After 50 years of craftsmanship, artisan fears end of Namda tradition

Falak Bilal

Srinagar, June 8: In a modest workshop tucked away in Kawdara, the rhythmic movement of a needle through wool continues to keep alive a centuries-old craft that once flourished across Kashmir. For 50 years, Mohammad Yousuf has dedicated his life to Namda embroidery, an intricate handcraft that adorns traditional felted rugs with vibrant floral and geometric patterns.

Today, however, Yousuf fears that the craft he inherited and mastered is slipping into oblivion.
Seated among unfinished Namdas, the veteran artisan recalls a time when the lanes of Kawdara echoed with the sounds of embroidery work and almost every household was connected to the trade.
“Years ago, this entire locality was known for Namda embroidery. There was work in every home, and artisans could support their families with dignity,” Yousuf said. “Now only a handful of us are left carrying on this tradition.”
Namda embroidery is entirely handmade, requiring little more than wool, a needle and exceptional patience. The painstaking process involves decorating felted wool rugs with colourful threadwork, often taking several days to complete a single piece.
Despite the skill and labour involved, Yousuf says the economic returns have dwindled dramatically.
“This craft demands long hours of concentration and hard work, but the earnings are barely enough to survive,” he said. “On most days, an artisan earns only ₹100 to ₹150. It is impossible to sustain a family on such an income.”
The decline of the craft reflects broader challenges facing traditional artisans in Kashmir, where changing market trends, machine-made alternatives and limited financial support have reduced opportunities for skilled craftsmen.
For Yousuf, the greatest concern is not his own struggle but the future of the art form itself.
“The younger generation sees no future in this work,” he said. “They watch us toil all day and earn very little. Naturally, they choose other professions that offer better livelihoods.”
His concerns are shared by many remaining artisans who fear that without meaningful intervention, one of Kashmir’s distinctive handicrafts could disappear within a generation.
Experts believe that greater market access, better wages and sustained government support are crucial for preserving traditional crafts like Namda embroidery. Without such measures, the knowledge passed down through generations risks being lost forever.
As Yousuf carefully threads another pattern into a woollen rug, his hands continue a tradition that has survived for centuries. Yet with every passing year, the number of artisans practicing the craft grows smaller, raising questions about whether Kashmir’s celebrated Namda embroidery can withstand the pressures of a rapidly changing world.
“We learned this craft from our elders and devoted our lives to it,” Yousuf said, pausing over his work. “All we want is for it to survive after us.”