03-December-2024-Special-Article

KASHMIRI AND CENTRAL ASIAN ARTISANS RECONNECT: A REVIVAL OF CULTURAL TIES

After nearly 500 years, artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange program. This event celebrated Srinagar’s designation as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and aimed to revive shared heritage and foster cross-border cultural connections.

Kashmir’s crafts have a rich history deeply influenced by Central Asian techniques, which have shaped the region’s artistic identity.

Historical Connection Between Central Asia and Srinagar Crafts

Introduction of Central Asian Techniques

• Zain-ul-Abidin, Kashmir’s 9th Sultan (15th century), invited artisans from Samarkand, Bukhara, and Persia.
• Central Asian techniques became integral to Kashmiri craftsmanship.
• By 1947, these cultural exchanges ended, weakening the artistic ties.

Influence of the Silk Route

• Srinagar, located on the Silk Route, served as a hub for cultural, economic, and artistic interactions.
• This exchange enriched Kashmir’s crafts, blending local traditions with Persian and Central Asian styles.

Craftsmanship Techniques Inspired by Central Asia

Wood Carving

• Kashmiri artisans adopted advanced carving techniques from Central Asia.
• While Kashmiris use chisels and hammers for intricate designs, Iranian artisans primarily relied on a single chisel for floral motifs.

Carpet Weaving

• Persian knotting techniques like Farsi baff and Sehna knots influenced Kashmiri carpets.
• Carpet designs are often named after Iranian cities, such as Kashan and Tabriz.
• These patterns reflect the shared heritage and skill enhancement through artisan exchanges.

Embroidery

• Uzbekistan’s suzani embroidery inspired Kashmir’s sozini work.
• Both share similar techniques, floral motifs, and color palettes.

Srinagar as a “World Craft City”

About the Initiative

• The “World Craft City” program was introduced in 2014 by the WCC.
• It recognizes cities contributing to cultural, social, and economic growth through crafts.
• Established in 1964, the WCC supports artisans globally and promotes crafts as cultural heritage.

Indian Cities Recognized

• Srinagar (J&K), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu), and Mysore (Karnataka) hold this prestigious title.
• The WCC has also provided a “Seal of Authenticity” for Kashmir’s handicrafts, ensuring global recognition for handmade products.

Key Crafts of Srinagar

Pashmina Shawls

• Known for their softness and intricate handwoven designs.
• Mughal Emperor Akbar promoted Pashmina shawls for royal use.

Kashmiri Carpets

• Famous for Persian-style patterns and high-quality materials like silk and wool.
• Artisans use the coded “Taleem” script to guide the weaving process.

Papier Mâché

• Originated from molded paper pulp, painted, and lacquered.
• Initially used for pen cases, it evolved into decorative art forms.

Sozni Embroidery

• A Persian-inspired needle embroidery technique.
• Commonly used on shawls and other textiles.

Walnut Wood Carving

• Intricate patterns carved into walnut wood, used for furniture and decorative items.

Copperware and Khatamband

• Copper samovars and tea sets represent Kashmir’s metallurgical heritage.
• Khatamband involves assembling small wooden pieces into geometric patterns without nails.

UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN)

Srinagar’s Recognition

• Designated a Creative City in 2021 under UNESCO’s network for crafts and folk arts.
• Other Indian cities in the UCCN include:

• Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts, 2015)
• Varanasi and Chennai (Music, 2015 and 2017)
• Mumbai (Film, 2019)
• Hyderabad (Gastronomy, 2019)
• Kozhikode (Literature, 2023)
• Gwalior (Music, 2023).

Geographical Indication (GI) Tags for Kashmiri Crafts

Crafts with GI Tags

• Seven Kashmiri crafts, including carpets, pashmina, sozni, kani shawls, walnut wood carving, khatamband, and papier mâché, have GI tags.

Importance of GI Tags

• Protects the authenticity and uniqueness of the crafts.
• Ensures that only artisans from the region can use these names, preserving cultural heritage.

Benefits of Cross-Border Cultural Exchanges

Skill Enhancement

• Exposure to new techniques helps artisans innovate and create unique products.

Market Expansion

• Participation in international events provides access to global markets.
• Artisans can adapt their products to meet international demands, ensuring financial sustainability.

Cultural Ambassadorship

• Artisans showcase traditional crafts on global platforms, promoting mutual appreciation and preserving heritage.

Challenges Faced by Kashmiri Artisans

Low Income and Workforce Issues

• Around 92% of artisans depend on crafts, but earnings are often insufficient.
• Many take up secondary livelihoods like agriculture or daily labor.

Gender and Wage Disparities

• Women artisans (63%) face wage gaps compared to men.
• Male dominance persists in crafts like khatamband and wood carving.

Declining Interest and Market Challenges

• Youth prefer stable jobs over traditional crafts due to financial instability.
• International competition and machine-made alternatives threaten the craft sector.

Lack of Innovation

• The sector struggles to modernize and meet evolving market demands.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Handicrafts

• National Handicraft Development Programme
• Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme
• PM Vishwakarma Scheme
• One District One Product Initiative
• Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana

Way Forward

• Government Support: Promote GI-tagged crafts like pashmina shawls through global fairs and online platforms. Strengthen local cooperatives and improve supply chains.
• Training and Education: Provide skill training under the Skill India Mission to preserve traditional techniques.
• Tourism Integration: Develop craft tourism circuits, allowing tourists to engage directly with artisans.
• Sustainability Practices: Use eco-friendly materials to attract environmentally conscious consumers and expand market appeal.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the influence of Central Asian craftsmanship on the development of Kashmiri handicrafts and evaluate the significance of initiatives like the ‘World Craft City’ in preserving and promoting traditional arts.” (150 WORDS)