Kullu Shawls

As the name suggests, Kullu Shawls are the shawls that are made in the Kullu region of India. It is popular for having bright colors and geometrical patterns. But this is not the way it was originally weaved. The Kullu natives used to weave plain Kullu shawls. After the arrival of Bushahr craftsmen in the early 1940s, the trend of patterned shawls came into existence. 

Due to the lack of transportation facilities, clothes from industrial regions were unable to reach the Valley during the pre-independence age of India. Kullu Valley resides under the temperate Himalayan region, the freezing weather condition suits sheep, goats, ox, and many other furred animals. So rearing these animals could satisfy the woolen necessity. Before modern craftsmen stepped into the Valley, the primary attire worn by them was Patti. This was woven to protect the people from the harsh typical cold in that region. But once the craftsmen entered, the shawls adopted floral and artistic patterns. Kullu Shawls became a significant piece of clothing for the Himalayan inhabitants. 

Kullu Shawl Improvement Center opened in 1957 which was joined by Mr. Devi Prakash Sharma as a technician. He was the developer of various designs. He visited many individual weavers as well as co-operative societies to provide them with the new designs.