SRINAGAR: Nine years, 40×72 square feet, 37.48 crore knots, and 65000 labor force!
A new record has been set after a giant carpet that could fit in a half kanal of land was manufactured in Kashmir. The carpet is touted as one of the biggest in the world.
It is for the first time that such a big carpet has been made in Kashmir. The work for the giant silk-on-silk carpet started in February 2015 and it took Fayaz Ahmad Shah one year just to build a special loom and create a design.
“A top Indian company reposed faith in us and placed an order for 40×72 square feet carpet. It took us one year only to build the loom and create the design. Later artisans were engaged. And so far 64800 artisans worked at different times and intervals to make this giant size carpet,” Fayaz Ahmad Shah told The Kashmir Monitor.
Shah had to hire a crane to lift the carpet given its weight and size. “We had to bring the crane to lift the carpet after it was finished. A special truck has been hired which will transport the carpet to the washing bay. It will take another month to wash the carpet given its mammoth size,” said Shah.
The carpet is meant to be exported outside the country after it is shipped to the firm that has ordered it. “We received an order from an Indian firm. But the carpet is to be exported to a Gulf country. It will be sent through cargo ship, “ said Shah.
Celebrations erupted after the carpet was completed. It was a matter of joy for all the artisans and workers who put their blood and sweat into creating a unique record.
Handicraft exports have been on an upward trajectory despite the Ukraine war and slump in some European countries.
Official figures reveal that goods worth Rs 728.99 were exported in the three quarters ending December 2022. Exports of all four quarters of 2021-22 were Rs 563.13 crore. Most of the exports were realized in the third quarter. Figures released by the Department of Handcrafts and Handlooms reveal goods worth Rs 352.02 were exported in the third quarter.
Official data revealed that handicrafts worth Rs. 1116.37 crore were exported in FY 2022-23 against Rs. 563.13 Crore in FY 2021-22
Official data accessed by The Kashmir Monitor revealed that handicrafts worth Rs. 208.21 crore. were exported in the first quarter of FY 2023-24
Carpet exports have recorded the highest increase. Carpets worth Rs 88. 92 crore were exported in Q1FY23.
In 2012-22, Kashmir handicraft exports doubled despite the Ukraine war and COVID resurgence
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