Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
Jaipur Rugs, a global leader in the luxury handmade carpet industry, has formally acquired the iconic Shyam Ahuja brand. This handover of the family-owned company precedes a much anticipated revival of the highly regarded 1963 design house that introduced the flatweave Indian dhurrie to the world. Jaipur Rugs intends to develop Shyam Ahuja with great respect to the original vision of its founder while fulfilling his wish to revive its legacy as a global luxury brand.
24th January 2025, Delhi: Jaipur Rugs is proud to announce its acquisition of Shyam Ahuja, a luxury rug and fabric brand with over five decades of experience bringing exceptional Indian carpets to the world. Jaipur Rugs has acquired ‘the jewel in the crown’ of carpeting making through this deal that obtains both the personal collection of Shyam Ahuja and his entire design archive. It is a landmark opportunity that Jaipur Rugs intends to approach with respect and develop independently as a separate entity with its own supply chain.
Shyam Ahuja, the visionary who founded the luxury rugs and textile design brand in 1963, was then a successful businessman who recognized the potential of the flatwoven dhurrie as a woven canvas, and resolved to sell the textile in America, a market where he built a cult following amongst A-list designers. His name became synonymous with exceptionally crafted dhurries.
Shyam Ahuja’s brand remains an enduring symbol of quiet sophistication and understated elegance, celebrated for its distinctive designs, unparalleled quality and global aesthetic. He was the author of the definitive book, Dhurrie: Flatwoven Rugs of India. In his book, he mentions that the late Princess of Wales had her feet on one of his carpets in her confessional interview, while they also decorated the homes of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis and Gianni Versace.
Jaipur Rugs was established in 1978 by Mr. Nand Kishore Chaudhary, who saw the potential for hand- knotted carpets as a way to preserve India’s rich artisanal legacy while benefiting rural populations. His vision has created a global craft brand that is widely respected for its socially conscious business culture. Both Nand Kishore Chaudhary and the late Shyam Ahuja put artisans at the heart of their enterprise and communication.
“We are thrilled to have acquired the exceptional brand, Shyam Ahuja, with his legacy known for timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. We have a shared vision for preserving and elevating the artisanal wealth of our country. The brand has an extremely strong emotional connection with so many customers and patrons around the world, which we will harness to revive the glory days of Shyam Ahuja and re-establish its unique positioning at the top of the market, globally,” said Yogesh Chaudhary, Director, Jaipur Rugs.
“I have long been an admirer of Shyam Ahuja and the cult status aura that surrounds the brand. His instantly recognizable dhurrie designs and sophisticated sensibility for color make for the richest design archive to curate from. It gives me immense joy to see Jaipur Rugs acquire the jewel in the crown – a sleeping beauty that we intend to revive with great respect. It’s an exciting moment in both our stories.” said Greg Foster, Artistic Director, Jaipur Rugs.
Shyam Ahuja, a legacy of luxury
Since its beginning in 1963, Shyam Ahuja has remained a pioneering force in the luxury rug and textile industry, setting global milestones with its instantly recognizable dhurries, subtle use of colors and exceptional craftsmanship. Throughout the 1980s, Shyam Ahuja was widely regarded as the definitive name in high- end rugs, well known for his refined eye and for being a master of colour. Iconic designs drew inspiration from sources as diverse as a Versailles ceiling, the Scottish tartan, and the traditional Indian paisley. His highly creative advertising campaigns were ahead of their time in imagery and art direction. The brand became highly regarded by great American decorators such as Bunny Williams and by the ’90s his rugs adorned the homes of the likes of Oscar De La Renta and Anna Wintour. It was one of India’s first luxury brands to go international with successful showrooms in New York and Paris, as well as across India. The New York showroom remains a powerhouse due to its nostalgic name that generates excitement amongst loyal collectors. Known for his sophisticated sense of colour and outstanding quality, the brand remains more relevant than ever due to its quiet luxury and stealth wealth codes.
Jaipur Rugs, pioneers in the handmade Rug industry
Jaipur Rugs is currently India’s largest manufacturer of handmade carpets, a social enterprise that has grown into a global luxury brand. The family-owned company has grown to become the largest network of artisans in India with 40,000 + craftspeople working across 650+ villages in India, with presence over 85 countries. Significantly, 85% of its weavers are women. Today, Jaipur Rugs employs 1,500 employees who help to support the operations of this huge business in the fields of design innovation and the supply chain. The company has a production capacity of 700,000 square meters of rugs annually and sells over 100,000 units across all the markets. With 7,000 operational looms, the company has expanded its presence across the world, operating 10 stores in India and international showrooms in Milan, London, Singapore, Dubai, Russia and China.
Further plans for the revival and development will be announced in due course, while business continues as usual, through showrooms in Mumbai, Delhi and New York.
