The rich culture of handicrafts ubiquitous in Kashmir has been an asset not just for the region but for the entire nation and the administration is all set to push exports of handicrafts in the global market and develop industrial estate to maintain the momentum of growth.
Kashmiri handicrafts are known throughout the world for their artistic work and grandeur. The vast cultural and ethnic diversity of Kashmir has enabled a variety of motifs, techniques and crafts to flourish on this land.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday urged the officers of the Industries and Commerce Department to push exports of handicrafts in the global market and develop industrial estate to maintain the momentum of growth.An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that chairing a high-level meeting to review the sectoral progress of the Industries and Commerce Department, the LG exhorted the officers to give an active push to exports, marketing promotion programmes for handicrafts focusing global market, development of industrial estate connected to significant economic nodes to maintain the momentum of growth.He also took note of progress made under the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiative across various parameters.Kashmir, paradise on earth, is a place famous for its picturesque beauty. Apart from its abundant and mesmerizing nature, handicrafts add another feather on Kashmir’s cap. The rich culture of handicrafts ubiquitous in Kashmir has been an asset not just for the region but for the entire nation. Kashmiri handicrafts provide a comprehensive option for visitors to choose from. The traditional artisans painstakingly make handlooms, wood carving, home decors, everything of Kashmir. Tourists always have a satisfactory experience with their souvenir collection, thanks to Kashmiri handicrafts. The long tradition of handicrafts has been a vital part of the communities in Kashmir. Let us find out more about the Kashmiri handicrafts with a brief introduction about their origin.Kashmiri handicrafts’ locus is in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. The rich culture of these places, along with some other neighbourhoods, brings to life the distinctive heritage of the Kashmiri handicrafts. The unique artistic experiments with shawls, bedsheets, inkstands, boxes, palkis, spoons, and trunks were famous across India. The art of shawl making was native to Kashmir. The notable hand-crafted works of the traditional artists of Kashmir have come a long way and have become eminent due to their efficiency as high-quality art globally.
Some of the various types of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Art of Papier Mache
Papier Mache is an art form that was cultivated in China. The Chinese paper-modelling art form from the Hans Dynasty travelled far and wide in the wake of craft trade across the globe. The art form came to India in the 14th Century with Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, a Persian mystic. The Kashmiri style of representing Papier Mache is unique. The intrinsic designs, the colourful dyes, and different objects made with Papier Mache are of the highest quality. There are two steps in making Paper Mache. The first step is called Sakhtsazi, and the second step is called Naqashi.
Kashmiri Carpets
The fashion of carpet weaving also came to India with Persian travellers. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is thought to be the one to bring carpet weavers from Persia and Central Asia to Kashmir, India. The term ‘Kal Baffi’ is used for hand-knotted carpets. The locals of Kashmir took an interest in the art and business and learned the tradition to pass it from generation to generation. Kashmiri carpets are an essential form of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Pashmina
Pashmina weaving is probably one of the most famous handicrafts in Kashmir. The name Pashmina inevitably calls to mind the place Kashmir. Pashmina has come a long way from being a piece of clothing protecting people from the extreme cold of Kashmir to becoming a fine luxury item. Pashmina is indigenous to Kashmir. l.
Wood Carvings of Kashmir
The art of wood carving is essentially a special kind of handicraft. Kashmir houses many artisans who specialize in the art of wood carving. The wood from the walnut trees primitive in Kashmir serves as the base on which artists show their calibre of wood carving. The wood from the walnut tree is very sturdy and is the right choice for producing hard work. Wood carvings result in a lot of products. Wood carvings produce large objects like study tables, dining tables, nightstands, cabinets, and beds. Smaller items like jewellery cases, pen stands, trays, bowls, spoons, and other decorative items are a good choice for tourists to take back home. The effort the artisans put into these wood carvings is visible from the delicacy of their works. The colour and layering of the pieces serve crucial roles to bring to life such a diligent handicraft.
Copperware
Copperware making has long been a part of Kashmiri culture. Historians think that artists and dealers from Iran and Iraq introduced this beautiful craftsmanship about 700 years ago. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, an Islamic teacher from Persia, was essential in popularising copperware among the locals, and he brought craftsmen from Central Asia to train locals.
Namda
Namda refers to a type of matting. Bed covers and mattresses are also made of it. Namdas are most commonly used as traditional matting to decorate homes. Namda creation is a rare and unusual skill that involves felting wool rather than weaving it to create magnificent floor pieces. There is a culture of sitting on the floor in every Kashmiri household, whether it be a royal castle or a humble hut. During the winter months, when the weather is typical, with heavy snowfall, icy cold winds, and sub-zero temperatures, the floor becomes agonisingly cold, and Namda comes to the rescue to create a comfortable sitting arrangement on the floor.
Embroidery of Kashmir
Most of the Kashmiri handicrafts have one thing in common, which is embroidery. Special attention to the patterns on the wood and embroidery on fabrics have been of importance to artisans of Kashmir.
Crewel Embroidery
Crewel embroidery requires a special kind of hook for making draperies and upholstery. The speciality of this type of embroidery lies in its needlework variety. The hook makes rows of chains of stitches which is the pattern. The usual designs of flower motifs are popular for such works.
Sozni Embroidery
Kashmiri Sozni crafts are another famous style of embroidery. Persia is thought to be the roots of this embroidery work. The artists are called ‘sozankars’ who practice this form of embroidery. Sozni embroidery has a very aesthetic appeal in its works. The rich combination of reinforced and straightforward stitches results in a fascinating piece of art.
There are about 2.50 lacs artisans who are directly dependent upon handicrafts for their livelihood. There is great potential in this sector for generating more employment opportunities if its markets are expanded and demand is increased. Presently, our handicrafts earn around Rs.1700 crores as foreign exchange annually. The handicraft products of Kashmir includeCarpets, shawls, Wood Carving items, Chain Stitch items, Papier Machie, Crewel and Namdha.
The LG asked the senior officials to review the implementation of reforms regularly to remove bottlenecks. He directed the revenue department to work in close coordination with Industries and Commerce Department to expedite setting up of Industrial Estates and to resolve all pending issues within one month.Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Prashant Goyal gave a comprehensive overview of the present scenario of the infrastructure, execution of incentive policy, land bank, progress of work on industrial estates, collaboration with ONDC, export promotion initiatives for One District One Product, and progress in handicraft sector.Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department H Rajesh Prasad, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Revenue Department Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Law Secretary Achal Sethi, Secretary in the I&C Department Smita Sethi, HoDs, Managing Directors and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
