Carpet Industry of Bhadohi
Carpets have always held a certain magic. From fairy tales to the elegance of our own homes, stepping onto a carpet often feels like stepping into a world of royalty. But where do these exquisite creations come from? Who are the artisans behind them, and what are their stories?
In India, the small city of Bhadohi, renowned as the ‘Carpet City,’ has woven its history for over five centuries. This vibrant hub is the heart of India’s carpet industry, crafting 60% of the country’s carpets and rugs. The tradition of carpet weaving began here with Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and has since been a cherished livelihood for countless artisans.
The workshops and craftsmen of Bhadohi span over 100,000 square kilometers, stretching across its towns and villages. Each carpet is a masterpiece, reflecting the artistry and intricate techniques passed down through generations. The city’s streets are alive with the rhythmic clatter of looms and the rich scent of dyes, testaments to the skill and passion that go into every piece.
These artisans are not just creators but custodians of a rich cultural heritage. Their work tells stories of tradition, craftsmanship, and dedication, making each carpet a unique blend of artistry and history. As you walk upon a carpet from Bhadohi, you’re not just stepping onto a piece of fabric but into a legacy of timeless beauty and craftsmanship.
Today, traditional handmade tools have been replaced by advanced technology, significantly reducing the time and labor required for carpet production. While technology has brought many improvements, from more efficient weaving methods to enhanced dyeing techniques, the artisans’ skills have remained as sharp as ever. This fusion of modern innovation and traditional craftsmanship creates a unique synergy, preserving the rich heritage of carpet making while embracing the benefits of contemporary advancements.
The carpet-making industry along the Bhadohi-Mirzapur stretch is a major economic driver, providing livelihoods for approximately 3.2 million people. This number continues to rise annually, reflecting the industry’s growth and expanding reach. India exports carpets worth ₹4,400 crore every year, with a substantial 75% of these exports coming from Bhadohi. This thriving industry not only contributes significantly to the local economy but also showcases the remarkable blend of artistry and technology that defines Bhadohi’s renowned carpets.
The Bhadohi artisans specialise in all kinds of carpets from Persian and Turkish styled ones to hand knotted silk and woolen carpets. The industry has come a long way since its inception. In the early days, carpet making was the practice of only the Muslim community along with agriculture. With time, all other communities as well realized it is a business that is rural in nature with minimum requirement and can provide well for the household.
In 1985, all these artisans came together as one community and formed the All India Carpet Manufacturers Association (AICMA) to promote exports and manage the market.
In a big win, the Bhadohi carpet making industry was given the ‘Export Excellence’ tag by the government of India in 2018. This is bound to boost the morale of all these artisans and make them realize how valuable they are to the nation. Under this tag, there are multiple benefits including financial aid from the central government that will allow the purchase of machinery, global fairs and exhibitions and better export infrastructure. The small-scale industry is the backbone of the Indian economy and the more we nurture its development, the sooner we will see constant growth.
The process is mesmerizing and deserving of tremendous respect and dignity. One can only imagine the time and effort it takes to weave a carpet. These artisans do it with the utmost dedication and it reflects in the intricacy of the finished product.
Carpet Industry of Bhadohi
Carpet Industry of Bhadohi
Carpet Industry of Bhadohi