The term shawl is derived from
Persian "shal", which
refers to whole range of fine
woolen garments. Reference of
shawl is found in the Ramayana,
the Mahabharata, the Atharvaveda
and the Buddhist Literature.
During the rule of the Mughals,
shawl making received impetus.
He encouraged the weavers to
experiment with new motifs.
Kashmir was a main center of
shawl production. However following
the Afghan rule many of the
artisans were forced to other
areas. Amritsar and Ludhiana
emerged as important center
of shawl weaving. Phulkari,
was used to decorate the shawls.
During the British rule, Indian
shawls were exported to the
western world. Popularity of
Indian shawls with colorful
motifs found ready market in
countries like France.
In the 19th century change
was brought in weaving of kani
shawls of Kashmir. Instead of
being woven as one piece, now
the shawl was woven in long
strips on small loom. There
was also the emergence of amli
or embroidered shawl in Kashmir
in this phase.
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