Jammu and Kashmir’s Namda Rugs Make a Global Comeback, Revival of Centuries-Old Craft

18-07-2023 : After a span of 25 years, the first export consignment of Jammu and Kashmir-made “namdas,” which are woollen felt rugs, was dispatched this week to the United Kingdom, Japan, Holland, and Germany. This significant milestone marks the revival of a craft that had been on the brink of extinction and now provides livelihood opportunities to over 2,200 artisans in the Valley, particularly young girls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy on Monday, sharing an article about the revival of Kashmir’s centuries-old ‘Namda’ craft. Namda is a unique handmade rug created through the process of felting wool instead of weaving it. This traditional craft requires specialized skills and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.

In the 1970s, namdas accounted for annual exports worth Rs 300 crore to 400 crore. However, over time, the exports gradually declined due to various factors such as scarcity of raw materials and a shortage of skilled manpower.

The latest export order for namdas, worth $1.5 lakh, is a significant milestone as it marks the first such order in the past 25 years. This achievement is the result of the dedicated efforts made to revive and promote this traditional craft.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted his delight, recognizing the revival of Kashmir’s centuries-old ‘Namda’ craft and its international reach. He commended the skills and resilience of the artisans, viewing this revival as a positive step towards preserving the rich heritage of the region.

Delighted that Kashmir’s centuries-old ‘Namda’ craft is reviving and now reaching global shores after years! This is a testament to our artisans’ skills and resilience. This revival is great news for our rich heritage. https://t.co/t0dT7sb7QU pic.twitter.com/YfNafSwuNc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 17, 2023

This positive development was made possible through the implementation of the Centre’s special pilot project to save the heritage art form. Under this initiative, artisans underwent training to enhance their skills and preserve the traditional techniques associated with namda making. The project, launched by the Minister of State for Skill Development, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in November 2021, has successfully certified 2,212 namda craft makers across six clusters in Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag.

The certification and training provided through this project have played a pivotal role in revitalizing the namda craft industry, enabling artisans to produce high-quality namdas that meet international standards. This, in turn, has opened up new avenues for export and created sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans, especially young girls, who are now able to contribute to their families’ incomes.

The revival of the namda craft not only showcases the rich artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir but also contributes to the economic growth and empowerment of local artisans. By re-establishing its presence in the international market, the namda craft industry holds the potential for further growth, attracting more customers and generating revenue for the region.

The successful export of Jammu and Kashmir-made namdas after a gap of 25 years is a remarkable achievement. It is a testament to the artisans’ skills, the resilience of traditional crafts, and the government’s efforts to revive and promote cultural heritage. This milestone signifies a renewed hope for preserving and reviving other traditional crafts and heritage arts in the region, providing a brighter future for the artisans and their communities.

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