JKPSC Exams 2026: Kashmir is known throughout the world as much for its arts and crafts as for its serene beauty and bracing climate. The diverse articles range from woolen textiles of feely soft texture and matchless excellence in weaving, hand-woven carpets of finest warp and weft, to the exquisite designs worked on paper mâché, woodwork, silverware, etc. The handicrafts executed in the cottages play an important part in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Shawls

A unique position among Kashmir textiles is held by the celebrated shawl.

• Pashmina shawl is the world-famous shawl, and its fabric is extracted from the smooth, fleecy wool of the Kel goat.
• Jamawar shawls are rare and different from others. The shawl industry was recognized by the Mughals.
• Akbar and his successors wore shawls of Kashmir. Kani shawls are the most exquisite and are woven with special wooden threads called kanis in Kashmiri.
• The fabric of the ring shawl, shatoosh, is so sleek and smooth that it can pass effortlessly through a ring, and hence the name.

2. Carpets

The Gabba, a unique type of floor covering, is prepared from old wool in a variety of forms and designs.

• The Namda felt rug is made from beaten wool, which is then embroidered over.
• The chain stitch rug is also manufactured economically, as the base is Hessian cloth and coarse wool over which foral and other motifs are worked.
• The industry was introduced in the valley by Sultan Zainul Abidin from Persia, Iran.

3. Embroidery

The embroidery of Kashmir called Kasida is world famous.

• Tilawork as a style of embroidery involved the use of gold or silver zari. Tilla thread. It is used to embellish pharanas and shawls.
• The Kashmiri Tilla craze got a new high after American anchor Oprah Winfrey was seen in black Tilla saree

4. Wood carving

• Walnut and Chenar wood, abundant in Kashmir, provide material for the wood carving, which is among the best-known cottage industries of Kashmir.
• Wood carving is done on a variety of objects, ranging from furniture to articles of personal use like jewelry boxes, photo frames, and various other articles used for interior decoration.

5. Khatamband

Khatamband is a special art of making ceilings.

• The craftsman fit small pieces of wood, preferably walnut or deodar wood, in geometric patterns without the use of nails.
• The ceiling, when completed, presents exquisite design.

6. Kandkari copper wear

Kandkari is an exclusive craft in copper wear.

• The master crafts engrave copper utensils with geometrical and calligraphical motifs.
• The most famous product of Kandkari work is the “Kashmiri samovar” (tea kettle of Russian Origin) used to prepare Kahewa and Noon Chai.

Paper Mache

Papermâché craft was introduced into the valley by the great Monarch, Sultan Zainulabdin. The pulp of paper and adhesive.

• These products have demand throughout the world.
• The craftsmen have introduced brass and metal lining for the new style of Papermâché goods which make them more durable and useful.

Wickerwork

• Willow bushes that grow plentifully in marshes and lakes of Kashmir are used to make beautiful objects ranging from shopping baskets and lamp shades to tables and chairs.
• Kangri The Kashmiri chafing vessel has its earthen bowl encased in wickerwork. No family in Kashmir can get over the harsh winter without a Kangri.

Phulkari

• Phulkari, a traditional craft that removes is a style of embroidery using bright floral design.
• It is domestic art practiced by women for their oven use. a bridge’s trousseau is considered incomplete without phulkari.

Lackha

• Laksha is a tailored cap worn by the Gujjar women and children.
• It is closely fitted and has a nap extended down to the neck at the back.

Binna

• Bhinna is the straw craft of KISHTWAR and it is proposed as a leisure time activity by women.
• It is used to weave round and oblong mats, centainers and trays of various kinds with a unique flash.

Kanger

• A Kanger also known as Kangri is a small earthen wear bowl held in a frame of wickerwork.
• During winter, hot embers are put into the Kanger and then it is kept inside the Pherans, a coat type garment, the Kashmiri cloak to keep the chill at bay.
• It is believed the Kanger is indigenous to Kashmir but some are of the view that it is has been introduced from Italy.

Pherans

Ferron is the traditional outfit of the people of Kashmir Valley.

• This garment is somehow between a coat and a cloak and it is suited to the Kashmiri way of life, being loose enough to admit the Kanger.
• Men’s ferrons are usually made of tweed or coarse wool which has women’s Pherans are somewhat stylized made from rough wool with splashes of artwork.

Samovar

Samovar is a Kashmiri tea kettle used to prepare Khewa and Nun Chai. It is made of copper and brass.

Frequently Asked Questions in JKPSC and JKSSB Exams

1. Who introduced Papier Mâché art to Kashmir?

A) Zain-ul-Abidin
B) Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani
C) Lalitaditya
D) Sultan Sikandar

Answer: B) Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani

2. Kani shawls originate from which area of Kashmir?

A) Pampore
B) Kanihama
C) Gulmarg
D) Anantnag

Answer: B) Kanihama

3. Which handicraft is known as the “soft gold” of Kashmir?

A) Copperware
B) Pashmina
C) Namda
D) Papier Mâché

Answer: B) Pashmina

4. Sozni is associated with:

A) Carpet weaving
B) Embroidery
C) Wood carving
D) Pottery

Answer: B) Embroidery

5. Which craft of Kashmir is prepared from paper pulp?

A) Khatamband
B) Namda
C) Papier Mâché
D) Gabba

Answer: C) Papier Mâché