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Kashmiri Shawls: History of the ‘Pashmina’

by Aitsam
Pashmina Kashmiri Shawl

The Kashmiri shawls are a long strip of material that is wrapped around the body or head for warmth. These shawls were traditionally made from wool, but nowadays they are also available in other materials such as silk and cotton. 

The Indian word ‘pashmina’ comes from the Persian word “farsh-mihan” meaning “made of wool”. Historically, there is an interesting link between Kashmir and Hamadan in modern-day Iran when it comes to these shawls and famed ‘Pashmina’.

Kashmiri shawls have been a part of Kashmir culture for centuries and continue to be popular with female customers. The word ‘shawl’ is derived from the Persian word ‘shawl,’ which literally means ‘covering.’ Historically, there is an interesting link between Kashmir and Hamadan in modern-day Iran. 

In fact, the term ‘Pashmina’ refers to a type of wool that comes from these two regions of India and Iran, respectively. This very fine type of wool was first mentioned in the writings of Herodotus, who referred to it as ‘Pactyan’ or ‘Pashm.” It has been used for making shawls and other woven products since ancient times.

The Term ‘Shawl’ Is Derived from Persian Word “Shawl”, Which Literally Means “Covering”.

“Pashmina” refers to a type of wool that comes from regions in Pakistan and Iran. 

In fact, the term “Pashmina” refers to a type of wool that comes from these two regions of India and Iran, respectively. 

The word ‘shawl’ is derived from the Persian word ‘shawl’, which literally means “covering.” Historically, there is an interesting link between Kashmir and Hamadan in modern-day Iran. In fact, the term “Pashmina” refers to a type of wool that comes from these two regions of India and Iran, respectively. 

The Aesthetic Importance of Cashmere Shawl, Pashmina: 

The cashmere shawl is one of the most important items in the wardrobe of every woman. The fine cashmere wool, which makes up these shawls, provides warmth during winter months without adding bulk or weight to your outfit.

Cashmere shawls are lightweight and airy, which means they can be worn even on warmer days. 

They are perfect for both day and evening wear. The rich, vibrant colors used in the cashmere shawl make them a fashion statement of their own! The pashmina is a classic cashmere shawl, with origins in the Kashmir region of India. 

The Demand Of Cashmere Shawl In The World: 

The popularity of the cashmere shawl is not limited to Kashmir. On a global level, these shawls are in high demand and have been for centuries. In Afghanistan, they may be known as ‘Shahi’ or in Iran as ‘Persian Shawl’ but wherever you go their beautiful designs, give them an international appeal.

The Historical Link Between Pashmina & Kashmir Famed: 

Historically, there is an interesting link, when it comes to the shawls and the ‘Pashmina’, between Kashmir and Hamadan in modern-day Iran. Apparently, one Shah Jahan sent his brother Dara Shikoh from Delhi to procure some fine specimens from Kashmir. This is where the word ‘Pashmina’ comes from.

The Demand Of Pashmina In Iran

The shawls were a huge success and soon spread to other parts of Persia, including Hamadan. In fact, when one thinks about it there is an interesting irony here because the Persian language originates from Farsi which means “the land of the Persians” yet today most people use Pashmina as a term for their cashmere shawl!

The Business Opportunity Through Cashmere Shawl: 

the young business-minded class can find the opportunity in exporting pashmina to the world. 

There is a huge market for pashmina shawls in the world. These shawls are made of the finest, softest wool in the world. This is one of the reasons why these cashmere shawls are famous all over the world. The production and sale of these cashmere shawls have been a part of their economy for hundreds of years, if not more.

However, this business opportunity did not come to be overnight. The history behind its development and production makes it a truly amazing story, which has been told time after time by people who have witnessed it first hand or even participated in making the pashmina shawl what it is today. 

There were many different obstacles that had to be overcome before an international market for this product became available through exports from Kashmir itself. 

For example, there was no automated way of creating mass amounts of these products at once without great expense being put into labor costs alone! 

This made it difficult and time-consuming for these cashmere shawls to be produced, which resulted in a low supply coupled with a high demand that could not be met. 

Luckily, this was all solved by the invention of the Jacquard loom, capable of creating large amounts of fabric at once without such great expense!

This is one example among many of how they were able to overcome obstacles like labor costs through technological innovation. Today there are still improvements being made on these looms, so as to make them more efficient and less expensive overall; however, most factories already use modernized versions based on the original design created over 150 years ago.

Cashmere has been prized by humans since ancient times due to its warmth without adding bulk or weight. These beautiful woolen products continue to be in high demand across the world.

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