Indian Antiquities

Carpet in the Ashok Mandap

Location: Ashok Mandap

Matching the grandeur of Ashok Mandap, elegantly woven Kashmiri carpets were commissioned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, with a view to revive the high Persian standards of Shah Abbas’s sovereignty. Sixteen and seventeen century traditional Persian carpets were borrowed from private collectors and were recreated by artisans from Kashmir.

These carpets with magnificent Persian motifs were handcrafted keeping in view the specific dimensions of the Ashok Mandap. With a divided ground, several types of floral and vegetal motifs have been woven in extreme detail. Arranged thematically upon the deep red ground, elongated cypress trees with branches spreading out in all directions provide locale for other delicate flowers and shrubs which are woven throughout. Stylized trees are highlighted as a recurring motif in a staggered array amidst an abundant fill of fine, flowering shrubs. The floral mesh along with meandering creepers is articulated ornamentally as a network, connecting the various elements. Stylised motifs of flowers and various other elements form the border, encased within deep red colour of the carpet. These carpets evoke classic Persian designs in its entire refinement. These carpets were dedicated handwork of over 500 weavers which took over two years to be woven in its entirety, reflecting the Persian motifs in their grand scale.