Papier mâché is one of Kashmir’s most cherished and enduring handicrafts, practiced for centuries and admired by locals and visitors alike. Introduced to the Valley around the 14th century by Persian artisans during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah), the craft flourished under royal patronage and became an integral part of Kashmiri culture. The art...
In the bustling lanes of Srinagar, Saiqa Rashid, an Assistant Engineer at the Power Development Department (PDD), is quietly crafting a world of colour, calligraphy, and meaning. What began as a childhood fascination with mehndi designs and art competitions has evolved into a profound journey of self-expression and spiritual creativity. Though her artistic pursuits paused...
The centuries-old art of Meenakari — the intricate enamelwork on gold, silver, and copper — is taking its last breaths in Kashmir. Once a symbol of the Valley’s refined craftsmanship, the tradition now teeters on the brink of extinction, with only a handful of artisans left to keep it alive. Among them is Nazir Ahmad...
Ali Mohammad Dar, a master Kangri-maker from Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam District, has dedicated over 50 years to crafting these traditional Kashmiri fire pots. In recognition of his craftsmanship, he was awarded the Best Kangri-Maker Award in 2022. His expertise lies in creating Charar Kangris, renowned for their unique design and cultural significance. The Craft of...
Khazir Mohammad Dar, 65, is a craftsman from Narbal, Budgam District. He has been working tirelessly to keep alive the craft of making Kashmiri musical instruments such as the Rabab, Santoor, Sarang and the the Saitaar. Usually played by folk artists, the Kashmiri Sitar has a long body and 7 strings, and it is smaller...
Mushtaq Ahmad Bamboo, 65, of Bairi Pora Nawa Kadal, Srinagar is a noted tracer (Chappan Gour) and designer (Naqash). He has been practicing this art since last 40 years. He completed his diploma in tracing and designing in 1984 and modernized the craft by introducing patterns other than the popular floral patterns. Mushtaq has had...
The traditional crewel work on Gaba, one of the oldest and most cherished handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley, is facing the threat of extinction due to declining demand. Syed Noorullah, a crewel artisan with 30 years of experience, has been adorning the Gaba with exquisite crewel embroidery work. However, many artisans, like him, are struggling...
After less than a decade in Zari work, 26-year-old, Afroza Jan, from Kashmir’s Ganderbal district claims to be the only female Zari work artist from her village. She primarily works with metallic threads like copper and some alloys. Jan, who learnt the Zari work in 2015 from one of her relatives, was recently conferred with an...
Despite his age, 115-year-old Kashmiri cobbler, Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh aka Gul Sheikh son of Ahmad Sheikh from Kashmir’s Bandipora district, continues to mend shoes, which he has been doing since almost a century and is a faith healer of sorts. Sheikh claims to have also worked as a labourer in gardens belonging to Maharaja Hari...
Fida Hussain Baba from Srinagar’s Nawa Kadal area is striving hard to preserve the traditional handmade Pinjirakari work. In Pinjirakari, different designs are made by interlacing the wooden members (mostly deodar and walnut) and joining them with each other with minimum use of glue, same as in khatamband. Baba, who has spent around five decades...
