Context:
Artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited after nearly 500 years in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange initiative.
World Craft City Initiative:
- Launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International), a non-profit organization
- Launched under the WCC-World Craft City Programme
- Purpose – To recognize cities for their contributions to cultural, economic, and social development through crafts.
- Indian cities recognized as World Craft Cities by WCC –
- Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Jaipur (Rajasthan)
- Mamallapuram (Tamil Nadu)
- Mysore (Karnataka)
Key Crafts of Srinagar:
- Pashmina Shawls – Made from the wool of the Changthangi goat found in Ladakh.
- Kashmiri Carpets – Renowned for their rich designs, particularly traditional Persian-style carpets.
- Hand-knotted using a coded script called Taleem for design instructions.
- Walnut Wood Carving – Craft of fine wood carving using walnut wood from the Juglans regia tree.
- Paper Mâché (Papier-Mâché) – Art of creating objects from molded paper pulp, traditionally painted and lacquered.
- Namda Rugs – Traditional felted wool rugs known for their durability and warmth.
- Chain Stitch Rugs (Gabbas) – Rugs made using chain stitch embroidery, known for their vibrant colors and patterns.
- Kashmiri Embroidery (Aari and Sozni) – Fine embroidery techniques used in garments and accessories.
- Copperware – Traditional Kashmiri metal crafts, especially copper samovars and tea sets.
- Kani Shawls – Handwoven shawls made using a special weaving technique called Kani.
- Khatamband – Handcrafted art of making ceilings by fitting small pieces of walnut or deodar wood into geometric patterns without using nails
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Kalamkari painting refers to:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India.
(c) a block-painted woolen cloth in Western Himalayan region of India.
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Answer: (a)
