Govt must preserve Kashmiri handmade carpets’ legacy

The alarming rise in machine-made carpets being falsely sold as handmade Kashmiri carpets is not just a case of commercial fraud—it is a direct assault on Kashmir’s centuries-old cultural heritage. The recent intervention by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), which has appealed to the Ministry of Textiles and the Prime Minister’s Office for urgent action, is a timely and necessary step. It highlights the gravity of a situation that threatens to erode the integrity of India’s globally celebrated handmade carpet industry.

For generations, Kashmir’s artisans have painstakingly woven carpets that are not merely products, but expressions of intricate craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural identity. These carpets are symbolic of India’s rich artistic legacy and have earned admiration in international markets for their unmatched quality and design. Yet today, this legacy stands endangered by the unchecked proliferation of machine-made imitations, deceptively marketed as handmade.

The damage inflicted by these practices is twofold. First, it undermines consumer trust. Buyers, both domestic and global, who invest in what they believe to be authentic handmade products, are deceived. Second, and more devastatingly, it threatens the livelihoods of thousands of skilled weavers in Kashmir whose families depend on this traditional craft.

CEPC’s call for the formation of a dedicated enforcement team to investigate and act against these fraudulent practices is both urgent and justified. Without strict regulatory oversight and accountability, the problem will only deepen. The proposal to introduce authentication labels and GI tagging is another critical measure that can protect the identity and authenticity of Kashmiri handmade carpets in both domestic and export markets.

The government owes it to its artisans to safeguard their craft from exploitation and preserve the dignity of their work. As stewards of this living heritage, policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers must act together. The integrity of Kashmir’s handmade carpet industry is a national pride. Its protection is not just about trade; it is about the survival crucial livelihoods and a rich cultural legacy.