Indian carpets are overwhelmingly rich with a sheer range of patterns, styles and designs on their bristled surface. They are one of the uniquely characterized works of art distinguished mainly upon an exclusive, deeply perceptive palette, based on pink, yellow, green, and light blue. Such colors have best complemented on the usual bluish red known as lac red. This intense red has been extensively used for the grounds of fields on carpet. The lifelike and floral designs with animal figures accompanied with the epic hunting scenes on the carpet are indebted to the Persian style. Precisely, the birth of the Indian style carpet is definitely from the Persian carpets. India could never boast about having its own origination and following tradition of hand knotted carpets. Instead, it exists in India till today, because of centuries old tradition of schlepping of carpets from Persia. The credit goes to the then Mughal emperor, Akbar (tenure 1556-1605). As compared to the designs, the asymmetrical knotting vivid picturization belongs to the Indian style of designing. The naturalistic character of the Indian carpets doesn’t exhibit the trademark attractive Persian motifs. However, there is an exception in the case of adopted from Persia or other natives like herat, cloudbands, and boteh. There is a strong preference on figural backdrops set on directional layouts and less- elaborations involving commonly used full-field usage of rows or grids, palmettes, etc. The introduction of carpets in India couldn’t have been possible without the Mughal dynasty’s dominion. Moreover, the region’s hot climate could never have required the warmth of carpets. It was until the 16th century, that Mughal emperors patronized Persian carpets for their royal courts and palaces. Akbar had called for specialized artists and weavers sent from Persian court to set up workshops in his two Indian capitals in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. These were meant exclusively for the court as a product conceived as a novel piece of decoration and furnishing. Initially, the carpets woven showed the classic Persian style with fine knotting. The valued and aristocratic carpets exhibited designs finalized by the royal miniaturists, etc. Due to the lack of specific records of weaving from the 16th century, the so-called art forms like Indo-Isfahan or Indo-Persian carpets make a strong impression. These belong to the 17th -18th century and are identified by Safavid designs. During the reign of Jahangir, Akbar’s son reigned and encouraged more on floral carpets. His fascination towards botanical features like floral characters exhibited a variety of herbal species, which was perfectly expressive on carpets. Inspiringly, more workshops were seen as this art form reached the peak of its popularity. This is also the period of culmination of the Indo-Persian style of carpets. The densely, asymmetrically knotted carpets in India are usually seen with cotton or silk backing. In case of a silk backing, the pile is trimmed low. Such attention to detail and presentation of realistic attributes became a specialty. The Indian dyers remarkably used very close shades of a similar color in carpets, which were examples of perfectly balanced one with weaving dragons, and other mythical beasts. Realistic ones include tigers, lions, deer, cheetahs, etc., seen in India. Such standard Persian carpets also incorporated materials like high quality wool from Kashmir and sometimes even silk. There are many antique carpets that are totally made by silk. Lavish pieces boast of generous usage of gold threads and precious gemstones too. The Indian carpet scenario has several major examples of exquisite prayer rugs, antique rugs and carpets, figural carpets, etc. During the 19th century, the Indian carpet scenario saw a literal downfall. Bored with the tired repetition of similar Mughal trends and styles were commonly seen in the Western market. In addition, the local English markets saw their inventories filling with products imitating the Mughal motifs as directed by the European companies. In addition, the standard Indian dyes couldn’t remain rivals to the newly made synthetic dyes in trend. Gradually, all reputed Indian carpets were known by the place of their origin, for instance carpets from Agra were called as Agra Carpets. Since India never had its own nomadic origination of carpet weaving like Persia, Indian carpets squeezed within the city workshops and couldn’t be branded like the Persian ones. Fortunately, the Indian carpet industry saw a refreshing yet a conservative revival after several years during the British rule in India. After independence, the Indian government has taken some drastic steps to empower the artisans and the weaving industry. Today, the Indian carpet industry fascinates the world with its enthralling array of carpets woven. Indian carpets are specimens of excellence designed and woven as legends, which proudly embellish homes both in domestic as well as international front.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 18:28:27 +0000
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