Jammu And Kashmir - Craft Documentation | Research Archive Handicrafts & Handloom

Shikara (Boat)~ Kashmir

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:36:32 +0000

Aroun the world, houseboats have become a reflection of an exotic and carefree lifestyle and therefore are considered nothing less than an extravagant luxury. A houseboat stay has always been a fascinating experience for tourists and thereby turning out to be a unique selling proposition for the tourism industry in Kashmir. A Kashmiri houseboat is your home away from home. Travelling in a houseboat makes one feel as if time has come to a standstill.

Shikaras, though smaller in size, are often used synonymously with houseboats. Also known as ‘a floating piece of art’, the shikara is a wooden boat that drifts upon the tranquil waters of Dal Lake and other serene waterways of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

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Coppersmith Craft ~ Kashmir

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:39:15 +0000

Situated in the heart of Palpora, the area holds a hidden treasure in the form of the residents’ remarkable craftsmanship, particularly displayed by the men now along with the women too. Their adept hands skillfully mould copper into captivating works of art, unveiling the intersection of creativity, firmness, and aspirations. The thriving community of coppersmiths in Palpora is fuelled by a solid spirit of artistry, resilience, and dreams, transforming the village into a vibrant hub.

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Wallnut Wood Carving, Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:26:14 +0000

Srinagar, in the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, is known for its crafts. Across the areas of Safa Kadal, Noor Bagh and Fateh Kadal are karkhanas (workshop) famous to crafts such as pashmina, copper carving, embroidery and walnut wood carving. Mostly situated in the by-lanes of downtown Srinagar, it is easy to identify a wood carving karkhana from a distance. The periodic hammering of timber and the strong smell of shaven wood makes it distinct.

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Pinjirakari~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 05:06:41 +0000

Pinjirakari is the craft of latticework in Kashmir. Chipped and carved out of light deodar wood, these pieces consist of strips of wood arranged in repeating geometric forms. These pieces are then joined to make the larger form. The distinguishing fact of this woodwork is that it does not use any glue for sticking together the pieces. They are held in position by precise joinery and the pressure they exert on each other.

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Reshmee Kaleen~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 25 May 2020 12:55:00 +0000

‘Reshmee Kaleen’ or silk carpets of Kashmir are famous for their intricate hand-knotting technique that makes it a highly prized work of art. The delicate appearance of these carpets belies a tough and durable strength that can withstand much pressure and last a lifetime. Complex and finely detailed designs are made without the use of any visual reference but only relying on a hand written script known as ‘Taalim’.

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Khatamband~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:03:00 +0000

Khatamband is a specialty in the art of Kashmiri woodwork and compromises the making of ceilings of rooms, from thin panels of pinewood, cut into geometrical designs. The ceilings are made by fitting small pieces of wood (preferably walnut or deodar wood) into each other in geometrical patterns. Brought to Kashmir in 1541 by Mirza Hyder Doulat, the process is not done through machines but, painstakingly hand crafted as the pieces are made to be held together purely by the joinery and no glue or nails.

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Kashida-kari~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 09:05:12 +0000

The Kashmiri embroidery has a distinct characteristic to it – both in technique and appearance. Kashida is the traditional name of Kashmiri embroidery, which came with the Persians, just as the motifs and style suggest much of Persian influence. The work is very colorful and derives its designs from elements in the scenic beauty of the land. This craft, mostly done by men, is said to have descended from royal patronage.

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Pashmina Shawls~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 13:35:15 +0000

The shawls in Kashmir are woven from fine wool or other animal fleece. It is colloquially known as ‘Jamawar’, when it was woven in yards. This was because the Maharajas and nobility by the yard or ‘Jam’ purchased it. It was then stitched into robes or gowns called ‘Jama’. Kani shawls, on the other hand, were called so when finely embroidered with a Kani or wooden needles.

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Papiermache~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:08:22 +0000

Laced with wild flowers, shimmering lakes-it is truly what the mogul emperors described it as-“a paradise on earth-. Taking inspiration from their surrounding this unique craft involves the use of paper pulp for creating beautiful artifacts painted by expert craftsmen in lifelike images of kingfishers, maple leaves and other motifs.

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Namda~Srinagar

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:03:38 +0000

Namda are felted rugs that are made by enmeshing wool fibers with water, soap and pressure and then embroidering the resultant fabric. These are extensively used in Kashmiri households as an effective and inexpensive floor covering and mattress.

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