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A Timeless Craft: How master artisan Aziz Ahmad is battling the decline of wood carving

Celebrities from Bollywood would flock here to admire and purchase our authentic handicrafts,” he recalls, his eyes reflecting a flicker of nostalgia
10:37 PM Feb 03, 2025 IST | MUKEET AKMALI
a timeless craft  how master artisan aziz ahmad is battling the decline of wood carving
Mubashir Khan/GK
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Srinagar, Feb 3: Deep within the narrow alleys of Fateh Kadal lies a treasure trove of artistry, where the soft scrape of chisel against wood is a testament to six decades of unwavering dedication. Meet Aziz Ahmad Gujree, a national award-winning artisan in his late 60s, whose hands have weathered countless pieces of wood into intricate figures, each telling a story of tradition and heritage.

Sitting in his workshop, adorned with the remnants of wood shavings and the aroma of fresh walnut, Gujree reminisces about the vibrant past of his vicinity “There was a time when Fateh Kadal was bustling with tourists, long before Boulevard Road gained its fame. Celebrities from Bollywood would flock here to admire and purchase our authentic handicrafts,” he recalls, his eyes reflecting a flicker of nostalgia.

The master craftsman, who trained under the renowned artisan Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh, has not only preserved the art of wood carving but has also passed it on to many aspiring artisans. With 50 years of experience under his belt, Gujree specialises in forming exquisite figures from wood—an art form that he believes is slowly fading into obscurity. “The demand for wood carving has diminished, and with it, so has the profitability. The younger generation is losing interest in this craft,” he laments.

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Despite his efforts to keep the craft alive, Gujree finds himself fighting against a tide of decline. “Just a few years ago, I was approached by an organisation offering Rs 20,000 a month to teach the younger generation. I turned them down because it’s not a craft one can learn merely by being spoon-fed. It requires passion and dedication,” he explains, his hands continuing to work the wood.

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Gujree's bitterness extends beyond the waning interest of youth; he points a finger at his fellow Kashmiris. “We have done a disservice to our craft. In my youth, the stretch from Nawakadal to Fateh Kadal was alive with artisans washing shawls along the River Jhelum. Today, we see shawls brought in from Amritsar and sold in Kolkata, diluting the essence of Kashmir’s rich culture,” he asserts, disheartened.

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As he intricately carves a figure of a traditional Kashmiri houseboat, Gujree illustrates the stark contrast between past and present. “Once, if a box made in Kashmir cost Rs 300, a similar piece from Saharanpur costs only Rs 100. We are losing the love and appreciation for our craft,” he says, shaking his head.

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His workshop opens every day at 9:30 AM, but the number of eager learners has dwindled. “I have taught many over the years, but now there’s a void. We have lost the passion that once fueled this art. If tourists only take home small souvenirs, we won’t revive our craft,” Gujree warns.

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Despite the bleak outlook, Gujree remains committed to his work, carving out figures that are not merely ornamental but steeped in tradition. He continues to hope that one day, the love for Kashmiri craftsmanship will reignite, drawing both locals and tourists back to the narrow alleys of Fateh Kadal.

“Wood carving isn't just a craft; it's a heritage. I fear for the future as our stories risk being forgotten,” he concludes, as the sun sets over the majestic River Jhelum, casting a golden hue on the legacy of an artisan who has dedicated his life to preserving the heart of Kashmir.