Legacy of Kashmiri Shawls and Their Unsung Artisans By Z. G. Muhammad Kashmir’s timeless grandeur is often symbolised by its towering Chinar trees—silent witnesses to the region’s history, culture, and changing seasons. In autumn, the Chinar’s leaves turn a fiery tapestry of colours, captured by Shakespeare’s phrase ‘ripeness is all’—the pinnacle of life’s rich experiences. In Shawls and Shawlbafs of Kashmir: Legends of Unsung Heroes, Dr Abdul Ahad draws a striking parallel between these magnificent trees and the artisans who have, for generations, woven the legendary Pashmina shawls, only to be forgotten like autumn leaves turned to dust. The plight of the Shawlbafs of Kashmir has been a tale of unending penury. Through introductory remarks, readers are taken on an odyssey that spans thousands of years, highlighting the people behind the shawls. His deeply … Read entire article »