Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c8.s1.t3.17

c8.s1.t3.17

With the increased use of paper in India various centres began its manufacture, and in the course of time Kashmīr, Delhi, Patnā, Shāhābād, Kālpi, Ghosunda (Mewār), Ahmedābād and Kāghazīpurā near Daulatābād became famous for their good paper. These centres manufactured paper in great quantities to meet the demands of the provinces within which they were situated. The designations of the various kinds of paper were based on different cities and localities where it was manufactured such as Kashmīrī, Daulatābādī, Bangālī, etc; on the names of the manufacturers, such as *Sāhebkhānī*, etc.; on the materials or special technique used, such as *sanni* (made of flax), *mahājāl* (made from old fishermen’s nets), and *nukhayyar* (watered paper). The writers from constant experience found out the best kinds of paper for their requirements, and those varieties, in course of time, became standard qualities. To quote an example, to the users of handmade paper in Gujarāt *Kashmīrī*, *Kānpurī* and *Ahmadābādī* are still standard qualities, and in the United Provinces *Ahamdābādī*, for writing the account books, and *Serāmpurī* for rough works, are standard qualities.