Architectural Heritage of Kashmir
The most difficult in the world is to appreciate what we have
until we lose it.
It is said that art and architecture of a place is the barometer of its culture and heritage. It reflects the tradition, values and perception of the people and holds economic, cultural and environmental significance.Kashmirhas been a treasure-house of unique and rich culture, heritage and traditions. It has been ruled by different rulers from various places and religions. The religion, belief and origin of these rulers have had an obvious and unique impact on the architecture of Kashmir.
The Buddhist rule which started in the 3rd century AD is characterized by the stone architecture in the form of monasteries, stupas, etc. This was followed by the Hindu rule from the 4th to the 11th century, again characterized by the stone architecture, mainly in the form of temples. Here ended the medieval architecture of Kashmir. Then the Turkish rule from the 14th to the 16th century was characterized by the brick and wooden architecture (pinjirakari, hammam, etc), in the form of shrines and mosques. The art of naqashi (painted lacquer) and khatamband (wood craft) was introduced by the Persian and Central Asian craftsmen in Kashmir during this time. The Mughal rule (1586 to 1752 AD) was dominated by the wooden and stone architecture (khatamband, pinjirakari), primarily in the form of mosques, gardens, etc. The Afghan rule (1753-1819 AD) was characterized by the brick and wooden architecture, in the form of mosques. The Sikh rule (1819-1846 AD) was associated with the stone architecture in the form of temples and gurdwaras. The Dogra rule (1846-1947 AD) did not witness much of architectural work.
Thus, a dramatic shift can be observed in the architecture of Kashmir with the changing rule, culture and religion. What we have in Kashmir is on the verge of extinction or destruction. We seem to be losing our heritage and ignoring our history. Our monuments and buildings seem to cry out to us for attention and appreciation. Kashmiri youth is somehow getting disconnected with the history and ancient culture. There is a dire need to create awareness, a resurgence and resurrection of Kashmiri heritage – art and architecture. This photo-feature was a humble attempt to revive the past glory by remembering and appreciating our art and architecture.
‘A rock does not have the dramatic environmental value of a tree.
But while a tree can grow again,
a rock is lost forever!’
Let us recognize…rediscover…revive…relive…our heritage!
Waza House
Pari Mahal
Manasbal Lake
Jawala Temple
