The Rise and Fall of Shawl Industry of Kashmir during the Second Half of the 19th Century

Kashmir from the earliest times has been known throughout the world not only for its beauty but also for its handicrafts. Shawls became one of those exquisite products made in Kashmir which became synonymous to the beauty of Kashmir. Thousands of miles away from the valley, in European countries, it became a fashionable item and earned fame for its delicacy and elegance. It brought riches to the state but its makers (shawl weavers) led a miserable life. The present paper is an attempt to look into the shawl industry during the second half of the 19th century, keeping in view not only its development and role in the state economy but also the causes which resulted in its downfall.