Why in News:

• Indian Postal Service has released a special cover of Kashmir’s famed hand-knotted carpet.

Significance

• This comes as a boost for the J&K Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s efforts to push for the Geographical Indication (GI) certification, upscale the dwindling trade, and restore its lost glory.
• The inclusion of Kashmir’s hand-knotted carpet as a postal cover will help educate people about GI tagging and reach a wide audience.
• The situation demands the building of trust and restoring consumer confidence to buy our authentic carpets

Historical Importance

• The origin of hand knotted carpets locally known as “Kal baffi” dates back to the 15th century. 
• Kashmir’s carpet industry witnessed a boom under the 15th century ruler Zain-ul-Abidin, with weavers travelling from Persia and Central Asia to Kashmir, and the craft dominating western markets with its laborious and exquisite artwork.

Where the challenge lies

• The Kashmir carpet faces tough competition internationally from carpet-exporting countries like China, Turkey and Belgium, and internally from carpets manufactured in Jaipur, Agra, Bhadohi and Amritsar.
• Silk carpets are in the luxury bracket. However, lack of silk processing units in Kashmir forced the weavers to buy [silk] from outside, which added to the cost of the carpet.

Additional Information

Zain-ul-Abidin

• Eighth sultan of Kashmir, also known as the “Akbar of Kashmir”
• He was known by his subjects as Bod Shah (‘Great King’)
• He allowed Hindus and Buddhists to practice their religion, and had many temples restored. He constructed lakes and canals. 
• Zain-ul-Abidin was also a patron of art, literature, and poetry.

To know about GI tag: https://officerspulse.com/jamakkalam-weavers/

 References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/stamp-of-support-postal-cover-on-kashmirs-famed-hand-knotted-carpet/article36032750.ece
2. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-a-short-history-of-kashmir-before-the-mughals-5886523/