A shawl is a rectangular piece of cloth which is draped over the shoulders, and at large the upper portion of the body, arms and around the head. The fabric of a shawl is quality wool. The Pashmina shawls, widely manufactured in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, are made of wool, fetched from the Pashmina goat. The dream weave, the exotic Pashmina shawls, transfers the wearer into a paradise of comfort, with the feeling of coziness and wonderful warmth that it provides. Historically, this pashmina clothes came into existence in Kashmir. These shawls have achieved the best blend of artistry with sustenance, so that the wearer is able to face the chilling cold. The resplendent shawls of India, specifically, those, belonging to Kashmir, are testimonials of deft craftsmanship.

The history of Kashmir recounts, that the innovation of Pashmina shawl making dates back to 700 years. This was introduced by virtuous king of Kashmir, Zain-Ul-Ahadin. However, the marketing of the product, Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, is attributed by the 14th century, Mirza Haidar. It was under the reign of Zain-Ul-Ahadin, that this practice of shawl weaving was discovered. It is said, that even today, some highly expensive Pashmina shawls, are woven from such marvelous wool, that the shawl, can pass even through a ring.

The pattern of the Pashmina shawls has a wide variety. It ranges from the Jamawar Paisley work Pashmina shawl, to the simple yet elegant printed ones. The term Jamawar Paisley, refer to the Mughal art of weaving flora and fauna motifs, while Paisley, are the shawls, meant for Western and European buyers. Indeed, the technique of shawl-weaving tasted prosperity during the aesthetically conscious, Mughal regime in India. The Pashmina silk shawl is a fantastic example of fabulous fusion. 70 percent Pashmina wool is mixed with 30 percent pure silk, to weave a splendid Pashmina silk shawl.

The Pashmina shawl can come in an ample spectrum of shades, ranging from pure white, to the darker, but gorgeous shades like maroon, or black. The industry flourished over the period. Kulu Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, is the epicenter of Pashmina shawls, after Kashmir. The Pashmina Shawl of India, thus stand forth as ethnic masterpieces, which demonstrate before the world, the ever-increasing demand for Indian crafts.

The pashmina shawl amidst its elegance brings out the feminine essence of the Indian culture. The shawls are available in all shapes and sizes. Its textured hand-woven fabrics are created by the sheer luxurious materials. It was once exclusively regal and at present it exists reflecting the great cultural heritage of the subcontinent. Thus, the exquisiteness of this piece of cloth has enthralled every section of the society.