 What
comes to mind when you think of Kashmir? Certainly
it would be either border disputes or terrorist
activities. But there is also something to think
of Kashmir in view of its natural beauty and its
rich traditional handicrafts, which have created
an indelible mark among the numerous craft lovers
across the globe. These famous age old traditional
crafts are still the first choice for many. They
not only add beauty to any place but also have the
power to attract any kind of person. So will a Hyderabadi
go all the way to Kashmir for buying these crafts?
Earlier this was the only option for them. But after
Jammu Kashmir Cottage Emporium established
in 1996 at Hyderabad, the problem has gone astray.
 Established
by Mushtaq Ahmed, a Kashmiri by origin, Jammu and
Kashmir Cottage Emporium is one stop outlet for
all Kashmiri Crafts. From the normal key chains
costing around Rs 10 to the world renowned Kashmiri
carpets costing around Rs. 1,25,000, the emporium
houses all Kashmiri handicrafts. "The on-going
conflict in Kashmir has deprived the people to buy
their beloved Kashmiri crafts. We have started this
outlet precisely to cater to their needs,"
said Umar Mushtaq, son of Mushtaq Ahmed who
looks after the maintenance of outlet.
 The
outlet located in Basheerbagh displays some mind
boggling articles that are made extraordinarily
using exemplary Kashmiri craftsmanship. In the emporium,
there are two impressive replicas of Taj Mahal
(made with a single stone) and ancient dragon
temple of Ladakh. Both these artifacts cost
around Rs. 4,000 and are carved without missing
even the minute details. One more item that catches
the eye is the eighty year old 'Treasure box' studded
with original stones which costs Rs. 12,000. "This
treasure box belongs to the King of Ladakh which
we have bought in an auction," said Umar. In
the carpets section, one can find 75 years old Afgani
tribal carpet which is made with vegetable dyes
and wool on wool.
 Apart
from these, there are many more crafts housed here
that reflect the Kashmiri tradition. Handmade silken
and woolen carpets, Chain stitch rugs and Dhurries,
Paper Machie, Wallnut wood furniture, Stone carvings,
Camel bone lamps, Silicon paintings, Silken and
Paper paintings, Christmas bells, Ethnic tribal
jewellery, Hand embroidery shawls and suits, 100%
pure Saffron, Zari wall hangings, Jewellery boxes,
bangle boxes, Wallnut bowls, trays, leather horses,
and wooden elephants are some of them. Besides Kashmiri
crafts, some exclusive articles from Agra, Jodhpur,
Rajasthan are also displayed in the outlet. "
We don't want our customers who are mostly NRI's
to go for another shop to buy the crafts of other
states and that is the reason why we have dispalyed
here," says Umar.
Address: #43-44, Ground Floor,
Babukhan Estate, Bashir Bagh, Hyderabad - 500 001.
Phone: 323 3241
E-mail: jammukashmir@usa.net
|
1:15:20 PM 
