The Legacy of Pashmina-The Art of Kashmir

Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir
Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir
Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir
Pashmina Shawls of Kashmir

A symbol of luxury and elegance, Pashmina has always been the love and desire of women all around the world. To own a Pashmina is to experience royalty! Only a woman can explain the worth and excellence that a Pashmina Shawl beholds. Pashmina shawls have been treasured for their expensive material and reminiscent designs since time immemorial. The warmth and softness that these shawls offer is simply beyond comparison. When you see beauty, you create beauty! Therefore, it is not surprising to know that this beautiful thing is the creation of the beautiful valley of Kashmir! Pashmina is an exclusive art of this paradise on Earth. Ever since the reign of Emperor Ashok, Kashmir has been known for producing the most exclusive Pashmina Shawls in the world.

The name Pashmina has been derived from a Persian word “Pashm” meaning a weavable fiber precisely wool. The wool used for making Pashmina comes from a special breed of Kashmiri goat found in the high altitude regions of the Himalayas. The 15th century ruler of Kashmir, Zayn-ul-Abidin, is said to be the founder of the wool industry in Kashmir. However, the history of these shawls can be traced back to the 3rd century BC. Pashmina has been an integral part of the traditional wear for centuries. In the earlier times, it was only worn by kings and queens and thus denoted royalty. The art of weaving Pashmina has been passed on as a legacy from generations to generations in the state of Kashmir. A good Pashmina shawl requires an expert hand for spinning, weaving and creating embroidery.

Pashmina shawls are the highest quality shawls crafted from very fine silk like fiber. A pure pashmina can be identified by testing the warmth and softness of the shawl and also by its color to some extent. The best of Pashmina shawls have a natural cream color. Kashmir has been the undisputed producer of the Pashmina Shawls from thousands of years. The production and export of Pashmina is an exclusive trade opportunity for the people of Kashmir. From as long as its origin, pashmina shawls are being exported to Europe and the United States. The Pashmina Business serves as a major source of income for the state of Kashmir and gives a good boost to its economy. In the 1990s, the demand of Pashmina in the fashion industry touched sky-heights exceeding its supply. As a result, Pashmina became even more expensive and thus, limited to the upper class society.

Pashmina shawls have almost become a status symbol over the past few years. Wearing a Pashmina is a luxury in itself. A pure pashmina shawl ranges from Rs. 7,000-12,000 in its cost. These shawls come in a variety of colors and designs depending upon the monetary value. Although not cheap in its price range, a pashmina shawl is considered to be a must have in the winter wardrobe. It is an evergreen fashion accessory that looks good in every style and can never lose its charm. It can be worn as a scarf around the neck or can be simply wrapped around the arms. Whether in a party or just to your workplace, a pashmina shawl is the best way to enhance your personality and stand out from the crowd.

So, the next time you visit Kashmir, splurge in the luxurious Pashmina as a souvenir of the place. Ladies, it’s time to put aside that old scarf and buy an exclusive Pashmina Shawl this winter!

There is a wide variety of Pashmina Shawl available for men as well.