Mudasir Ali
The rich traditional legacy of Kashmiri’s art is renowned for its appealing outlook and magnificent stature that holds an immense significance and diversity across the region. In the annals of Kashmiri history, many have witnessed a traditionally rich and famous practice of making “Dambur”, which was once common feature in every household. This artistic work was flourished in Kashmir where women crafted special design of earthly hearths. Art making requires greatly innovative ideas and skill in carving out vibrantly fine hearths. In fact, these arts leave exquisite imprints on the colorful archives of cultural history.
This handcraft was quite prevalent in Kashmir and was traditional art that women loved to preserve. They made hearths (Dambur) by mixing clay with water, adding other essentials to ensure high durability. These hearths (Dambur) were cared a lot and cleaned for next use. Mothers would love to spend time in cooking food on hearth. They didn’t feel exhausted or reluctant to do kitchen chores, especially cooking. Many women were exemplary professionals in this field by renovating old made hearths. Some were often invited by neighbors to make new hearths for them. Kitchens were often aggrandized by a standing hearth with two large open holes at the front. Long twigs and dried cow-dung cakes were used as fuel. On top of hearth, three small sized projections held heavy cooking vessels upright.
The traditional art had considerably survived for a long time but eventually took a last breath owing to the advent of modern cooking devices. Dambur was once a crucial part of cooking food and making maize chapattis. It held an esteemed position in our homes that sufficed almost all our needs and was truly considered a sacred part from the Islamic perspective. Many believe that Hazrat Fahtima Zuhra (May Allah be pleased with her) had introduced it. Elderly women still assert these lines with honor that Dambur was once used by the pious daughter of our Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). She cooked food on the hearth (Dambur) for her beloved family.
It is the fact that this traditional art has significantly faded away in Kashmir and it is now seldom found in our homes. Gas stoves and Micro ovens have gained much ground in replacing earthly hearths. However, the traditional importance of any practice based art is conspicuously reflective and has a special value to represent not only the state’s heritage but also draws a global attention. Year after year, we witness a paradigm shift in technology that detaches our emotional attachment to the traditional arts made by our ancestors. It is evident that we have completely lost our connection with native arts. It may be right now a difficult thing for our mothers to make a well-standing hearth (Dambur).This is growing concern that needs dire attention to rejuvenate this age-old beautiful art. I have recently come across a video on social media shared by a worthy teacher cum writer namely; Mr.khursheed Dar. He and his colleague was discussing about the innovative toys made by their students that reflected pure heritage. Hearth (Dambur) was also made by a student that truly symbolizes the past glory.
The key factors that have almost replaced this traditional art (Dambur)
Technological paradigm. With the advent of technology, the traditional art has reduced to its lower position. Switching to many electrical devices due to their high efficiency and more availability in the market are the crucial factors that have modernized kitchens to a great extent. The importance and value of traditional arts have been replaced with machine made objects that cater to faster services.
Constructing of well designed houses:- Shifting focus on to construct well designed houses is now everyone’s dream. These houses require modern type of kitchens often made from costly materials. Some are highly decorated with aluminum sheets. In these houses, placing a hearth (Dambur) is nearly possible.
Lack of attachment: Women were once strongly attached to traditional hearths (Dambur), but due to technological advancements have led to detachment from it. Some women are still interested in making hearths (Dambur) in the compound of their houses due to deep connection with them.
Low quality:- Traditionally made objects are often of lower quality which has shifted our focus towards buying high-quality machine made objects which are more durable and efficient in working. Thus, micro ovens, gas stoves are considered superior ones that have sidelined traditional objects.
Mudasir Ali can be reached at ahangermudasir911@gmail.com
