Srinagar: A UNESCO Creative City

Srinagar, one of South Asia's ancient cities, is renowned for its rich heritage, artistry, and cultural significance. Located on the historic Silk Route, Srinagar has been a melting pot of diverse influences for over 1,500 years, making it a hub for the exchange of ideas, trade, cultural practices, and scientific knowledge. The city's vibrant arts and crafts scene, deeply embedded in its cultural fabric, reflects the creativity and skill of its artisans, whose work has gained international recognition. In 2021, Srinagar was designated a UNESCO Creative City under the category of Crafts and Folk Art, further cementing its status as a global center for cultural heritage.
Srinagar’s artistic heritage is deeply influenced by its historical position on the Silk Route. The city has been a center for various crafts, many of which were introduced during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin in the 15th century and later flourished under Mughal and Dogra patronage. These crafts, including Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, intricate woodwork, and papier-mâché, are not merely products but embodiments of the region’s cultural soul and artistic genius. Today, the city’s artisan community, comprising over 20,000 craftsmen, continues to preserve and innovate these traditional crafts, ensuring their relevance in the modern world.

Papier-Mâché: The Art of Crafting Delicate Beauty 

Papier-mâché, one of Kashmir’s oldest handicrafts, was introduced to the valley in the 14th century by the Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. This craft is an inseparable part of Kashmiri culture, reflecting the region's natural beauty and life through its intricate designs. Creating papier-mâché involves two main steps: Sakhtsazi (making objects from paper pulp) and Naqashi (painting on the finished object). The craft is distinguished by organic colors and a smooth, polished surface, often adorned with designs inspired by Kashmiri flora and fauna. A prime example of this art is the ornamentation of the Shah Hamdan Mosque in Srinagar.

Khatamband: The Geometry of Elegance 

Khatamband is a traditional craft of creating false ceilings by interlocking polygonal wooden pieces, forming intricate geometric patterns. The word ‘Khatamband’ itself is derived from Persian, meaning to join polygons together to create an endless enclosure. This craft, unique to Kashmir, uses lightweight local fir wood and is assembled without the use of glue or nails, relying instead on precise interlocking. The result is an illusionary, seamless pattern that enhances the aesthetic appeal of interiors, particularly in traditional Kashmiri homes and religious structures.

Walnut Wood Carving: The Art of Transforming Wood 

Walnut wood carving is a craft unique to Kashmir, brought to the region in the 15th century. The craft utilizes the fine-grained, durable wood of the walnut tree, known locally as ‘dun,’ to create intricate carvings ranging from shallow to deep relief. Historically, this craft was reserved for palaces and shrines, such as the Naqshband Mosque and the shrine of Nund Rishi. Today, walnut wood carving continues to be a symbol of Kashmiri craftsmanship, with artisans creating both architectural elements and smaller decorative objects that showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Pinjrakari: The Craft of Latticed Elegance 

Pinjrakari, introduced by the Sufi saint Shah Hamadani, is the art of creating lattices by interlocking thin wooden battens in crisscross patterns. This craft is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, offering privacy while allowing light and air to pass through. Pinjrakari is commonly used in the windows, partitions, and balconies of traditional Kashmiri architecture. The fineness of the latticework, often made from the wood of Himalayan blue pine, silver fir, or walnut, distinguishes it from other lattice crafts and adds a unique charm to Kashmiri buildings.

Kashmiri Shawls and Embroidery: The Epitome of Elegance 

Kashmiri shawls, renowned for their softness and intricate patterns, have been celebrated for centuries. Made from pashm, the fine wool gathered from Himalayan goats, these shawls, often referred to as "cashmere" or "pashmina," have been cherished worldwide. Production of these exquisite textiles began in the mid-15th century and flourished under Mughal and Safavid patronage, with their signature buta motif symbolizing eternity.
Despite competition from European imitations in the 18th century, authentic Kashmiri shawls, with their rich heritage and unmatched quality, continue to be highly valued today. However, the industry now faces challenges due to climate change, affecting the availability of pashm wool.
Srinagar's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City is a testament to its rich cultural heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans. The city's crafts, deeply rooted in its history and natural environment, continue to thrive, embodying the creativity and resilience of its people. As these traditional crafts gain global recognition, they not only preserve the cultural identity of Kashmir but also contribute to the sustainable development of the region.