The invincible power of women who use their vision and determination becomes unmatchable in their ability to bring community transformation. Such is the story of a woman behind Meeras Mahal Museum: Atiqa Bano who set up a museum of ethnography and curated it over many years by an extraordinary, resolute and devotional spirit.
Atiqa ji is identified as a trailblazing social reformer and educator from Kashmir who dedicated her existence to protecting her region’s cultural history. Born in the historic town of Sopore in north kashmir, she distinguished herself as an educationist, activist and a conservation enthusiast, utilizing her time in identifying the objects and artifacts reflecting kashmiri life and customs, those putting a spotlight on kashmirs uncaptured but highly evolved rural life, agricultural practices, customs, rituals, minor arts and traditional industries. Her most powerful achievement emerged as the establishment of the historical Meeras Mahal Museum in Sopore which demonstrates how decision making women dramatically shape their local communities.
Over the years, her commitment and perseverance became the driving force behind establishing the Meeras Mahal Museum, meaning the ‘Heritage Palace, after her retirement from the senior position in the department of education her continued efforts finally culminated in the establishment of the mahal in 2002. The collection has been built over the years from personal contributions, rescued artifacts and even door-to-door collection. The museum is a result of her dogged pursuit to preserve a significant part of our cultural history, especially material heritage, which otherwise was fading fast from the landscape and mindscape of people in Kashmir.
Through her comprehensive outlook Atiqa Bano acknowledged Kashmir was facing diminishing cultural identity so she took action. At Meeras Mahal she organized historical collections alongside ancient books and traditional devices that depict Kashmir’s historic greatness. Through her work she protected both cultural heritage alongside fostering ongoing appreciation for traditional roots throughout future generations. A woman possesses natural potential to guard historical artifacts and educate people about values while developing shared cultural heritage.
Atiqa Bano represents numerous women who prove that determination combined with learning and heartfelt devotion enables them to unite diverse areas of society to accomplish educational advancement or heritage protection or social assistance. Through their positive actions women create a powerful chain reaction which motivates people to collaborate for establishing an informed liberating community. A woman finds her ability to make community contributions through her natural strengths of care-giving and mentoring and directive abilities. Her capabilities as both resilient messenger and dedicated public servant transform her into a transformative agent who resembles Atiqa Bano.
Through her work at Meeras Mahal Atiqa Bano demonstrates the complete abilities that women hold to construct community projects. Modern societies benefit from women’s dual role of education and cultural protection along with their philosophical abilities to create regulatory advancements that lead to community development. Their outcomes become substantial when their work receives recognition along with supportive networks that endorse them. Through Atiqa Bano’s life story we learn that women who receive empowerment alongside agency can make enduring legacies. When women take action with compassion they successfully tackle the critical issues that affect their communities. Through their opportunities women become able to give strength to underrepresented people and protect historical values and foster reconciliation with advancement.
The fading of traditional cultural expressions under modernization and globalization reminds us daily about the importance of heritage thanks to women like Atiqa Bano. This eternal effort toward Kashmir’s heritage protection shows us that individual achievements come from people who overcome gender barriers in leading transformational change. The seeds grew from Meeras Mahal continue to develop under the stewardship of future generations who now experience pride and identity because of them.
The story of Atiqa Bano shows how one woman can achieve great things when she follows her dreams and takes real action. All women should recognize their capacity to generate important community value through meaningful actions which create lasting memories of strength and hope.
The museum displays Kashmir grasswork including grass shoes locally known as ‘Pulhore’, rectangular grass mat with etched ends, known as Jaye Namaz (prayer mat), wagoo or patij (mat for sitting or sleeping) and much more. The musical instruments occupy the core of the Kashmiri culture and Kashmir’s cultural history is enshrined in the evolution of its music that has evolved under the major influence from South Asian and Central Asian culture. The Meeras Mahal Museum houses a small yet rich collection of musical instruments that are representative of the sheer richness and diversity of the Kashmiri musical tradition.
Instruments like tumbaknaer (single side goblet shaped drum), Bam Nout (bulbous earthen pitcher/ Matka), Rabab or Rubab (wooden fretted string instrument), Sarang (sarangi), Sitar/ Saetar, Swarnai (wind instrument) are found here. In addition to these instruments that are typical to the genres of music that have developed in Kashmir the Meeras Mahal also have specimens of certain musical instruments that are commonly found across South Asia including frame drum percussion instrument called dafil, the tong shaped metal instrument called chimta or chumt, single string instrument Ektaar referred to as Yak-taar in Kashmiri and the quintessential flute or Nal. Apart from this the collections includes jewellery of Kashmir like Halqaband, Daek Tik, Bakwat Haar, Taweez Daeb, Dand Khilal, Kann Khilal, Chap Khol, pendants etc. Among the artifacts Kashmir woodworks, Kashmir Basketry/ Wickerwork, coins of Jammu and Kashmir are found.
The Meeras Mahal stands as a true treasure, brimming with invaluable artifacts that span across time and cultures. Each exhibit tells a unique story providing a deep understanding of evolution and creativity. The museum’s dedication to preserving these precious objects allows visitors to connect with the past in a meaningful way. It’s without any doubt a jewel in the realm of cultural heritage offering insight, rich resources and inspiration for the generations to come.
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