Afghan rugs gaining popularity in India

Hand made Afghan carpets, which are known for their unique designs, are hugely popular in India.

Yak Carpets, which is located in South Delhi's Lajpat Nagar area, is known for selling Persian-designed carpets from Afghanistan since 1976.

The owner of this outlet, Harash Talwar, says he purchases these rugs from Afghan sellers who visit India from time to time.

Many of these sellers come to India for medical treatment and bring carpets along to earn money to meet their expenses.

"It is war everywhere in Afghanistan. So, all the carpets from Afghanistan are mostly old ones, some even as old as 20 to 100-years-old. We bring them to India because India is the one country where we can generate money and get a good price, and this, enables us to meet our medical expenses. So, these Afghan carpets are helping the poor people of Afghanistan. A lot of Afghans are coming here for medical treatment and really don't have money," said Harash Talwar.

Yak Carpets has a collection of over 10,000 rugs, and is said to have the biggest stock of carpets in the country.

The textures and colour range is tremendous, and naturally, they have become a hit with foreign and domestic buyers who know a thing or two about quality.

"Afghan-made carpets are very popular in Europe and America because of their unique designs and colour combination. They go well with most decor around the world," claimed Talwar.

"As of now, I am revamping my house, and, I would like to decorate my entire living room, my bedroom, with Afghan carpets. I have heard that they are very popular in the United States and India also," said Shakshi, a customer.

The shop also has a collection of carpets made in Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh.

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