kashmir, India. We have thousands of happy clients and it is growing at a great pace every year. We offer Hotel, Taxi & Adventure, here is the list of adventure activities: Trekking | Hiking | Cliffhanging | Mountain Biking | Paragliding | Surfing | Caving | Zip Line | Camping | Hot Air Ballooning.
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