Shawls in Kashmir

Kashmiri Shawl – or alternately known as Cashmere Shawl – is one of the prestigious cloth made in Kashmir. It has found its admirers not only in the common world populace but even the Mughal King Akbar, Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Queen Josephine of France.

The Shawl weaving skill of Kashmir was actually brought here from Turkestan.  But Kashmiri artisans and craftsmen mastered and perfected the skill in order to create a more sophisticated and special Shawl.

Kashmiri Shawls

Best Shawls to Buy in Kashmir

1. Kashmiri Shawl

This art form was brought to Kashmir from central Asia. However, Kashmiris made it into a more sophisticated and fragile product. This shawl is made by the thread called Shahtoosh – taken from the Tibetan Antelope – which is very soft and fragile in its making. They also say that the fabric washed in the Dal Lake makes it even softer.

The Shawl is said to be used and praised by the British Queen Victoria as well as the Mughal King Akbar.

The price of a Kashmiri Shawl ranges between one and five lakh rupees and majorly depends on the size of the shawl and can be availed in Kashmir as well as at any foreign exhibition.

2. Pashmina Shawl

Pashmina is another type of Kashmiri Shawl that is usually made with a much more softer and warmer fiber taken from the Wild Asian Mountain Goat. This Goat is found only in the upper reaches of Himalayas, and is rare, that is one of the reasons of its authenticity and luxury.

This Shawl is usually worn by both men and women during winters to save them from the cold outside.

This shawl was especially liked by Akbar and other Royalties from the Mughal Dynasty. The price range is usually from 100000 to 300000 INR.

availed in Kashmir as well as at any foreign exhibition.

Also see, 6 days Kashmir tour package

3. Kani Shawl

this shawl has a Kashmiri origin. This shawl is said to be made in Kashmir in around 3000 BC. Since then this has been one of the most comfortable Kashmiri Shawl. On the current date, this Shawl is majorly made in the Kanihama area of District Budgam. That is why it is also known as Kani Shawl.

This shawl is also known as Pashmina Shawl. Because it is made by the Pashmina yarn, collected from the Wild Goat. This shawl is one of the most soft, light weighted and comfortable shawls out there.

The price of this shawl ranges between 50000 to 2 lakh rupees depending on multiple varying factors.

Also see 7 Days Kashmir tour package

Are Kashmiri Shawls Handmade?

Yes, Kashmiri Shawls are with intricate care with hand. The Artisans who make them spend a lot of their time in the weaving of thread and then making a Kashmiri Shawl.

If you want to buy a proper authentic Kashmiri Shawl, you should visit the place by yourself in order to check verify and bargain with the seller and stay content.

Which shawl is the best?

In Kashmir it is really difficult to choose the best of the shawls you should buy. It mostly depends on your discretion and taste and you can choose any Shawl you like. All the Shawls are not alike but they are authentic, luxurious and comfortable.

Where to buy best Kashmiri Shawls?

Some of the shops that you can buy you items are:

  1. Lucky Art Emporium: Located in Munawarabad in Srinagar almost 4 kilometers from Lal Chowk, this wholesale Arts Emporium deals in Kashmiri Shawls, Namda, Leather Bags and Dry Fruits. This shop is known for its exports to Europe and Central Asia. You can easily find some of the best Shawls made here.
  1. Suffering Moses: Located on the Majestic Jhelum the Bund in Munshibagh Srinagar, Suffering Moses is known for its Silk Shawls, Namda and Qaleen. This shop is one of the most traditional shops in the entire valley that supply the most pure Shawl. This shop has the tradition of weaving and selling Shawls for the last 200 years.
  2. Kashmir Arts: Located in Nawakadal in Srinagar, Kashmir Arts is one of the most valued places for the sale and buying of Kashmiri Shawl and other Handicrafts. This shop is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from Lal Chowk and is a major destination for the shopping of Kashmiri Artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions

Pashmina, Shahtoosh and Kani shawl are the most famous shawls made and sold in Kashmir.

Pashmina Shawls in generally used as a generic name for Kashmiri Shawls

Some of the Shawls like Kani Shawl were indigenous to Kashmiri Culture, but some other art forms were introduced here by Persian preachers.

No, No animal is harmed in the making of Shawls. Their yarn is just taken off which grown again on them.

Srinagar – the main city of Jammu and Kashmir – is known globally for Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina Shawl is indeed fairly expensive. The wool and the handwork is a tough job to do, so it  is usually expensive

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