The Mughals set up one of the earliest and finest centres for carpet weaving in Agra. Emperor Akbar invited the most renowned Persian artisans and set up karkhanas (weaving centres). These carpets woven by the asymmetrical, hand-knotting technique soon surpassed the quality of the original Persian rugs. The tradition reached its pinnacle during the reign of Shah Jahan.

Agra’s hand-knotted carpets feature exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Entirely handcrafted, the carpets can have 120 knots to 330 knots per square inch. The more the knots, the more intricate the final piece.

For this technique, yarn is wrapped around a warp to create a pile. Originally, the weavers used pashmina. Now they also use wool, silk and viscose on a cotton foundation. A harmonious blend of the two regions, these carpets boast classic Persian patterns and native themes from the Agra region. The carpets feature floral motifs, exotic animals and captivating jewel-like tones. The artists use natural dyes, including gold, blues, rust reds and lavender to lend an enchanting iridescence to the weaves.