Context: 

Kashan style is a historic design from the Iranian city of Kashan, employed in carpet making in Kashmir. Kashmir is among the leading carpet-producing States in India and over one lakh artisans are employed by the carpet industry here.

History of carpet making in Kashmir: 

1. The origin of hand knotted carpets locally known as ‘Kal baffi’ dates back to the 15th century.
2. It is said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin brought carpet weavers from Persia and central Asia to Kashmir to train the local inhabitants.
3. Shah Rukh Shahi Khan, popularly known as Ghiyas-ud-Din Zain-ul-Abidin was the ninth Sultan of Kashmir, who reigned first from 1418 to 1419 and then from 1420 to 1470.
4. He was famously called Budshah  by his subjects. 
5. The Mahabharata and Kalhana’s Rajatarangini were translated into Persian by his order. 
6. There are different types of knots and in Kashmir the Farsi baff and the Persian system known as Sehna, or Sinneh, knot is originally used.
7. Designs and patterns in Kashmir carpets continue to be predominantly inspired by classical Persian and Central-Asia rugs.
8. Thus, Kashmir has been creating Kashan and Kirman, Tabriz and Isfahan, Meshed and Bokhara. 

About Kashan rugs: 

1. Kashan rugs, renowned for their intricate designs and cultural significance, originated in Iran.
2. Kashan rugs typically feature intricate medallion designs (an oval or circular design, portrait, relief carving, etc. resembling a medal in shape) at the centre.
3. These rugs are renowned for their rich colour palettes. Deep reds, blues, ivories, and earthy tones are common. 
4. The combination of these colours adds to the rug’s allure and creates a vibrant masterpiece.
5. One hallmark of an authentic Kashan rug is its fine knot density.