The Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has flagged off the first batch of Namda Art products for export to the United Kingdom (UK).

Key Points

• The Namda craft of Kashmir is being successfully revived under a Skill India’s Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Nearly 2,200 candidates from six districts of Jammu and Kashmir have received training in this traditional art form.
• Six areas of Kashmir, specifically Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag.
• The project, implemented in collaboration with local industry partners, showcases the power of public-private partnerships in driving skill development and economic growth.

What is Namda Art?

• Namda craft is a rug made of sheep wool through felting technique instead of normal weaving process.
• They are felted rugs that are made by enmeshing wool fibers with water, soap and pressure and then embroidering the resultant fabric.
• These are extensively used in Kashmiri households as an effective and inexpensive floor covering and mattress.
• It is said to have begun in the 16th century when Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to get a covering for his horses to protect them from the cold.
• It was introduced by a Sufi saint named Shah-e-Hamdan to Kashmiris.
• It is practised as a craft in several cultures, especially in the countries throughout Asia, viz. Iran, Afghanistan and India.

Making

• It is usually a sandwich of many layers of wool flattened over each other.
• After a layer is spread, it is sprinkled homogeneously with water and pressed with a tool known as ‘pinjra’ (woven willow wicker).
• Unique themes and floral patterns provide the themes for these masterpieces and flowers and leaves, buds and fruits are the essence of the designs.

NOTE-

it is under process to get a Gl tag certification.