Why in News: Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT, flagged off the first batch of Namda Art products for export to the United Kingdom (UK).
What is Namda Art?
- Namda is a form of matting.
- They are made from wool by practice of felting the wool rather than weaving it. The Felted carpets are predominantly made of pure wool
- Namda is usually a sandwich of many layers of wool flattened over each other. After a layer is spread, it is sprinkled homogenously with water and pressed with a tool known as ‘pinjra’(woven willow wicker)
- It is said to have originated in the 11th century when Akbar ordered for asuitable coverage for his horse who was affected by biting cold
Reasons for Decline of Namda Craft
- Due to the low availability of raw materials, lack of skilled manpower and marketing techniques, the export of Namda craft has declined almost 100% between 1998 and 2008.
Context
- The first batch of Namda Art products was exported to UK on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day.
- This dying art of Jammu and Kashmir was revived by promoting it under Skill India’s pilot project.
About
- The Namda craft of Kashmir is being successfully revived under a Skill India’s Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), with nearly 2,200 candidates from across six districts of the state, receiving training in the dying art form.
- Six districts of Kashmir, namely Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag.
- The project sets a great example of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the field of skill development, as it is being implemented in collaboration with local industry partners.
Significance of this project
- It is a successful example of a public-private partnership which paved the way for more such partnerships in other projects.
- It will promote skilling, reskilling, and upskilling of Indian youths hence leading to their prosperity.
- It will lead to protection and preserving of this traditional craft of the Jammu and Kashmir region.
- It will support the local economy and will empower the local weavers and artisans by creating new opportunities for employment.
FAQs Related with Namda Art of Kashmir
Ques 1: What is Namda Art of Kashmir?
Answer: Namda Art of Kashmir is a traditional craft of making felted wool rugs and carpets using the wet felting technique. It is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs.
Ques 2: How is Namda Art created?
Answer: Namda Art is created by felting layers of wool fibers together using water, soap, and pressure. The process involves wetting the wool, applying pressure and agitation to bind the fibers, and shaping the rug or carpet into the desired design.
Ques 3: What are the uses of Namda Art products?
Answer: Namda Art products are commonly used as rugs, carpets, and floor coverings. They are known for their insulation properties and are often used to keep the floors warm during the cold winters in Kashmir. They are also used as decorative pieces and wall hangings.
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