The Flying Carpet

Hands Carpets puts the spotlight on the 143-yearold legacy and the ancient heritage of hand knotted carpets. MARWAR speaks to Ravi Patodia, Chairperson, Patodia Exports, and his sons Apurva Patodia and Pranay Patodia, Managing Directors, on the journey and the aesthetic allure and craftsmanship of one of the leading handcrafted carpet brands in the world.

- Rachna Virdi

In a world where machine-made products are gaining significance, there is a carpet brand that respects heritage and culture and values the ancient art of handloom weaving. It has not only succeeded in keeping a 143-year old legacy of handcrafted carpet business alive, but also put the Indian craftsmanship and artistry on the global map.

With the allure of carpets and rugs taking centerstage, Ravi Patodia, Founder-Chairperson, Patodia Exports, offered his consumers 'Hands', a luxury label for handmade carpets and rugs. The finest handcrafted carpets are known to set the stage for engaging conversations, and adorn the most prestigious palaces, luxury hotels, and residences in the world.

Patodia Exports is renowned as the makers of the world's finest hand knotted woollen carpet and world's largest handmade carpet. With a flagship store in Delhi and a retail presence in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Dubai, and Singapore, the luxury carpet brand is exported all over the world today. Its newly opened experience centre in the heart of Mumbai is design par excellence.

Establishing the carpet business

The manufacturing unit for carpets was founded in 1881 by British entrepreneur A. Tellery, who discovered the skilled carpet-weaving community of Bhadohi, pioneering the Indian carpet export business. After independence, the business was sold to a Calcutta-based Marwari business house and in 1980, Patodias' rose at the helm of the enterprise.

"We inherited the legacy of A. Tellery and are continuing the same by maintaining the highest standards in quality, innovation, and customer service. We have undertaken challenging projects and successfully executed them," elaborates Ravi Patodia, who was born and brought up in Kolkata.