A Collector’s Obsession: The Hidden Histories Woven Into Centuries-Old Rugs
Yogesh Chaudhary has spent years collecting antique carpets, building a beyond yoga archive that spans centuries. His passion goes beyond business—he surrounds himself with rare rugs that tell stories from long before modern India. To him, each rug is a work of art, not just a decorative item.
Chaudhary’s fascination with carpets began in 2006-07 when he bought his first antique piece: a Kashmiri rug from an old factory. Since then, his collection has grown to include remarkable finds, like an Agra jail carpet, woven in prison workshops—a little-known chapter of Indian history. One of his most prized possessions is a Kerman rug, nearly 120 years old, with wool and dyes still in perfect condition.
Most antique carpets only resurface when estates are sold off after a collector’s death. Chaudhary, however, actively seeks them out, drawn to their craftsmanship and history. His mother once refused to let him display a rare 1920s Tabriz rug at home, showing just how extraordinary some of his acquisitions are. He describes himself as a maximalist, inspired by places like the Abhaneri Bawdi stepwell in Rajasthan. Yet he insists he is not a hoarder—his collection is driven by love for the pieces, not mere accumulation.
Chaudhary’s archive now holds carpets that predate India itself, each one a fragment of forgotten craftsmanship. His approach blends passion with preservation, ensuring these textiles endure beyond their original lifespans. The collection remains a private testament to centuries of weaving traditions.
