Nawshaba Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: In a bid to revive Kashmir’s fast-disappearing craft heritage, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department has identified three traditional crafts under the languishing category and initiated a focused revival plan
These crafts include ‘Waghuv’, ‘Namda’ and ‘Gaba’-part of Kashmir’s indigenous floor-covering traditions-while the department has also prioritised silverware and copperware for the next phase of intervention.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Mussarat Zia, told ‘Excelsior’ that an emergency action plan has been prepared for the identified crafts, beginning with Geographical Indication (GI) registration, market exposure and direct support to artisans.
“Once the committee identified these crafts as languishing, the first thing we realised was that GI registration was essential for their revival,” Zia said.
He said copperware, locally known as ‘Kandhkari’, is entirely handcrafted and holds strong market potential, while Kashmir’s silverware has suffered due to the influx of cheap, machine-made imitation jewellery.
“With inter-craft collaboration and new product designs, both can be revived,” he said.
Zia said these crafts are being given priority space in departmental exhibitions and ‘Know Your Artisan’ programmes.
“Wherever 15 to 20 stalls are set up, we ensure dedicated space for these crafts,” he said, stressing that revival is not possible without public participation.
According to him, while the department can provide platforms and logistical support, sustained revival depends on consumer demand.
“If even 10 percent of households buy one Waghu, the entire craft can be revived,” he said.
Sharing field observations, Zia said Waghuv artisans have already begun adapting to changing requirements.
Zia said Namda and Gaba also have strong international demand due to their traditional production process.
“If global buyers understand the labour and technique involved, these products can access niche markets,” he added.
He further said amendments have been proposed under the Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978, to bring private online sellers under regulatory oversight and align them with current requirements.
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