History of Carpet and Rug
The history of carpet and rug making in India dates back to the 16th century when the Mughal emperor introduced the craft to the country.
The art of carpet and Persian rug creation was introduced by the Mughal Emperor “Sultan Jalaluddin Akbar, “AKA “Akbar The Great” (1556-“1605), Akbar brought in Persian weavers from Iran (Persia) who created intricate and elaborate designs that incorporated traditional Persian motifs, introduced the art of weaving carpets and rugs to the Indian subcontinent. The main idea was to produce carpets for his palace. Persian-style carpets, known for their intricate designs and vivid colors, became popular in India during the Mughal period. The city of Agra became a major center for carpet production, producing high-quality carpets for royalty and wealthy patrons. Thanks to their expertise, the Persian craftsmen were able to start the weaving industry in India practically from scratch. They helped to set up workshops for local people and arrange weaving areas in Agra, Delhi, and Lahore. During this time, Persian rug-making techniques were introduced to the Nation and blended with local styles to create unique Indian Rugs. Since then, the art form has evolved and flourished, and India has become known for its high-quality hand-knotted carpets and rugs. Persian techniques were combined with local designs to create unique and intricate patterns. One of the most famous types of Indian carpets is the Kashmiri carpet, which is known for its intricate designs and high-quality wool. These carpets were produced in the Kashmir region of India and were highly prized by the Mughal emperors.
Another important center of carpet weaving in India is the city of Agra, which was home to the famous carpet-weaving industry during the Mughal period. Carpets from Agra were known for their rich colors and elaborate designs and were highly sought after by wealthy collectors and royalty.
Today, India is one of the largest producers of hand-woven carpets and rugs in the world, with a wide range of traditional to contemporary, known for its high-quality wool and intricate designs developed in Bhadohi and is available for export and domestic markets. Bhadohi is also known as the “Carpet City of India”. Our carpets and rugs are renowned for their beauty, durability, and intricate designs, and are sought after by customers all over the world.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian carpet weaving faced challenges due to the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British colonial rule. However, the craft survived and continued to evolve, with new styles and designs emerging that reflected the changing tastes and influences of the times. And hence, during the British colonial period, demand for Indian carpets increased, leading to the establishment of large-scale production centers in cities such as Bhadohi, Jaipur, Agra, Mirzapur, and Panipat.
Today, Indian carpets and rugs continue to be highly prized and sought after, both within India and worldwide. The industry employs thousands of skilled craftsmen and supports a vibrant ecosystem of suppliers, designers, and artisans. Despite the challenges posed by automation and competition from other countries, the tradition of Indian carpet weaving remains strong and continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
Over time, Indian weavers developed their own styles and techniques, incorporating local motifs and designs. Today, India is a major producer of carpets and rugs, known for its high-quality hand-woven pieces that are exported all over the world. The traditional techniques used in carpet making have been passed down through generations, and each region in India has its own unique style, pattern, and color scheme. Some of the famous carpet-making regions in India are Jaipur, Agra, Bhadohi, and Mirzapur. These carpets are made using natural fibers such as wool, silk, and cotton, and the designs often reflect the local culture and tradition. Today, India continues to be a major producer of handmade carpets and rugs, and its carpets are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs all over the world. Indian carpets are known for their intricate designs, vivid colors, and fine craftsmanship. The most common materials used for carpet making in India include wool, silk, and cotton. Indian carpets are also popular for their use of traditional motifs, such as floral and paisley patterns, as well as geometric and abstract designs.
In recent years, the Indian carpet industry has faced challenges due to increasing competition from cheaper synthetic carpets from Asian countries but has remained a major player in the global market due to its long history of craftsmanship and the continued demand for traditional, hand-woven carpets.
Almost all known antique Indian rugs are housed in museums; they date from the 16th to 17th centuries and can be divided into design types with differing grades of attribution to central or eastern Persia. The provinces where they were manufactured cannot be identified with precision due to their artistic consistency.
Seneca Carpet ™ is situated in Carpet City Bhadohi and Bhadohi is worldwide known as a major carpet weaving center in India, recognized for its hand-woven carpets and rugs globally. The city has more than 150,000 weavers who produce a large volume of carpets and rugs for domestic as well as export markets. The industry is a noteworthy contributor to the local economy and generates significant employment opportunities for the people of Bhadohi.
It is estimated that the carpet weaving industry in Bhadohi generates annual revenue of around INR 10,000 crore (USD 1.3 billion), and exports are worth around INR 1,500 crore (USD 200 million).
Note: These are rough estimates, and the actual revenue may vary.
THE ORNAMENTAL FURNISHING OF HOME DECOR – INDIAN RUGS
Indian rugs are known by various synonymous names for their difference in design and origin.
Indian Rug: Hand-woven rug, hand-knotted rug, hand-tufted rug, hand-loomed rug, hand-woven mat, hand-woven Dhurrie, Kilim.
Indian Carpet: Woven floor covering, floor tapestry, hand-woven carpet, hand-woven mat, Tapestry, carpeting, woven textile, floor covering, floor cloth, floor mat, floor piece, Floor coverings, floor carpets, floor runners, floor weaves, floor textiles, runner.
Handmade: hand-spun rugs, hand-dyed rugs, hand-crafted rugs, hand-stitched rugs, hand-knitted rugs, hand-woven textiles, Hand-woven rugs, hand-tufted rugs, hand-loomed rugs, handmade antique rugs, handmade dhurries, and modern rugs
They are also sometimes known as “traditional” or “Oriental” Indian rugs. Farsi themes are frequently counterfeited. Indian Kashmiri rugs are becoming more popular since they are knotted from high-quality natural silk. Indian Gabbeh, is based on the design of well-known Persian Gabbeh rugs. Even though carpet production in India has leveled off in recent years, Bhadohi and Shahjahanpur in India are still well-known centers for high knotting (weaving) in the country’s north. The motifs on Indian rugs incorporate intricate details that form an unrepeatable pattern. Each strand of yarn is tied with a hand, transforming it into a piece of art.
Here is a list of some very famous carpets exported from Bhadohi (India)
Banarasi Silk Carpets: These luxurious carpets are woven in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and are known for their fine silk and intricate designs.
Kashmiri Carpets: These hand-knotted carpets are made in Kashmir and are known for their soft wool, intricate designs, and vibrant colors.
Aubusson Carpets: These hand-woven carpets are known for their intricate floral and bird designs and are made in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Dhurrie Rugs: These flat-woven carpets are made in Rajasthan and are known for their bold geometric patterns and bright colors.
Chobi Carpets: These hand-knotted carpets are made in the city of Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh and are known for their natural dyes and earthy colors.
Pashmina Carpets: These luxurious carpets are made in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and are known for their soft pashmina wool and intricate designs.
Namda Rugs: These felted wool rugs are made in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and are known for their bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors.