Woollen carpets were known in India as early as 500BC. But it was not until the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar, that the first imperial workshops were founded, and began producing carpets whose jewel-like beauty is still breathtaking today. The Mughal emperors were grand patrons of the arts, demanding the highest standards, and their influence is shown in the works of superb quality produced during their reign. Thi scholarly treatment of the subject is published to coincide with a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum, New York.