4 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Handmade Indian Rug

• 24 February 2023
• 5 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

There are only a few decor items that spell unparalleled luxury. Find out why hand-woven Indian carpets are the best buy

Countries like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India are known for producing exquisite carpets. However, there’s a huge demand for Indian carpet designs worldwide because of their exquisite finish and durability. Moreover, offering mesmerising interplay of colours and patterns, India has gained its reputation for producing some of the best and most exotic handmade rugs.

According to India Today, India is responsible for around 40 percent of the worldwide export of handmade carpets. For the fiscal year 2020, the export of Indian carpets stood at US$ 1.37 billion. The main carpeting belt in the country covers Bhadohi and Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur, Ajmer and Bikaner in Rajasthan, Panipat in Haryana, and Kashmir.

Nothing is more luxurious than a hand- knotted silk rug (Gulmarg).

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What are handmade carpets and rugs?

Indicative of the name, a handmade carpet is made on a handloom by very skilled weavers. They are categorised based on the kind of weaving techniques used. A handmade rug is a blend of thought and design, painstakingly executed by a team of artisans, weavers and craftsmen. The entire process is manual, from dying the colour yarn to trimming the rug once it is taken off from the loom.

Why buy Indian handmade rugs?

1. They are one-of-a-kind, artisanal pieces

A culturally diverse country like India is blessed with skilled artisans who provide a touch of uniqueness and regional influences to the craft. As a result, antique Indian rugs became distinct in patterns, motifs and materiality. This is the case even today. Each hand-woven rug is like no other. Each warp and weft is rendered using complex, refined weaving skills that have been passed down from generation; this is why a handmade Indian carpet is a piece of art.

Though carpet weaving gained prominence during the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, traces of this skill date back to the early 11th century. The lack of luxurious Persian carpets in India made Babur bring in carpet weavers from his native country. Gradually, local weavers adapted the skill and infused a touch of Indian art and culture into the carpets resulting in Mughal carpets (or Moghul/Mogul carpets). The flourishing industry spread across the country, with Kashmir, Jaipur, Agra, and Bhadohi mastering their regional styles.

Be it a hand tufted wooden carpet (Mythos) or a silk creation,
carpets embellish any space they are placed in

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Now local Indian hand-woven rugs and dhurries come in a plethora of shapes, materials and styles. As Indian weavers come from diverse regions of the country, they bring in their regional and cultural influences and histories into their creations. Regions like Kashmir are known for handwoven wool rugs (similar to the Kilim that are of Turkish origin) and handmade silk rugs, which are ideal for colder regions. Those from Uttar Pradesh have a flatter weave and are made from materials like cotton that are suitable for the warmer regions. When Persian carpets got introduced to Rajasthan in the early 17th century, new forms of rugs and dhurrie styles emerged with unique weaving techniques and quality.

2. They are all-natural and eco-friendly

Original rugs from India are made of sustainable materials and natural fibres, such as wool, silk, cotton, jute, and hemp. The dyes used for colouring the thread contain natural ingredients. Additionally, traditional, hand-weaving processes employ sustainable techniques for dyeing, processing, etc. Machine-made rugs are usually made from artificial fibres and materials. Factory production usually involves high carbon emissions resulting in damage to the environment.

3. Indian rugs can be heirlooms and last you a lifetime

A hand-knotted woollen Indian carpet or a handmade silk carpet can be passed down to new generations. The lifespan of a well-maintained hand-knotted rug can be anywhere from 20-200 years, it all depends on how much one cares for it. Using high-quality natural materials, custom-made Indian rugs are durable and long-lasting compared to machine-made ones.
 

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Indian rugs, carpets, and dhurries are exclusive and are a piece of art rather than furnishing. Considering their durability and intricate finish, their value only increases with time.

4. They up the luxury quotient

Another reason why you should buy a handmade Indian handmade rug is that they have a tactile quality while being extremely luxurious. Ones made from the machine are not as lustrous and lack the warmth that handcrafted carpets exude.

Most popular types of handmade rugs from India :

1. Hand-knotted

Skilfully and intricately made using traditional techniques, the artisans make this rug by weaving one knot at a time on a loom. Offering top-notch quality and finish, these rugs and carpets offer a bespoke finish. They are usually made from pure silk, wool, bamboo silk and cotton. They have a flatter pile; the quality is determined by the density of knots per square inch, which is visible at the back of the carpet. Rugs with closely and densely packed knots per square are considered premium and are some of India's most expensive carpets.
 

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2. Hand-tufted

The exquisite journey of the hand-tufted carpet begins as a blank canvas stretched on a frame. The artisans then punch strands of yarn (with a traced design) into the same using a dedicated tufting tool. This process is not as labour-intensive or time-consuming as hand-knotting and doesn't require as much mastering of skills. A hand-tufted rug will have a scrim backing on the reverse. They usually feature fringes that are attached by gluing or sewing. Hand-tufted carpets cost less than hand-knotted ones.
 

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Find Indian rugs on sale here

3. Flat-weave

A flat-weave carpet made of cotton or wool is also known as a dhurrie. It is similar in style to the handmade Kilim.
 

This flat weave carpet (Heritage) is perfect for high-traffic areas. Its subtle and refined
palette will pair well with any contemporary setting.
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Like textiles, the weaving technique of a flat-weave rug includes interlocking warp and weft threads. However, these rugs are sturdier and more cost-friendly as compared to Persian rugs. They are also available in a variety of designs, motifs, weaving patterns and colours.

If you want to bring luxury to your underfoot, invest in an Indian handwoven rug that will last for generations.