THE PARADISE ON EARTH - IS IT'S EMINENCE PORTRAYED THROUGH ITS ANCESTRAL ARTISTRY?

"Gar Firdaus bar-rue zamin ast, hami asto, hami asto, hami ast".

"If there is a heaven on earth, it's here, it's here, it's here."

(English Translation)

This is a couplet by the Persian-language poet Amir Khusrau. The culture of Jammu and Kashmir is a diverse blend and highly influenced by Northern South Asian and Persian as well as Central Asian culture. Along with its diverse scenic beauty, it is also famous for its rich cultural heritage. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh each have their own distinct culture. 

The splendid work of art and culture in Jammu and Kashmir makes it famous all over the world. kashmiri art and craft are admired for its papier mache, woodwork, silkware, jewellery, basketry, shawls, embroidery, carpets and the list goes on. let's go and check some of them:-

1. Embroidery

The typical Kashmiri embroidery is known as Kashida and is famous all over the world. The purest essence and forms of nature like birds, leaves, trees and many such natural motifs are replicated with multicoloured threads and beads. Single stitch style is considered to be the signature style of Kashida embroidery. Besides, there are many other stitches like satin stitch, herringbone, stem stitch, chain stitch, knot stitch and many more. This embroidery is witnessed in silk sarees, jackets, shawls, cushion covers, bags and many more.

2. Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina is a fine type of Kashmiri wool. The fleecy wool is obtained from the Kel goat and is used for making the Pashmina Shawls in Kashmir. They are very famous, even at the international levels and are locally called "ring shawls". This is because they are so delicate and elegant, that they can easily pass from a ring itself. A high value and elegant shawl have design and motifs, equally embellished on both the sides.

3. Papier Mache

No matter how similar the papier mache articles look at look at the first glance, they have their own differences and originality. This is a handicraft of Kashmir that was brought by Muslims from Persian in the 15th century. It is based primarily on paper pulp and is richly decorated, colourful artifact. Three grades of paper are used for its designing. In the process of making it, the paper is soaked in water till the time it disintegrates. Then an adhesive solution is used to mix it over, eventually moulding it into different shapes which are later coloured and vanished. Vases, bowls, cups, boxes, trays bases of lamps and many other small objects are made out of it.

4. Wood Carving

Another interesting part of Kashmiri handicraft is the wood carving. Complex wood carvings were done on houseboats. It is not very expensive in nature but one can always find ivory incorporated in the design. The price of the items made from the walnut wood depends on the number of carvings artistry did on the object. walnut wood is kind of softwood therefore used by the artists to carve out chinar leaves, flowers and vine leaves which can be used to carved only on borders or carved on full surfaces. They can be used to make a variety of items which include salad bowls, nut bowls, trays, photo frames and big pieces of furniture also.   

5. Basket Weaving

Willow Wicker Craft locally referred to as keani keam, is a hand skilled craft from Kashmir involving weaving using willow reeds and is also widely practised here. Willow wood is most commonly used, and one of the most distinctive products of this craft. This is an indigenous business industry of the valley. While products from other crafts are mostly used for decorative purposes.

6. Carpet Weaving

The origin of hand-knotted carpets locally known as "Kal baffi" dates back to the 15th century. One of the most expensive and world-renowned arts of Kashmir. Originally, the art of making carpets started from Samarkand in Central Asia. Carpets from Kashmir are made of wool and even silk, are available in a large number of variables. Designs and patterns in Kashmir carpets continue to be predominantly inspired by classical Persian and Central- Asia Rugs.

7. Pherans

It is a kind of garment that is a part of Kashmiri way of life and it is worn between a coat and a cloak. The traditional outfit for both males and females in Kashmir is the pheran and poots. the pheran and poots consist of two gowns, one over the other. The traditional phiran extends to the feet which were popular in the late 19th century. The modern variation of the phiran and poots extends below the knees. In summers they are made up of cotton but in winter it is made up of wool to protect the body from cold.

So, what are you waiting for? 

If you are an art admirer, just explore the rich art and craft of Jammu and Kashmir. Not only you will enjoy the scenic beauty of nature but also you can bring back all the souvenirs along with you which will make your trip memorable last long.