SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: Copperware, locally known as ‘Traam’ is an integral part of Kashmiri culture and is famous for intricate calligraphic engraving that requires extensive time and labour. The end of COVID-19 brought some relief for Kashmir’s traditional copper utensil-makers, renowned for their immaculate craftsmanship, but the industry is under threat as earning of these artisans is quite low. Currently, Kashmir copper industry is facing threat by machine age monster, as machine-made things are fast replacing hand-made crafts in Valley, due to which many traditional copper workers have already become jobless. Still many of them are taking to occupational mobility for sustenance. The UT administration has unluckily failed to maintain a balance between hand-made and machine-made industrial streams.
In order to implement ban on manufacturing of specified copper utensils by machines, as prohibited under J&K Prohibition on Manufacture of Specified Copper Utensils (by Machines) Act 2006, District Administration Srinagar has warned the artisans who are using machine for making things, thereby defaming traditional handmade copper work. The administration also carried out a special drive in markets to inspect business establishments involved in illegal manufacturing of copper utensils. The drive was conducted on directions of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad by special enforcement teams of Revenue and Police officials led by SDM East and SDM West. During inspection drive, as many as four establishments were found using heavy machines for manufacturing specific copper utensils thereby violating the law, after which erring establishments were sealed under the supervision of Sub Divisional Magistrate, East. Officials further assured that legal action will be taken against the violators to safeguard livelihood of Kashmir’s traditional copperware artisans.
Pertinent to mention that some weeks ago, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar held an interaction session with the group of artisans from Shahar-e-Khaas associated with copperware wherein the artisans sought strict implementation of ban on manufacture of specified copper utensils by machines.
It would be apt to mention here that number of machines as well as quantum of machine-made products swelled manifold since 2008. Consequently, 28,000 copper workers, engaged in around 6,000 registered Karkhanas or working units, are destined to lose job either due to deluging machine culture and institutional apathy or absence of coordination between policymakers and executors. Artisans, mainly based in downtown area of Srinagar, engrave the traditional Samovar used for boiling water, cutlery sets and other utensils, considered a crucial part of every Kashmiri family’s heirlooms. However, their numbers are dwindling as they are shifting over to other ventures for meeting both ends meet. “Copper has become very expensive while profits are still meager. We are working hard from past 40 years but there is barely any change in our benefits, as it’s almost the same we used to get about 20 years back,” an artisan said.
