Kashmir - The state famous for Pashmina Craft

Looking from the meadows of creation, the appearance scatters the glory around. There are so many aspects in nature that enthrall the virtue of being sacred. A world full of liveliness and beauty, a valley cherished by nature itself bestows upon the enchantment of serenity. Kashmir, a valley in the north of India unravels the heaven on earth. The acquaintances with the flowers, mountains, sky, and nature flow in the rivers of the valley. Kashmir valley confers to revere Pashmina as the craft of heritage. The exquisite craft defines the boundaries of no limit in the sphere of creativity and luxury.

Folklore of the Paradise of Kashmir

The word Kashmir was derived from the ancient Sanskrit language word and was referred to as kasmira. There are prescribed several etymologies in the origin of the valley itself. A famous and fine etymology derives the origin from the name of the Vedic sage Kashyapa who is believed to have settled people in this land. Accordingly, Kashmir would be from either kashyapa-mir (Kashyapa's Lake) or kashyapa-meru (Kashyapa's Mountain). In addition, geologists have described that Kashmir valley was a lake initially. Therefore, the lake drained through the gap of Baramulla, presently a district of Kashmir. The etymology is given proof by the description of Nilamata. It describes the valley originating from a lake called Sati-saras.

Kashmir, a paradise filled with histories and sagas of previous folklores, described to be the most unique in its presentation of nature is marvelous. Even in times of crisis, beauty invades into the soul leaving behind all the despair. Therefore, the valley witnessed the long history of itself and its culture. The heritage of the valley identifies several Art and Craft divinities. Consequently, the revival of the folks in the creation of handicrafts is explicit.

Chronicle of Pashmina Craft in the lap of Kashmir

History depicts the arrival of Cashmere and then Pashmina in the most natural way. Cashmere has been in the world since the 13th century in the region of Kashmir valley. The Cashmere word, coined by the Europeans was due to the abundance of the finest Cashmere wool in the valley of Kashmir from where Pashmina found its path.

The history dates back to the 15th century in the Kashmir Valley of India. The presence of a saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani from the middle east came to Kashmir with 700 craftsmen to adorn the beauty of the valley and to spread the holy message. The saint landed its appearance in the Changthang Mountain in Ladakh. While perceiving nature, he locked his eyes on the goat of marvelous wool. Astonished by the softness and fineness of the wool, he made socks out of it and gifted them to the Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen of Kashmir Valley. By the beauty of Pashmina wool, suggested making an industry that cultivates the Pashmina wool in desirable styles. Even the name Pashmina, derived from the Persian word, pashm, meaning "the soft gold" is exquisite in being and depicts the heritage full of uniqueness.

Therefore, Cashmere, from the fleece of rare nomadic breed of goats. The breed is found between Mongolia, China, Iran, Tibet, Northern India, and Afghanistan. The finest among all, obtained in the Ladakh region of India is Himalayan cashmere. From there, the Cashmere, cleaned, dried, and soaked to form the fine fleece is pure. The finest fleece travels to paradise for proper supplication in creativity. Afterward, the unique designs and styles prescribed on the finest Pashmina are explicit. Herein, the role of artisans of the heavenly valley takes place. The lullaby of skill soothes over the Pashmina craft with exquisite patterns, weaves, and embroideries.

Pashmina Craft - Tangled with the Heritage of Kashmir

Kashmir, alone where Pashmina craft endeavours. From Ladakh to Kashmir, the craft of Pashmina endures the creativity within. An ancient craft perfected over the centuries is also divine. After the diligent picking, the process moves forward. Spinning, done by hand on the traditional charkha wheel known as yinder is exquisite. A highly skilled job to spin the fibre into a glorified fine yarn is meticulous. Mostly done by the women of Kashmir having the traditional skill of spinning the incredibly fine yarn. Therefore, done manually. Thus women play a very important role in spinning the yarn for weaving. It is a highly creative skill that exists only in Kashmir. 

Afterward, the yarn has loomed on the traditional wooden handloom for the next serene process of weaving. Kashmir handloom endeavors to sustain and infuse a modern soul into the woven, patterned, and embroidered Pashmina Shawls. The heritage confers to the skill of artisans as well as to the cleaners, dyers, and all other workers in the craft. The symphony of the craft entwines the culture presenting marvelous masterpieces. The opulence and glory cater to all the styles curated only in the lap of the Kashmir valley.

From the cradle of Paradise

We, at Pashmina.com, endorse the handcrafted Pashmina Shawls in unique varieties. Taken directly from the only lap of Pashmina craft, we confer to the purity and fineness with sustainability. Thus, the heritage, revived and preserved in every masterpiece is explicit. Moreover, defining the skill of artisans and the designs by the designers, we delicately cater all the styles over to the world. Also, taking the wearers towards the most authentic handcrafted Pashmina. The creation cherishes every dimension of opulence in the most meticulous way.

Also read: The Kashmiri Shawl | All You Need to Know