Carpets and Durries

Carpet Weaving is not indigenous to India but brought in by the Mughals. By the end of the late 16th century, Indian carpet weavers were producing superior examples comparable with the finest products of Persia. The rulers of Amber-Jaipur took a great interest in carpets and built up a large collection of 16th and 17th-century Persian and Mughal Carpets. The Carpet industry in Jaipur started only in the mid-19th century when carpet-making was introduced as a jail craft. Ajmer and Bikaner were also selected as carpet weaving centers.

Mughal Carpets - This shaped Mughal carpet is from the Shah Jahani looms of Lahore. Mirza Raja Jai Singh bought a large number of such individually shaped carpets for spreading in his garden at Amber.The design used in palaces of the Red fort and the Taj Mahal. Some Mughal Carpets are on display at the central Museum and the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh IInd Museum, Jaipur.

Rajasthani carpets - Modern Rajasthani carpets follow north's Persian design. Often dictated by the buyer's tastes, such designs frequently incorporate hunting scenes or romantic scenes or romantic themes from Persian poetry.

Durries - A durrie is a cool light Rug. Rajasthani durries are smooth and closely woven. Pastel shades and a sparse use of geometrical and vegetal motifs are popular.

Durrie Making - Durries are woven all over the country where skilled labour is available cheaply. Durries-Making which dates back to very ancient days in India had been popular in eastern and northern Rajasthan, meeting a steady demand from the court and the general public.

Weaving Carpet -Weaving entails the combined efforts of the Designer, Dyer, Weaver and the Knotter whose skillful and deft fingers apply the delicate knots of different shades to bring out the design. The knots are then trimmed with a pair of carpet scissors,and the carpet is ready after a wash.