Antique Amritsar carpet

Amritsar rugs and carpets are produced in Amritsar located in the northwest of India, near the Kashmir region. While India does in fact boast a long history of weaving fine rugs and carpets Amritsar rugs are unique in the wide gamut of traditional Indian styles. This is because the weavers of Amritsar had not developed a distinctive style of rug making until the early nineteenth century – hundreds of years after other regions of India had first developed their own weaving traditions. While regions of southern and western India began weaving Persian-influenced rugs during the reign of the Mughal Emperors, who preferred the traditional aesthetics and design elements of the Persians, the weavers of Amritsar took their direction from somewhere different: the sensibilities of the West.

Generally speaking, Amritsar rugs are based upon European influence and Western taste, a decision made by the weavers following the incredible explosion in demand for carpets in both the United States and Europe during the nineteenth century.^[1] Basing design elements on Western tastes as opposed to Indian traditions, the weavers of Amritsar fashioned a style that is unique and easily distinguished from other Indian styles. Using high quality wool, Amritsar rugs are manufactured with a cotton foundation, double weft and an asymmetrical knot – all of which contribute to its luxurious feel.