Handwoven carpets, intricate woodwork, papier-mâché crafts, willow cricket bats, saffron, and dry fruits—there are many local treasures you can pick up when you are in Srinagar. In fact, the craftsmanship of Kashmir is unrivalled. The 15th-century ruler Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, popularly known as 'Budshah', is often credited ffor the region's fame as a centre for handicrafts. During his reign, he introduced techniques such as intricate carpet weaving, papier-mâché, and paper-making. Persian and Turkish artists are also said to have visited Kashmir, leaving strong influences on local handicrafts. All of this artisanal heritage, and more, can be found in Srinagar. Here are six things that you should pick up when you are in the beautiful city.
The art of Kashmiri papier-mâché has a long and rich cultural history. While in Srinagar, you can buy jewellery, pencil boxes, trays, decorative eggs, and other items that are intricately painted with Kashmiri motifs.
Back alleys of Alamgari Bazaar, Zadibal, Lal Bazaar, and Nowshera are teeming with papier-mâché artisans.
Kashmir is a key location for walnut cultivation, and carving on walnut wood is one of Kashmir's most popular crafts. The wood is strong and durable, and the close grain and uniform texture make delicate and intricate work easier. Wooden trays, bookends, nut and salad bowls, photo frames, decorative shikara models, and furniture are among the most popular walnut wood items. Rose, lotus, iris, grape, pear, and chinar leaf clusters are common motifs on a variety of carved goods.
Handicrafts of walnut wood can be found in Lal Chowk and various handicraft shops.
The namda, a sheep wool felt carpet, is an essential part of Kashmiri culture. It is layered on top of the gabba, an everyday rug made of old blankets, and both items are essential in every home. Making a namda does not involve weaving; instead, it involves a lot of entangling, washing, pressing, and embroidering. Today, the craft is also used to create jackets, bedcovers, and even indoor shoes. The government recently launched a pilot project to promote and propagate the craft through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
You can pick these up at Budshah Chowk, Nowhatta and Khanqah markets.
Kashmir has long been known for its floral bounty which gets reflected in motifs on handicrafts, and in the legacy of some fragrances. However, as with many handcrafted finer things in life, traditional rose water production is on the decline. According to numerous reports, the last traditional rose water manufacturing centre in Srinagar, which has been preserving the centuries-old tradition, is on the verge of closing its doors.
Abdul Aziz Kozgar's shop, which also serves as a manufacturing facility, is located near the Khanqah-e-Maula shrine in Srinagar. Read more about it here.
Saffron, the king of spices, is almost synonymous with the Kashmir Valley. While it is available throughout Srinagar, to get it straight from the source, head to Pampore (14 km). The town is known as the "saffron capital of India". The saffron grown here is of the highest quality, with prices reaching INR 2,50,000 per kg.
There is no better way to serve tea than in a stunning copper samovar. Kashmiri copperware items aren't the ordinary, everyday stuff you'd find in most stores. It is a type of art that is handcrafted, with stylised motifs and intricate designs.
Pick some up in the Nallah Mar (also known as Shehri Khas) neighbourhood. Traditional copperware items such as bowls, plates, and, of course, samovars are sold in the shops here.
The main market at Lal Chowk, Polo View Road, Budshah Chowk, Residency Road, and the bazaars on the banks of the Jhelum are the best places to buy these.