Carpets And Rugs Industry

The carpet making industry in the country is a long and established one, originating from the Mughal era, and though it relies heavily on time-honored methods, the sector is responsible for India being the world's largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets in both value and volume.

- Vaishnavi Uchil

The thousands of skilled craftsmen labouring across the country, creating carpets in the same manner as artisans in the 15th century, are renowned for their exquisite designs, elegance, attractive colors, and detailed workmanship. The government is also working to support such craftsmen and promote the industry, though the recent introduction of GST has thrown up some challenges.

market scenario

Most Indian carpets are destined for export, with India accounting for around 40 per cent of world export of handmade carpets. Around 75 to 85 per cent make their way to the US and European markets, and to 73 more countries across the world (IBEF). The US, Germany and UAE occupied the top three slots in the fiscal 2016-17. (Carpet Export Promotion Council).

While the process of creating a carpet has stayed the same, the changes have been in consumer expectations. Yogesh Chaudhary, Director, Jaipur Rugs, Jaipur, says, “The industry has been and will continue to evolve, in terms of designs, color palettes, shapes and patterns. It has come a long way already: the designs are more dynamic and adaptive to the needs of consumers. In terms of aesthetics, consumers have a lot more flexibility. Apart from that, rugs have become more than just an accessory; it has become a means of personal expression.”

This changing attitude of Indian buyers has resulted in an expansion of the market within the country. According to Aditya Ahuja, CEO, Shyam Ahuja, Mumbai, “The market is bound to grow; already, the design community is expanding and maturing, with new players entering the retail field – both local and international companies. India has an enviable array of artisans within the textile community, and our hope is that they will soon showcase the full range of their wares to great acclaim within the country.”