Kashmiri Carpets Near Extinction

Due to low profits, Kashmiri craftsmen are slowly abandoning carpet weaving.Kashmir is renowned for its rich handicraft industry that has been profoundly influenced by Persian art and patterns. Handicraft constitutes an important part of the Kashmir economy, and of the culture and identity of the region. Carpet weaving has been a traditional source of income for generations but the activity is becoming increasingly unprofitable, and a significant number of weavers are turning away from their traditional occupation.

Thus, the 200,000 artisans who work in the Kashmir handicrafts industry face extinction of their trades, as sales of handmade carpets and shawls have drastically reduced. Indeed, Kashimri carpets are primarily exported to the Middle-East, Europe and the US, which have all been hit by the economic recession. Besides, the weavers are the last link in the long chain of middlemen, that all benefit from the sale of their products. At the end, weavers are left with no more than Rs 50 per day to survive.

Sajad, our Community Correspondent in Kashmir, is proud of the beauty and delicacy of his state’s handicrafts, and wishes this tradition goes on and is perpetuated by skilled craftsmen. So, he decided to make a video to publicize their difficulties, and to encourage the government to take action. “The Kashmiri Government needs to support the handicraft industry, to protect our culture and our tradition,” says Sajad.

Sajad Rasool
I am a Kashmiri muslim from Badgam. Kashmir Valley has been witnessing Violence from almost 23 years, Kashmir once known as the Paradise on the Eartg has become a land of Miseries and Sufferings. Every street has witnessed blood of innocents, every youth has faced tortures and violence. I call Kashmir the land of Widows, Orphans, forced disappearences and Land of Pain. Here are Hundreds of stories which are untold yet, media has always neglected these stories. No doubt Kashmir has a lot of natural ressources, yet a big part of Kashmir is underdeveloped. Lots of people have no electricity. Out of the total power Kashmir produces only 13% is distributed in Kashmir, the rest goes to other states. You will not hear the media talking about this sort of deprivation. I am a mainstream journalist, and a Right to Information activist. So, I am very aware of all the stories of corruption, and inequalities. But I cannot write about them, because media is biased, and highly commercialized. The stories from communities which suffer from war and violence are neglected. therefore I decided to become a Community Correspondent. I think this is the best platform for me to highlight the untold and uncovered issues in my community. Community media can make journalism meaningful.

Sajad Rasool has produced 26 stories for us.

3 Responses to “Kashmiri Carpets Near Extinction”

1. Javaid Ahmad says:

   May 18, 2011 at 8:07 pm

   Good to see anyone from Kashmir in your programme. A nice and creative stuff produced by Sajad.. well done , keep it up…
2. sajad says:

   September 19, 2011 at 1:56 pm

   Dear Javid,

   Thanks for your response…

   Sajad
3. ROB says:

   December 28, 2012 at 7:27 am

   Hello Sajad,

   This is a very interesting video you posted here that I just came across. It is rather unfortunate that a lot of these talented weavers are not getting the benefit and recognition they deserve.

   I am interested in learing more about the carpet industry in Kashmir. Is there anyway you could send me your contact details as I havea few questions…time permitting of course!

   Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!
   Rob

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