‘Meenakari’: Kashmir’s last surviving master-craftsman sends SOS

Srinagar, October 26:  Potentially the last surviving master-craftsman of the unique art of Kashmir-style ‘meenakari’, septuagenarian Nazir Ahmed Pahalwan is struggling to make ends meet these days.

Approximately a year ago, he suffered a debilitating stroke that had left him physically disabled. While he has shown remarkable resilience and made significant progress in his recovery, his journey to full health has been a struggle. For over two months, he couldn’t work at all, and the lingering weakness from the stroke continues to affect his ability to practice the art he holds dear.

As if battling health issues weren’t challenging enough, the onset of winter in Kashmir further complicates Pahalwan’s situation.

“I am facing lots of financial problems as my illness is not allowing me to work like before. Now, winter is here, and working in cold conditions, especially during ‘chillai kalan,’ is not going to be easy. Otherwise too, Meenakari is not in demand like before. I have led a simple life, and I do not know much about the government schemes that can benefit me,” Pahalwan told The Kashmir Monitor.

Pahalwan’s workspace is a unique one. He works from the premises of his residence at Sokhalipur, Rajouri Kadal, located just a stone’s throw away from the historic Maharaj Gunj market in the old city.

Art researcher Wiqar Bashir expressed concerns about the dwindling number of artisans in the Meenakari field and emphasized Pahalwan’s unparalleled expertise.

“There are very few other artisans who do meenakari here, but Nazir Ahmed Pahalwan’s micro chiseling and flawless colour filling is unmatched. He can be called the last surviving master-craftsman of Kashmir style meenakari. He is recovering from a stroke and with old age catching up and I doubt if there will be anyone else matching his skill level,” he told The Kashmir Monitor.

Pahalwan’s journey in Meenakari began as a young apprentice, learning the craft from his late father, Ghulam Nabi Pahalwan. 

“I acquired the skills of this craft from my father. In those days, there was a craftsman named Sujaan Singh in Amirakadal who used to specialize in ‘Meenakari,’ but unfortunately, he is no longer with us. Additionally, a skilled artisan from the Kundangar family was renowned for crafting intricate ‘kalmi harf’ designs on silver and gold items, often inscribing the sacred names of Allah. Presently, I can only identify two other individuals who continue to engage in this art form – one is my brother, and the other operates from Kawdara. The nature of this profession is quite demanding and on top of that, we do not earn much. This explains why it hasn’t attracted many practitioners,” he said.