Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jul 09 : Ghulam Nabi Zargar, a renowned wood carving artist from Srinagar, has created a breathtaking wood carving piece on a table depicting the current condition of Dal Lake.
Zargar, a 67-year-old resident of the Khanyar area, has been practising wood carving for the last 55 years. Despite his significant contributions to the craft, he has remained largely unnoticed by the government.
Zargar is well-known for his exceptional talent and intricate craftsmanship. Over the years, he has trained hundreds of people in wood carving at his workshop in Khalashpora.
Speaking with the news agency, Zargar recalled his early interest in drawing during his time at a missionary school in Fateh Kadal. After leaving school, his father introduced him to wood carving, a craft then associated with the elite.
Throughout his career, he has created numerous art pieces, including a Shiv panel and a bunch of grapes. For the past three years, he has been working on a detailed piece depicting Dal Lake. This piece illustrates the lake’s current state, showing how it has been occupied, leaving little space for Shikaras and other activities. He also highlights the pollution in the lake, indicating that its water is no longer drinkable.
Despite the lack of demand for such pieces, Ghulam Nabi invested around 4 lakh rupees and his 55 years of experience into creating the Dal Lake carving. He said that while the government has not supported him in the past, the Director of Handicrafts recently offered assistance in exhibiting his work.
Zargar’s dedication to his craft is evident in his refusal to approach the government for support. He has even taught his art to two men from the United Kingdom. However, he expressed concerns about the future of wood carving. “It is difficult for artisans to make a living from it,” he said, adding, “My children are not interested in pursuing the craft for this reason.”
The artist said that wood carving cannot be learned through reading but requires practical experience. His philosophy of dedication and practice has resulted in awe-inspiring pieces that preserve Kashmir’s cultural heritage and inspire new artists..
The Dal Lake carving is a testament to his skill, capturing the essence of the lake and its surroundings with intricate detail. His contributions not only preserve the cultural heritage of Kashmir but also inspire a new generation of artists to pursue their craft with the same level of dedication and commitment.
“The government support is essential to promote and preserve this traditional art form,” Ghulam Nabi Zargar said. He called for proper attention to keep the art of wood carving alive in Kashmir
