Title: Floor coverings from Kashmir
Author: Promil Pande
Publisher: Niyogi Books, New Delhi (October 2023)
ABOUT THE BOOK
This book focuses on the floor covering traditions of Kashmir, one of the two distinct regions that constitute the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir has been historically famous as a producer of the world-renowned and esteemed pashmina shawl. However, the region also produces a variety of floor coverings that are an essential part of its households and its handicraft industry. The variety of floor coverings produced differs in design, their mode of production, the raw material used and the region of production.
Kaleen-weaving is a long-standing tradition, dating back to over 600 years, while floor coverings such as the wagoo mats trace their antiquity to the Indus Valley Civilization. This book intends to serve as a lasting narrative of the rich material culture of the Kashmir region. It identifies significant cultural units in design to showcase the age-old craft traditions in production that are integral to regional tangible and intangible cultural practices. It enables an understanding of the cultural context of Kashmir that has a strong influence on the production of floor coverings, lending a unique identity to its kaleen, which is otherwise often associated with Persian carpets. The author has used descriptive, thematic and ethnographic modes of analysis to highlight instances of carpet-weaving traditions that resonate distinctly with Kashmir.
Well-researched and richly illustrated, the book will appeal to those interested in textiles, carpets and indigenous tangible and intangible cultures and craft traditions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Promil Pande is a designer, researcher and academic, working in the field of textiles and handicrafts for over three decades. Her body of work lies at the intersection of artisanal practices, design thinking and society. As a researcher and designer, she has worked closely on developmental projects with the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts & Handloom) within the Ministry of Textiles, UNDP and Fabindia. As an academic, she has held positions of Dean, Professor and Visiting Professor at G.D. Goenka University, Ansal University, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Pearl Academy. She has a PhD in Design, a dual Masters in Fine Arts and Textile Design Technology, along with an Executive MBA.
She is currently a member of the Scientific Board for Review, Franco Angeli Journals & Series, Design International; the Board of Studies Rishihood University; and Founder & Executive Director at The Sidhast Foundation (TSF). This book has been developed from her doctoral thesis and extensive work with artisanal communities in Kashmir.
About The Publisher
An internationally acclaimed publishing house, Niyogi Books, established in 2004, has more than 700 titles today. It not only specialize in textual context but also strive to give equal importance to visuals. Niyogi Books purveys a wide range of content on art, architecture, history, culture, spirituality, memoirs, and every aspect, which connects with our rich heritage.