Spinning Wheel: Shaista guards fading legacy
Srinagar, Feb 1: In a quiet corner of her home at Kawdara area of Downtown, the rhythm of a wooden spinning wheel locally known as Yender serves as the heartbeat of Shaista’s daily life.
38 years old Shaista is not just a craftswoman, she is a guardian of a fading legacy, a thread-maker who transforms raw fiber into the delicate foundations of world-renowned textiles. While the world moves toward fast fashion, Shaista remains tied up to the traditions of her ancestors, proving that the soul of an art form lies in the hands that create it.
A legacy Inherited
Shaista’s journey with the spinning wheel did not begin in a classroom or a workshop. It began in the warmth of her childhood home, watching the changing movements of her mother. "I learned this work from my mother," Shaista said, her eyes reflecting a deep sense of pride. "I grew up watching my mother doing this, and that is how I learned it ".
For Shaista, the spinning wheel is not just a tool for income, it is a physical connection to her lineage. In an era where the younger generation is highly turning away from manual labor in favor of modern professions, Shaista has chosen to keep her passion alive. She works primarily with two materials, Pashmina and Raffal.
Economics of Patience
Despite the global status of Pashmina, the reality for the artisans at the very beginning of the supply chain is stark. Shaista explains the grueling economics of her craft with a sobering honesty. She purchases raw materials for approximately 60 rupees for 10 grams. After hours of continuous spinning, she earns only about 100 to 150 rupees.
"There is not that much profit in this," she admits. "It is almost like a way to pass the time while being productive at home". Even the introduction of Government initiatives like the Geographical Indication tag, intended to protect and promote local crafts, has had little impact on her daily earnings. She notes that the rates have remained largely stagnant, moving only marginally from one rupee to one and a half rupees over a long period.
A Multi-Faceted Provider
Shaista’s day does not end at the spinning wheel. To truly support her household and ensure her family's stability, she has diversified her skills. In addition to her mastery of the Yender, she is also an accomplished tailor. By balancing the delicate work of spinning with the structural demands of tailoring, she manages to navigate the financial pressures of modern life while remaining a present figure in her home.
This duality is a necessity for many women in her community. As Shaista points out, not every woman has the opportunity to work outside the home. By mastering these crafts, she can manage her household things,. care for her family, and contribute financially as well.
The Vanishing Craft
One of the most sad aspects of Shaista’s story is the uncertainty of the future. When asked if the next generation, including her own children knows how to use the Yender, her answer is a quiet "no".
"They don’t know what a Yender is," she says. "We only know it because we saw our mothers doing it". The rise of machine-made products and the low profit margins of hand-spinning have discouraged many from taking up the craft.
A Call to Action
Despite the challenges, Shaista remains a believer in the power of work and self-reliance. She has a powerful message for women who find themselves unemployed or sitting free at home: "Do something."
Shaista encourages women to find a craft, learn a skill, and contribute to their households. She believes that even if the profit is small, the act of creating and earning brings a sense of dignity and purpose. Her life is a testament to the idea that passion and hard work can coexist with tradition, and that a woman’s hands have the power to weave both a fabric and a future.
As the sun sets and the hum of the spinning wheel finally falls silent, Shaista’s work remains, a pile of fine thread, ready to be woven into something beautiful, and a legacy kept alive for at least one more day.
By: Adeela Qayoom
