“Through the mists of time”. In search of the stylistic origins of the decorative arts and crafts of Kashmir: period 1400-1900.

The decorative arts and crafts in Kashmir, which was an important trading centre due to its strategic position on the land Silk Road, absorbed many foreign cultural influences. Kashmir’s history was marked by subsequent religious conversions. Following a Buddhist and a Hinduist period, Kashmir was ruled by Muslim Sultans who brought in artisans from other regions, for instance Central Asia. There were several stylistic changes and high points in the evolution of the decorative arts. One peak was reached after Emperor Akbar, who was particularly fond of Kashmir shawls and invited foreign weavers to the area, established the Moghul Empire in the 16^th century. The Moghul rule was followed by Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rule.