BY KS NEWS DESK
Srinagar, Apr 14: Miras Carpet Industries, a rising name in India’s high-end textile market, has grown from a modest setup into a major force in reviving Kashmiri handicrafts. Founded in 2005 by brothers Mir Nawaz and Mir Waseem, the company today employs over 250 artisans and exports handcrafted carpets and pashmina shawls to international markets.
The founders, sons of a junior engineer from Srinagar, started the venture with a personal loan of ₹50,000 and a clear vision—to bring dignity and sustainability back to the traditional crafts of Kashmir. “We saw skilled artisans abandoning their looms because they couldn’t make ends meet. We couldn’t stay silent watching that happen,” said Mir Nawaz, co-founder.
The initial operations began in Hampi, Karnataka, where the brothers opened their first store to showcase Kashmiri carpets and shawls. The decision to start outside Kashmir, according to the founders, was based on practical market access. “We wanted to introduce Kashmiri craftsmanship to a broader audience. Hampi had footfall and cultural resonance—it was the right place to begin,” said Mir Waseem.
From there, the brand has steadily expanded. Today, Miras runs 20 carpet factories and 36 pashmina looms, and operates nine retail stores in South India. Around 80% of its business is export-based, with significant markets in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. The brand has also acquired GI Tags for its pashmina, Kani, and Sozni products, helping reinforce authenticity in global markets.
To meet evolving consumer demands, the company has launched two e-commerce platforms: www.mirascrafts.in for domestic buyers and www.mirascrafts.com for international customers. “Our online presence ensures customers can access genuine Kashmiri products directly, cutting through the middle layers that often dilute value for both the artisan and buyer,” said Nawaz.
Beyond retail and exports, Miras has focused on artisan welfare and employment generation. The company has trained dozens of young artisans and claims to have achieved a record-setting 40 knots per square inch in carpet weaving—a benchmark in the industry. “Skill development is integral to our business. We don’t just revive art—we create livelihoods,” Waseem said.
The company has also secured strategic partnerships with banks, offering customers special discounts at its flagship stores. Looking ahead, Miras plans to open 10 more stores across India, including in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.
A key part of their expansion includes a proposed 65,000-square-meter headquarters in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The facility will serve as an operational base and cultural experience center, showcasing live carpet weaving and promoting tourism-linked craft awareness. “This space will be a blend of manufacturing, exhibition, and education,” Nawaz said.
With a focus on transparency, product quality, and artisan-first values, Miras Carpet Industries is positioning itself not just as a commercial brand, but as a sustainable model for cultural entrepreneurship. “Our goal is simple,” Nawaz added. “To build a brand that stands on the strength of its artisans, and ensures their work is valued across the world.”
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