This state is one of the main centres of carpet-weaving in the country. The important towns are are Mirzapur, Badohi, and Khamaria, along with about 500 villages in and around this area. During British rule, growing demand from outside the country led to a growth in the carpet industry.
Finer weave in carpets is obtained by using twisted cotton thread. Jute twine is used for rougher qualities. The carpets are of a medium quality with about 60 knots per square inch. Graphs are used to guide the tying of the knots and the proper usage of colours. Traditional Oriental carpets are not produced very commonly; Aubusson and Savonneric carpets are very popular as exports and are produced very widely.
Agra is a traditional centre for carpet-weaving since the Mughal days. Traditional and new designs are found here. Master weavers guide the other weavers in the process of weaving. Cotton and woollen carpets are made in Shahjehanpur. The woollen carpets are in three sizes and the designs are Persian.
Mirzapur is famous for its dhurries woven in the famous panja technique. Their ornamental value has made them achieve their own geographical indication tag. In this technique a metallic claw (panja) like tool is used during the weaving process to set the threads in the warp. Mirzapur dhurries are completely hand woven with weft threads on horizontal looms. Cotton and wool, both are used to create dhurries. The juxtaposition of colorful wefts to make geometrical patterns like of diamond shapes, animals and birds like lions and peacocks, make Mirzapur dhurries exceptional.
The craft of carpet weaving requires a high degree of skill and dexterity. A typical feature of the Indian carpet is the border design, where different patterns match the design in the centre. The colour scheme is arranged so as to eliminate any shadow in the pattern. Symmetry has to be maintained so the ornamentation is distributed finely over the surface. Both colours and motifs convey a symbolic meaning; the motifs dominantly include human figures, flora, fauna, landscape, and water.
