Kashmiri pashmina shawl is rated the best in the world in terms of its quality and there is no match for Kashmiri shawls in any other part of the world. The shawl industry of Kashmir is considered very old and is said to have flourished in the days of Kauravs and Pandavas. Kashmiri shawl was even mentioned in the Buddhist works during Ashoka’s period. But thereafter, the shawl industry of Kashmir declined and was later revived in the medieval period. 

According to the oral traditions, Pashmina shawl was introduced by Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani of the Kubraviya Silsila. But literary sources ascribe its introduction to Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin who adopted various measures to improve the craft in Kashmir. The manufacture of shawls reached its zenith during the Mughal period and under the Mughals its production was multiplied manifolds. Akbar was so much enamoured by the softness of these shawls that he gave it the name of Parm-narm (softest).Mughals introduced various innovations in fashion, names, designs, texture and colours of these shawls.Akbar also introduced the fashion of wearing two shawls instead of one.

The shawl wool locally known as Kilphamb or Pashmis very fine, soft and flossy in appearance and is found upon goats of Tibet and Ladakh. The wool from the Pashmina goat is hand-spun into yarn and then handwoven into shawls using traditional methods. Skilled artisans use handlooms to create intricate patterns and designs. The weaving process is time-consuming and requires precision and expertise. Pashmina shawls are often adorned with delicate embroidery, such as Sozni and Tilla embroidery which add to their beauty and elegance. These intricate designs are usually handcrafted by skilled artisans, with patterns ranging from traditional motifs to contemporary styles. Pashmina shawls are prized for their exceptional softness and warmth. Despite being lightweight, they provide excellent insulation, making them ideal for cold climates.