The
history of Handmade Paper in India is as old as 3rd century
B.C.. Making paper by hand in India is a traditional art
which has been passed down through the generations by
craftsmen known as `Kagzi's’. They got their name from the Urdu
word 'kavas' meaning paper. Though these traditional paper
makers called `Kagzi's’ are now almost extinct, the traditional
method of handmade paper making is still found in various
parts of India where the traditional `Kagzi’ communities
ultimately settled. One renown `Kagzi’ community is in
SANGANER near the famous pink city of JAIPUR. One such family
is the family of Jabbar Taj (owner of Taj Paper Udyog) which
is still involved in this age old tradition of paper making.
According to him a 'Kagzi' family was patronized and brought
to Jaipur by Mansingh I the Ruler of Jaipur. They believe
their origin to be in Turkey from where they moved to China
and then to India.
