Arts and Crafts : Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir, a state with rich craft and cultural heritage deserves to be better known in its crafts context of people and culture. Nowhere else in the country the paintings, costumes and ornaments of the people are as exotic, divergent and colourful as in Jammu & Kashmir. The state is a home to miniature Basohli Qalam paintings that are kept in a number of celebrated museums across the world. The walls and pillars of several buildings in Jammu, especially the temples, are adorned with sculptures, intricate carvings of Gods and Goddesses or floral motifs. This is a common feature of folk art all over the state and is indeed praiseworthy.

Kashmiri arts and crafts are famous for their rich workmanship. Some popular art and crafts of the state include Floor coverings, Wood-work, Papier mache, Metal work, Silverware, Jewellery, Basketry & mat weaving, Leather and furs, Clay and ceramics, Paintings and Stone craft. The Kashmiri artisan also produces articles of copper-ware consisting of cooking pots and samovars and sundry articles for the households. As far as textile is concerned, Jammu & Kashmir has a separate position owing to its fascinating art of Kashmiri shawl. These shawls have great demand in national as well as international markets.