Kashmir’s Carpets Are Back on the Global Map—And This Time, They Come With a QR Code

Image Source : Khaleej Times

Kashmir’s centuriesold carpet tradition is seeing a revival, thanks to a mix of government support, UNESCO recognition, and renewed global interest. Once fading under market pressure and political unrest, the region’s handknotted carpets are now being reimagined for a new generation of buyers.

What’s Fueling the Comeback

UNESCO has designated Srinagar as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts, spotlighting Kashmiri carpet weaving on the global stage
The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) has trained over 11,000 artisans on modified looms to meet modern market demands
GItagged carpets now come with QR codes that detail the artisan’s name, knot density, and materials used—adding transparency and authenticity

Design Meets Heritage

Contemporary motifs and bold colors are being introduced alongside traditional Kashanstyle designs
Pictorial carpets, once the domain of Iranian weavers, are now being crafted in Kashmir to depict reallife scenes and historical moments
Highknotage pieces like “Aladdin’s Dream” feature over 1.8 crore knots and take years to complete, elevating carpets to collectible art

Challenges and Opportunities

US tariffs and global market instability remain hurdles, but rising domestic demand is helping offset losses
Experience centers and online platforms are connecting buyers directly with artisans, cutting out middlemen
With over 4 lakh artisans dependent on the craft, the revival isn’t just cultural—it’s economic

Sources: Times of India, Economic Times, Drishti IAS, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Horizon, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, INTACH Kashmir, Ministry of Textiles India