SRINAGAR, India — Once a thriving industry known worldwide for its intricacy and craftsmanship, Kashmir’s hand-woven carpet sector is facing a marked decline as younger generations turn away from the labor-intensive trade. For centuries, carpets woven from mulberry silk and sheep wool by skilled artisans in the region have been prized in imperial courts, museums, and luxury homes across the globe for their detailed designs and use of natural dyes.

The industry, which dominated as Kashmir’s top export until the 1980s, has steadily contracted over recent decades. Protracted conflicts and geopolitical instability, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, have further disrupted demand and trade routes, exacerbating the downturn.

“Weavers like me find it painful to watch the craft fade,” said Bashir Ahmad, 78, a veteran artisan. “If young people were more interested, they might still find a livelihood in it.” However, the profession’s long hours and low daily wages—around 500 rupees (approximately $5), less than many unskilled jobs—have made it difficult to attract younger workers in a region where employment opportunities are scarce.

The art of Kashmiri carpet-making dates back to the 15th century, brought by Persian travelers and nurtured during the reign of the last local king, Zain-ul-Abidin Budshah. Traditionally, carpets are woven on handlooms following a complex design code known as talim, a handwritten shorthand combining symbols for colors and numbers. Depending on its intricacy, completing a carpet can take up to a year, with finished pieces commanding prices up to $20,000 on the international market.

Despite the challenges, some master weavers remain committed to preserving the craft. Mushtaq Ahmad, 75, who has been weaving for five decades, affirmed his dedication: “As long as I have the strength, I will continue.”

Industry observers estimate that the sector currently employs around 30,000 people, a steep decline from hundreds of thousands three decades ago. In response to the downturn, government officials and industry leaders are implementing measures to modernize production and incentivize new artisans. These include providing modern carpet looms free of cost and securing geographical indication (GI) tags to authenticate genuine Kashmiri carpets and protect them from counterfeit products.

Zubair Ahmad, director of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology in Srinagar, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “The GI tags help rebuild trust between buyers and sellers by guaranteeing authenticity.”

While the carpet industry’s future remains uncertain, efforts to revive and sustain the centuries-old tradition signal a commitment to preserving an iconic element of Kashmir’s cultural heritage.