Pashmina Shawl– The Royal Fabric of Kashmir
Few textiles in the world can match the grace, softness, and legacy of the Pashmina Shawl. Known as the “fabric of kings” and the “soft gold of Kashmir,” this luxurious handwoven masterpiece has adorned royalty, nobility, and fashion icons for centuries. The Pashmina Shawl represents not just warmth and comfort but also centuries of Kashmiri artistry, heritage, and skilled craftsmanship.
History and Cultural Significance
The Pashmina Shawl traces back to the 15th century during the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin in Kashmir, who introduced this fine art to the valley.
The word “Pashmina” comes from the Persian word “Pashm”, meaning soft gold or wool.
Pashmina wool is obtained from the Changthangi goat, native to the cold, high-altitude regions of Ladakh and Tibet.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Pashmina became a prized possession of European aristocracy. French empress Josephine Bonaparte owned hundreds of shawls.
Origin Region– The Heart of Pashmina: Kashmir
Primary Region: Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam.
Wool Quality: Fibers are 12–16 microns thick, finer than human hair.
Artisans: Thousands of skilled craftsmen spin, weave, and embroider these delicate threads.
Craftsmanship: Each shawl passes through multiple artisans, adding skill and precision to create a timeless masterpiece.
Traditional Making Process of Pashmina Shawl
The creation of a Pashmina Shawl is labour-intensive and involves several meticulous steps:
- Combed from Changthangi goats in spring.
- Not sheared, to preserve delicate fibers.
Hand-cleaned to remove impurities.
Spun manually using a yinder (wooden spinning wheel).
Woven on traditional wooden looms by expert weavers.
Completion time: 1–3 months depending on complexity.
Sozni: Delicate needlework with silk threads.
Kani: Ancient weaving technique using wooden sticks.
Tilla: Gold or silver metallic thread embroidery.
- Each piece is inspected for consistency and quality.
Global Recognition and GI Tag
GI Tag: Awarded in 2008, authenticating shawls made from genuine Changthangi goat wool in Kashmir.
Global Appeal: Pashmina Shawls are luxury products exported worldwide and featured in high-end designer collections.
Protection: GI tag safeguards artisans’ identity and livelihoods from cheap machine-made imitations.
Livelihoods Supported by Pashmina
- The Pashmina industry sustains over 30,000 artisans across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including spinners, weavers, dyers, and embroiderers.
- Many artisans work in family-run workshops or cooperatives.
- For most, Pashmina weaving is a generational tradition, source of pride, and survival.
Prominent Brands and Businesses
While numerous brands sell Pashmina Shawls, some notable names include Kashmir Loom Company, which collaborates with master artisans to preserve authentic craftsmanship. Below is a table of 8 well-known Indian Pashmina businesses with GST numbers and websites:
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Brand / Business Name
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GST Number
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Website
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|---|---|---|
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Pashmina and Fashions
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27ASSPM7180P1ZM
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Not available
|
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Kashweave Fashions Pvt. Ltd.
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07AAGCK7187F1Z8
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|
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Pashmina Cottage Emporium
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29ABAPW7951M1ZS
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Not available
|
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Kaeshur Aathi Cashmere Pashmina Pvt. Ltd.
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01AAJCK7378K1Z5
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exportersindia.com
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