Preserving the cultural identity
People of Kashmir are a peace loving nation with a documented history of about six thousand years. Archaeologists and historians who are engaged in the study of Kashmir history and culture claim that Kashmir is an old nation which, according to them, has a well documented history of six thousand years. In ancient times, it […]
Forgotten Wooden granaries
There are several books and research papers available on Kashmir history and art, but the traditional Kashmir architectural has not been explored to such an extent even now and there are only a fewer details that give an inside view of the styles and designs, the materials used in traditional architectural wonders of the vale. […]
‘Khal Chhu Maethaan Phal Muklit’
There is an ancient Kashmiri proverb ‘Khal Chhu Maethaan Phal Muklit’ which literary means that the fruits turns sweet but only after its stocks are finished. Khal in local traditions refers to the paddy storage, where the harvested stalks are first collected and stored temporarily in pyramid shaped heaps. These heaps of paddy are locally […]
The ever disappearing Kashmiri fauna
While the world is suffering the onslaughts of global warming and other destructive environmental phenomenon and several species of animals and birds are at the verge of extinction, here in Kashmir, we too are witnessing strange environmental issues that might rob us of the variety of fauna that we traditionally have had. The environmentalist may […]
The fine ‘Copper Works’
Handling Metal is a bit difficult and tedious when compared to handling wood. It requires not only high skill but also improved instruments and casting as well as clipping technologies. Romans and Greeks were the first to introduce metal in various forms. Harappan people also made ornaments and seals of it and people of Kashmir […]
The old tales of natural herbs!
Kashmir, besides other things, is also known for its rich flora. Its environment and atmosphere has always been favorable for a variety of natural herbs and flowers. These herbs have been found useful by the local herbalists and are usually used for treating various diseases. The local herbalists and Hakeems were very much confident about […]
Constituting ‘Heritage Authority’
It is tragic that several heritage buildings serve as the office complexes for different departments
Finally the state government seems to have woken up to the heritage preservation concerns and has constituted the ‘Jammu & Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority’. Although government had earlier passed the heritage bill and setting up of a heritage authority was the need of the day, it was only a matter of time as […]
Remembering the great saint
Ya Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (R A)
Even after suffering the prevailing unfavorable political conditions for decades now and also the changing social fabric as well as the onslaught of modernization, Kashmiri society, which has otherwise undergone tremendous changes, continues to cherish its beloved Sufi traditions and upholds the rich legacy of the saints and sufi’s. People throng shrines, particularly on Urs […]
The art of traditional flooring is fading from the scene!
Besides the traditional flooring including Patej and Wagu about which I have discussed, in my last column, the art of Gabba making was too a fine tradition in Kashmir and it also seems meeting the same fate as the previous ones. It had a very special place among the customary floorings that were homemade and […]
The abysmal state of traditional Mat manufacturing in Kashmir
The domestic industry in Kashmir, better known as Kashmir handicrafts, has lost its pristine glory and traditional touch as several crafts have disappeared from the markets, while many others are dying fast. There are several reasons responsible for the decay but, truly speaking, I am not writing this column to discuss those reasons as I […]
