Artisans of J&K’s Kupwara claim to have made Asia’s largest hand-knotted carpet

Srinagar, May 04: Artisans of Wayil village in north Kashmir’s Kralpora Kupwara have claimed to make Asia’s largest hand-knotted carpet. This hand-knotted Kashmiri carpet is 72x40 feet, covering a vast area of 2,880 square feet.

This masterpiece making has rejuvenated the passion among those who had left the art due to little revenue outputs.

According to artisans, the making of this exclusive hand-knotted carpet took over 25 artisans around eight long years to complete this masterpiece. The whole carpet industry of Kashmir Valley takes pride in its creation. The intricate weaving of this exceptional carpet was overseen by two seasoned veterans of the craft, Fayaz Ahmed Shah and Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, whose unwavering dedication ensured the completion of this monumental piece despite various challenges.

“This was a maiden carpet piece we made. We have never made such a big carpet in Kashmir ever. We had to put our minds to a lot of things as it required a huge loom to be woven on. It was a big challenge and thank God it's been finally completed. I am sure it will be sold abroad, and I am sure that in future we will make something bigger than this,” said Fayaz Ahmed Shah, a craft dealer.

The last eight years of weaving this masterpiece have not been easy. There have been multiple impediments the artisans encountered with particularly the Covid19 pandemic. The extended lockdowns led to manifold disruptions.

Pertinently Kashmir is famous for its Pashmina Shawls and Silk Carpets has now found a new course with the creation of this masterpiece. According to the craft dealers, a good number of artisans are returning back to looms to pick up carpet weaving again.

“Since this masterpiece came into being many artisans who had left the art approach us once again and displayed willingness to work again. We hope the way any employees get paid, it has to be the same and equal wages for them as well. The artisan community needs to have a life of dignity to make them able to feed their families in a dignified way. If artisans will be paid handsomely they will never leave the work. This masterpiece is a teamwork and from designs to artisans, everyone has worked hard in this endeavor,” Shah said.