Sheikh Mustafa
KRALPORA (Baramulla): After eight years of meticulous labour, a group of dedicated carpet weavers in the tiny hamlet of Kralpora/Vailoo, near Tangmarg in Baramulla district, have completed Kashmir’s largest handmade carpet, a testament to the enduring legacy of Kashmiri craftsmanship.
With this feat, they say, they have ‘woven history thread by thread’.
Habibullah Sheikh and his brother Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, led this team that took on the mammoth challenge of laboriously producing this carpet that measures a staggering 72 feet by 40 feet, roughly 2880 square feet, nearly the size of half a Kanals of land.
A view of the largest and longest Kashmir’s Silk Carpet being rolled in Tangmarg, Baramulla district of Kashmir Valley. Photo/Sheikh MustafaA labour of love, not haste
Habibullah Sheikh, says, “We initially began this work with a team of 25 workers each with over 30 years of experience. However, to ensure the completion of this ambitious project, we enlisted the help of an additional 25 highly experienced artisans, bringing the total workforce to 50 skilled individuals to accomplish this project.”
Some might envision a bustling workshop filled with dozens of artisans working at breakneck speed, and pursuing a meticulous process. But the weavers argue that this wasn’t about employing sheer numbers, it was about harnessing the skill and dedication of these individuals to create a masterpiece.
The massive scale of the project necessitated a unique approach. A special loom had to be constructed in Vailoo Kralpora, Tangmarg, to accommodate the carpet’s expansive dimensions.
A master craftsman inspecting the production of Kashmir’s longest Silk carpet made for Saudi Arabia’s Palace. Photo/Sheikh MustafaA Legacy Woven Into Every Knot
The journey started in February 2015 but the main work began in 2016. It wasn’t without its challenges and obstacles. The project was partly interrupted by the disruptive Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, the artisans’ dedication to their craft remained unwavering.
As Sheikh himself acknowledges, “The weaving of the carpet was slightly impacted with some breaks for two years due to the Covid-19 lockdown. However, we persevered, working tirelessly day and night to overcome all odds.”
The result of their dedication is a breath-taking carpet, boasting an estimated 36.5 crore knots a staggering number that speaks volumes about the painstaking effort involved. A mind-boggling number that speaks volumes about the meticulous effort poured into its creation.
Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, brother of Habibullah Sheikh, explains the project’s origins: “In 2015, Srinagar-based Fayaz Ahmad Shah facilitated this order by first sending a sample carpet design that was ultimately chosen. We then began working on the project in 2016. The carpet itself follows the Kashan style, a historical design echoing the artistry of the Iranian city of Kashan.”
One of the longest silk carpet made in Kashmir in Kashan Style, named after Iranian City, being inspected during making by master craftsmen in Tangmarg, Baramulla district of Kashmir. Photo/Sheikh MustafaMore Than Just a Carpet, a Symbol of Revival
For Sheikh and the artisans, this project goes beyond the creation of a magnificent carpet. It represents a beacon of hope for the revival of Kashmir’s carpet industry, an art form steeped in history but facing challenges in recent times.
This art form is immersed in history dating back to the Mughal era, and is known for its intricate designs and use of luxurious materials like silk and pashmina. Kashmiri craftsmen were renowned for their skill for centuries, their carpets gracing the floors of palaces and halls of power throughout the world.
The successful completion of Asia’s largest handmade carpet serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring talent and resilience of Kashmiri artisans.
Habibullah Sheikh and his brother echo this sentiment, expressing their immense pride. “It is a matter of pride for us. We are so happy,” they say.
“In fact, in the future, we’d love to receive even bigger orders. We’re confident we can create carpets even larger than this one,” they said.
Kashmir’s longest silk carpet being rolled in and out for matching the design during its production for Saudi Arabian Palace after eight years of hard labour in Tangmarg, Baramulla district of Kashmir. Photo/Sheikh MustafaA Destination Awaits
“The luxurious carpet, crafted from fine silicon silk priced between 4000 and 5000 rupees per kilogram, is now ready for its final destination. After being washed here in Srinagar, it will be sent to Saudi Arabia, where it will be displayed in a grand hall,” said Ishpaq Ahmad Sheikh son of Habibullah Sheikh.
The carpet is being washed at the renowned Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, drawing crowds to witness a rare spectacle. The shrine provides a fitting space for the delicate task, ensuring the preservation of this cultural marvel destined for a palace in the Middle East.
Kashmir’s silk carpet woven into a legacy spanning over eight years of hard work of more than 50 master craftsmen in Tangmarg, Baramulla district of Kashmir. Photo/Sheikh MustafaA Legacy for Generations to Come
The story of this monumental carpet doesn’t end with its delivery. It serves as a potent symbol of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, a testament to the enduring spirit of its artisans, and a source of inspiration for future generations.
As the Sheikh brothers envision, “This is a new beginning for Kashmiri carpets. We are hopeful that this will revive the industry and put Kashmir back on the map as a leading carpet-making region.”
Kashmir’s longest silk carpet being laid out for final inspection of the master craftsmen before its washing on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar city. Photo/Sheikh MustafaFading Art
Kashmir boasts of a long and storied tradition of carpet production, with its origins dating back to the 15th century. It’s said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin himself invited skilled weavers from Persia and Central Asia to train the local population in this intricate art form.
However, despite this rich heritage, Kashmir’s carpet industry has seen sluggish growth in recent times, due in part to a decline in the number of artisans practicing this traditional craft.
Another challenge, according to Sheikh, is the dwindling interest among younger generations in this traditional craft. “Carpet weaving used to be a revered skill passed down through families,” he laments.
“But these days, young people are drawn to other professions. We worry that this exquisite art form may fade away if we don’t find ways to make it more appealing to the next generations.”
Habibullah Sheikh further explains that “many weavers have abandoned their family tradition due to low wages. Carpet makers, for example, deserve at least 1,000 rupees a day, but they are currently only earning 500 rupees. In contrast, weavers outside the field can earn 700 rupees including meals, making other jobs more attractive.”
As per the economic survey of Jammu and Kashmir, “the total carpet exports in 2011 to 2012 amounted to 86 million dollars. But from 2016 to 2017 the exports decreased to 56 million dollars.”
This is even though in recent years the market for handmade carpets nationwide has begun to look promising.
According to Indian Trade Portal, “In 2021-2022, India exported $1.51 billion worth of handmade carpets, which was an 18.8% increase from the previous year. India’s largest carpet maker, Obeetee, exports over $1.3 billion worth of handmade carpets annually, and works with more than 25,000 independent weavers.”
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