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Reviving Kashmir's Carpet Weaving: Skill Training Initiative by Handicraft Dept under SAMARTH

Essential brief

Key facts

The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, with IICT Srinagar, launched skill training for 160 artisans under the SAMARTH scheme to revive Kashmir's hand-knotted silk carpet weaving.

The program covers eight districts, focusing on enhancing traditional weaving skills with modern techniques and market awareness.

Collaboration with the Central Silk Board strengthens the initiative's technical and resource support.

Reviving carpet weaving supports cultural preservation, economic development, and artisan livelihoods in Kashmir.

This initiative exemplifies how targeted skill development can sustain traditional crafts amid changing economic conditions.

Highlights

The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, with IICT Srinagar, launched skill training for 160 artisans under the SAMARTH scheme to revive Kashmir's hand-knotted silk carpet weaving.

The program covers eight districts, focusing on enhancing traditional weaving skills with modern techniques and market awareness.

Collaboration with the Central Silk Board strengthens the initiative's technical and resource support.

Reviving carpet weaving supports cultural preservation, economic development, and artisan livelihoods in Kashmir.

The Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) in Srinagar, has launched a significant skill upgradation program aimed at reviving the traditional craft of hand-knotted silk carpet weaving. This initiative is part of the SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) program, which is overseen by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The program commenced training for 160 artisans spread across eight districts in the Kashmir division, marking a strategic effort to preserve and enhance this centuries-old artisanal heritage.

The hand-knotted silk carpet weaving tradition in Kashmir is renowned for its intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship, but it has faced challenges in recent years due to modernization and declining artisan numbers. By focusing on skill development, the program aims to empower local artisans with advanced techniques and updated knowledge that can help improve the quality and marketability of their products. The involvement of IICT Srinagar ensures that the training is grounded in technical expertise and aligned with contemporary industry standards.

The Central Silk Board (CSB) is also playing a supportive role in this initiative, reflecting a collaborative approach between various government bodies to bolster the textile sector in the region. The training sessions are designed to cover a comprehensive curriculum that includes traditional weaving methods, quality control, design innovation, and market trends. This holistic approach is intended to make artisans more competitive and enable them to sustain their livelihoods through carpet weaving.

This skill upgradation program holds broader implications for the economic and cultural landscape of Kashmir. By revitalizing carpet weaving, the initiative not only preserves an important cultural identity but also contributes to local employment and economic development. Enhanced skills can lead to higher-quality products that attract better prices, potentially opening up new domestic and international markets. Moreover, the program aligns with national objectives of promoting traditional crafts and supporting rural artisans through capacity building.

The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar efforts in other traditional crafts facing decline due to changing economic and social dynamics. Continued government support, combined with effective training and market integration, is crucial for sustaining such heritage crafts. As the artisans complete their training, their enhanced capabilities are expected to breathe new life into Kashmir’s carpet weaving industry, ensuring its relevance and vitality for future generations.