The of woolen items in India is
conditioned and dictated mainly by geographical
factors. People mainly from hilly and alpine
regions contribute to weaving of
items, due to their need and the predominance
of sheep rearing in these parts of the country.
The main wool weaving regions are as follows: The state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous
for its woolen products like, shawls, ,
floorings and pherans (traditional Kashmiri
dress). Woolen shawls of Kashmir are not
only famous in India but their popularity
is worldwide.
Woolen shawls from Kashmir are popular
because of the embroidery or Sozni work
done on them using woolen threads. The price
of these shawls depends on the quality of
the wool used and also the quality of the
embroidery done on them.
Pashmina shawls from Kashmir are world famous
and known for their softness. The raw material
for these shawls is obtained from the hair
of ibex. These shawls are very expensive.
At times rabbit hair or wool is mixed with
the hair of ibex to reduce the cost of the
shawls. These shawls are sometimes embroidered.The
best and the rare shawls from Kashmir are
the Shahtoosh shawls, which are woven from
the hair of the Tibetian antelope. These
shawls are known for their lightness, softness
and warmth.Pheran the traditional Kashmiri
dress is made out of coarse wool and it
resembles a long cloak.
The people of the Nubra valley in the Ladakh
region weave traditional woolen blankets.
is known for its Kullu
shawls and traditional headgear. These items
are decorated with rich colours and geometric
patterns. Not only wool obtained from sheep
is used in making these items, wool is also
obtained from the hair of a special breed
of rabbit called the Angora.
Amritsar and Ludhiana from the state of
Punjab are famous for their woolen blankets.
The northeastern regions of India also
have wool weaving traditions of their own.
The shawls, jackets and sarongs made from
these regions have a profusion of colour
and are decorated with patterns having large
geometric shapes or straight lines.
Wool is used in producing suiting, furnishings,
hosiery, mats, floorings etc. |