Rug weaving was introduced to India during the sixteenth century at the time of the Moghul Emperor Akbar. At the same time rug weaving was flourishing in Iran under the rule of the Safavid Dynasty. Many of the Indian workshops were set up under the supervision of Persian weavers. Consequently, Indian designs were strongly influenced by those of Iran, mainly by the curvilinear styles such as Esfahan. It is even possible that the first Persian weavers who were brought to Lahore (at that time part of India, now part of Pakistan) came from Esfahan.
The Emperor Akbar’s Entry into Surat in 1573
Victoria & Albert Museum in London
