REVIVING THE LEGACY: JOURNEY OF KASHMIRI ARTISANS RAZIA SULTANA & SHABROZA

The rich cultural heritage of Kashmir has been adorned for centuries with the exquisite craftsmanship of its artisans. Among these skilled craftsmen are Razia Sultana and Shabroza, who have contributed significantly to the revival and preservation of traditional Kashmiri handicrafts. Their dedication to their craft, despite facing challenges, showcases the resilience and artistry of Kashmiri artisans.

Razia Sultana from Kupwara is inspiring for thousands of Kashmiris who are educated, but sitting at home not doing anything productive and losing the chance of earning a livelihood. A Trailblazer in Craftsmanship Razia Sultana, a talented artisan, has played a pivotal role in keeping the centuries-old Kashmiri rug craft, known as “Namda” alive. Traditionally, Namda is a handmade rug crafted by felting wool rather than weaving it, requiring special skills and artistry. Due to the scarcity of raw materials, skilled manpower, and marketing techniques, Kashmiri Namdas faced a decline in exports since the 1990s, almost reaching extinction. However, thanks to the Centre’s special pilot project launched in November 2021, Razia Sultana, along with over 2,200 other artisans, received training to revive this dying art form. She is grateful to the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, which helped her in every step to become an Entrepreneur running her own Crewel embroidery Karkhana. Razia runs her own Skill Upgradation Centre teaching Crewel embroidery under Karkhanadar Scheme supported by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir in Tehgam, Kupwara. For six months, she trains about ten girls. About 100 girls have taken her crewel embroidery classes. She has benefited much from this work. She makes an excellent living. Razia won the UT Award for Crewel Craft in 2018 and made history as the first girl from Kashmir to do so.

In 2013, I among other girls got myself registered for the Crewel training Course against a monthly stipend of Rupees 500 per month”, said Razia Sultan, daughter of Mohammad Sultan Sheikh of historic Trehgam town. The initial training course had duration of one year and because of good response from the trainees, the batch was put to the advanced training for two more years in Advanced Training Course in Crewel craft against a monthly stipend of Rs 700 per month to each trainee”, said Razia adding that the course concluded in the year 2016. The love for craft was the passion of the girl. She never thought to leave it half way, as others do; instead she contacted Rahat Memorial Society, an NGO in the same town and got a job in the Society.  “I was engaged as Crafts Instructor in Crewel and my salary was fixed at Rs.2000 per month”, said Razia, adding that for her the amount of Rs.2000 in 2017 meant a lot. She was happy not because she was able to earn some money but more because she became a respectable teacher of the craft that she loved. Razia worked in the Society till March 2021 when the Society was closed. This time Razia’s will power and strength to hold up any situation was very high. She without losing any time started her own venture, connecting some other girls with the Crewel making. The unflinching character of the Razia Sultan to chase the target was recognized by the department of Handicrafts. Since the inception of Handicrafts Department, no artisan in District Kupwara was able to qualify for State Award in any craft. The dream come true when Razia Sultan, an orphan, daughter of Late Mohd Sultan Sheikh, won the State Award – 2018 in Crewel Craft and stood on 3rd position throughout the UT of J&K. The Awardee has been given a Certificate of Excellence with cash Prize of Rs. 20,000 in the year 2021. 

Empowering Artisans and Spreading Heritage Shabroza, another skilled artisan from the Valley, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting various Kashmiri handicrafts. The handicraft industry in Jammu and Kashmir encompasses textiles, carpets and rugs, crewel embroidery, phool kari, silverware, woodwork, and papier-mâché, among others. Shabroza’s dedication to her craft has not only empowered her personally but also inspired other artisans across Kashmir. Her work reflects the cultural heritage of the region and has caught the attention of buyers both locally and internationally. Recently, the first batch of namda rugs in over 25 years was exported to countries like the UK, Japan, Holland, and Germany, marking a significant milestone in the revival of this art form.

Artisans from districts like Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam have been at the forefront of preserving and advancing these crafts. Through their skill and dedication, they continue to create exquisite pieces that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. However, challenges such as scarcity of raw materials, marketing techniques, and skilled manpower have impacted the industry. Initiatives led by organizations and collaborations with platforms like Flipkart have aimed to support these artisans, providing them with opportunities to showcase and sell their handicraft products. Our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated these artisans on his twitter handle.     

Razia Sultana and Shabroza represent two distinct eras in Kashmiri artistry, both contributing to the preservation and revival of unique crafts. Razia Sultana’s trailblazing reign challenged gender norms and left an indelible mark on history. On the other hand, artisans like Shabroza continue to revive and evolve traditional crafts like the Kashmiri namda rugs, breathing new life into ancient art forms. The dedication of these individuals and the larger community of Kashmiri artisans ensures that the cultural heritage of Kashmir remains alive and vibrant, captivating audiences both within the region and beyond. These talented artisans are the real Gems of Kashmir.