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Gwalior Carpet : Heritage Under Feet

Picture of Sagarika
Sagarika
I am a research enthusiast driven by a passion for connecting the dots and bringing interdisciplinary approaches to the study of art and history. My work is rooted in the belief that knowledge is happiness, and I strive to explore and share the rich narratives embedded within artforms. Using diverse methodologies, I seek to uncover the stories that often remain hidden, giving voice to the overlooked and underrepresented. This journey is not just about understanding art; it’s about bringing it to the forefront for better recognition and building a Subaltern perspective that redefines our understanding of cultural histories.

The Gwalior Carpets are an exemplary illustration of Indian textile heritage embodying artistic ingenuity, cultural symbolism and meticulous craftsmanship. Originating from Madhya Pradesh, these carpets transcend not only mete utility, but serves instead as a vibrant magnification of the regional identity and aesthetic sophistication. The Global recognition that has that it has garnered reflects not only on its unparallel quality but also its end during legacy that the artisans of uphold. It has won the GI Tag to preserve its heritage.

How did the Gwalior carpets emerged ?

The origin of the Gwalior carpets are intricately woven with the Mughal period’s artistic influence shaped Indian craftsmanship. The evolution of Gwalior carpets can be traced back to the the 19th century when the Scindia rulers of Gwalior patronised the artform. Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia, a noted patron of art and craft has been credited with inviting Persian weavers to impart these skills to local artist. This created a confluence of Persian technique with the regional variation and gave birth to the distinctive Gwalior tradition of carpet weaving. Dr R.C. Sharma has mention that in the 19th century, Gwalior became a trade and culture centre which facilitated the diffusion of carpet weaving techniques and its motifs.

With the consolidation of power of the East India Company over Gwalior, they established the Oriental Carpet Manufacturing company to derive maximum benefits from the carpet weaving industry. Thus, by the 20th century, the Gwalior carpets found its way into the European market and Middle East market earning acclaims for their designs and craftsmanship. The strong Persian influence was throbbing through the designs, colors and motifs of the Gwalior carpets. The technique of weaving and the design of the looms too are the descendants of the Iranian technique. However, with time adaptation and evolution in the techniques and styles glorified its regional identity.

Motifs on the Gwalior Carpets

The motifs on the Gwalior carpets are imbued with layers of cultural ties and historical meaning. These motifs are deeply rooted in the natural world, architectural elements, mythological narrative and broader artistic aesthetic. The key motifs include –

  • The floral motifs draw inspiration from the gardens of the Mughal era and the regions indigenous flora such as lotus, marigolds, roses and other. These pattern symbolise prosperity, vitality, aesthetic refinement and freshness. The artists also add small floral motifs with branches and leaves which reflect the style of the Persian miniature paintings blending with the Indian artistic sensibility.
  • Geometric designs comprise of hexagons, diamonds and interlocking grids. The space division of the carpet with rectangular border leaving triangular quarter panels in the corners to create either curvilinear or rectilinear designs in the centre. The geometric motifs evoke the mathematical precision and symmetry inherited from Gwalior architectural heritage like the Gwalior Fort. These designs also present in the Persian paintings and design techniques signify balance, harmony and complexity of the universe.
  • Animal figures representation like that of elephants signify the endurance, camels highlight standing against aversion while peacocks symbolise grace and define beauty and horses symbolise the sagacity. Both elephants and horses are depicted in the battle scenes on the carpet highlight its military significance. The inclusion of these motifs are inspired by the local fauna and the ornamental tradition of the Mughal art.
  • Religious symbols like kalash signifies fertility and abundance and swastika demonstrate a harmonious synthesis of the belief system of the region. These motifs hold special significance and are made occasionally.
  • Tree of life is an intricate design that draws inspiration from the Persian garden tradition while integrating the local dependence of life on nature. This symbol highlight the internal growth element of cosmic energy and wholeness.
  • Architectural motifs have evolved from the regional adaptation of architectural designs and inspiration from the Mughal arches, domes, and lattices or jaalis. These dimensions are mainly used in the borders. These motifs highlight the pride and opulence that the region upholds.

Inspiration of this motives emerge as an amalgamation of sources like the Mughal Imperial aesthetic, Persian garden aesthetic and the beauty of Central India’s landscape. Variation arises from the regional adaptation of the craft as specific designs reflect upon the localised interpretation. Thus the broader artistic traditions create the unique blend of global and local influences which is depicted in Gwalior carpets.

Process of Weaving 

The weavers are members of the Hindu Kori and Muslim communities. It is a master weaver who designs and on a contractual basis, additional weavers come and carry out the master weaver’s designs on their looms, which are either in their houses or somewhere else. They also find alternative sources of income even though they are not taking up the seasonal contract work of carpet weaving as the earnings are not adequate enough for sustainability. The majority of pre-weaving operations are carried out by women, who are primarily restricted to the home.

The production of the Gwalior carpets involve series of labour intensive process. Preparation of high graded wool is spun into yarn and then it is dyed using a combination of natural and synthetic dyes to achieve a rich palette. Design mapping is the most important and meticulous work as it is the step that brings the imagination into the reality. A Naksha or design is made to guide the weaving pattern to assure the desired pattern. Using vertical handloom, this craft is executed. Artists prove their endurance through the process of knotting the yarn. Persian knotting techniques are used to maintain details and durability. Post weaving, the carpet undergoes washing, stretching and trimming to culminate a polished finish.

Salient Features of Gwalior Carpets

The Gwalior carpets exhibit a few unique characteristics –

  • The subdued palate contrasting to the vivid use colours on the Kashmir carpets.
  • Gwalior carpets favour an earthy tones and muted pastels which reflects the landscape of central India.
  • Motifs integration through the seamless blend of Persian floral elements along with its local geometric designs distinguished these carpets while upholding the cultural identity of the region.
  • The emphasis on durability through the dense knotting technique ensures the carpets functionality and superior quality which makes it a popular choice.

Challenges, Preservation and Evolution

The craft has faced challenges like artisans attrition as the younger generation move away from the traditional craft for better opportunities, it faces a challenge of the loss of tradition. Machine made carpets are faster to make and are cheaper as they are not labour intensive nor they use high quality raw material. These challenges pose a threat to the practice of the Gwalior carpet making craft.

Government and NGOs initiatives of vocational training and providing subsidiaries to the artisans aim to revitalize the artwork. The Gwalior carpets hold the GI Tag too as a hallmark of originality, thus helping to create economic resilience.

The artisans participation in exhibitions, craft fairs and representation in various forums have helped them create awareness and audience base for the product. Serving as a cultural artifact and luxurious commodity, the craftsmen of Gwalior have amplified prestige. There are scopes to collaborate with contemporary artists to make relevant modern pieces of artifacts.

The Gwalior carpet weavers have incorporated traditional themes into contemporary designs without diluting their bonds with the vast reserve of the ancestral patterns, thus evolving with time to showcase there cultural identity.

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