Srinagar, October 13, 2025 – Amid the misty valleys and serene landscapes of Kashmir, the ancient art of pottery endures as a vibrant thread in the region’s cultural tapestry, defying modern challenges to thrive through artisan resilience and renewed interest in sustainable crafts. From the Neolithic-era settlements of Burzahom to contemporary workshops in Budgam and Srinagar, Kashmiri potters are breathing new life into this millennia-old tradition, blending heritage with innovation to sustain livelihoods and preserve a unique ecological legacy.Rooted in history dating back to 3000–1200 BC, as evidenced by excavated pottery shards at Burzahom near Srinagar, Kashmiri pottery has long been more than a utilitarian craft—it’s a symbol of the valley’s connection to its fertile soil and flowing rivers.
Artisans, primarily from the Kumhar community, mold clay sourced from local streams into intricate glazed vessels, traditional utensils, and decorative pieces that grace Kashmiri homes. In rural pockets like Palhallan in north Kashmir and the bustling lanes of Khanyar in Srinagar, families continue to pass down techniques unchanged for generations, firing earthenware in wood-fueled kilns to create items like water storage jars, grain pots, and the resonant Tumbaknari drums used in folk music.
Artisans at the Wheel: Stories of Survival and Revival
Despite the encroachment of plastic and metal alternatives that have diminished demand since the mid-20th century, pottery persists with quiet determination. Official records indicate 219 registered potters across Kashmir as of March 2025, concentrated in Budgam district, where clusters of workshops hum with the rhythmic spin of potter’s wheels. Among them is 75-year-old Ghulam Mohammad Kumar, one of the last masters of glazed pottery in Srinagar, whose tiny tin-shed studio in Khanyar produces exquisite, turquoise-hued pieces etched with Persian motifs. “Each pot holds a story of our soil and soul,” Kumar shares, his hands scarred from decades of labor yet steady as he shapes clay into forms that echo Kashmir’s Islamic artistic heritage.In Palhallan village, a cluster of 27 Kumhar families, including women like 40-year-old Haseena Bilal, battles economic odds to keep the craft alive. Bilal, who learned from her father as a child, crafts earthen utensils for storing water and grains—essentials in rural life—while experimenting with decorative mugs to appeal to urban tourists. “Plastic may be cheap, but it lacks the cool touch of clay on a hot day,” she says, highlighting pottery’s practical and cultural value. These artisans source clay from nearby streams, dry it under the sun, and fire it using traditional methods, often incorporating natural glazes derived from local minerals for vibrant blues and greens that reflect the valley’s alpine beauty.
Challenges and a Path to Prosperity
The craft faces hurdles: urbanization, pollution of clay sources, and limited market access have pushed many families toward other livelihoods. As noted by historians like Adil Zubair, the shift to “studio pottery”—modern decorative items—has overshadowed traditional forms, risking the loss of authentic techniques. Yet, glimmers of revival shine through. Government initiatives under the Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts Department, including skill-training programs and e-commerce linkages, are empowering young artisans. Exhibitions at Srinagar’s Handicrafts Emporium and partnerships with platforms like Qalara are connecting potters to global buyers, boosting incomes by 20-30% for participants.Sustainability efforts are also gaining traction. Eco-conscious consumers, drawn to pottery’s biodegradable nature, are fueling demand for handcrafted items in home decor and organic cooking. Workshops led by veterans like Kumar train the youth, infusing contemporary designs—such as minimalist vases inspired by Kashmiri flora—with age-old methods. “Pottery isn’t dying; it’s adapting,” affirms Budgam-based potter Abdul Rehman, whose family-run unit exports to Delhi and beyond. With 3.81 lakh artisans registered across Kashmir’s 60 crafts, pottery’s niche role underscores a broader push to diversify beyond textiles and carpets, ensuring cultural diversity endures.
A Cultural Anchor in a Changing Valley
As Kashmir navigates tourism booms and economic shifts, pottery stands as a resilient emblem of identity. Events like the annual Kashmir Arts Festival feature live demonstrations, drawing crowds to witness the magic of clay transforming under skilled hands. For communities like the Kumhars, once marginalized, this craft offers not just income but pride—a timeless bond between people, land, and legacy.In an era of mass production, Kashmiri pottery reminds us of the irreplaceable warmth of handmade heritage, proving that with passion and support, ancient arts can indeed continue to thrive.
