The floor coverings offered by India are the famous carpets, dhurries, jute coverings and runners. The carpets of India are pleasing to the eye. They are admired universally for their original patterns, fine wool, and rich colors.
CarpetsIn the 16th century, with the advent of the Mughals, carpet weaving came to India. The carpet factories set up then, designed realistic floral and pictorial carpets. With the advent of the British raj, carpet industry flourished. Carpets were being exported to other countries. In India, carpet weaving is a cottage industry, and is in Jaipur, Gwalior, Kashmir, Agra and Amritsar.
Some of the famous patterns of carpets are Kashan, Tabriz, Kerman, Bidjar, and Sarouk. The woolen yarns used in making the carpets are blends of Indian and imported wool, which gives its appearance. Indian weavers also produce flat-weaves, dhurries and rugs. The handcrafted flat-weaves are a combination of contemporary and traditional settings. Also popular are the cotton, woollen dhurries, and the silk carpets of Kashmir.
India offers a range of pile and flat-weave rugs in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes. The handcrafted floor coverings are suitable for decoration in both residential and commercial settings. The exquisite carpets also serve as wall hangings. High quality carpets are produced in three varieties - Persian, Turkoman and Aubusson.
Kashmir's carpets are a continuation of the Persian tradition, which mainly include floral patterns that are identical to those of Persia. These carpets are usually made of silk, or a combination of wool and silk with a cotton base, and occasionally silk pile on a silk base. Depending on the clarity of the design and the rarity, a high knot count and the size of the carpet, a Kashmiri carpet could be priceless.
Jute and Coir Floor Coverings
West Bengal is the country's largest producer of jute. The craftsmen of West Bengal make use of jute to produce several types of floor covering in different sizes and design. Kerala in South India is famous for it's coir work. Mats, runners and foot rugs made of Kerala coir are famous all over the country.
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