From Sculpture to Wazwan, and from Kashmiri Language to Wular Lake, Scholars and Experts Highlight Diverse Facets of Kashmir’s Cultural Identity
Shoukat Sahil
Srinagar, May 16: The second day of the three-day conference titled “Travelling Museum & Cultural Festival”, organised by the Kasheer History Foundation at Hotel Nehrus in Srinagar, featured a series of scholarly and cultural sessions focusing on Kashmir’s civilisation, language, history, environment, handicrafts, fine arts and social harmony. Scholars, writers, artists, environmentalists and intellectuals from different walks of life participated in the event and presented papers, lectures and presentations on various aspects of Kashmir’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
The proceedings of the day were moderated by renowned Kashmiri fiction writer and columnist Shakeel ul Rehman, while different sessions were chaired by noted academic and literary personalities.
The programme began with the session titled “Sculpture & Iconography in Medieval Kashmir”, chaired by independent scholar Gowhar Yaqoob. During the session, noted art historian and curator Dr. Gauri Parimoo Krishnan delivered a detailed presentation on medieval Kashmiri history, sculpture, religious iconography and architectural traditions. She highlighted the historical significance of Hindu religious symbolism, temple art and stone carving traditions in Kashmir, stating that sculpture in ancient Kashmir represented not merely artistic expression but also a profound civilisational and spiritual consciousness. She observed that Kashmir’s cultural history reflects a remarkable synthesis of diverse spiritual and artistic traditions.
In the same session, noted sculptor and former Principal of the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Kashmir, Shabir Mirza, presented his paper on the role and significance of sculpture in Kashmir’s history. He stated that the stone-carved heritage of Kashmir continues to stand as a silent testimony to the Valley’s artistic brilliance and cultural grandeur. According to him, Kashmiri sculpture embodies not only religious motifs but also human emotions, intellectual depth and civilisational richness.
Presenting her presidential remarks, Gowhar Yaqoob said that both speakers had successfully demonstrated through their presentations and discussions the immense historical and cultural significance of sculpture in Kashmir’s civilisational journey. She remarked that Kashmir’s centuries-old heritage is deeply enriched by fine arts, sculpture and creative traditions that deserve preservation and recognition.
The second segment, titled “History of Kashmiri Cuisine”, was chaired by noted writer and poet Hasrat Gadda, while Salim Beg, Convenor of INTACH (J&K Chapter), spoke extensively on the history of Kashmiri cuisine, its cultural roots and the influence of Central Asian and Persian culinary traditions. He stated that Kashmiri cuisine reflects centuries of cultural interaction, local traditions and refined culinary practices. He also discussed the historical significance of Wazwan, traditional breads, dried vegetables and indigenous food traditions.
However, in his presidential remarks, Hasrat Gadda differed from some of Salim Beg’s observations and argued that only a few dishes of the traditional Wazwan, particularly Rista, Goshtaba and Kabab, may have originated from Central Asian or Persian influences, while the majority of Kashmiri cuisine has its own indigenous and ancient roots. He stated that Kashmiri food traditions are deeply shaped by the Valley’s climate, agriculture, geography and centuries-old social life.
The third session, titled “Kasheer and We Kashmiris”, was chaired by eminent poet, writer and linguist Prof. Shafi Shauq. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rattan Lal Hangloo spoke in detail about Kashmiri language, history and cultural identity. He stated that language has no religion and that the Kashmiri language is so ancient that Sanskrit and several other languages have borrowed words and influences from it. He emphasised that the study of literature, folklore and classical texts is essential for understanding the historical development and changing nature of language.
In his presidential address, Prof. Shafi Shauq expressed academic disagreement with parts of the session title, stating that language does not undergo “evolution” but rather continues to “change” over time. Appreciating Dr. Hangloo’s lecture, he remarked that the Kashmiri language has played a defining role in shaping Kashmiri identity over thousands of years and continues to remain the strongest symbol of the Valley’s cultural consciousness.
The fourth segment, titled “Shrinking Water Bodies & Environmental Degradation”, was chaired by scholar Dr. Arshad Jahangir, while environmentalist Iiajaz Naqshbandi delivered a detailed presentation supported by data and visuals on the alarming shrinkage of Kashmir’s lakes and wetlands. He raised serious concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake, Wular Lake and other water bodies, while questioning administrative inaction and environmental neglect.
Dr. Arshad Jahangir stated that higher educational institutions are continuously working on environmental issues, but stressed that collective awareness and long-term policy measures are urgently required. He appreciated the organisers for incorporating environmental concerns into discussions on Kashmir’s history and heritage, observing that climate, water and ecology are deeply intertwined with the Valley’s historical and cultural identity.
During the discussion, a young resident of Bandipora, Naseer Ahmad Dar, was allowed by the organisers to share his views. Identifying himself as a fisherman whose livelihood is directly linked with Wular Lake, he said that protecting the lake without involving local communities is impossible. He questioned tourism-driven projects, proposed boulevard roads and viewing points around the lake, arguing that environmental protection cannot be achieved through cosmetic development projects alone. He further stated that several aquatic species, particularly fish, are rapidly disappearing and urged authorities, intellectuals and policymakers to seriously examine the causes behind the ecological decline. His remarks received repeated applause from the audience.
The fifth segment, titled “Living & Endangered Crafts of Kashmir”, was chaired by Prof. Farooq Fayaz, while Salim Beg presented a detailed lecture on the history of Kashmiri handicrafts, their cultural foundations and their global recognition. He said that Kashmiri handicrafts are not merely commercial products but represent centuries of artistic imagination and civilisational continuity. Rejecting the notion that Kashmiri crafts are entirely derived from external influences, he argued that historical evidence clearly points towards Kashmir’s own ancient and distinctive craft traditions.
In his presidential remarks, Prof. Farooq Fayaz stated that stone craft, brassware and copper utensil-making are among Kashmir’s oldest traditional crafts. He observed that rare examples of these crafts are preserved in museums across the world, including Britain and the National Museum in Kolkata, which stand as testimony to Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship.
The sixth segment featured Naushad Gayoor and Showket Kathjoo, who spoke about painting, Kashmiri civilisation, communal harmony and the centuries-old traditions of coexistence between Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. The speakers remarked that Kashmiri art has always symbolised humanism, cultural diversity and shared heritage.
At the conclusion of the programme, Ranjan Nehru outlined the future roadmap of the conference, while Khursheed Qadri presented the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a musical evening in which Sufi folk artists presented traditional Kashmiri songs, enthralling the audience. A large number of scholars, writers, artists and intellectuals attended the second day of the conference.
