For beautiful traditional Kashmiri shawls, look no further than Poshak Mahal ...

The history of the Kashmiri shawl is a truly fascinating one. While shawls in general have a past that can be traced back more than seven centuries, it is unknown exactly when, where and by whom the first shawl was made.

Rather more information is known about the origins of traditional Kashmiri shawls, the 15^th-century eighth sultan of Kashmir – Zain-ul-Abidin – having been credited with introducing weavers to the region from Central Asia.

Meanwhile, it was a peasant called Ali Baba who created the first embroidered shawl, having supposedly noticed that a fowl’s feet had left an imprint on a white sheet. He then allegedly sought to enhance the effect by using coloured thread to embroider the outline.

The Kashmiri shawl’s remarkable rise, fall and rise again

The earliest Kashmiri shawls combined a plain ground with end borders incorporating large floral sprays, flower vases and pinecones. A tradition that has persisted in the production of such shawls is their being woven either partly or fully from the goat hair known as pashm.

By the 19^th century, the shawl-weaving industry in Kashmir was already considered very old, and it was at this point that traditional Kashmiri shawls also became fashionable in Europe.

However, such was the level of competition from newly mechanised shawl industries in Great Britain and France, that Kashmir shawl producers suffered almost total decline in the later decades of the century. It took until the mid-20^th century for serious efforts to be made to rejuvenate the industry under government patronage.

Our traditional Kashmiri shawls honour such a special history

Here at Poshak Mahal, we are delighted to be playing our part in the ongoing resurgence of the market for authentic traditional Kashmiri shawls, several of the items in our vast range having been individually handcrafted and hand-embroidered in the Kashmir region itself.

Today, a Buy Kashmiri Shawls from our online store represents the perfect finishing touch for special occasions, or simply as casual wear. Our current product range includes a mixture of hand-embroidered and Kashmiri influenced shawls, thereby maximising your chances of finding the right item for your preferences and needs.

If you want to choose from a wide selection of elegant and high-quality Kashmiri shawls featuring all manner of floral patterns and motifs, embellished with diamantes for that extra special touch, and in a range of colour combinations, we’re pretty sure you will find the perfect accessory to any outfit right here.

Why not add a shawl to your outfit, especially when you can get 10% off your first online order with exclusive voucher codes when you sign up to our newsletter. So why not treat yourself to that Kashmiri shawl you’ve had your eye on, and get Free UK Delivery when you spend over £75.

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Created on Oct 25th 2019 03:26. Viewed 274 times.

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