Of Kaleens, Gabbas And Wagoo Mats
The book, authored by Dr Promil Pande, provides a comprehensive exploration of Kashmiri craftsmanship, focusing on Kaleen carpets, Namdah, Gabba, Ari rugs, and Wagoo mats. The author’s meticulous research and detailed descriptions offer readers a valuable insight into the rich history, techniques, and cultural significance of these floor coverings. The picture-filled book serves as an authoritative reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and those interested in the traditional arts of Kashmir.
For most of us, who find Kashmir an almost alien or exotic area, have to make efforts to understand its rich art and cultural heritage. Known historically for its world-famous Pashmina shawls, Kashmir also boasts a diverse range of floor coverings integral to its households and handicraft industry. With variations in design, production methods, raw materials, and regional influences, the book explores this cultural diversity.
From the enduring tradition of Kaleen-weaving, spanning over 600 years, to ancient artifacts like the Wagoo mats, tracing their roots back to the Indus Valley Civilization, the book strives to capture the essence of Kashmir's material culture.
By identifying cultural units in design, it highlights the age-old craft traditions that play a vital role in the region's tangible and intangible cultural practices. The book offers insights into the unique cultural context shaping Kashmir's floor coverings, providing a distinct identity to its Kaleen, often overshadowed by the association with Persian carpets. The book also captures the history of how the textile practices evolved over the centuries, and global trade routes influenced the arts and cultural evolution. It is fascinating to read about the Indian carpet traditions.
Employing descriptive, thematic, and ethnographic modes of analysis, the author skillfully brings forth instances of carpet-weaving traditions that resonate uniquely with Kashmir. Meticulously researched and complemented by rich illustrations, this book caters to readers interested in textiles, carpets, and indigenous tangible and intangible cultures and craft traditions.
The book offers interesting anecdotes like the genesis of the phrase “Lassa Kachru” that refers to those using unfair trade practices. The expression evolved in the early 20th century.
However, the book, maintains a somewhat academic tone in places, making it more suitable for readers with a specific interest in the subject matter.
Books such as this serve as powerful reminders of the positive correlation between the arts, culture, and commerce. They exemplify how a deep understanding of a region’s artistic traditions, can contribute to cultural appreciation and economic growth. In the case of Kashmir, a region integral to India, this reminder is particularly timely.
Book: ‘Floor Coverings from Kashmir – Kaleen Carpets, Namdah, Gabba, Ari Rugs and Wagoo Mats’
Author: Promil Pande
Publisher: Niyogi Books
Price: Rs 1870 (Hardcover)
Pages: 236
Dr. Srinath Sridharan - Policy Researcher & Corporate Advisor.
Twitter : @ssmumbai
