In the quiet village of Khee Jogipora, located on the outskirts of Kulgam district in south Kashmir, a weaver in his early 60s is hard at work on his loom. He’s known for crafting beautiful Chadder with delicate designs, keeping alive the tradition of handloom weaving.
Manzoor Ahmad Malik, a dedicated artisan, has weathered numerous challenges in his pursuit of preserving the timeless craft of handloom weaving, a tradition upheld by his family for generations. His journey began in 8th grade when he first witnessed his father’s artistry and felt compelled to follow in his footsteps. For the Malik family, spinning wool and creating intricate ‘Tchader’ shawls has been a way of life, ingrained in their daily routine for as long as they can remember.
Abdul Aziz Malik, Manzoor’s father, continues to oversee his son’s work and observe the activities of fellow artisans, providing valuable guidance and inspiration. This constant vigilance has motivated Manzoor to remain deeply engaged in the craft, accumulating decades of experience in the art of handloom weaving.
“I’ve been immersed in the art of handloom weaving for 38 years now, crafting a wide range of products. From Raffal Dussa to Tweed, and from Dasoti to Muffral, Patoor (traditional Chadri), and shawls, these are just a few of the items my family and I weave together.”
Manzoor, along with his wife and three daughters, as well as his son, are all learning the intricate art of handloom weaving under the guidance of their father.
“In 1997, a kind individual introduced me to the Handicrafts and Handloom Department when Kulgam was still part of the Anantnag district. Inspired by this, I traveled to Anantnag and established a society named ‘MS Sharf Society.’ At that time, we had around 50 members from five to eight villages in Kulgam.”
Since mastering the craft himself, Manzoor has generously shared his knowledge with over a dozen eager individuals. Devoting eight hours each day to his art, he also finds time to assist with household chores and contribute to the family’s agricultural activities.
“I’m grateful for the unwavering support of my family; even my wife and children have embraced the craft. In fact, my daughter pursued a one-year diploma in handloom weaving from ITI. Together, we’ve overcome many obstacles that could have hindered our pursuit of this cherished family tradition.”
At present, 15 members are still actively involved in the MS Sharf Society, with Manzoor, his family, and his siblings all dedicated to the handloom sector. Currently, one of his brothers, Zahoor Ahmad Malik, is showcasing their meticulously crafted handloom pieces at an exhibition in New Delhi.
Among the array of handloom products, the renowned Kashmiri Patoor (Chadri) woven by these artisans stands out as a favorite among customers. Their commitment to preserving centuries-old craftsmanship in the modern era is evident in the timeless beauty of their creations.
Manzoor reveals that he earns approximately 20,000 rupees each month by weaving these products with the assistance of his family. The consistent quality of their products is a testament to the relentless effort these traditional artisans put into thriving in the industry.
Demands:
The weavers emphasized the importance of reinstating the previous 10 percent rebate scheme. Under this initiative, the department used to reimburse societies with a 10% special rebate on the sale of handloom cloth and products, serving as a vital incentive for the industry.
Furthermore, the weavers advocate for scholarships to be available for the children of weavers beyond the 12th grade. They said that the existing scholarship program only extends to 12th class, and the amount provided is minimal. Also, they stress the need for more exhibitions at both the union territory (UT) and national levels. These exhibitions play a crucial role in promoting their products and attracting more buyers, thereby boosting their livelihoods.
Officials say:
Asif Laigroo, an official from the Handicrafts and Handloom department in Kulgam, affirmed that 27 cooperative societies are duly registered with the department, ensuring that weavers receive benefits in accordance with regulations. These societies encompass Handloom Weaving, Pashmina Weaving, and Kani Shawl Weaving.
Furthermore, Ahmad said that the department provides scholarships to two wards of weavers up to the 12th grade in academic education. Additionally, if a ward pursues education in a pre course, they are entitled to receive government-prescribed fees as scholarship support.
