Once an integral part in every household of Kashmir, traditional wooden tools have become a rarity now
MANZOOR AKASH
In medieval Kashmir, the use of wooden tools played a significant role in various aspects of daily life and craftsmanship. The region’s abundant forests provided ample resources for crafting a wide range of wooden items that were utilized for agriculture, construction, and other essential activities. These tools not only served practical purposes but also showcased the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the people of that era.
Agriculture formed the backbone of medieval Kashmiri society, and wooden tools were integral to farming practices. Ploughs, spades, hoes, and sickles, etc were commonly crafted from wood to tilt the fertile soil and harvest crops. The simplicity of these tools allowed farmers to work efficiently and sustain their agricultural endeavors. These tools also held an advantage in the sense that they were less likely to damage crops and soil compared to metal tools.
In addition to agriculture, woodworking skills were crucial in construction and architectural projects. Timber was a primary construction material, and wooden tools such as saws, chisels, and mallets were indispensable for shaping and assembling structures. These tools enabled craftsmen to create intricate woodwork seen in the impressive temples and palaces of the time. Notably, the iconic wooden architecture of Kashmir, with its intricately carved facades and ornate details, reflected the mastery of local artisans in working with wood.
Kashmir’s vibrant artisan community further utilized wooden tools in creating everyday objects and decorative items. Wood carving was a prized skill, producing items ranging from utilitarian utensils to exquisite artworks. Artisans carved wooden bowls, plates, and containers for storage, as well as decorative panels and screens. The intricate designs showcased the artistic sensibilities of the craftsmen, often depicting local flora, fauna, and mythological motifs.
These wooden tools also found their place in activities beyond agriculture and construction. Crafting musical instruments like the Santoor, a traditional Kashmiri string instrument, required skilled use of the wooden tools. Carpenters shaped the soundboard and bridges, contributing to the unique timbre of the instrument. Additionally, wooden tools were used in crafting pottery wheels and looms, enabling the production of essential household items like pottery and textiles.
The significance of wooden tools in medieval Kashmir extended to trade and economy. The craftsmanship associated with these tools became a trade in itself, with skilled artisans often passing down their knowledge through generations. These tools were not only essential for local use but also gained recognition beyond the region. The quality and uniqueness of Kashmiri wooden tools made them sought-after commodities, enhancing trade and cultural exchange with neighboring regions and even faraway lands.
However, the prevalence of wooden tools gradually declined with advancements in metalworking technology. Metal tools offered greater durability and precision, rendering them more efficient for certain tasks. As metal tools gained popularity, the demand for traditional wooden tools decreased, leading to a gradual shift in craftsmanship practices.
There were a number of wooden tools used in Kashmir in the past which were a symbol of our rich cultural heritage and had connection with ancient culinary techniques. Once an integral part in every household of Kashmir, these traditional wooden tools have become a rarity now. Some of them are mentioned here: Alabain/hal (plough was used to tilt land), Yender (spinning wheel or charkha), Tathul (a big wooden plate for eating rice called Taahri), Khraav (a wooden footwear in winters), Zapan (palanquin to carry bride to her matrimonial house), Kanz-ta-Mohol (mortor & pestle for grinding spices), Sundook (wooden-box for keeping clothes, etc.), Batte-tchunche (a wooden-spoon used to take out rice), Kanaele ( wooden-plate for kneading floor), Whehtkanej (a wooden tool to bring down snow from the roof-tops), Doohne (churner for churning curd), Feuhuv (a big spoon kept in the granary for taking out rice), Durmaht (a wooden tool used for leveling things), Charak (a round shaped wooden tool in the water-mill), Darwaze-gouglul (a wooden hinge that helped a door to move), Toorh (a wooden bolt on the door), Kar ( a wooden wheel used for weaving grass-mats), Grawanj (a wooden shelf to hold earthen pitchers in the kitchen), Tangur (a wooden hoe used for hand tillage), Majj ( an animal driven implement fro breaking clods and level the furrows in the wet rice field), Livaen (a wooden spade shod with thin socketed blade), Yetfur (a wooden mallet for crashing clods also called Yubchut), Patdah/mond (another mallet type device for breaking clods and leveling ground), Wan-mund ( a threshing board for rice in the rice fields), Hagur (a hand cart for carrying load) and various other tools. What is interesting t know that all these wooden tool s were manufactured locally by Chhan (carpenters) who in lieu of their service were paid Dane (rice) at the harvesting season. It was always avoided to keep these wooden items in the open because continuous sunshine and rains destroyed the wood and shorten their life span. How sad most of these traditional tools have completed vanished from the scene.
In conclusion, traditional wooden tools in medieval Kashmir played a vital role in shaping the region’s agriculture, construction, and artisanal activities. These tools were integral to daily life, allowing people to cultivate the land, construct remarkable architectural marvels, and create functional and artistic objects. The craftsmanship associated with wooden tools showcased the ingenuity and artistic prowess of the people of that era. As a testament to their importance, the legacy of these tools lives on in the architectural wonders and artistic heritage of Kashmir.
Manzoor Akash teaches English, hails from zone Dangiwacha, Rafiabad, can be reached at manzurakash@yahoo.co.in
