India’s love for carpets dates back to as early as 500 BC,
and the earliest Indian literature makes reference to woven mats and floor coverings.
However, rug weaving in India was elevated to an art form under the reign of the
conquering Mogul emperor, Akbar the Great, in the 16th century.
Akbar can be solely credited with introducing the Persian art of carpet weaving
to India and establishing the first rug weaving centers.
The formal, hand-knotted Persian patterns that emerged from those centers eventually
began to incorporate the exotic patterns that were indigenous to India. Those patterns
varied from vines and floral designs, to animal and bird motifs, to geometric and
calligraphic patterns. Every piece was given a distinct touch by its weavers, and
designed in a manner befitting royalty.
Later, such faraway design inspirations as Chinese Ming dynasty and French Aubusson
would also make their way to India, resulting in the fascinating kaleidoscope of
designs and symbols that are so much a part of the appeal of oriental carpets.
With the transition of ancient Persia to modern day Iran, the availability of Persian
design rugs for world markets declined dramatically, and India became the focus
of the demand. India’s rug-making industry responded by producing more classic
Persian and similar design rugs that rivaled those produced in Iran. Moreover, India’s
weavers developed their own unique style that left a personal “signature”
on every rug they produced.
The meticulous workmanship, beauty, and quality that made hand-woven Indian rugs
the prized possessions of Mogul emperors, Maharajas, and British nobility remain
the hallmarks of the magnificent hand-knotted rugs produced today by India’s
rug-making industry. The same tradition of excellence is also evident in the tufted
pile, and various types of flat woven floor coverings that are also produced in
India.
A Revolutionary Development
In the past, all hand-woven oriental rugs produced in India and the other rug-making countries were "one-of-a-kind," thus limiting their accessibility to all but the wealthiest purchasers. These unique creations are still woven in today's India; however, an exciting development that began in the 1970s revitalized India's rug-making industry and made the craftsmanship, artistry, and enduring quality of Indian rugs available to a much broader market. The development, known as "programming," allowed for the production of multiple rugs of the same design in a range of the most desired sizes and in a choice of designer-influenced color combinations. It also offered the option of producing a rug to meet specific size, design and/or color requirements of the purchaser.
Programmed rugs are still made from the finest natural yarns, and they require just as many hours of painstaking attention and the same careful finishing steps as their "one-of-a-kind" counterparts. However, the process has not only made Indian rugs more affordable, it has made it possible for area rug retailers and interior design professionals to satisfy the taste and space requirements of everyone of any budget who desires to own a genuine hand-loomed Indian rug.