Paper-making arrived in India through Persian craftsmen attached to the Mughal court, and for centuries the finest paper in South Asia was produced in workshops in Delhi, Agra, and — remarkably — a small establishment near Aurangabad that continues to operate today.
The process begins with rags and plant fibre — historically cotton, silk waste, and bamboo were all used — broken down in water into a wet pulp. This pulp is then spread across a fine mesh frame in a thin layer, pressed to extract water, and dried in the sun. The resulting sheet is then polished by hand — pressed and rubbed against a smooth stone to produce a surface suitable for calligraphy or miniature painting.
At the peak of Mughal patronage, the best paper from workshops like this one was sent to Delhi and Agra for use in imperial manuscripts, royal farmans (decrees), and the illustrated manuscripts that represented the pinnacle of Mughal artistic culture. The paper's quality — its texture, weight, and ability to accept ink without bleeding — was so prized that it commanded premium prices even in European markets that reached it through trade.
The workshop near Aurangabad (which we can take you to) is one of the last active practitioners of this technique in India. A visit involves watching the entire process, learning about the history, and — best of all — making your own sheet of paper using the same moulds and technique used five centuries ago.
This experience is available to Hiranya Resort guests at an additional charge, including tuk-tuk transport both ways, the activity itself, and a portion of your experience. Prior booking through our front desk is required. Minimum age: 8 years.
