Arjumand Shah
Kanihama, Dec 27: Known as Kashmir’s ‘Kani Shawl Village’, Kanihama, situated 20 kilometers from Srinagar is home to around 500 families. Nearly 80% of its residents are engaged in the traditional craft of weaving Kani shawls, a globally admired symbol of Kashmiri heritage. Yet, artisans here grapple with poverty, forcing many to reconsider their ancestral trade.
Lateef Ahmad, an artisan from Kanihama in Budgam district, expresses regret for dedicating his life to this art form. “For over 30 years, I have woven Kani shawls, yet I earn just Rs 250 for 10 hours of daily work. Like others, I am burdened with debts and struggle to make ends meet,” he said.
Shabir Ahmad, another artisan with a decade of experience, shares a similar plight. “These shawls are worn by the rich and powerful, yet we artisans earn less than unskilled laborers. It’s disheartening,” he added.
The Kani shawl, a testament to Kashmiri craftsmanship, traces its roots back to 3000 BC and derives its name from the small wooden spools, or “Kani,” used in its intricate weaving process. Made from premium Pashmina wool sourced from Ladakh, crafting a single shawl can take months, sometimes over a year, depending on the complexity of the design. While these exquisite shawls fetch between Rs 10,000 and Rs 3 lakh in the market, artisans are paid meager wages.
The dire economic situation has compelled many artisans to abandon the craft. Zahoor Ahmad, a former shawl weaver, now drives a load carrier. “I couldn’t survive on Rs 200 a day. With my new job, I earn Rs 700 daily and can finally support my family,” he said.
Despite their globally recognized skill, Kanihama’s artisans remain unappreciated and underpaid. “Our art is dying. If nothing changes, no one will carry this legacy forward,” he added.
