Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Aug 19 : The traditional art of handmade silver designing in Kashmir, once celebrated for its intricate beauty, is now on the brink of extinction. With most master craftsmen having passed away or shifted to other trades, the craft is slowly fading away.
The few remaining artisans express deep concern about the future of this age-old tradition, citing a lack of government support and changing market demands as key reasons for its decline.
Mushtaq Ahmad Sodagar, a 42-year-old resident of Guzarbal in Ganderbal, has been a silver designer for over two decades.
Speaking with the news agency, Sodagar said the art of handmade silver design is dying. “The market now prefers machine-made designs, especially those from Japan, because they are more affordable compared to handmade designs, which have become too costly for most people,” he said.
Mushtaq said that while he once kept various designs readily available, the demand for handmade silverware has dwindled. Now, he only designs upon request.
Due to the lack of demand, Sodagar has transitioned to copper designing, which remains more popular and offers a more reliable source of income. “I will never allow my children to pursue this work because it no longer has any scope. If they learn this art, they will starve,” he added.
Other master designers said most artisans have already abandoned silverwork in favour of more lucrative trades. They lamented the absence of government support, which they believe could have helped preserve this cultural heritage.
Without any intervention, they fear that the last of the silver artisans will pass away, taking with them the knowledge and skills that have been passed down through generations.
Kashmiri silverware is one of the region’s ancient arts, dating back to the Mughal era. The designers, known as ‘Naqash’, create patterns that range from simple to highly intricate.
