Pashmina Shawl Weaving

Pashmina weaving in Kashmir traces back to the 15th century, when Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is credited with inviting weavers from Central Asia to establish the craft in the valley. It flourished under Mughal patronage and later travelled across royal courts in India and Europe, becoming one of the region's most recognised textile exports.

The fine underdown fibre combed from Changthangi mountain goats reared in the high altitudes of Ladakh is hand-spun on a wooden spindle and woven on a traditional handloom, with many shawls further embellished by hand embroidery such as sozni or tilla work.