• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Advertising
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
Friday, July 11, 2025
Lake City Times
No Result
View All Result
  • Top News
  • Region
  • City News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Health
  • Edit-Oped
  • Tourism
  • National
  • World
  • ePaper
  • Top News
  • Region
  • City News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Health
  • Edit-Oped
  • Tourism
  • National
  • World
  • ePaper
No Result
View All Result
Lake City News
No Result
View All Result
Home Top News

Artisans seek revival of dying walnut wood carving art in Kashmir

Say centuries-old craft at risk as demand dwindles

LCT Desk by LCT Desk
January 3, 2024
in Top News
Reading Time: 2min read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterWhatsappTelegram

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, Jan 2: The traditional art of walnut wood carving is facing a decline as demand diminishes, posing challenges to the centuries-old craft and its skilled artisans.
Artisans associated with this craft expressed their concerns, saying the tradition of walnut wood carving is experiencing a decline.
Ghulam Qadir Matoo, 80, a seasoned walnut wood carving artist in Arampora Nawakadal Srinagar, said his grandfather, Ghulam Mohammad Matoo, initiated their workshop in 1920.
He recounted that there used to be hundreds of artisans engaged in walnut wood carving, but after 1980, the industry witnessed a decline due to a shift in people’s preferences and a decrease in demand.
“Tourists visit the area, but they prefer purchasing from showrooms, which yield good returns, while the artist makes meagre earnings which are insufficient to make ends meet,” he said.
Matoo expressed concern, saying the new generation shows the least interest in this craft. With the passing of the main masters, there might be no one left to carry on this traditional art, he lamented.
Another artist, Muneer Ahmad Matoo, said that despite the government’s claims of taking steps for the revival of traditional craft, there has been little difference on the ground, even with a surge in tourist visits over the last two years. He said the decline is mainly due to the changing consumer preferences, technological advancements and a shifting cultural landscape.
Once a cherished craft deeply rooted in Kashmiri culture, walnut wood carving now grapples with declining interest from both new generations and established markets, Muneer said, adding that the allure of mass-produced goods and instant gratification through online platforms has led to a diminished appreciation for the patience and skill required in hand-carved wooden creations.
As older generations of master carvers pass away without sufficient successors, the valuable knowledge and techniques passed down through generations are at risk of being lost, the artisans said.
They said economic considerations also play a role, with mass-manufactured goods proving more cost-effective than the labour-intensive process of hand-carving.
This economic reality has contributed to a decline in demand for handmade wooden artefacts, further impacting the livelihoods of artisans, they said.

READ ALSO

Dangerous narratives threatening peace, harmony in J&K should be stopped: Lt Governor

Post Operation Sindoor, demand for ‘Make in India’ weapons increases

Related Posts

Top News

Dangerous narratives threatening peace, harmony in J&K should be stopped: Lt Governor

July 11, 2025
Post Operation Sindoor, demand for ‘Make in India’ weapons increases

Srinagar, Jul 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday inaugurated 'Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025' exhibition and public outreach initiative at Srinagar....

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Top News

Post Operation Sindoor, demand for ‘Make in India’ weapons increases

July 11, 2025
Post Operation Sindoor, demand for ‘Make in India’ weapons increases

Rehan Qayoom Mir Srinagar, Jul 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the demand for indigenous defence equipment...

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Top News

Mutual tourism growth possible between J&K, West Bengal: CM

July 11, 2025
Mutual tourism growth possible between J&K, West Bengal: CM

Kolkata, Jul 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday inaugurated the Travel & Tourism Fair, TTF Kolkata-2025, India’s...

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Top News

J&K’s four Rajya Sabha seats vacant since 2021

July 11, 2025
Hectic lobbying for Rajya Sabha berths in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 10: Jammu & Kashmir has been without representation in the Rajya Sabha for over four and a half...

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Politics

Dy CM blames PDP for current situation in J&K

July 11, 2025
Dy CM blames PDP for current situation in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 10: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday said that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is responsible for the...

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Top News

Amarnath Yatra: Over 1.45 lakh perform darshan so far

July 11, 2025
Amarnath Yatra completes one month

Srinagar, Jul 10: Undeterred by intermittent downpours in the valley, thousands of devotees continue their pilgrimage to the holy cave...

Read more
by LCT Desk
0 Comments
Next Post
Harissa popularity ignites surge in mutton demand across Kashmir this winter

Harissa popularity ignites surge in mutton demand across Kashmir this winter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Advertising
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2021 Lake City Times - Premium theme by GITS.

No Result
View All Result
  • Top News
  • Region
  • City News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Health
  • Edit-Oped
  • Tourism
  • National
  • World
  • ePaper

© 2021 Lake City Times - Premium theme by GITS.