KHATAMBAND, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir - Craft Research Documentary by NIFT SRINAGAR Students

UNESCO India has ranked Kashmir as having the best art and crafts.
Khatamband, a centuries-old technique that turns walls and ceilings into magnificent works of art, is one of its most alluring crafts. The folks whopractice this craft are exceptionally skilled. We had the chance to get to know the craftspeople who have been producing the greatest Khatamband for years and are dedicated to preserving the heritage when we visited the Safakadal cluster to record this craft. We startedour cluster with an interview in which craftspeople told us about thegenerational transmission of their craft. They talked about how they learned, what materials they used, what tools and equipment they used, and whatprocedures were involved in both pre-production and post-production. We also looked into their marketing and transportation strategies.
The artisans discussed the difficulties they had following the COVID-19outbreak and the dearth of government assistance for their line of work. In spite of these challenges, they carry on producing exquisite works and work to increase public knowledge of the significance of Khatamband. Since the birth of this craft, Kashmir has been home to it, and artisans are making every effort to preserve it in this fast-paced world.
We think that when a craft form is made, feelings and emotions are just as much a part of it as themes and designs. This particularly applies to Khatamband. Experiencing the rich tradition of Kashmir can be enthralling when one visits these artists. Observing skilled artisans carefully and meticulously create intricate wooden designs is fascinating and mesmerizing. Through the sharing of stories about their trade and its historical significance, craftsmen engrossed us in a world of geometric precision and elegance. Enjoying stunning products is only one aspect of this experience; another is getting a sense of the commitment and enthusiasm of these gifted people.

Group Members: Vatsal Tyagi, Aashika Gupta, Pranjal Jain, and Aleena Basharat, Mauli Chaurasia, Manya Vijay ,
Fashion Communication Batch 2022-26

Guide - Dr. Idrees Afzal Shah, Asst. Professor, Fashion Communication