Young artisan revives Namda craft with modern artistic twist

Falak Bilal

Srinagar, Apr 04: In the quiet lanes of Srinagar, where tradition often walks hand in hand with change, a young artisan is breathing new life into a craft once on the brink of disappearance. Azaan Hassan Mir, a sixth-generation Namda maker, is redefining how the world sees this centuries-old Kashmiri art form.

Namda, a felted wool rug known for its warmth and intricate Aari embroidery, has long been part of Kashmir’s cultural fabric. Historically found in homes across the Valley, the craft gradually lost relevance in modern markets, with cheaper alternatives and changing tastes pushing it toward obscurity.
But for Azaan, the fading legacy was not something to mourn—it was something to rebuild.
“I grew up watching this craft in my family, but I also saw how it was slowly disappearing,” Azaan says. “I didn’t want to just preserve it the way it was—I wanted to make people look at it differently.”
Rather than limiting Namda to traditional floor coverings, Azaan began experimenting. His creations now include striking wall art, featuring detailed landscapes, portraits, and patchwork designs that appeal to contemporary aesthetics while staying rooted in heritage techniques.
This fusion of old and new has begun to attract attention beyond local markets.
“People today want something meaningful in their homes,” he explains. “When they see Namda as art—not just a rug—they connect with it in a new way.”
What sets his work apart is not just innovation, but a deep commitment to authenticity. Every piece he produces is crafted from pure wool, adhering strictly to traditional processes. He is currently working toward securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for his products, a move that could help protect the craft from imitation and ensure fair recognition for artisans.
“If we compromise on quality, we lose the soul of the craft,” Azaan notes. “Authenticity is what gives Namda its identity.”
His efforts extend beyond rugs. Azaan is also exploring new product lines, including stoles made from silk and merino wool—an attempt to diversify and make the craft more adaptable to modern lifestyles.
One of his most ambitious works—a highly detailed landscape piece—took nearly three months to complete. The artwork, which combines meticulous embroidery with storytelling elements, is now being submitted for a national-level award.
Local art enthusiasts and cultural experts see his work as part of a larger movement to revive endangered crafts in Kashmir.
“Young artisans like Azaan are crucial,” says a Srinagar-based handicrafts curator. “They are not just preserving tradition—they are ensuring its survival by making it relevant.”
For Azaan, however, the mission is deeply personal.
“This is not just about business or art,” he says. “It’s about who we are. If we lose our crafts, we lose a part of ourselves.”
As global interest in handmade and sustainable products continues to grow, Azaan Hassan Mir’s work stands as a reminder that even the most fragile traditions can find new strength—when reimagined with passion, purpose, and vision.