kashmir_ culture and Handicrafts_ A brief overview.

Kashmir is not only unique in  it's beauty but the  diverse cultural heritage of kashmir also makes it unique from other places. 

 Kashmiri culture is heavily influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and later by Islam. The valley has a great cultural significance the unique culture of kashmir can easily be experienced by the tourists visiting the region. The people of Kashmir have themselves added to the of beauty  of their region in the form of their warm nature,hospitality and their skilled artwork. The people of the region are well known for their hospitality and generosity. 

Kashmir is also  known for richness in its culture. Starting from diversity in their dress, language and food and festivals everything in this valley is unique in  its own. 

The language  spoken by the native people is mostly Kashmiri ( spoken by almost 9 million Kashmiris) containing blend from languages like Persian, Dardic ,sanskrit and some punjabi words also. Further  in some parts of the region people speak Dogri, Urdu, Ladakhi ,Gojri depending upon the  types of people living in that region. 

Here we will get a little more insight of different  aspects adding to the culture of Kashmir:

Hindu- Muslim unity:

Although the history and politics show us the bitterness among the people of different religion's of the valley but it's not like it is  shown.The tourists visiting  to the region can easily note the harmony  and peace between people of  different religion's. Even though if Islam is emerging as a major religion in Kashmir since 13th century but  the Hindu-Muslims  together lived in such  a way which created unique picture of the region in the world.No doubt the  land disputes in 1950s and outbreak of militancy around 1990s  created huge outbreak of chaos   and  resulted in the migration of around 100,000  of total 140,000( Figures According to number of Authors) of the  Hindus in kashmir called as Kashmiri pandits. Among those  Migrants some settled in jammu region  some in NCR and some in  other parts of  india. Despite of those facts today things are  somehow normalised  and various initiatives have been made by the govt and other people and themselves the people of Kashmir in favour of migrants  giving them various relief schemes and   many Kashmiri Pandits are  moving back to Kashmir where separate colonies are also made for them to live and Kashmiri people are warmly welcoming them. 

Kashmiri Handicrafts:                     Kashmiri handicrafts are well known everywhere for their unique   style and craft. It is a traditional art made by Kashmiri people by hand. Handicraft industry in Kashmir is 2nd most growing industry after  Tourism industry. The unique skill of Kashmiri craftsmen  is depicted and  can be observed easily through their crafts style and delicate work. These crafts have set their mark in every part of the world. 

The main crafts of the Kashmir includes Carpets, rugs, Shawls, namdas, paper mache, wood carving, embroidery work and many more things. The best part to mention here is that men and women of Kashmir are equally  contributing towards this field and helping together to grow the economy of the region. Let's know a little more about some famous crafts  of Kashmir:        

Kashmiri carpets: 

Kashmiri carpets.
 

The art of weaving of Kashmiri Carpet came to Kashmir from Persia. The  Muslim sufi saint Mir Sayed Ali Hamadani- a muslim Preacher came all his way to Kashmir to introduce this delicate art by bringing with him many artists from Persia who taught Kashmiri people this work. Then  this intricate work was continued by Kashmiri people since now.kashmiri Carpets have been appreciated from  worldwide.

Kashmiri Shawls:

Kashmiri shawls

Kashmiri shawls have also set a unique picture in the regions handicraft industry as well as culture. Weaving Kashmiri shawls needs skilled weaving technique and perfect fine cloth. These shawls are popular than other  countries shawls because of the delicate embroidery on them which is unique  to Kashmir because of having highly skilled people in this field.The price and popularity of any kashmiri shawl lies in its type of cloth which can be mainly of  three types that is wool, pashmina and santoosh. 

Paper mache:   

Some masterpieces of paper mache made by skilled  artists. 

Being among  most popular handicrafts of Kashmir paper mache was also introduced in Kashmir by Muslim Preacher Mir sayid Ali Hamadani. The Kashmiri people then added to this field by their own skills making it unique all over the world. Paper mache is based on paper pulp  designed into various  forms  like vases, boxes, jewelry, bowls, cups and many products which is  then decorated  outside by various Colourfull designs. 

All these Kashmiri crafts and skills have been passed down from generation to generation from centuries adding into  it more  new skills and making this art flawless. 

Moreover Stone crafting, Embroidery work, wood carving and lot other arts also include in Kashmiri handicraft. 

The  districts of  Kashmir valley which are emerging as major sources of these crafts are Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam. 

Role of Handicrafts in economy of Kashmir:

The handmade products of Kashmir are exported to all parts of India as well as worldwide  and making it  being important source to help in growth of economy of the valley. The handicraft industry also generates   alot of employment opportunities to the unemployed people of Kashmir. These  Handmade beautiful products also make Kashmir more attractive to tourists and helps in growth of tourism industry too.