Are you a foodie too? Well, you clicked on the right page then! Answer honestly, which dish comes to your mind when I say ‘Baby Potatoes’? Most of you would answer ‘Dum Aloo.’ Well, that’s what we have on the platter for you today. Baby potatoes are not very popular in the Indian kitchen, and the best use one can put them in is Aloo dum dish. These tin root vegetables showcase their heavenly taste and texture in this dish. In addition to it, the thick hot gravy of Kashmiri Aloo Dum makes it even better.
Wear your apron and pick up your spoon because we are diving into the taste of the world-famous ‘Kashmiri Aloo Dum.’
Origin and History
Aloo Dum, the name suggests the use of potatoes and steam to cook the Kashmiri dish. The Indian dish, Dum Aloo, traces its origin from Kashmir.
Aloo or potatoes became a part of the diet of Homo sapiens about 7000 to 10,000 years ago. It became an essential part of the diet of various countries and regions of the world. First domesticated in Peru, South America, it traveled to India, and today, India is one of the largest producers of potatoes.
The advent of Portuguese and British ‘trade’ in India introduced vegetables such as potatoes (also known as batata or Alu) in the subcontinent. Following this, by the 18th century, the northern hilly regions of India began cultivating the vegetable. Potatoes soon became the all-rounder vegetable in the country; people started including curry, fried, steamed potato recipes in their regional cuisines.
The Kashmiri cuisine lays an inherent focus on meat dishes. The region has very few original vegetarian recipes, and Kashmiri Aloo Dum is one of those recipes. Kashmir, nature’s basket of life, incorporated various cuisine cultures into its own.
Our torchbearer, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, is also known as Aloo Olav’ in the region. The wazwaans, or the traditional cooks of Kashmir, use fragrant and hot spices in the recipe. This brings out the unique taste of the dish, which you cannot find in other parts of the country.
Kashmiri Aloo Dum Recipe
It is one of the simplest dishes to suit your taste buds. However, this simple dish has a lot of steps, and approximately the cooking time is one hour forty minutes. You need only the main ingredient- baby potatoes to make this mouth-watering dish. The main ingredient you need is the chef’s magic- love, and it takes love magic to cook a famous dish using only three vegetables.
The cooking process is a prolonged one and needs utmost skill and patience. Many chefs agree that the trickiest part of the cooking process is the boiling process. The cook needs to pay attention to that part. The potatoes are boiled enough to peel off the skin but note that they are not overboiled as they would cause trouble during the subsequent frying step. The second step, frying, also needs attention. The potatoes need proper frying to bring the crisp but should retain softness.
The traditional recipe of the dish involves cooking the dish on low heat in an earthenware vessel or handi. The handi enhances the taste of the dish. Kashmiris also use ginger powder in almost all recipes. Aloo Dum is no exception and stands at the forefront to continue this unique aspect of the kitchen tips of Kashmir. Third, the Deggi Mirch or Kashmiri chili powder gives an enriching color to the dish.
The gravy of the original traditional Aloo Dum uses yogurt or Khoya as the main ingredient and cashew nut paste. The Kashmiri gravy has no place for tomato-onion gravy, famous in other parts of the country. Spices such as red chilies, garlic, ginger, cardamom, and fennel, completes the taste.
The tip given by wazwaans is to prick the potatoes after frying them, which enables them to absorb the gravy, enhancing the flavor.
The recipe of Kashmiri Dum Aloo traveled from its Whenua to Uttar Pradesh. There, a new version of the dish came into existence, known as the U.P Style Dum Aloo. The gravy dish is fondly served with hot puris.
The Bengali story of the spread of taste of Aloo Dum is also famous. Bengal was unfamiliar with the vegetable ‘Aloo’ till the late eighteenth century. The Dutch first introduced potatoes in Bengal in the 1790s. The Bengali aristocracy loved the soft vegetable, and they adopted it as a symbol of superiority. Potato’s popularity grew inland, and the Nanbais of Wajid Ali Shah replaced the traditional ‘modified’ Dum Pukth. Potato replaced the turnips, introduced by Kashmiri cooks to replace beef, in the recipe.
This recipe involves dry steaming potatoes. The original recipe follows the lines of the ancient recipe of Dum Pukht of the Ain-i-Akbari. This version of the dish has a tangy taste of tomatoes.
The Punjabi version of Dum Aloo is very famous. Most people mistake the recipe of Kashmiri Dum Aloo with that of the Punjabi version of the dish. The sole difference between the Kashmiri recipe and the Punjabi version of the recipe is onion-tomato curry. The Punjabi Dum Aloo has a savory taste of creamy onion-tomato gravy and spices, whereas the original Kashmiri recipe does not include such creamy gravy.
This is how the Kashmiri Dum Aloo traveled the subcontinent, creating their baby versions with slight variations and enhancement in tastes.
Recent Modifications
Many cooks nowadays use sugar in the gravy. This step is optional, and the chefs only use it to bring in the sweet-tangy-spicy flavor in the dish. The use of sugar is nowhere mentioned in the traditional style recipe.
Although the original Kashmiri Aloo Dum is a ‘no-garlic no onion’ recipe, the new versions include onion and garlic. The Northern style Dum Aloo is incomplete without the use of onion and garlic.
Many people skip the boiling step and directly fry the potatoes after peeling them, which saves time; however, the real essence of the dish is lost.
There are many other variations and modifications in the recipe introduced by restaurants in different states and chefs over time. Many chefs serve the dish in their style. However, the primary Kashmiri roots of Dum Aloo are still loved and highly appreciated.
Kashmir, paradise on earth, is a place famous for its picturesque beauty. Apart from its abundant and mesmerizing nature, handicrafts add another feather on Kashmir’s cap. The rich culture of handicrafts ubiquitous in Kashmir has been an asset not just for the region but for the entire nation.
Kashmiri handicrafts provide a comprehensive option for visitors to choose from. The traditional artisans painstakingly make handlooms, wood carving, home decors, everything of Kashmir. Tourists always have a satisfactory experience with their souvenir collection, thanks to Kashmiri handicrafts.
The long tradition of handicrafts has been a vital part of the communities in Kashmir. Let us find out more about the Kashmiri handicrafts with a brief introduction about their origin.
Kashmiri handicrafts’ locus is in the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. The rich culture of these places, along with some other neighbourhoods, brings to life the distinctive heritage of the Kashmiri handicrafts.
The unique artistic experiments with shawls, bedsheets, inkstands, boxes, palkis, spoons, and trunks were famous across India. The art of shawl making was native to Kashmir. The notable hand-crafted works of the traditional artists of Kashmir have come a long way and have become eminent due to their efficiency as high-quality art globally.
Now let us see the various types of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Papier Mache is an art form that was cultivated in China. The Chinese paper-modelling art form from the Hans Dynasty travelled far and wide in the wake of craft trade across the globe. The art form came to India in the 14th Century with Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, a Persian mystic.
The Kashmiri style of representing Papier Mache is unique. The intrinsic designs, the colourful dyes, and different objects made with Papier Mache are of the highest quality. There are two steps in making Paper Mache. The first step is called Sakhtsazi, and the second step is called Naqashi.
Sakhtsazi is the foundational step that requires moulding the paper pulp into the desired shape or object. Naqashi is the step of decorating the Papier Mache. The common themes of Naqashi are Kashmiri symbols like almonds, chinar leaf, and other designs like jungle motifs, flowers, and box patterns. A distinctive story is painted on the objects. The viewers are drawn to the precision of the details. Tourists can choose their favourite design and bring back an authentic souvenir to decorate their homes.
Kashmiri Carpets
Courtesy – Kashmir Galore
The fashion of carpet weaving also came to India with Persian travellers. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin is thought to be the one to bring carpet weavers from Persia and Central Asia to Kashmir, India. The term ‘Kal Baffi’ is used for hand-knotted carpets. The locals of Kashmir took an interest in the art and business and learned the tradition to pass it from generation to generation.
Kashmiri carpets are an essential form of Kashmiri handicrafts. The weavers put in a lot of hours to complete one carpet. Each carpet has an average of 200 to 900 knots per square inch with beautiful patterns. The speciality of these carpets is their choice of fabric, embroidery, and colour combination. The materials of the carpets are either wool or silk. The lengths of the thread or yarn decide the distinction between a carpet and woven rugs.
Three main features decide the quality of the carpets: the design, the yarn, and the weaving style. The more complex the delicate works are, the more price it will fetch. The hand-woven carpets and rugs of Kashmir have caught people’s attention from different parts of the world. The Persian style of weaving carpets has become a very intricate part of Kashmiri culture.
Pashmina weaving is probably one of the most famous handicrafts in Kashmir. The name Pashmina inevitably calls to mind the place Kashmir. Pashmina has come a long way from being a piece of clothing protecting people from the extreme cold of Kashmir to becoming a fine luxury item.
Pashmina is indigenous to Kashmir. The Himalayan Mountain goat produces the fleece for Pashmina. The people of Kashmir were the first to present such products. Srinagar is the hub for producing Pashmina products. Many varieties of Pashmina are available for both locals and tourists. Sarees, shawls, scarves, and even wraps are famous Pashmina items. The entire work on the cloth is handmade. Artists put a lot of effort to come up with authentic and vibrant designs on the pieces. The makers need to pay particular attention to ensure that the softness of the fabric remains intact through the different stages of developing the raw wool.
Completing a Pashmina product requires a lot of skill and hard work. Retention of the softness of the fabric, deciding colours, selecting a pattern, and finally weaving unique designs all require expert knowledge and skill. The tradition of Pashmina making is quintessential to Kashmir, and the fine quality of the items and its more delicate construction of patterns make Pashmina an asset to Kashmiri handicrafts.
The art of wood carving is essentially a special kind of handicraft. Kashmir houses many artisans who specialize in the art of wood carving.
The wood from the walnut trees primitive in Kashmir serves as the base on which artists show their calibre of wood carving. The wood from the walnut tree is very sturdy and is the right choice for producing hard work. Wood carvings result in a lot of products. Wood carvings produce large objects like study tables, dining tables, nightstands, cabinets, and beds. Smaller items like jewellery cases, pen stands, trays, bowls, spoons, and other decorative items are a good choice for tourists to take back home. The effort the artisans put into these wood carvings is visible from the delicacy of their works. The colour and layering of the pieces serve crucial roles to bring to life such a diligent handicraft.
Wood carvings have been in the art industry of Kashmir for a long time, and the use of the indigenous walnut wood makes the wood carvings even more authentic to the place. It is indeed a pleasure for the eye to view so many patterns on a piece of wood carved by the hand.
Willow Wicker
Willow Wicker Craft, also known as Keani Keam in Kashmir, is a handmade craft involving the weaving of willow reeds.
Basket weaving is one of the world’s oldest crafts, and it’s still popular in this country. The most common wood used is willow, and one of the most characteristic products of this artform is kangri, a wicker basket used to transport clay pots filled with blazing coal that locals keep warm under their flowing pherans throughout the frigid winter. Most Kashmiri basketry is made up of circular, spherical, or cylindrical artefacts of caskets and containers that come in a variety of forms and sizes. The most colourful and frequent baskets are those used by snake-charmers. They’re also used for storing Chapaatis, storing veggies, or carrying loads of trinkets, unspun cotton clothing, and so on.
Willow weaving is a local economic tradition in the valley. While other crafts’ products are mostly used for decoration, the uniqueness of this craft is that a willow product may be used as both a decoration and a domestic utility item to store and transport culinary items on special occasions such as Eid or a wedding ceremony.
Basholi painting is a renowned miniature school of painting recognised for its vibrant colours, powerful lines, and deep-set facial patterns. In the 17th and 18th centuries, this painting style was at its peak. Basholi (Basoli) is a town in India’s Jammu and Kashmir state, located in the Kathua district. Raja Bhupat Pal founded it in the 16th century. Basholi paintings are the first school of Pahari paintings, with many of them evolving into the considerably more elaborate and widespread Kangra painting school. Although Raja Bhupat Pal is often acknowledged as the inventor of the Basholi paintings, their origins are uncertain.
The Basholi Paintings are notable for their flawless geometrical designs, vibrant colours, and shiny enamel. The hues are always bright, with ochre yellow, brown, and green being the most common. The characters in the paintings are dressed lavishly, with stylized faces and wide protruding eyes, giving them a distinct personality. Portraits of local kings, Hindu gods, characters from Hindu mythology, Radha-Krishna, Madhava-Malati love themes, and motifs from the Bhagavata Purana are all common themes in Basohli paintings.
Basholi paintings require difficult-to-find Veale paper or an ivory sheet for canvas, as well as special squirrel hair brushes, Kalmunha bird feathers, and colours produced from dried leaves, flowers, beetle wings, and khadiya dirt. Artists utilise 24-carat gold and pure silver for ornamental purposes. It is stated that the dexterity and precision necessary to create a tiny portrait is so high that a magnifying lens can detect strands of hair on a subject’s head!
Copperware making has long been a part of Kashmiri culture. Historians think that artists and dealers from Iran and Iraq introduced this beautiful craftsmanship about 700 years ago. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani, an Islamic teacher from Persia, was essential in popularising copperware among the locals, and he brought craftsmen from Central Asia to train locals.
During the reign of King Budshah Zain-ul-Abideen, however, the copperware craft prospered. During the Mughal Empire, Kashmiri metallurgy specialised in the production of cannon barrels and swords. The handles of swords were decorated using techniques such as casting and forging iron, as well as enamelling, or Meenakari as it is generally called. With the demise of the Mughal era at the end of the nineteenth century, Kashmiri metalworkers refocused their expertise on manufacturing vessels, now embellished with Meenakari. Silver jewellery, brass, and copperware such as service pots, jugs, and trays were all given this treatment. The finely crafted copper utensils are used not just for cooking and serving food in households, but also at weddings and other gatherings with huge crowds. Taesh Naer, Tream and Samovar are some of the most regularly utilised items.
Beautiful household utility and décor abound in Srinagar’s downtown bazaar. Shehr-e-Khaas has been a centre for copperware since the 19th century, with the old markets of Zaina Kadal still maintaining this beautiful craftsmanship. Artistic utensils still adorn the downtown shops today.
Namda refers to a type of matting. Bed covers and mattresses are also made of it. Namdas are most commonly used as traditional matting to decorate homes. Namda creation is a rare and unusual skill that involves felting wool rather than weaving it to create magnificent floor pieces. There is a culture of sitting on the floor in every Kashmiri household, whether it be a royal castle or a humble hut. During the winter months, when the weather is typical, with heavy snowfall, icy cold winds, and sub-zero temperatures, the floor becomes agonisingly cold, and Namda comes to the rescue to create a comfortable sitting arrangement on the floor.
Rather than weaving, Namda is created by felting wool. The procedure is quite fascinating. On a grass mat or jute mat, wool is spread uniformly in a thick layer and soap water is abundantly sprinkled. The wool used here could be white or coloured. The mat is then tightly coiled, fastened with a rope, and crushed by rolling it back and forth on the floor with hands and feet. This procedure takes roughly one hour to complete. This permits the fibres to fuse together, a process known as ‘fibre to fibre’ fusion. After then, the rope is undone and the mat is unrolled to reveal the well-shaped Namda. The gorgeous Kashmiri Aari Embroidery is then applied to this plain Namda. To make a patterned namda, artisans need to felt in the namda fiber in the design themselves.. This necessitates a two-step felting procedure. A pattern is first laid out on the grass or jute mat, which is then covered in wool and dispersed uniformly with the use of a broom known as ‘’manzyen’ in the area. The mat is then rolled out and the same process of sprinkling soap water and rolling it out is repeated. Untying it shows a lovely Namda with colourful patterns all over it.
The Namda market is mostly found in Kashmir’s downtown neighbourhoods of Shehr-e-khaas, Anantnag, Rainawari, and Baramulla. For many artisans in the Valley, Namda craft remains their sole source of income.
Samba, a little town around 40 kilometres from Jammu on the Jammu Pathankot route, is famed for its Calico printing, also known as Block Printing. Vegetable colour printing on handwoven cotton cloth with the use of wooden blocks is used as cool, comfy floor/bed covers and is in high demand. Designed blocks with vegetable colours are used to create prints on bedsheets, quilt covers, table linen, and cushion coverings, among other things.
Calico printing is extremely popular. Masnads and Jamas, handblocked and printed by local artists, have always been in high demand. With their appealing floral and geometric colourful motifs and quick hues, the prints have a ready market both within and outside of the state. The craft, which had been in decline in the years following partition, has now been revitalised, and demand has begun to pick up again. The Department of Handicrafts’ training centres in district Samba are assisting in the provision of extra skilled hands and the broadening of the craft’s base by introducing new designs alongside traditional ones.
Majith (Indian Red), Navtati (red), Haldi (yellow), and Neel (Blue) were among the indigenous dyes used in Calico printing. Expert hands stepped in long ago, using actual silver and gold leaves, to make special Sonahri (golden) and Rupehri (silver) printing at Samba.
Most of the Kashmiri handicrafts have one thing in common, which is embroidery. Special attention to the patterns on the wood and embroidery on fabrics have been of importance to artisans of Kashmir.
Kashmiri handicraft holds in different stores kinds of embroidery that catches the eye of tourists and locals both. Following are some of the variant types of embroidery authentic as Kashmiri handicrafts.
Crewel embroidery requires a special kind of hook for making draperies and upholstery. The speciality of this type of embroidery lies in its needlework variety. The hook makes rows of chains of stitches which is the pattern. The usual designs of flower motifs are popular for such works.
Silk and cotton were the exclusive materials for Earlier crewel embroidery. Artisans now have become more adaptive to applying their skill to fabrics like jute, velvet, and linen. Materials that are comfortable for home décor products like curtains, pillow covers, cushions, and bedsheets are the rage for crewel embroidery.
Kashmiri Sozni crafts are another famous style of embroidery. Persia is thought to be the roots of this embroidery work. The artists are called ‘sozankars’ who practice this form of embroidery. Sozni embroidery has a very aesthetic appeal in its works. The rich combination of reinforced and straightforward stitches results in a fascinating piece of art.
‘Buti’ is the dominant motif of Sozni embroidery. It is a representation of a bent tip of a flower or an almond. Other common motifs are geometric patterns and inspirations from the abundant nature of Kashmir. The quality of the Sozzani embroidery varies. The highest quality works are where a darker thread outlines the motif, and different shades fill up the insides without leaving any gap. The fabric may be silk or Pashmina for the highest quality of Sozzani embroidery. It usually takes an artist a month to finish a stunning product of Sozzani embroidery.
Chain stitch carpets, also known as “Jalakdozi” are a Kashmir specialty. These rugs are manufactured with a hook type instrument natively called “hessain cloth” on “Aurah” or hand made cotton cloth, in continuous stitch with superior woollen or silken yarn.
The craftsman embroiders in two-ply or three-ply woollen/silken yarn, and the motifs span from floral patterns to animal and human forms traced by a designer. The texture replaces the pile in the rug, giving it the appearance of a carpet. Chainstitch rugs can be utilised on the floor or as a wall hanging.
All of the embroideries is done on white cotton fabric that has already been pre-shrunk by the manufacturer. The size of the stitches and the yarn is chosen to determine the inherent value of each piece. The entire area is covered in tiny stitches; the figures or motifs are stitched in vibrant colours; the background is a single colour, made up of a series of coin-sized concentric circles that give the pattern vitality and movement. Stitches should be small, even, and tidy. The stitches should not show through the backdrop cloth.
They are usually is available in 2×3, 3×5, 6×4, 6×9, and 9×12 foot sizes.
Kashmir’s serene nature and rich culture are a source of many traditions of the different communities. Kashmiri handicrafts and their continuous practice for generations show how important handicrafts are. Buying an authentic Kashmiri handicraft will be a long-term investment for the beauty, durability, and uniqueness of the products, which remain for a long time. Kashmiri handicrafts are, therefore, an industry that thrives and grows with each passing day.
Ladakh, ‘the land of high passes’, and its beautiful landscapes top the ‘must-visit’ list of every wanderlust. The mesmerizing mountain peaks, lakes, empty roads, and daunting passes of Ladakh fascinate all. The serenity Ladakh possesses is very particular to this Union Territory of India. Along with its captivating panorama, Ladakh also has a unique culture that must receive equal appreciation and acknowledgement. Ladakh has some unique festivals that bring more vibrancy and vigour to the cold land. The Tibetan culture of Ladakh celebrates these festivals according to a unique calendar. Most of these occasions take place in the courtyard of the various monasteries.
Without further ado, let us take an extended trip up to the crown of the landmass of India. We will learn about the distinct festivals of Ladakh.
Let us begin with the celebration of the Tibetan New Year. Losar Festival is one the most famous festivals in Ladakh, and the festival had its origin in the 7th Century.
Losar Festival is a 15 days celebration that marks the arrival of the New Year. During the fortnight of festivities, feasts are held in honour of the ancestors, gods, and animals in the various gompas and individual houses. The entire land becomes a colourful arena where monasteries, homes, and people dress up in illuminative attires. Metho, a special procession, takes place along the streets and lanes of Ladakh. People chant mantras and carry flaming torches believing that the chants and the light will keep away evil. Special preparation of foods and meeting with relatives is a must. Folk dance and music, the famous cham dance (masked dance), and special prayers are all part of the celebration.
The Losar Festival’s date varies according to the Tibetan calendar. Usually, it falls in the time of the Winter Solstice, and each year the date changes.
Hemis Tsechu Festival is the most famous monastery festival in Ladakh, and devotees await this particular event throughout the year. The Hemis Tsechu Festival marks the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, one of the founding members of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.
The celebration takes place in the Hemis Gompa, 45 km away from the central city of Leh. The monks take part in the Cham dance and wear colourful traditional clothes. The hops have a special meaning. Each of the dance moves signifies the magical deeds of Padmasambhava in his eight manifestations of defeating evils. The festivity takes place for two days. The actual date of the occasion varies each year but falls on the tenth day of the Tibetan Lunar month.
An exceptional aspect of this celebration is displaying a four-storey thangka of Guru Padmasambhava every 12 years. Other thangkas are part of the decoration every year, but this particular thangka is put up once every 12 years.
Matho Nagrang Festival is an extraordinary occasion that makes it stand out from other events. The celebration takes place in Matho Monastery, one of the off-beat monasteries of Ladakh.
The Matho Nagrang Festival has unique attractions like the Cham dance performances. But the unique attribute of this occasion is the prophecy of two oracles. The oracles observe two months of solitude, meditating in complete isolation. After two months, the prophets make their first public appearance. On the special day of Matho Nagrang, the forecasters predict the possible happenings of the future. Many believers flock to this monastery to take advice from them.
Matho Nagrang Festival also takes place for two days. The date again varies according to the Tibetan calendar, and the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar observes the Matho Nagrang Festival.
Saka Dawa is one of the primary festivals not only of Ladakh but of the entire Buddhist community. It is the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima.
In Tibetan culture, ‘Saka’ is the star’s name closest to Earth, and ‘Dawa’ means month. Saka Dawa is the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. This month marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The 15th day of this month is particularly holy according to Buddhist culture. The celebration includes taking pledges, eight particular oaths, by the monks. The time observes a complete period of peace and purity. The monks perform a lot of offerings to not just the deities but also the poor people. They also feed the poor. They believe good acts have rewards worth 300 times more.
This pious festival of Saka Dawa ensures the protection of all life forms. Reciting holy chants, performing sadhanas, feeding the poor are sacred acts of this festival. The date of the festival shifts according to the Buddhist calendar but usually falls in May.
Tak-Tok is one of the most exciting and attractive festivals in Ladakh, and Tak-Thok Tse-Chu is also a famous tourist attraction. The celebration takes place in the cave of the Tak Thok Gompa.
The speciality of the Tak-Tok Festival is the varied cultural performances highlighting the tradition of the community. The Lamas and local people perform the different dances, Cham dance being a must recital. The hops have specific significance, and some represent the compassionate and wrathful deities, while some bring forth various animals. People believe that visitors who come to witness this festival learn more about the teachings of their culture and get protection from evil things. Tak-Tok is an occasion for locals to dress up in their best attire like most social gatherings. Even the visitors must not miss the chance to adorn the ethnic clothes of Ladakh and get a more rustic experience of the festival.
According to the Tibetan calendar, the date of the Tak-Tok Festival is on the 10th day of the fifth month. A day of colourful events and an evening of local delicacies account for the wholesome ambience of the festival.
Dosmoche Festival is the ‘great prayer’ ceremony of Lhasa. It is the annual prayer festival that the Ladakh Royals first celebrated, and the festival is a symbol of washing away all evil.
Dosmoche Festival is famous amongst the locals of Ladakh, and they celebrate the occasion with a lot of pomp and fare. The affair is a marker of the well-being and safety of all the people living there. People perform the folk dances and the Cham dance. The activities take place all across Leh, Likir, and Diskit monasteries. Lamas from various monasteries across Ladakh known for their astrology and tantric practice come together for this event. They prepare Thread Crosses and other sacred emblems. These offerings are burnt. The smoke rising from these burnings is believed to carry away the evil from the place, and good luck will prevail over the place.
Dosmoche is also popularly known as the Festival of the Scapegoat. The festivities take place for two days. Dosmoche is also significant for it is the last event of the New Year celebrations. The two days of Dosmoche fall on the 28th and 29th of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar.
Sindhu Darshan is a relatively new festival that has become a very vital part of the culture of Ladakh. It was first celebrated as a promotion for Ladakh tourism in 1997. The festival now holds a unique message of communal harmony, unity, and national integration for the entire nation.
Sindhu Darshan celebrates the River Indus. The occasion takes place at Shey Manla, and this event also takes place on the auspicious day of Guru Purnima. People from across the different states of India come to participate in Sindhu Darshan. They bring water in an earthen pot from their respective states and pour it into the Indus River. Fifty lamas pray on the river banks, and different cultural programs are a must for the occasion.
Sindhu Darshan’s celebration takes place for three days. The occasion is also a way of paying respect to the heroes of the Indian Army. The festival is an excellent way of encouraging the unity and integrity of India in the tranquil land of Ladakh.
Ladakh is a land of a unique culture residing in the lap of natural beauty. These festivals of Ladakh have a distinctive flavour that further enhances the place. The picturesque sight of Ladakh is mesmerizing for tourists whenever they visit the land. But to have a more authentic experience of Ladakh, one can make plans for the dates of the different festivals of Ladakh. The unpolluted beauty of Ladakh gets a bout of vigour during these celebrations that stays with its audiences for a long time.
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Kashmir is the place of immense talent and skill when it comes to craft and handloom. Kashmir gained international recognition for its unique embroidery styles. Embroideries and exquisite sewing have been a cardinal part of the culture and economy of the paradise state. Embroiders manifest their artisanship in various accessories and garments, including sarees, shawls, salwar kameez, jutis, and jackets.
Kashida embroidery is the oldest and most dominant form of embroidery to originate in Kashmir. It is a unique and elegant form of art, done with a single long stitch. Even the elaborate and exclusive designs use a maximum of two to three stitches. This artwork enlightens the core values- perfection and patience. Pashmina, the most coveted art of this region, is also a part of the Kashida embroidery.
The Kashida embroidery of Kashmir began in the early 11th century. Starting at a minute level, it expanded gracefully during the period of Mughal nobility. The Kashmiri embroidery art of Kashida is one of the oldest forms of embroidery in India.
According to historical records, the art form was first recorded in the 3rd century BCE. It later flourished at a broader scale under the 8th sultan of Kashmir- Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. By the end of the 17th century, the brilliance of the embroideries of Kashmir was thriving in Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Many historians argue that embroidery came to Kashmir from the Central Asian region via the silk route. Owing to this, there are various types of embroideries in Kashmir. Each is having minute deviations.
Nature and scenic beauty are the constant inspiration for embroidery patterns and motifs. The list of motifs is wide-ranging. Although, the most common ones include cypress cones, almonds, lotus, and chinar leaves. Geometric designs, paisley patterns, and bird motifs are also prevalent in shawls and sarees.
In most cases, the designers outline the motifs with a darker thread, sewed along with the sujini stitch. The accustomed types of stitches involve Zalakdosi (chain stitch), Vatachikan (buttonhole stitch), and Do-rookha (double-sided stitch). Stem stitch and Herringbone stitch are some other stitching techniques used for designing and illustrating the borders.
Types of Kashmiri Embroideries
Kashmir is home for many intricate Embroidery styles, let’s take a look at some of the types of famous Embroideries of Kashmir.
It is a surface embroidery technique famous in the Kashmiri handicraft industry. It is also called Aari Embroidery as it is the main tool used by embroiderers. Zalakdozi is the local name of Crewel embroidery.
The oldest piece of crewel embroidery is the Bayeux tapestry, dated about a thousand years old. The embroidery became famous in 17th century England and France as well.
You would have seen beautiful curtains, drapes, dresses, and bedding designed beautifully with this form of embroidery. The primary tool in this embroidery is the pointed crochet (aari). The type of thread used varies from woollen to art silk thread. The 2-ply wool thread work on the cloth makes this embroidery stand out. Chain stitch and padded satin stitch are the two most prominent stitches for this embroidery.
The Islamic saint Shah Hamdan introduced the Sozni embroideries in Kashmir in the 14th century. This is a sophisticated form of needle embroidery. It is solely practised in Kashmir. Pashmina and high-quality raffal are the only cloth types designed with this embroidery.
The satin stitch motifs of this embroidery take one’s breath away. The principal design involves stitching identical patterns on both sides of the fabric. The pattern motifs commonly consist of abstract geometric designs, paisley patterns, and stylized flowers, and the designs are sober with no more than two to three colours.
The use of gold and silver makes it a royal embroidery style. The threads used are exclusively silver or golden. The beautiful embroidery designs are famous on the world stage for their royal and serene look. Embroiderers design the traditional kashmiri dress Phiran with this embroidery. However, nowadays, we can find the designs on shawls and sarees.
In the medieval times, the artists used real gold and silver for the design work.However now, they have shifted to the use of silver and golden colour threads instead. The detailed and extensive work takes up to a whole month.
Amli embroidery is the multicolour embroidery type. It is the latest from among the embroideries of Kashmir. Seen mainly on Kani and Jamevar shawls, this embroidery has made a special place in the market with its vibrant look. The artist works on the irreversible patterns on the obverse side of the cloth.
The designs of Amli embroidery include far more variety than the other types. It expands its expertise to include motif designs depicting scenes, animals, human figures, flowers, etc.
It is yet another type of embroidery famous in Kashmir. This form of embroidery got its name from an amalgamation of two words- kalam, meaning pen and Kari, meaning work. This is also a colourful embroidery type. The colours used are all-natural dyes.
The artists tend to follow a strict 20 step methodology to reach the desired outcome. They use bamboo pens and natural dyes to paint over the shawls.
Papier-mache embroidery is known as the bolder variant of the Sozni embroidery. The multicolour satin threads beautifully embroidered to form intrinsic designs and motifs are the speciality of this form of embroidery. To give the design a protruding look, the artists outline the designs in dark or black colour.
Kashmiri embroidery never left its spot as a fashion statement in the country and is famous in India and the rest of the world, especially in Europe. Even the high-end and eminent fashion designers worship its charm. Designers like Manish Malhotra and Bouuin have kept Kashmiri embroidery as their most precious fashion collections.
Embroidery is a treasured entity of Kashmir. Artists as well as locals preserved this for generations. The authentic embroideries of Kashmir have become a rare possession in the world today. I hope this article helped you step into the ecstatic world of Kashmiri embroideries.
Embroidery is a skilful art requires years of practice, dedication, and patience. The people of Kashmir have exceptionally preserved this art form for ages. Today, shawls and clothing items like kurtas, sarees, dupatta, etc., with Kashmiri embroidery, are in high demand. No other region in the entire world can match the quality of Kashmiri embroidery.
If you are a fashion enthusiast, you must have come across the elegant embroidery and intricate designs of Kashmiri dresses. The costume of the region depicts the valley’s richness in culture and heritage. Owing to the cold climate, mostly wool or silk garments are famous among the Kashmiri population. The traditional dress of the Kashmiri people is vastly different from the formal dresses in other parts of the country.
Let us dig into the beautiful journey to explore the traditional dresses of Kashmir People:
History: A Driving Force in Determining the Culture
Image – Wikimedia Commons
To understand the culture and tradition of a region, it is essential to understand its history. History is a driving force in determining a region’s present culture and customs. The Persians and Greeks had a stronghold in the area, which is presently a part of the Indian state of Kashmir. Thus, it became inevitable to have no Greek or Persian influence in the customary practices of Kashmir. Later, the Aryans, too, influenced the lifestyle of the people of the region.
According to Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveller, the dress of the Kashmiri people is similar to that of the Persians. The costumes made of white linen and endowed with leather doublet showcases the Persian influence in the region.
Even the embroidery designs of the clothes are a result of western influence. The incredible artwork and embroidery styles show the impact of more than one culture.
Traditional dress of Kashmiri Men
Photo by Syed Qaarif Andrabi
The ethnic Kashmiri apparel consists of a kurta and a salwar, worn by men. This Kurta-salwar dress worn by men resembles the Pathani costume. However, in the valley, it is usually called the Khan Dress. They top the look with a short waistcoat which they call Sadri.
The valley men also had long bell sleeve outer robes as early as their wardrobe in the old times. This was the Chogha, and it is no longer in trend in the valley. Similarly, the headgear, which was a pride of the male attire in the past, is no longer visible in the markets now. The people of Kashmir call this headgear a close relative of the western Indian turban.
The Muslim men still wear a turban on occasions like marriage. Although, this fashion resembles the Pathan attire rather than the traditional Kashmiri clothing. The ordinary dress of the men of Kashmir also includes Churidar Pajama. This loosely fitted trouser is very comfortable and warm.
Women wear Salwar-kameez along with a dupatta, and they usually cover their head with a headscarf. Pheran, along with a Pashmina shawl, completes the look during the winter season. The Kashmiri attire for women is entirely different from the attire prevalent in India’s Central and southern India, and the dress is similar to the Afghan and Persian female dresses.
The traditional dress of Kashmiri women shows close resemblance with that of the Pashtun women. The pheran is unique to the Kashmiri tradition. The headscarf is an integral part of the attire. The Kashmiri people call it Kasaba or Taranga. There is a peculiar way in which the Muslim and Pandit women of Kashmir wear the Kasaba. They tie it on the hanging bonnet, making it fall up to the heels from behind.
Pheran is a long cloth that covers the entire body up until the knees. Even men and kids wear Pheran during winters, and it may or may not have a cap attached to the cloth. Kashmiri women wear Pheran even during other seasons as a sign of modesty. The material and fabric of the pheran determine the use. For summers, lighter fabric pherans are in preference.
The Kashmiri Pandit women usually tie the pheran on their waist with Lihung. Lihung is a folded material used as a belt.
Footwear
About five to six decades ago, the grass shoes, known as Pulharoo, was an essential part of the Kashmiri outfit. Khraw, the wooden sandals were also famous. However, in today’s time, they are no longer in use.
Shawl
Image – Wikimedia
The Kashmiri shawls are a pride of the valley. No one in the world can deny the beauty of the Shawlwork of Kashmir. The shawls are not only designed with beautiful embroidery but are warm as well. You cannot find a shawl as soft and warm as the Pashmina shawl, even if you set out on a world tour to find one.
The traditional dress is incomplete without mentioning the jewellery of the Crown of India, Kashmir. Jiggni and Tikka were the jewellery pieces that were extremely popular during the past however lost competition to the new ornament pieces.
Women usually wear beautiful earrings, anklets, and bangles as a part of the ornamentation in clothing. The married Kashmiri Pandit women wear Dejharoos which are similar to the central Indian mangal-sutras. The Dejharoos consist of two decorative gold pendants, identical to the Southern mangal-sutra designs.
The Muslim women of Kashmir usually sum up their look with abaya (or Kasaba), which forms a part of the regular attire. The unmarried Muslim women wear skullcaps decorated with gold thread embroidery, and silver jewellery is trendy among the Muslim women population of the region.
Representation of Kashmiri Culture in Bollywood
Are you a fan of Bollywood? Then there’s no chance you would have missed the famous Kashmiri dresses showcased in movies and songs. Bollywood is a big admirer of Kashmiri culture. There have been various instances where we can feel the love for Kashmiri culture. From the 1965 film Jab Jab Phool Khile to the 2018 movie Laila Majnu, Bollywood proved that the customs and traditions of the valley of Kashmir are much loved.
Sharmila Tagore’s outfit in the film Kashmir ki Kali left everyone in awe. In 2011 superhit, Rockstar, actress Nargis Fakri was beautifully dressed up as a Kashmiri bride, with a beautiful Kalpush (headgear) and embroidered Lehenga.
Conclusion
Kashmir is a beautiful place, and so is the Culture of Kashmir. The people of Kashmir retain the cultural and traditional beauty of the region by maintaining and adoring the formal dresses of the area.
Some other costumes and garments, such as suthan and kurta, form a part of the unisex fashion of Kashmir. Many garment pieces have also lost their position in the hoard of the new fashion trends. However, many have also evolved with time. Today, one may find people wearing attires showing a fusion of the traditional and the modern dresses.
Kashmir is a place of many wonders. The beautiful landscapes, beautiful handicrafts, unique horticulture, age-old traditions, and much more comprise the enthralling beauty of Kashmir. In most cultures, food also holds an essential part in adding to the cultural assets. Kashmir is not just comforting to the eyes but also offers to fill one’s tummy with varied choices of delicacies. The traditional Kashmiri foods spoil people with their soulful taste that makes people crave more. The cold of the place gets a proper balance with its hot and hearty foods.
Today we will find out some of the exciting traditional Kashmiri foods that keep the hearts and stomachs of people happy. Some of these foods do not even require any unique ingredients, but the taste is heavenly.
Kahwa is a primitive beverage of Kashmir, and the mere mention of the name of Kahwa reminds people of the hills and beauty of Kashmir. Every traditional Kashmiri household welcomes its guests with a warm cup of Kahwa.
Kahwa is a unique take on green tea. The Kashmiris cannot imagine their lives without a warm cup of Kahwa. The drink is straightforward to prepare, and Kashmiri green tea leaves, cardamom and cinnamon powder, saffron, and crudely ground almonds are Kahwa’s essential ingredients. The glass has revitalizing qualities with its tasteful ingredients. Kashmiri gatherings are incomplete without a warm cup of Kahwa.
Rogan Josh is hands down one of the most traditional foods of Kashmir. The rich colour and succulent meat with aromatic spices are a heavenly combination for all meat lovers.
Mutton Rogan Josh is a fantastic Kashmiri cuisine recipe. The Mughals introduced it, and Kashmir made it one of its signature dishes. The formula is also straightforward and is healthy, unlike what the name suggests. Everyday ingredients like onion, yoghurt, and red chillies form the curry. The tender pieces of lamb absorb the flavour and provide the sensation with every bite. The combination of mutton rogan josh with a steaming bowl of rice or naan will be a perfect traditional Kashmiri food experience.
Dum Olav, also known as Dum Aloo, is a prevalent dish across India. It becomes a traditional Kashmiri delicacy with unique layers of spices and herbs that heighten the taste.
Potatoes receive an equal amount of love from both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The king of vegetables gets a particular take when the Kashmiris prepare it with their unique touch. Ginger powder, fennel, yoghurt, and some other spices come together to form this aromatic dish. The hearty taste of Dum Olav is a top choice for every foodie. Combine it with naan or chapati and enjoy the all-time favourite potatoes in the traditional Kashmiri style.
Yakhni is another favourite dish for all meat lovers. This is another signature traditional Kashmiri food, and the heavenly taste of the rich gravy bewitches the heart and soul of everyone who tries it.
Yakhni is a famous yoghurt-based dish. The extra zing comes from the addition of the flavoured mawal flower. Other elements that form this beautiful concoction are onion paste, dry mint leaves, black and green cardamoms, and aromatic fennel seeds. Yakhni is an authentic Kashmiri dish, and the dish is a part of the age-old traditional dishes.
Saag is a well-known leafy vegetable across the nation. Each state has a distinctive style of preparing the dish, and Kashmiris also have come up with a tasty yet straightforward saag preparation.
Kashmiri saag is a healthy yet tasty dish that offers a break from the heavy seasonings of other dishes. Spinach is the main component, and mixing some simple but flavourful ingredients makes saag a must-try traditional Kashmiri food. Even people who are not fond of vegetables must try this once and decide that healthy can be tasty too.
Modur Pulav is an authentic Kashmiri take on pulao. The dish tastes sweet, making it a perfect accompaniment for any spicy meat or vegetable side dish.
Modur pulav has a very distinctive taste. Saffron, green cardamom, cashews, almonds, milk, ghee, and other heavenly ingredients form modur pulav. Saffron is indigenous to Kashmir, and the usage of saffron is common in many dishes. The aroma and taste of modur pulav heighten with the use of saffron. The hearty taste of the sweet rice dish will make one realize the rich tradition of Kashmiri dishes.
Goshtaba is another traditional Kashmiri food passed on from generations, and the dish is popular because of its royal taste.
It is made on extraordinary occasions. It is a minced mutton ball preparation in a yoghurt and other spices gravy. The rich taste of the dish is said to make you feel like royalty, for the dish is apt for serving to a king himself. To truly taste traditional Kashmiri food, goshtaba is a must-try.
Paneer Chaman is an authentic Kashmiri food that holds the power to become a favourite even for non-vegetarians. The rich preparation of paneer Chaman tingles the taste buds with every spoonful.
Paneer Chaman is made by simmering the paneer in milk along with the flavours of cardamom. The rich and creamy result of the delicacy will make visitors crave more. A hot bowl of paneer Chaman with naan or a steaming plate of rice will balance the cold with its warm flavours.
Nadru Yakhni is an exceptional vegetarian dish of Kashmir. Lotus stems are the highlight of the dish, which the locals cook in a delicious gravy.
The crunchy lotus stems receive a tasty makeover in nadru yakhni. The locals use yoghurt, gingers, and bay leaves to make the gravy. Visitors can enjoy sipping the rich sauce and bite on the lotus stems to get an extra crunch. The taste of a warm bowl of nadru yakhni will stay with visitors for a long time.
Sheermal is another signature dish of Kashmir. When we think of flatbreads, we imagine them as the ideal accompaniment for a fantastic side dish of meat or vegetables. But for the Kashmiris, flatbreads can become a meal in itself.
Sheermal is a sweet take on flatbreads. The texture of the dish is crispy on the outside and melts in your mouth on the inside. The sweetness of sheermal is more enjoyable with the locals. To end your perfect traditional Kashmiri platter on a sweet note, do not forget to try this unique flatbread.
The dishes of traditional Kashmiri food will be more enjoyable with the company of the mesmerizing mountains in view. The taste of all the above dishes will surely touch your heart and make you want more. For those who would like to try out the dishes themselves, make sure to note down the recipes from the locals on your visit to Kashmir. Apart from the picturesque nature, the dishes can surely recreate the dishes when they come back from their trips.
Umesh Badere drying the idol of the antagonist figure, Mahishasura using a flamethrower
A few years ago, when the monsoon would start retreating, the festival of Navratri would be in the offing. In the days leading to Durga installation artists would strenuously get occupied in churning out beautiful idols, and meeting stringent deadlines would be their only major concern. But with changing times, artists have now started encountering new challenges – unimagined and unexpected – that seem to have begun impacting their work adversely.
Managing physical and mental stress is not new for sculptors, especially when they are working for a special event like Durga Utsav. They intermingle with clay and colours to generate vibrant and dynamic features and they know they cannot undo their work.
In the recent past, however, sculptors have been progressively finding their diligent efforts being intercepted by a new element – the effects of the changing climate.
Umesh Badere, a young sculptor, would usually finish his assignments on time, but for the last three years, things have changed for him. Compelled by extended monsoon, the artist, now, has to spend more time with the flamethrower to dry the idols. Incidentally, Umesh loses time and remains behind the schedule.
It’s more than twenty-two years now that Umesh has been modeling clay into beautiful idols and household articles. And this journey hasn’t been smooth.
“When I lost my father to cancer, I was only fifty percent efficient at sculpting,” narrated the artist while describing how he overcame the problems that came his way.
While the sculptor has patiently dealt with the personal challenges, dealing with the climate change-induced challenges has become a true test for him. “You can find out ways for your problems, but changing seasonal patterns is an external issue, something beyond your control,” Umesh said.
Nilesh Deshmukh can be seen applying paint
“We can start Ganesha sculpting work in advance, but when it comes to Durga Devi, we can engage full-time only after Ganesha installation,” the sculptor explained. However, it’s not the time constraints that bother the artist, rather the changing natural phenomenon. “While operating in a time-constrained environment is common for us, now we have to also adjust to the whim of the climate.”
Right from making coal heaters to using gas guns, Umesh now deploys every possible means to accelerate idol drying. “An extended rainy season adds new complexities,” remarked the artist, while describing how persistent dampness now forces sculptors to resort to artificial drying measures. “Earlier, during monsoon, in between, we would have good spells of sunny days, but now, that is something more uncommon.”
However, Umesh is not alone in experiencing such challenges as caused by the ongoing climatic changes. Nilesh Deshmukh, another artist, narrated his own experience.
Deshmukh’s Saptshrungi art today stands unique for its elemental perfection and beauty, and artistic creativity. Instrumental in giving Yavatmal Durga Utsav wider publicity, it’s one-of-a-kind in the entire Maharashtra state. While Saptshrugi art has been an evolution in itself, as the artist described, extreme downpour is now turning out to be an adversary for its making.
In clay sculpting, the hands are made using wires. First, the wires are thrust through the rustic straw framework. They are then bent to form elbows, and adjusted as required. While the very process is followed for Saptashrungi too, nine hands emerging from proximity, on either side, makes it slightly tricky. “The challenge here is that after we apply multiple layers of clay, the hands do not dry easily,” the bespectacled sculptor noted.
Extended wet spells didn’t allow him to finish things in time, and so he had to visit the pandal for fine-touching
“Long spells of rainfall and absence of sunlight keep the clay wet for long, which causes significant delays,” explained Deshmukh. The quadragenarian artist has installed powerful halogen lamps in his atelier to expose the idols to the lamps’ heat. “I have tried using blowers, but found them inefficient to dry the clay from inside, as only the external layer acquires toughness.” The artist further said that since sculpting involves managing multiple tasks concurrently, not each time he can engage his hands in drying.
In their attempts to counter the challenges, are the artists trying to adapt to the enforced changes? Perhaps they have started exploring options before finding concrete solutions.
Like Umesh and Deshmukh, there are many in the community of artists and craftsmen, who have started witnessing the impact of the changing climate. “This year rainwater gushed into our workshops and caused irreparable damages,” grieved a sculptor who suffered losses.
These experiences seem to be corroborating the projection that climate change is going to introduce new community-specific challenges. Only that art is one subtle area that doesn’t catch direct attention. Maybe these beginnings hint at potential disasters. As such, to prevent climate change from hitting vulnerable communities, impact assessment becomes imperative.
“The occurrence of heatwaves and floods is on the rise, and these extreme events have already started impacting different communities in different manners,” explained Prof. N. H. Ravindranath, a senior scientist at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, IISC, Bangalore. “Local and contextual adaptation strategies will help communities to better deal with and tackle the impositions of climate change,” the scientist further added.
For community-based adaptation strategies to work effectively, the role of public agencies becomes important. To evolve strong frameworks, they will have to coordinate with communities. Finally, it’s the collaborative effort that’s going to ensure a sustainably effective adaptation strategy.
Rajasthan is the heaven of cultural and traditional mingles. Textile is one of those cultural entities that make Rajasthan stand out and shine among others. The state has a multitude of local textile styles.
There is not one but many regional fabric styles spread across the state. India’s textile industry is one of the largest and the oldest industries in India. The traces of textile weaving were found in Vedic texts and archaeological finds from the Harappan civilization.
The Rajasthani fabrics industry uses cotton, silk, and wool as the fabric canvas to produce and design the marvellous fabric styles. The Rajasthani textile got the ‘Heartland of Hand Block Printing’ title.
Bandhini Fabric
Image – maadhuri / Pxhere
The Rajasthani precise design cloth work is famous in the whole world. The Bandhini textile is famous for such work. Historical records suggest that the earliest examples of Bandhani date back to 4000 BCE. The Bandhani textile got its name because of the knots (Bandhan) on the cloth during dying. The weavers intentionally leave the knot even after dying the fabric, which has become a Bandhani Textile symbol.
This print is in practice in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh as well. This fine textile work is in demand in the entire country. The designs include red, yellow, saffron, maroon, and black motifs.
The symbolism attached to this is multitude and goes hand in hand with the colour depiction. For instance, a red cloth designed with Bandhani printing increases the beauty of a Hindu Bride. Another example might be the representation of maternity via yellow Bandhani cloth.
Chandrakala, BavanBaug and Shikari are some of the patterns on the Bandhani fabric. The Khatri community is the parent community that is responsible for the development of the Bandhani style.
The term ‘Leheriya’ derives its origin from the work ‘Leher’, meaning wave. The name accurately describes the textile. The Leheriya work focuses on clear and sober pattern designs created on thin cotton or silk cloth. This is predominantly famous for turbans, saris, and chunnis.
The Leheria turbans were a fashion statement in the 19th-20th centuries. Every one out of five men in India wore a Leheria turban to show off their fashion sense. The Leheria textile industry got fame for its zig-zag patterns and vibrant colour palette. The print is still in practice in Nathwada, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
The artists who work on the Bagru textile focus more on floral design printing, and they use natural vegetable colours for printing. The Chippa community of Rajasthan extensively practises the Bagru print.
The Bagra print originally belongs to the textile industry of Gujarat. It travelled with the chippa community when they migrated to the deserts of Rajasthan from the Gujarati mainlands in the 17th century. The weavers work on Indigo or blue-coloured cloth stylization to enhance the beauty of the product.
Seyali Bagru is a type of Bagru print that involves the provocative use of yellow ochre and black hues.
Kota Doria, as the name suggests, is a textile industry based in Kota. The checkered square patterns are the speciality of the Kota Doria Cloth. The pure cotton or silk fabric is extremely lightweight, and the use of check patterns is a unique lucrative method.
The style has roots in the textile style of Mysore. A Mughal army general, Rao Kishore, enlisted and brought some weavers from Mysore, and this became the beginning of the style in Rajasthan. For this reason, Kota Doria was called Kota Masuria in its initial days. The weavers often apply a mixture of onion juice and rice paste while weaving the cloth, and the application of this mixture ensures cloth durability.
Kaithloon, present near Kota, is insanely famous for Kota Doria sarees. Although machines are in predominant use today, small handloom weavers got employment due to this textile industry. Not to mention, the emotional strings attached to the handmade Kota Doria is absent in the machine-made sarees.
The geometric prints of the cloth make the Barmeri textile unique. The Barmeri has to offer a lot that does not resemble the typical Rajasthani textile. For instance, unlike the light floral colours used in most textile works, Barmeri is famous for its dark shades. Based in the Thar desert, the locals prefer darker colour tones as dark shades are cooler.
This famous textile of Rajasthan belongs to the Sindh region, and these prints originally belong to the Sindhi Muslims. However, the art spread across the country along with cultural and trend shifts.
The Barmeri print often dwells on topics or themes like plants, animals, birds, and nature. The bright and vibrant dyes used involve primary colours like red, yellow, indigo, etc.
Sangneri is one of the most famous textiles in Rajasthan. ‘A hub of block and screen printing in Rajasthan’ is what we call it. The illustrious folk patterns on the white cotton give it a traditional essence. Sangneri is famous for making tablecloths, home linens, bed covers, etc. The folk motifs printed on the cloth also have black outlines which enhance the beauty of the fabric. Figures and flower patterns use red dye to attract customers.
The Sangneri bloomed with the British invasion of India, and the European settlers exported large quantities of Sangneri to Europe. Sangner in the pink city, Jaipur, is the originator of the style. Wooden block printing is the core method in use, and Calico printing is the other name by which we often call the Sanganeri block prints.
The most famous motifs include that of lotus flower, roses, sunflower, lily, etc. The initial weavers used natural dyes only. However, chemical colours or dyes are no surprise wing to the stark rise in demand and less staff.
An interesting fact about the Mothara Print- the Mothara print got its name from the Moth Dal. The mothara print is an ever-flourishing tie and dye technique of Rajasthan with checkered patterns printed on the cloth with interspersed undyed areas.
Rajasthan is among the best places to visit in the entire world. The earthly yet world-class cultural embellishments are exclusive to Rajasthan. As a traveller, it is virtually impossible to ‘keep your hands to yourself’ when you see alluring textile and handlooms everywhere you go. The modern-day textile industry mainly relies on machines. However, the actual textile of Rajasthan lies preserved in the handmade textile only. Although the hands of the weaver tremble, the essence and beauty of the fabric are still intact.
Art soothes one’s soul and mind. It gives voice to the inner feelings of the artist as well as the admirer. A person never finds a painting. It’s an artwork that finds the rightful admirer. The Indian Art market has seen the hype over the last few years. In the era of social media, where everyone lives in their virtual den, art has made a special place in people’s hearts, acting as a medium to express emotions for the artist and admirers. If you are an admirer of art, check this out.
Here is a list of the best websites to buy Indian Paintings online.
1. Fizdi
Fizdi is bliss for art lovers. Here, you can find everything from Handmade, original paintings with the sign, Indian Theme paintings, digital art, canvas paintings, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, and watercolour paintings. The best part about this online Indian art store is that it is pocket-friendly. One can find a perfect artwork for their lobby wall within an affordable range of ₹5000 to ₹15000. Moreover, the art prints are available at costs as low as r ₹450.
The online store is famous the world over, getting orders from overseas as well. There are more than 60 themes and 40000+ curated artworks depicting varied themes. And helps the customers choose the best painting for them by allowing them to search by size and colour. Extending the customer service, they also provide an option to frame the picture. Running since 2009, Fizdi has served more than 150000 customers.
Artsera is the second site on our list which has an exquisite range of artworks sourced from reputed and famous artists. One can buy Indian paintings, drawings, limited edition prints, sculptures, pichwais, rugs, artefacts, curios, and many more at this store.
Artsera has been an active online store since 2015, founded by Ms. Lisa Jain and Mr. Varun Backliwal. It provides worldwide, personalized services. Keeping customers as the top priority, Artsera dwells in the six core promises, uncompromised quality, Fair pricing, buyer protection, impeccable curation, meticulous sourcing, and exceptional service. If you are a lover of art, you have to check this out!
“Art is for everyone”, says the tagline of India’s newly launched online art gallery aptly named You.Art which went live on 15th April 2022, the World Art Day.
The art portal promises to be unlike any other. The model is unique, promoting a fresh curation of 100 new artworks, every 100 days. The idea behind this innovative model is – to keep the website active and interesting for the customers to come back looking for more and new. And also to provide a platform for a larger network of promising Indian Contemporary Artists to showcase their art ranging from Abstract, Landscape, Seascape, Urbanscape, Figurative to Spiritual.
To emphasise and bring awareness about the significance of Authenticity & Provenance, You.Art is one of the first Indian galleries to be associated with Tagsmart, an internationally reputed digital records organisation.
The entire backend process – certifying the originality of the art work by the artist, its valuation, ease of payment and doorstep delivery have all been meticulously streamlined.
To own an authentic original painting from the comfort of your home. logon to www.you.art
4. Artoreal
Artoreal is a treasure house of paintings, photographs and digital art of various genres. From abstract to portraits, and heritage to landscape, the artworks range across a variety of categories to choose from. Artoreal believes in providing a platform to emerging artists and photographers and hobbyists along with renowned professionals. Artoreal is equipped with state-of-the art AR (Augmented Realty), giving you an immersive experience by letting you visualize how the art will look on your wall. In addition to the array of artwork, the site also offers exciting options in printing media and framing for photographs and digital paintings. Artoreal is a one-stop selection-to-wall site that delivers a delightful experience in buying as well as selling.
ArtZolo has one of the best collections of Indian Art. One can find everything here, from ancient Indian heritage art forms to Indian contemporary art. If ancient art fascinates you, you might find your soulmate in the form of Artzolo. It has an extensive array of Indian skills, from murals to sculptures.
ArtZolo creates a virtual marketplace for artists and art admirers. You can find the work of experienced and famous artists and the nouvelle artists with spectacular ideas and skills. This online art gallery has space for artworks ranging from sculptures, digital prints, original art, craft, home décor to photography. You can find artwork for the price as affordable as ₹1000 to as expensive as ₹5,00,000+. One can filter the options by specifying medium, subject, type, as well as theme.
MyIndianArt is among the most famous online art galleries in India. Operating on the artworks of emerging and upcoming Indian artists, it provides a wide range of art styles. However, the main paintings available in the gallery belong to contemporary and modern art.
MyIndianArt also organizes big art shows co-branded by famous corporations like Seagram, Taj Bengal, ABN Amro Bank, and HSBC. The paintings available range from oil paintings to charcoal painting to other mediums like watercolour and acrylic. In contrast, the diverse subject range includes Abstract Paintings, Landscape Paintings, Portrait Paintings, Still Life Paintings, Figurative Paintings, and Mythological Paintings.
It is one of the best options for first-time buyers as it provides an easy and user-friendly search option. Here, the customer can adjust Price, Size, Format, and Style as per preferences. A part of the sales is donated to Netaji Cancer Research Institute, Kolkata (NCRI), for a good cause.
BestOfBharat is an Indian site to recognize and popularise Indian Art and talent. The site provides an exotic collection of aesthetic paintings for your home décor. The modern art styles, vintage illustrations, botanical images, line art, and other themes make it a hotspot for aesthetic art admirers.
It has a long list of beautiful, quality prints and, more importantly, trending paintings. The site suits well to the ones who wish to get the Wester-Indian house walls within affordable ranges.
Saatchi Art is another virtual Indian art gallery with an out-bursting range of modern and contemporary artworks. It has over 765,598 original Fine Art paintings. The aim of this gallery makes it unique and stand out from the rest. Since 2010, Saatchi Art aims to establish a platform for upcoming artists to show contemporary European Art in India and contemporary Indian art abroad. Hence, dissolving the gap between the modern skills. It is a New Delhi-based art gallery with the best artworks from prominent and highly skilled artists worldwide.
IndiGalleria is one of the most prominent online art galleries in India. It claims a 100% guaranteed range of authentic artworks at a wide range of prices. It connects skilled and talented artists and customers all over the country.
Most of the artwork in the gallery comprises original handmade paintings. The medium and style vary from abstract oil paintings, canvas acrylic, Madhubani, figurative paintings, and sculptors.
Founded with the sober aim of redefining Indian visual identity, Kuture Shop is a 21st-century virtual shop promoting the Indian Culture Wave at a global level. The gallery focuses on graphic artists working on varied subjects and themes. Other than original paintings, you can find printed T-shirts, tote bags, pouches, cushion covers, mugs, coasters, notebooks, and printed paintings as well. All of the products are in Indian art style, designed by young Indian artists.
Gallerist provides a powerful platform for artists to show their talent and to customers like us to promote and support them. The site flashes a hot bag of sheer skills and aesthetics. The paintings stretch from familiar landscape paintings to mind-blogging religious paintings. One can filter the results using the category and surface of the image. The customers get to choose their favourite from a list of thousands of illustrations of each class. The affordable prices, great reviews, and surreal artworks make it an excellent option for you to buy Indian Art from.
If you are an art enthusiast and enjoy buying paintings, you would have heard of this site. The product list includes artworks of renowned and loved artists from all over the country. You can find the mesmerizing work of famous artists like G Subramanian, Amit Bhar, Vinita Karim, and Jagannath Paul on this site. There are 12 main art styles to explore, ranging from prices under ₹50,000 to above Rupees five lakhs.
The art market has been ever-growing since the old times. A good artwork decorates not only your house wall but also your inner soul. Indian Art is spectacular, with various art styles and enriching themes. This vast collection of Indian Art from all over the country would satisfy your passion for Indian Art.
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