Kashmir’s Papier-mâche sector deserves attention
Kashmiri papier-mâché is a handicraft of Kashmir that has rich history and legacy . It was brought by Muslims saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Persia in the 14th century to medieval India. It is based primarily on paper pulp, and is a richly decorated, colourful artifact; generally in the form of vases, bowls, or cups (with and without metal rims), boxes, trays, bases of lamps, and many other small objects. These are made in homes, and workshops, in Srinagar, and other parts of the Kashmir Valley, and are marketed primarily within India, although there is a significant international market.The product is protected under the Geographic Indication Act 1999 of Government of India, and was registered by the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks during the period from April 2011 to March 2012 under the title “Kashmir Paper Machie”.The artisans associated with the Papier-mâche sector are facing many problems as they are earning very less , with market voices saying there daily wages are not even half of that a daily laborer . At one time the sector of Papier-mâche was one of the highest paying sectors of Kashmir.As a result of very less opportunities and no bright future the new generation is not taking up the rich craft of Papier-mâche which is a worrying sign .
Artisans state that The art is now vanishing from Kashmir. This has become a part-time activity due to less remuneration and no attention from the government side.
Militancy, a flood, the pandemic — Kashmir’s ancient art of papier-mâché is at its lowest ebb now, and deserves all the more Government attention.
