Kashmir: World Crafts City

Certificate

Date: 31 July 2024

Ceremony: Held at Srinagar, in the presence of Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and World Crafts Council Chairman Hani Al-Qaddumi Saad.

Included in World Crafts City

Fourth Indian city: Kashmir

Other Indian cities:

• Jaipur (2015)
• Mamallapuram (2015, for stone crafts)
• Mysore (2018)

Famous Kashmiri Handicrafts

• Carpet weaving
• Kani-shawl
• Paper mache
• Khatmbandh
• Wood carving
• Copper ware
• Tilework

Recognition and Impact

UNESCO: Kashmir received creative city status under crafts and folk arts in 2021.

Exports: Increased from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 2,000 crore in the last 5 years.

Impact: The recognition has resulted in global recognition of handicrafts, an increase in the income of artisans, promotion of tourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

World Crafts Council International

Founded: 1964, New York, US

Founders: Eileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Margaret Merwin Patch, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay

Objective: Preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts.