Arshid Rasool
Uniqueness of the Kashmiri handicrafts and art has been greatly recognized by historians, but references to ancient and authentic Kashmiri handicrafts and art skills prior to the Mughal rule are scattered. Kashmiri handicrafts and art have undergone a multifaceted refining process with Persian, Mughal and Buddhist influence being predominant themes. Noteworthy handicrafts and art of the region are textiles, carpets / rugs, crewel embroidery, phool kari, silverware, walnut wood carvings and Papier Mache. Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal are the main districts in Kashmir valley which have been traditionally making handicrafts products. The Kashmiri handicrafts and arts industry are the third largest contributor to the UT’s economy after the tourism and Horticulture industries. The intricate understanding of Kashmiri handicrafts and art work is limited due to very little surviving evidence. The art beholds a rich craftsmanship and has survived two centuries which demonstrate that Kashmiri art & artisans are not only prolific, but have also fruitfully incorporated many opportunities over the years to spread the art across the subcontinent and Asian region. “Shahnama-ye Firdausi”, Shirazi and Timurid which are famous Kashmiri art work which display spontaneity and expressiveness in their themes.
Kashmiri Papier Mache dates back to the 14th century in medieval India and it is believed that the craft was introduced in the region by Muslim saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Persia. It is a craft primarily based on paper pulp which is richly decorated to produce colourful artifacts mostly in the form of vases, bowls, cups, boxes, trays, bases of lamps etc. The 15th century witnessed the advent of Kashmiri Shawls, which were introduced to Kashmir by Muslim craftsmen from Turkestan. Mughal emperor Akbar gets the credit for bringing the Persian masters that improved the local craft and techniques of shawl and carpet weaving. The Kashmir shawl is a type of shawl distinctive for its Kashmiri weave, and traditionally made of Shahtoosh or Pashmina wool. The best quality shawls are still made of Pashm or Pashmina which is the wool of a species of the wild Asian mountain goat. Another important art is that of carpet weaving and Namdaa embroidery which was brought to the region from the Central Asia. Kashmiri handicrafts and art products are much sought after and are sold all over India and also exported to other parts of the world. The Kashmiri handicrafts / art and artists both have undergone a traditional, contemporary and modern transit phases. This is primarily due to the constant changes in the ruling dynasties, external invasions and internal turmoil the region has faced over the years. Despite all odds Kashmiri artisans and painters have always taken efforts to hone their skills and pass it on to the future generations.
In the twenty first century it is an arduous task for any art to sustain. Even in the recent years there was no sign of any art galleries in Kashmir Valley. Recognition for the present & future artisans is must and the government has come up with a great idea to showcase and promote the local art. The central government and the civil administration have recently launched a number of initiatives and innovative measures towards rejuvenating the Kashmiri handicrafts and art. The smart city project is one such initiative where in the artisans are being promoted to showcase their talent on prominent city landscapes like the government buildings, walls & flyovers etc. Mohamed Sadiq from Qasim Bagh, who is a graduate from London School of Arts has praised these initiatives and opined that this recognition will go a long way in motivating the budding artisans. The artisans certainly need such platforms for promoting and showcasing their creative skills to propel them on global map.
The budding artists want the government to assist and come up with more welfare in terms of financial aids, government recognized courses and accreditation. Nausad Gayoor who is an artist, had come up with an out of the box idea, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic of launching an online art gallery which targets online exhibition, workshops and collaborative courses, he thereafter, launched his art collection online. On the national level a collective event about, Kashmiri art themed National Symposium and Exhibition on “Memories of October 1947” was organized by National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology showcasing the “Gallant acts of the Soldiers”. This event was landmark for outlining the contours for similar events based on historical themes to be organized in the future in the country.
