|
Woolen
carpets were known in India as early as 500 B.C.
References to woven mats and floor coverings can be
found in ancient and medieval Indian literature. But the
most famous type of Indian carpets, pile carpets came to
India in the reign of Akbar in 16th century.
He in 1580A.D. brought certain Persian carpet weavers to
India and established them here. The art grew and
flourished here. It was modified as per the royal tastes
and mixed with the Indian arts. The Persian carpets were
thus Indianized. It spread to the whole subcontinent
with each area having its own specialties.
From the beginning, wool or silks have been the basic
material of the knotted carpets. The wool may have a
variety of origins as per the type of carpet being made.
Silk knots are also used in Kashmir region. The patterns
varied from vines and floral patterns, animal and bird
figures and geometric and calligraphic patterns.
Rugs from Akbar's reign (1556-1605) used cotton
warp and wool pile and color scheme had multiple shades
of blues, greens, and other colors on a red base. The
patterns were an adaptation of Persian style but latter
modified to Indian tastes.
Carpets of Jahangir's reign (1605-27) were more
refined. Materials like silk and pashmina were used that
allowed greater number of knots to be incorporated.
Patterns resembled miniature paintings. Subtle
gradations and shadings with yarns were themselves
artistic. The patterns were a reflection of manuscript
paintings. They were technically refined in both design
and construction. The carpets had scrolling vines,
flowering plants, and more naturalistic animals in
pictorial or overall pattern.
During Shahjahan's reign (1628-58) art of carpets
had reached new heights Warps and wefts of fine silk
yarns allowed as many as 2,000 knots per square inch.
Silk or pashmina piles gave the carpets velvet like
texture. Yarn shading was as sophisticated as in
Jahangir's reign. Flowers were now the primary elements
of design.
Though during the reign of Auranzeb (1658 onwards),
all crafts saw a downfall of almost all crafts, carpet
craft sustained. Reason may be that they were required
for all religious purposes. The patterns were primarily
floral all over with at times geometric or calligraphic
trims.
Chinese and European patterns also influenced the art in
their own way. With their mythical characters finding
way in the carpets, it can be clearly seen. Calligraphy
influenced the carpet craft as it did the other crafts.
Though like all other crafts, carpet making also saw a
downfall for some time, the craft sustained in the
traditional families.
The Indian carpets are considered most technically
accomplished classical carpets. The carpet weavers over
the time have grown artistically. Indian Carpets are
renowned for their exquisite designs, elegance,
attractive colors and workmanship. |
