Art and Craft of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is known for its rich artistic heritage, deeply rooted in tradition and culture. The region is famous for its unique handicrafts, paintings, textiles, woodwork, and metal crafts, many of which have gained international recognition.

Traditional Arts of Jammu and Kashmir

1. Painting Styles

The painting styles of Jammu and Kashmir belong to the Pahari School of Paintings, which flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. These styles were influenced by Mughal and Rajput paintings.

a) Basholi School of Paintings

Originated in Basholi town (Kathua district) during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Considered the first school of Pahari paintings.
Themes: Religious (Ramayana, Gita Govinda), historical, literary, and contemporary.
Features: Bold lines, bright colors, geometric patterns, and the use of beetle wings for decoration.
Example: “Rasamanjari” (Bouquet of Delight, 1664 AD), painted by Devidasa under the patronage of Raja Kirpal Pal.

b) Mankot Style of Paintings

Similar to Basholi but features subdued colors and naturalism.
Emerged during the mid-17th century.

c) Guler-Jasrota Style of Paintings

Emerged in late 18th and early 19th centuries in Kathua district.
Influenced by the Kangra style.
Example: “Shangri Ramayana” painting series.
Famous Artist: Nainsukh, a court painter of Raja Balwant Singh.

Crafts of Jammu and Kashmir

The region’s crafts are renowned worldwide and include embroidery, shawl weaving, carpet making, wood carving, papier-mâché, metalwork, and jewelry.

1. Textile Crafts

a) Shawls

Kashmiri shawls are world-famous, with different types:
- Pashmina Shawl – Made from the wool of Changthangi goats.
- Ring Shawl – So fine that it can pass through a ring.
- Jamavar Shawl – Woven with intricate patterns.
- Shahtoosh Shawl – Banned due to the endangerment of Tibetan antelopes.
- Kani Jama Shawl – Made using the Kani weaving technique.

b) Sarees

Made from mulberry silk in Kashmir, though not widely produced.

c) Embroidery

Sozni Embroidery – Fine needlework done on Pashmina shawls.
Kashidkari – Found on woolen kurtas, rugs, and stoles.
Phulkari – A domestic craft, practiced mainly in Jammu.
Chain Stitch (Zalakdozi) – Done using a hook (Ari), with floral and animal motifs.
Tilla Work – Gold and silver thread embroidery on sarees and pherans.

2. Carpet and Rug Weaving

a) Knotted Carpets (Kal Baffi)

Introduced in Kashmir by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin.
Handmade carpets with 48 knots per square inch.

b) Gabba (Embroidered Rugs)

Made by recycling old woolen blankets.

c) Namda (Felted Rugs)

Made from wool and cotton fibers, more affordable than carpets.

d) Tsug-Dul and Tsug-Gdan

Traditional Ladakhi woolen pile rugs used as floor coverings.

3. Papier-Mâché

Introduced by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin.
Made from paper pulp mixed with adhesive solution, then molded and painted.
Common Products: Vases, jewelry boxes, candle stands, picture frames.

4. Woodwork

a) Wood Carving

Srinagar is famous for its wood carving.
Products: Tables, trays, boxes, cabinets, decorative furniture.

b) Walnut Wood Craft

Introduced by Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom during Zain-ul-Abidin’s reign.
Used to make furniture, boxes, bowls, floor tiles.

c) Khatam Band

Geometrical ceiling patterns made from deodar wood.
Seen in houseboats and shrines.

d) Wicker Work

Products include baskets, lampshades, and kangris (fire pots).

5. Metal and Stone Work

a) Copper and Silver Craft

Srinagar’s Fateh Kadal is famous for copper vessels like samovars (tea kettles), lotas, and trays.
Silver items include tea sets, vases, bowls.

b) Jewelery

Rajouri is known for silver headpieces called Chaunk Phool.
Ladakhi Jewelry – Features turquoise, amber, coral, and pearls.

6. Bamboo and Cane Work

Jammu region is known for bamboo crafts, including bags, baskets, and lamps.
Willow rushes from Kashmir marshes are used for shopping baskets.