Amritsar Rugs

Amritsar, historically also known as Rāmdāspur and colloquially as Ambarsar, is the second largest city in the Indian state of Punjab. It is a major cultural and economic center located in the Majha region of Punjab. The city is the administrative headquarters of the Amritsar district.

‘Amritsar’ means in Sanskrit, “lake of immortality” or “the lake of holy wine”. The city is the major Sikh center with the Golden Temple in it. The Golden Temple (also known as Harmandir Sahib, lit. “Abode of God” or Darbār Sahib, meaning “exalted court” is a gurdwara) is the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism.

Rug manufacturing began in Amritsar during the 19th century, using unemployed shawl weavers. Amritsar rug production rekindled in the 20th century, and continued after the independence of India and separation of Pakistan.
Technical aspects and the structure of Amritsar Rugs

Amritsar rugs are woven on a cotton foundation with woolen pile. Knots are asymmetric (Persian). Amritsar rugs have a knot density of about 200 to 400 knots per square inch. They are mostly double-wefted. Rug and runner sizes are common. Carpet sizes may also be found.

Dyeing and painting of Amritsar Rugs

Here you could find lots of classical Persian designs painted in an
“Indian” style with warmer tones of red and yellow on the palette. The Amritsar palette dominated by burgundy reds, dark and light blues, light greens, turquoise and teal, golden yellows, and mauves.


Designs and patterns of Amritsar Rugs

Amritsar’s early production copied Turkmen designs and Indo-Persian designs. Many Persian designs have been entered the Indian designing style during Mughal Period, leading to a new style called Indo-Persian. The style is traceable not only in carpet weaving but also in shawls, embroideries and architecture. Currently, Persian curvilinear designs are favored in Amritsar








