Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 21: An artisan from Srinagar is trying to revive the centuries old traditional art by making Pashmina carpets.
Shahnawaz Ahmad Sofi son of Gul Mohammad Sofi, a resident of Rathpora Eidgah Srinagar is currently working on 9×12 feet single knot Pashmina carpet to be completed in 30 months.
He said that his family is into with carpet weaving and that is how he developed keen interest to learn the art.
“Despite pursuing degree in fine arts, I got job opportunities but decided to infuse some new life in this dying art by bringing new techniques and changes in it,” Sofi said. “When I decided to make Pashmina carpet, everyone was apprehensive as there was no idea about its market. Initially I started with weaving wall hangings with verses from Quran inscribed on them”, Sofi added.
He said that Pashmina carpet as per historians were being made in Kashmir some 300-400 years ago but the craft vanished later.
“At present, I am working on a 9 feet x 12 feet single knot pashmina carpet and four weavers are on the job. It will take us about 30 months to complete the carpet. Once completed, it will cost around 50 lakh,” he added.
He said that Pashmina carpet is a delicate work and takes time in completion with all knots of pashmina making it a luxurious piece.
“I believe that demand of any art won’t go down anytime if artists will learn about market demands, designs, colours and new patterns,” Sofi added.
Traditional things would not be demand for long unless innovative changes with time are not brought, he added.
