COPPER AND KASHMIRIS
Looks strange but Kalhana confirms that copper was mined in Kramarajya or the present-day Baramulla and Sopore area or areas to the north of Srinagar. I quote:-
" Having drawn copper from the hill which was situated in Kramarajya , struck a hundred crores dinars less one stamped with his own designation. "
(Verse 617 Taranga IV Rajataringini of Kalhana)
Copper has a very old history in Kashmir. copper ores are found at Aishmuqam, Shubbar area (Anantnag), Lashtil hill spurs (Baramulla), Handwara, Sumbal, Kangan and Lolab valley in the
Artisans who were doing silverwork started making exquisite Copper utensils with hammer and chisel. A full-fledged industry developed in Kashmir .I vividly remember many Kashmiri traders going to Jagadhari near Ambala to buy copper ingots. A grand copper utensils market came up in downtown Zainakadal area or what is now known as Shehar e Khaas in early 19th century . It still flourishes . Jugs , bowls , Samovars , trays , hot water storage tanks, Deghs , Traamis, Tashnaaris, glasses and scores of decorative items can be seen in copper shops in Zainakadal. Craftsmen can often be seen engraving objects of household utility. These Artisans have innovated beautiful designs and engravings locally known as NAQASHI . The finer and intense the NAQASHI , the higher is the price. Enjoy some views taken at Zainakadal Market along with some lines from a poem of Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Tere Khaanmaan Kharaabon ka Chaman koyee Na Sehraa
ye Jahaan Bhi Baith jaayen Vaheen In ki Baargaahein.
Kahin Zulmaton me Ghirkar hai Talaashe Daste Rehbar ,
Kahin Jagmagaa utheen hain Mere Naqshe paa se Raahein
( Majrooh Sultanpuri )
( Text and photo Autar Mota )
Wednesday ,5th December 2012 .. Time 11.25 PM .... Good Night
CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
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