Embroidered shawl, decorated with a map of Srinagar
Late 19th century
Embroidered wool
L. 90 x W. 78 in. (228.6 x 198.1 cm) Victoria & Albert Museum, IS.31-1970

Kashmiri shawls have been renowned for centuries, both for their exquisite craftsmanship and soft luxurious wool. This map depicts the city of Srinagar, the political capital of the Dogra rulers and a focal point of European tourism in the late nineteenth century. Srinagar's scenic lakes and canals and its many temples and mosques were a growing attraction for tourists and earned it the name "The Venice of the East." This map depicts the famous Dal Lake area with fine details such as boats cruising down the Jhelum river and important landmarks like the Shah Hamadan Mosque.