shawls of kashmir

shawls of kashmir

The word shawl is derived from Persian “shal”, which was the name given for a whole range of fine woolen

garments.A shawl is a simple item of clothing, loosely worn over the shoulders, upper body and arms,

and sometimes also over the head. It is usually a rectangular or square piece of cloth, that is often

folded to make a triangle but can also be triangular in shape.The Kashmir valley is known for its shawls

throughout the world. Kashmir shawls are mainly of three types- wool, pashmina and shahtoosh. They

differ on the basis of the fabric used to make them.Kashmir has become synonymous with shawls all over

the world. At the time of Mughal rule in India, Kashmir overtook the North-West Frontier and Punjab,

as the center of shawl making.Shawls are used in order to keep warm, to complement a costume, and

for symbolic reasons.Today, shawls are worn for added warmth (and fashion) at outdoor or indoor evening

affairs, where the temperature is warm enough for men in suits but not for women in dresses and where

a jacket might be inappropriate.Kashmiri Shawls are made – wool, pashmina and shahtoosh. The prices

of the three cannot be compared – woollen shawls being within reach of the most modest budget, and

shahtoosh being a one-in-a-lifetime purchase.Pashmina comes from the Persian word for wool, known in

the West as cashmere wool.These Pashmina Shawls works of wearable art were first envisioned and fashioned

within Kashmir centuries ago. They have taken generations of skill, finesse and patience to develop.

Pashmina shawl are known for their softness and warmth. A craze for pashminas in the mid-1990s resulted

in high demand for pashminas, so demand exceeded supply. When pashmina shawls rose into fashion prominence

during the era, they were marketed dubiously.shawls of kashmir have a good position in international

market also .They are in high demand.