Rayees Shah
The blanket weaving artisans of the Dard Shina community in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district are grappling with the challenge of preserving their heritage due to a lack of recognition from the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom.
These artisans originally hail from the picturesque Jawdara village of Gurez, now residing in parts of Ganderbal.
A resilient community of the Dard-Shina tribe, they have been meticulously crafting traditional tribal blankets, shawls, woolen caps, and socks for generations.
Following their displacement due to a devastating avalanche in 2005, they found solace and a new home in Chatergul Bala village, situated in Ganderbal district, where they continue to practice their craft with unwavering determination.
Ghulam Mohammad, a 70-year-old artisan who has woven blankets since childhood, expresses disappointment at the lack of recognition. “This art has been passed down for generations. Yet, we are not acknowledged or registered with the Handicraft Department. While others receive support, we are overlooked,” he told The Kashmiriyat.
Describing the meticulous process, Mohammad explains the manual labor involved in this process. “We shear the wool from our own sheep, wash and comb it, then spin it into fine threads before weaving it on a loom. It is a family effort, with women spinning and men weaving,” he said.
However, despite their dedication, the earnings are meager, and the conditions are challenging. “We work day and night, often without electricity. Solar power would greatly aid us. We need recognition and support from the authorities,” he said.
Mohammad Afzal Khan, another veteran artisan, echoes Mohammad’s sentiments on the financial struggles.
“Despite decades of dedication, our earnings remain minimal. Registration could provide us with much-needed benefits,” he said.
The younger generation, like Zahoor Ahmad Lone, reluctantly embraces the craft due to limited job opportunities, he confided to the Kashmiriyat. “Unemployment led me to this ancestral profession, which is not just a livelihood but also our cultural heritage.”
The villagers urged the Government to extend support, they appealed to the authorities during their conversation with the Kashmiriyat. “We deserve recognition and financial aid like other handicraft sectors,” he said.