Kashmir’s papier-mâché struggles to survive
Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Mar 24: In a modest workshop tucked away in the old neighbourhoods of Srinagar, the gentle strokes of a paintbrush and the quiet shaping of paper pulp continue to sustain one of Kashmir’s most celebrated traditional crafts — papier mâché.
“This is the only work I have known since childhood,” Beigh says, carefully adding floral patterns to a decorative box. “I learned it from my father, and through this craft I raised my children, ran my household, and fulfilled my responsibilities.”
The craft has long been associated with Kashmir’s cultural identity and has historically attracted buyers from across India and abroad. For decades, artisans like Beigh supplied handcrafted souvenirs that reflected both aesthetic sophistication and meticulous workmanship.
“Every piece requires patience,” he explains. “You cannot rush this work. From preparing the pulp to painting the final design, it takes time and complete concentration.”
Despite its artistic value and heritage significance, papier mâché is facing mounting challenges in the modern era. The influx of cheaper machine-made decorative products and shifting consumer preferences has reduced demand for handmade items.
“There was a time when our workshops were full of apprentices,” Beigh recalls. “Today, many corners remain empty because young people are not interested in learning this skill.”
According to the veteran artisan, the physically demanding process and comparatively low financial returns discourage the younger generation from entering the profession.
“This work involves long hours and careful effort,” he says. “But the income is uncertain. Young people want faster earnings and more stable jobs.”
Yet for Beigh and his family, abandoning the craft is not an option. Several members of his household remain connected to the trade, ensuring that knowledge and techniques are preserved within the family.
“This is our identity,” he says with quiet determination. “If we stop, a part of our culture will also fade.”
Cultural experts believe that traditional crafts like papier mâché hold significant potential in heritage tourism and global niche markets. With proper training programmes, marketing support, and design innovation, artisans could find new opportunities to sustain their livelihoods while preserving centuries-old skills.
Visitors to Srinagar often seek out papier mâché artefacts as authentic souvenirs, drawn by their vibrant colours and intricate patterns. For many tourists, these handcrafted pieces offer a tangible connection to the Valley’s artistic traditions.
Even so, the survival of the craft ultimately depends on whether a new generation chooses to continue the legacy.
“Recognition and support can make a big difference,” Beigh says. “If people understand the value of handmade work, they will help keep it alive.”
As sunlight filters through the workshop window, illuminating rows of painted objects waiting to be sold, Beigh continues his work — steady, patient, and hopeful. Each brushstroke tells a story of resilience, reminding Kashmir that its cultural heritage lives on not in museums alone, but in the hands of artisans who refuse to let their colours fade.
