Artisan Maqbool Dar, who hails from Ashtengoo village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, weaves India’s map onto a silk carpet, igniting a symbol of artistry and preservation.
As a master of the age-old craft of carpet weaving, Maqbool had spent over three decades breathing life into intricate patterns and designs, but it was his latest creation that would set him apart.
The Covid-19 pandemic had cast a shadow of uncertainty over the lives of many, and the carpet industry of the Kashmir Valley was no exception. Maqbool’s carpet weaving unit, once bustling with the skilled hands of 40 women, now faced the bleak prospects brought on by the pandemic’s aftermath. Yet, amidst the challenges, his determination burned brighter than ever before.
One day, as he meticulously intertwined silk threads of vibrant hues, a novel idea took root in his mind. The image of India’s map, carefully woven into the fabric, began to take shape under his skilled hands. This was no ordinary map; it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft, a symbol of resilience that he believed could breathe new life into the fading art and its artisans.
