Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov. 15: A photo exhibition was held in Srinagar to raise awareness about the need to preserve the craft of creating the traditional “Khanyari tile,” which was once present in every home and hotel in Kashmir and is at risk of becoming extinct.
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department supported an exhibition at the Arts Emporium in which photographer Zoya Khan used her photographs to document Ghulam Mohammad Kumar, the last remaining craftsman, at work making tiles. The exhibition also featured pieces by Umar, one of Kumar’s students. “For the past two years, I have been recording the works of Haji Sahab (Ghulam Mohammad Kumar). He is currently the sole person producing these tiles. He is the only remaining master artisan, and his offspring have moved on to other occupations. The majority of Kashmiri homes used to have khanyari tiles as a key component. The entire mohalla (in Khanyar) used to participate in the craft, and they used to be able to make about 3000 tiles in a single day. Through this exhibition, we hope to spread awareness of this significant aspect of our legacy. Sadly, there is little to no demand, and the craft is deteriorating. It will go extinct if we don’t bring it back right now,” Zoya said.
Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom in Kashmir, said that the exhibition was held with the goal of reviving Khanyari tiles so that they could be used again during construction.”Architect Zoya teaches architectural design at the Islamic University. For many years, she kept in touch with Haji Sahab, and she documented his works. Through the exhibition, we have made an effort to present both sides of the story-that the art form is in decline and that efforts are being made to bring it back. We urge people to put these tiles back in their houses, hotels, and other public spaces, etc.,” he said.
He added that the Handicrafts Department was working to revive all of the craft forms that were in danger of dying out. “After the Handicraft and Handloom Policy was formed, the duty of resurrecting the critically endangered and extinct craft forms was placed in our hands. We must steer the art form in a new direction if we want creative individuals like designers to take part in its revival,” he said.
Ghulam Mohammad Kumar claimed the art form may reach new heights with government support, “I make everything I have learned, including tiles and kitchenware. This craft has seen a downturn. This artist’s photography highlighted it last year. The government has not yet offered us any assistance. If they support us, we may advance. I taught this art to another young child, who has now created a variety of items,” he said, adding that, despite a drop in demand, one may nevertheless manage a family with the help of this art,” he said.
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