You must have been amazed at the appearance the softness of Cashmere wool. There are numerous queries about where is the best Cashmere found. What is the best grade? It is known that Cashmere has three main grades of quality. In addition, there are numerous breeds of Goat that produce Cashmere wool. Moreover, the finest quality of Cashmere is Ladakhi Cashmere. Ladakh is a region in Northern India. Therefore, the country that produces the finest Cashmere is India.

Finest Cashmere in the country India

India is a country in South Asia. The word, "India" is derived from the Classic Latin word,  India, which is a reference to South Asia. Also, it is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, or "river," specifically the Indus River. The Greeks referred to the Indians as Indoi, which reflects the meaning of "The people of the Indus". In India, there are multi-cultures and traditions. Therefore, there is a vast depiction of heritage and crafts. There are versatile handicrafts around the country of India. Moreover, Ladakhi Cashmere caters to one of the finest crafts around the world i.e. Pashmina Art. The process of Pashmina Art is a long beautiful journey filled with the essence of nature and culture.

Procuring the best quality Cashmere

The Changhthanghi mountains of the Ladakh region are at high altitudes. Therefore, the winter of the region goes more than -20°C. The habitat is harsh in winter. A rare breed of goats dwells in the feet of the Changhthanghi Mountain. The breed is called the Changra or Changhthanghi breed. The goats are known as the Changra Goats of Cashmere goats. These goats are raised by the local tribe called the Changpa tribe. The herders herd the goats mainly for the collection of thick wool. The thick wool they develop on their bodies in cold winters to combat the chill of the season. Eventually, in summer they shed the wool off against rocks, and trees to feel the air of summer. Also, the wool is combed out by the herders by hand. This wool is called Cashmere wool. It is the finest Cashmere in all the world around.

There are diverse breeds that produce Cashmere in the world. But the Ladakhi goats produce the finest Cashmere. In addition, Mongolia, China, and Tibet are the largest producers of wool. Yet, Ladakhi Cashmere has the finest grade but its production is quite low due to the rare goats of Changra.

The Rich Craft of Pashmina

Pashmina Art is the curation of the finest Cashmere from the region of Ladakh into diverse styles of Scarves, Wraps, and Shawls. The tufts of Cashmere wool leave the Ladakh region to reach the valley of Kashmir. The tufts are packed in small packets. Therefore, the wool is cleaned, soaked, and dried in the sunlight to get dirt, and grime of any sort apart.

Afterward, the Cashmere wool is taken to the households where women folk spin the wool to fine yarn. The spinning process is done on the wheel of wool called yinder in the local language. The women spun the Cashmere wool diligently to get the finest yarn. The yarn is collected around the spindles for further processing. It is done by simple instruments that are homemade. Also, an instrument called thanchorr is used in the process of whirling around the spun fibres. The fibres are twirled around the thanchorr, a type of stick with a round upper portion. It is made of wood. This process is called pranch. The Cashmere yarn thus produced confers to the purest and finest yarn of 12 to 16 microns. The finest yarn moves further in the procedure radiating the Art of Pashmina.

Weaving of Finest Cashmere

Further, the Cashmere yarn is taken to the local karkhanas/workshops where several handlooms are fixed. These handlooms are made of forest wood. The highly skilled artisans work on the handlooms using their hands and feet in coordination with the process. The process of weaving is to use Cashmere yarn to create warps and wefts. Thus, producing a whole fine Cashmere fabric. The Cashmere produced is given the required dimensions. Thus, diverse styles like Scarves, Wraps, and Shawls are made. It is to be noted that the high skill and diligence of the artisans lead to such tremendously fine masterpieces.

Also read: THE HISTORY OF PASHMINA TRADE

The versatility of Pashmina Art

There are three main styles in Pashmina Art viz; Wraps, Scarves, and Shawls. All the styles are premium and luxurious. Beautifully crafted in the sphere of Kashmir valley. We, at Pashmina.com revive the styles and designs of Pashmina craft with the concept of ethical procurement. Having one of our luxurious masterpiece define the horizons of rich Pashmina craft.

Also read: IS SHAHTOOSH AND PASHMINA SAME?