Why did Srinagar become an important center for trade and crafts?

Srinagar’s status as a significant center for trade and crafts was shaped by several historical and geographical factors.

Historically, the city served as an essential entrepôt, facilitating trade between the Punjab region and the high plateaus located east of the Karakoram, Pamir, and Ladakh ranges. This strategic position in west Himalayan trade provided a foundation for the city's commercial growth.1

The development of Srinagar’s specialized crafts—such as carpet and silk weaving, wood carving, leatherwork, and the production of silver and copperware—was stimulated by two primary drivers:
* The Royal Court: The presence of the royal court provided early patronage and demand for high-quality artisanal goods.1
* Tourism: The subsequent growth of the tourism industry further incentivized the expansion and refinement of these local industries.1

Many of these manufacturing activities evolved directly from traditional rural crafts, which were later scaled to meet broader market demands.1