Kashmir is not only famous for its stunning beauty, but the paradise is also known for its delicate and intricately carved Kashmiri pashmina shawls.
Woven from highest quality wool and exquisite embroidery, pashmina shawls are not only an excellent choice for staying warm in winters but also add to aesthetic beauty.
And that’s not all, there are several reasons why Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are so famous. Let us explore what are Kashmiri Pashmina shawls and their origin.
What Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are?
Kashmiri Pashmina, also called as Cashmere, is a luxurious fabric made from the softest and finest wool of Himalayan Mountain goats.
The collectors gather the wool from the goat’s underbelly, which provides the softest and warmest wool fibers, making it a popular textile in the fashion industry.
Historical Background of Pashmina
Kashmiri shawls have a rich history that goes back to the 15th century.
People believe that Zayn-ul-ʿĀbidīn, the ruler of Kashmir at the time, established the cashmere industry by bringing weavers from Turkistan into Kashmir.
Texts written between 3rd century BC and 11th century AD mentioned Woollen shawls, but the first mention of Kashmiri designs appear in writing from the 16th century.
In 1526, Babur began the tradition of giving khilat (robes of honor) to his court members to show appreciation of their efforts.
During Akbar’s rule from the 1586 onwards, a pair of Kashmir shawls was given as khilat.
Mughal royalty received Shahtoosh shawls as gifts under Shah Jahan’s reign, while they received pashmina shawls as khilat.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Punjab began ruling Kashmir in 1819 and popularized Kashmiri shawls. In the 1840s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh decorated his court with Kashmiri shawls. He gave them as allowances, honoring members of the court, and even as gifts.
In 18th century, the English and French brought Kashmir shawls from Kashmir to Europe as gifts for women.
During the Mughal era, Pashmina shawls were considered a symbol of royalty and prestige. Mughals highly prized these shawls and often gifted them to foreign dignitaries, including Queen Victoria and Napoleon Bonaparte.
What are the different names for Pashmina?
Pashmina has different names in various parts of the world. In India, people call it ‘Pashm’ or ‘Pashmina,’ while in Europe knows it as Cashmere. The Persian language derived the word ‘Pashmina’, meaning ‘soft gold.’
What is the traditional way of making Pashmina?
The traditional way of making Pashmina uses a handloom and hand-spun yarn using a spindle. This method takes a great skill and patience. The artisans who produce Pashmina in the Kashmir Valley have been using this traditional method for centuries and perfected their craft over generations.
People see the traditional way of making Pashmina as an art form and an integral part of Kashmiri culture.
Why are Kashmiri Pashmina Shawls famous?
Superior Wool Quality: Pashmina comes from Changthangi goats in Ladakh and is known for soft, luxurious cashmere wool.
Handmade Craftsmanship: Skilled artisans meticulously handweave each shawl, which requires several days to complete.
Lightweight and Warm: Pashmina shawls are light weight yet great warmth.
Cultural Significance: Kashmir has a long history of producing luxurious shawls that were historically valued by royalty.
Intricate Designs: The Pashmina shawls have detailed embroidery and patterns that highlight artisan skill and creativity.
Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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