It is a living and shining hub of Kashmiri cultural heritage and craftsmanship
MUSHTAQ SHAH (MEHRAM)
“Bait-ul-Meraas ” is one of the largest private heritage museums in Kashmir, housed in a traditional 4-story heritage house on the banks of the Jhelum River near the old city of Ali kadal. It preserves artefacts like traditional dresses, jewellery, manuscripts, and other pieces of the Kashmiri lifestyle that are vanishing due to modernisation. It is a living and shining hub of Kashmiri cultural heritage and craftsmanship. The centre not only narrates stories of the region’s glorious past but also plays a vital role in promoting heritage and giving recognition to artisans associated with traditional crafts.
This beautiful cultural gift has been dedicated to the people of Jammu and Kashmir—especially to admirers of fine arts—by the esteemed founder and Chairperson of the distinguished humanitarian NGO, HELP Foundation (Human Effort for Love and Peace), Mrs Nighat Shafi Pandit.
Most of the heritage artefacts displayed in this centre belong to Nighat Shafi Pandit’s personal collection, while some rare items have also been contributed by Mr. Mubashir Ahmad, a passionate admirer of Kashmiri art. These priceless objects are arranged in the treasure chambers of the centre with the elegance of pearls strung together like in a necklace.
The city of Srinagar is a custodian of centuries-old civilisation, with its foundations dating back to the 3rd century BC. The old city has always been a centre of fine arts and craftsmanship, where artisans inherited their skills from their forefathers. “Bait-ul-Meraas ” is a shining example of preserving and advancing this tradition—a platform where talent is refined, and creativity finds new dimensions.
This institution is not merely a cultural and handicrafts centre, but a complete heritage home aimed at passing on Kashmir’s rich traditions, arts, and crafts to future generations. Here, enthusiasts can learn traditional Kashmiri crafts such as Aari embroidery, Sozni work, Pashmina weaving, and carpet making. For this purpose, traditional spinning wheels (locally called “Yinder”) and weaving looms have been installed, where every thread weaves an ancient story.
The gallery of “Bait-ul-Mirath” is its biggest attraction. It has been established to introduce the younger generation, researchers, and tourists to Kashmiri culture and heritage. The gallery is a sincere effort to bring back into public view many valuable objects that were gradually fading into obscurity.
This gallery came into existence in 2021 when the city of Srinagar was included in UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network ” – a moment of great pride for the city. The gallery not only ensures the preservation of Kashmiri culture but also provides the public with an opportunity to display their own valuable possessions, such as religious manuscripts and family heirlooms.
One of such first-ever events – the Seashell & Colour Exhibition was curated by the HELP Foundation at the Meeraas Mahal during the previous year. The exhibition aimed to imbibe the spirit of connecting with nature’s creativity, preserving the taste of biodiversity and promoting local craftsmanship among the students and research scholars.
It featured a rare collection of over 600 seashells and corals gathered over 20 years by amateur collector Robin Koul, blending marine education, art, and environmental awareness. The exhibition offered visitors, especially students, an engaging insight into the fascinating world beneath the ocean waves, a true celebration of nature’s art and marine wonder.
The “Bait-ul-Meraas ” also houses a public library, offering a beautiful blend of knowledge and tranquillity. It is a peaceful and inviting space with a wide collection of books for readers of all ages. Children can enjoy storybooks, science fiction, and imaginative literature. The library serves as an excellent means to cultivate reading habits among the younger generation, while also being a valuable resource for scholars.
In addition, the centre features a modern computer lab designed to meet the educational and technological needs of students and youth. Various computer courses, from basic to advanced levels, are offered free of cost to equip young people with skills relevant to the future. Interestingly, the lab’s interior also reflects traditional architectural aesthetics, in harmony with the cultural spirit of “Bait-ul-Meraas .”
From time to time, the centre hosts exhibitions of fine arts and cultural events. This beautiful fusion of culture and craftsmanship makes “Bait-ul-Meraas ” a living heritage space where traditions breathe, and the ancient arts of Kashmir continue to flourish.
Every visitor to the “Baitul Meraas ” witnesses a vivid and living picture of their culture and heritage—a dynamic story unfolding before their eyes, no less captivating than a film on screen.
( The author hails from Srinagar)