Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Jan 21: The world’s second-largest handwoven silk carpet is nearing completion in Karlpora village of the Kunzer area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, highlighting the scale and endurance of Kashmir’s centuries-old carpet-weaving tradition.
However, the monumental effort offers little economic return to the artisans behind it, who continue to earn meagre daily wages.
Measuring an expansive 30 by 72 feet, the carpet is being woven at what artisans describe as one of the largest carpet factories in the district.
The project, which began in 2015, currently employs 10 to 12 weavers and is expected to take another year to complete.
Commissioned by a private businessman, the carpet is likely to be exported abroad once finished.
Weavers involved in the project said the work demands nearly 10 hours of continuous labour each day and relies entirely on traditional techniques passed down through generations.
According to the artisans, the finished carpet will weigh around 12 quintals and contain an estimated 25 crore knots, making it one of the most intricate handwoven silk carpets ever produced in Kashmir.
The total production cost is pegged at around Rs 6 crore, largely due to the specialised silk yarn used and the long duration of labour involved.
While such large-scale projects bring visibility and prestige to Kashmiri craftsmanship, weavers said the economic benefits at the grassroots level remain limited.
“Workers earn around Rs 450 per day, while artisans outside the Valley earn between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000,” said Ghulam Nabi Gojri, a weaver associated with the project.
He added that many skilled artisans are compelled to move outside Kashmir in search of better wages.
Gojri further said that although artisans possess the skills to work independently from their homes, financial constraints prevent them from setting up their own units.
“We cannot afford the raw material and infrastructure required for such large projects,” he said.
The artisans also alleged that Government schemes meant to support youth and traditional crafts have not reached their village.
Once completed, the carpet is expected to stand among the largest handmade silk carpets produced in Kashmir in recent years.
While the project reflects the depth and resilience of Kashmir’s traditional skills, artisans stressed that stronger institutional support is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the craft.
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