Mohammad Hanief
Ghulam Nabi Dar, a renowned septuagenarian wood carving artisan whose dedication to his craft has garnered both state and national recognition. His journey as a craftsman began at the tender age of 10, when he first discovered his passion for working with wood.
Born on April 03, 1957, Dar’s artistic prowess flourished as he transitioned from traditional designs to creating his own unique works inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir’s natural landscapes. His keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of nature in his carvings have earned him widespread acclaim.
The master artisan in the wood carving craft, Dar over the last six decades has been the epitome of creativity and passion. He has been creating intricate designs and life size pieces all these years and still tries to bring novelty to his artifacts.
Dar’s talent was officially recognized when he received a State award in 1984 for his outstanding contributions to the field of wood carving. Additionally, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills internationally, in Indonesia and Thailand including a memorable stint working in Baghdad in 1978 and Lichtenstein, Germany in 2003.
However, it was in 1995-96 that his craftsmanship reached new heights when he was honoured with the prestigious National award. This recognition not only celebrated his exceptional artistic talent but also acknowledged his significant contribution to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Kashmir through his intricate wood carvings.
Deeply drawn to learn the intricacies of the form, Dar would work during the day to earn a living for his family while at night he would dabble in art.”A master craftsman instructed me orally on the nitty-gritties of the art. I was patient, determined; and I persevered until I learned the delicate details of the craft,” Dar says.
After Srinagar joined the UNESCO creative cities network, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir launched the first craft safari from the Safakadal area, showcasing Ghulam Nabi Dar among seven other artisans. These craft safaris were instrumental in raising the profile of artisans, fostering direct connections between buyers and craftsmen, providing a deeper understanding of their craft, and enabling direct purchases from the artisans.
The President of India confers Padma Shri to Ghulam Nabi Dar in the field of Art from J&K during Civil Investiture Ceremony on April 22, 2024. Dar was awarded Padma Shri for his outstanding work in traditional Kashmiri walnut wood carving.
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at RashtrapatiBhawan usually around March / April every year. For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one) as per list below. The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.
The carved walnut wood-work is among the most important crafts of Kashmir. The walnut wood carving is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Islamic Missionary Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom during the reign of ZainulAbdideen in the 15th century. The king promoted the art to improve the economy of craftsmen.
Recounting his struggles, Dar narrates being expelled from school at the age of 10 due to his father’s financial losses. His journey led him to a wood carving unit in Sarai Safakadal, sparking an enduring passion for the art form. Determined, he faced rejection from numerous craftspeople but pressed on, thankful for the divine intervention that eventually led him to mentor NooruddinTikoo.
In 1984, he submitted two designs for a state award given by the Directorate of Handicrafts, Jammu and Kashmir and won both the awards. One of these designs was based on a panchayat meeting, from a scene out of a village in Kashmir. In this design, people from different communities, Sikhs, Muslims, Pandits are seated around a table, along with children and hens. There is samavar [utensil] filled with chai , cups for it, a hookah and tobacco on the table. Around the table there were children and hens.
After winning, he felt motivated to submit his work for the national award in 1995. This time he carved on a box. Each corner had a different facial expression and emotion: joy shone through laughter, crying shown with tears, anger and fear. In between these figures, he made 3D flowers and won this award on his first try too. The president of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma, presented award to him.
His unwavering dedication to the delicate dance between chisel and wood spans over six decades, a testament to the enduring love affair with his craft.Through the rhythmic strokes of his skilled hands, Ghulam Nabi Dar has woven a narrative in wood, earning him a constellation of accolades that now converge in the dazzling brilliance of the Padma Shri.
Ghulam Nabi’s craftsmanship, a beacon of artistic brilliance, has been a steady force in the cultural landscape. The ceremony not only celebrated his recent honor but also showcased his illustrious journey, embellished with previous accolades such as the State Award in 1984 and the National Award in 1995. His artistic footprint extends far beyond the borders, painting a global canvas of appreciation in countries like Iraq, Germany, and Thailand, establishing him as a luminary on the international stage.
The coveted Padma Shri bestowed upon Ghulam Nabi Dar is hailed by many as more than a personal accolade; it’s a potential catalyst for the renaissance of a craft deeply rooted in the history of Kashmir.
A testament to the resilience of traditions that have endured the test of time, Dar reflects on his arduous journey with a spirit undeterred by adversity.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dar emphasised the importance of government support in preserving traditional arts to establish a comprehensive institution or workshop to train and incentivise young artisans, safeguarding the future of wood carving.
With his son following in his footsteps, Dar remains hopeful for the continuity of his craft, stressing the need for sustained interest and support from both the government and the public.
Beyond Dar’s awards and accolades, he remains deeply committed to passing on his knowledge and skills to future generations. He actively mentors aspiring wood carvers and participates in community initiatives aimed at preserving traditional crafts in Kashmir. Today, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his exquisite wood carvings, which can be found adorning homes, galleries, and museums both nationally and internationally. His legacy as a master wood carving artisan continues to enrich the cultural tapestry of Kashmir and beyond.
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