Khanyar’s traditional pottery craft faces uncertain future
Srinagar, Feb 1: For Noor Mohammad Kumar, the potter’s wheel and the colourful floral designs represent not only creative expression but also a deep connection to his ancestral work.
Khanyar is not just a place—it is a living archive of Kashmiri craftsmanship. Among its many traditions, pottery stands out as a quiet yet enduring art, molded by time, patience, and heritage. As modern alternatives replace handmade wares, the traditional pottery of Khanyar faces an uncertain future, even as a handful of artisans strive to preserve the craft in Srinagar’s historic quarter.
The Srinagar-based pottery called the Khanyar pottery that churned the glazed form of earthenware is gradually diminishing due to the few learners. The potters claim that the younger generation has been taking to other forms of profession due to the less market demand.
For over seven generations, Noor Muhammad Kumar's family has been involved with pottery, a craft that requires a blend of labour, patience and dedication.
Kumar begins the process by first searching for the clay which is suitable for pottery also known as “kralmeach” and then let it dry for a day and then the clay is cleaned to remove stones and impurities. Later it is mixed with water and let to dry for at least two days. Lastly it is shaped with clay with his hands— giving life to delicate forms. These are then carefully placed in a kiln (fire pot) to firm up. He then finally applies a special glaze, made from natural elements, which gives each piece its unique shine and vibrant colors.
From everyday pots to traditional cups, and household utensils, Kumar’s work reflects the quiet beauty and depth of this ancient craft.
“I am 70 years old but for 50 years I have been doing this work to carry this tradition forward. I was a kid when my grandfather and father taught me the basics of pottery. It is our family profession, and I learnt quickly.”
“My father told me, this clay is our lineage, it holds the breath of those who come before it." Kumar recalls.
Over the years, the demand for pottery has steadily declined, pushed aside by the rise of modern, factory-made materials. Today, plastic and metal dominate households because they are inexpensive and less fragile. This shift, however, has taken a heavy toll on artisans who devote their lives to this demanding craft.
Many craftsmen have been forced to abandon pottery altogether, turning to other occupations simply to survive.
“There was a time when pottery was found in every home across Kashmir,” Kumar reflects. “Now people choose modern materials instead.” Watching this tradition slowly disappear is heartbreaking.”
When I went to the workplace known as a “karkhana” he said… “I still remember the days when my father and grandfather worked side by side in this very room,”
Kashmiri pottery is widely regarded as an ancient tradition. Archaeological excavations at Burzahom in Srinagar and Gufkral in Pulwama, dating back nearly 5,000 years, have uncovered clear traces of early ceramic activity in the region.
Once a thriving trade, glazed pottery in Kashmir has witnessed a sharp decline over the last few decades. Artisans like Kumar now find it increasingly difficult to keep the tradition alive. Kumar says “the art is not dying but the makers are not ready to do this work due hard physical labour and less economic value”
He further states that “earlier there were so many workers in this area but today only me and the other one is doing this work only we two remain here who are actually doing it’’
Tumbakneer and Kondal (Kangri’s earthenware fire pot) are among the clay pots that continued to survive and weren’t much impacted by the evolution. The Tumbakneer still sounds in the marriage functions while kangri is the part and parcel of winter in Kashmir.
“Kumar feels that the younger generation doesn’t have any interest in Pottery.Today’s generation doesn’t want to work hard, and they don’t want to put their energy into areas that require patience or the use of bare hands. Everything has become machine-oriented.”
“Young generation now feel ashamed of being kral or doing this work. They try to do different jobs but do not continue this tradition, ” rues kumar
The people who sell clay products prefer to buy them rather than make these items themselves.
Potters believe the craft can survive again, but it needs support. Training, better access to markets, and promotion of handmade, eco-friendly products can help keep pottery alive. If people start valuing these items and artisans receive proper help, pottery can return not just as work, but as part of culture.
Kumar believes the future looks bleak because the art of Pottery is witnessing its downfall in Kashmir, “This art will vanish from our culture because today’s generation opts for different kinds of work, like government jobs and businesses.
By: Irfa Shakeel
