Carpet is not simply a product of a weaving technology nor it is merely an end result of that technology but it is an art guided by culture, religion, tradition and environment of the country that produces it. Since Nepal is a country with centuries old history, tradition, culture, religion and crafts, it can be very well and strongly believed that the technology of carpet weaving should have been there for centuries as a traditional occupation.
The cold climate, the availability of wool and the relatively unhurried pace of life over centuries are the factors which have influenced the development of carpet-knotting and use of carpets in Nepal, especially in the northern areas. Moreover, Nepalese ethnic groups are industrious and hard working. Those who travel in the northern areas of Nepal will be struck by the fact that the ethnic groups always seem to occupy themselves with something useful; spinning wool while herding, making ropes, knotting rugs, weaving, etc. The geographical position of the country also allowed for a wide variety of influences. Carpet making techniques, carpet usages, and carpet designs has been influenced, changed or modified as a result of constant inter-change of ideas and ideals throughout the past several hundred years.
But, despite outside influences and contact, the Nepalese carpet is a splendid example of the artistic genius of the people as a whole. The simplicity and elegance of a village - made Nepalese carpet can at times be extraordinary. Often made under conditions of relative poverty, with a limited range of colours and raw materials available and with no other reason for making the carpet than that a carpet was needed in the household, Nepalese farmers produced the most wonderful carpets. Hand-knotted carpets have been made in the Nepalese highlands, especially in the northern areas, by indigenous craftsmen for centuries.
It is quite probable that the blankets referred to are the Radi, woolen blankets, which are still manufactured and in demand today as protection against cold and rain.
The year 1960 can be regarded as the landmark of the commercial production of the carpet in the kingdom of Nepal. The increasing demand for carpets among tourists and other foreign consumer was the final catalyst, which forever changed the design and the production of carpets in Nepal. Nepal, now manufacturers varieties of carpets with varieties of raw materials chasing the demands of customers. Nepal offers various varieties of carpets like,
Hand Knotted Carpets
Hans Loom
Sumac
Shaggy
Flat weave
Tufted etc.