The Gifted Hands of Kashmir

Policy-driven modernization, skill-transfer schemes and global market access are breathing new life into Kashmir’s traditional crafts, long seen as relics of the past.

By Ajaz Rashid

Deep within the emerald folds of the Himalayas, the rhythmic clatter of the handloom and the soft scraping of the kalam against papier-mâché continue to serve as the heartbeat of Jammu and Kashmir. For centuries, this region has been globally synonymous with a rare blend of scenic splendor and unparalleled craftsmanship—a legacy that traces its origins back to the 15th-century reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. Known affectionately as ‘Budshash’ or the Great King, he envisioned Kashmir not just as a kingdom of beauty, but as a hub of industry, inviting master craftsmen from Persia and Central Asia to sow the seeds of arts that were then entirely unknown to the local populace. Today, those seeds have grown into a massive economic forest, where the heritage of Pashmina, Kani shawls, intricate woodwork, and vibrant Tila work is passed down through generations like a sacred trust. However, as the world moves toward 2025, this ancient sector is undergoing a profound transformation, balancing the weight of its history with the demands of a digital global market under the proactive stewardship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration.

The contemporary landscape of J&K’s handicraft sector is one of resilient recovery and strategic modernization. Recent data from the 2024-25 fiscal period highlights a dynamic shift; while the region’s real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to grow by over 7%, the handicraft sector remains a vital pillar of this economic dynamism. In 2023-24, the export of Kashmiri crafts reached a historic high of approximately 1,162 crore, a staggering leap from the 563 crore recorded in 2021-22. This resurgence has been anchored by the global demand for carpets and woolen shawls, which collectively accounted for more than half of the total export value. The “Kashmir Carpet,” now often woven using unique ‘Zari’ technology and verified via QR-code-based labels, has reclaimed its throne in international markets, particularly across Europe and the Gulf.

Central to this revival is the comprehensive strategy implemented by the administration led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Since assuming office, Sinha has championed a “vocal for local” ethos that transcends mere rhetoric, translating into concrete policy reforms and infrastructure development. Under his guidance, the administration launched the flagship ‘Karkhandar’ scheme, a revolutionary initiative designed to bridge the gap between master artisans and the younger generation. By providing financial stipends to trainees and logistical support to the ‘Karkhanas’ (workshops), the scheme ensures that endangered crafts like silver filigree and walnut wood carving do not vanish with their aging practitioners. This focus on “skill-cum-production” has effectively turned traditional workshops into modern training hubs, breathing new life into languishing art forms.

The LG’s administration has also recognized that in a globalized economy, authenticity is the greatest currency. To protect the sanctity of Kashmiri crafts from cheap machine-made imitations, there has been an aggressive push for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging. To date, several iconic crafts, including Pashmina, Sozni, Kani shawl, and Khatamband, have received GI certification. This move has been a game-changer; for instance, the number of GI-tagged Pashmina shawls surged from just a few hundred a decade ago to over 30,000 today. At recent events like the Pashmina Artisan Awards in late 2025, LG Sinha emphasized that GI tagging and the integration of QR codes allow global buyers to trace a product back to the very artisan who made it, fostering a level of trust that has directly correlated with the rise in export figures.

Beyond protectionism, the current administration has focused on market expansion and visibility. LG Sinha has consistently pushed for the presence of J&K’s handicrafts at major international airports, luxury shopping malls, and prominent e-commerce platforms. By integrating crafts into the broader tourism circuit, the government is transforming the “Kashmir experience” into a tangible one; visitors can now engage with “Know Your Artisan” showcases, turning a simple purchase into a cultural exchange. The administration’s vision is to make “Made in Jammu Kashmir” a household label across the globe, aiming to capture the interest of India’s growing middle class, which is expected to dominate domestic consumption by 2030.

However, the journey has not been without its hurdles. Recent reports from mid-2025 suggest that while the sector has shown long-term growth, it remains sensitive to geopolitical shifts and logistical bottlenecks. Challenges such as high GST rates on handmade items and the need for more robust air cargo connectivity from Srinagar remain at the forefront of the policy dialogue. In response, the LG has directed stakeholder departments to ensure artisans benefit directly from tax reforms and has advocated for subsidies to ease the burden of freight costs for exporters. This hands-on approach reflects a shift from traditional governance to a more proactive, partner-like relationship between the state and the artisan.

Ultimately, the story of Jammu and Kashmir’s handicrafts is a narrative of “magic woven through every thread.” It is a sector where the agility of local hands meets the artistic imagination of centuries. As the J&K Handicrafts Department continues to provide technical and financial assistance to thousands of unemployed youth, the sector is evolving from a traditional livelihood into a sophisticated, export-oriented industry. The legacy of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin lives on, not just in the museums of the world, but in the thriving cooperatives and digital storefronts of the 21st century. Through a blend of heritage preservation and modern economic reform, the administration is ensuring that the “gifted hands” of Kashmir continue to delight the world, securing a future as radiant as the intricate designs they create.