Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” is famous not just for its beautiful mountains and lakes but also for its rich culture of handmade crafts. Sozni embroidery is method of needle art has been in vogue for centuries now and has been inherited from the father to the son. The tradition has been practiced by the Beigh family of Srinagar for the last over two centuries.
Historical Background of Sozni
It is noteworthy that the art of Sozni embroidery has very old origins in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The word “Sozni” comes from the Persian language where “sozan” means needle. This specific technique is also embroidered using fine needlework, which depicts flowers, paisleys and other natural beauties of the valleys and gardens of Kashmir.
Earlier, Sozni was primarily used in making shawls, stoles and few other attires. These were not simple objects just for the body but creative artifacts. Probably the fact that in the time of the Mughal kings in India, Sozni started gaining popularity. The kings and rich people required these beautiful embroidered clothes in order to prove what their status was and how exquisite their tastes were. This led to expansion of the textile business in Kashmir to become very big and influential.
The Craftsmanship of Sozni
Techniques and Materials
It should be noted that Sozni is quite unique in its production process. The sewing is mostly done using only one needle and the motifs may be outlined in contrasting color thread. It also uses the finest quality of wool or silk that gives the best colour & texture to the fabrics. The fabric that they opt for is also valuable – normally it is pashmina or silk fabric which you feel very soft.
The skill required by Sozni is something that cannot be easily learnt on the job and/or mastering in a short amount of time. It is an art that cannot be mastered in a short time and it has to be performed under the supervision of a mentor.They should also possess skills in different techniques of mixing colours and incorporating them in a good combination that is appealing to the eyes. This is the reason why true Sozni work can not be substituted by machines and the exquisite beauty subject requires a human feeling.
The Beigh Family Legacy
The family of Ghulam Mohammad Beigh is famous for their skill in Sozni embroidery. They have been carrying out this work for over two centuries and they have transferred the skills from one to the other generation. The skill of the Beighs has been rewarded with many prizes for beauty and the singing has been presented in exhibitions of India and other countries.
The more interesting thing about the Beigh family is that they are dedicated to teaching the young people. They also realize that if they fail to share this knowledge, it is likely that this art will fade away. For this purpose, they arrange workshops and training sessions so that others can learn how to do Sozni embroidery.
Ghulam Mohammad Beigh himself learned this craft when he was just 10 years old. To this day, his son follows in his path and the craft is that has been inherited throughout the generations making him the 6th generation embroiderer. For instance, they still preserve the cotton threads that are 200 years old and use them to mend antiques, that are shawls in this case which demonstrates the respect they learned from their ancestors.
Cultural Significance
Symbol of Identity
Genuine Sozni will not just decorate the piece of cloth on which it is embroidered but it is much more than that, it is an embodiment of what it means to be a Kashmiri. Finally, the glamour depicts the history, culture and beauty of Kashmir as depicted from the beautiful designed patterns. Every piece of garment which has Sozni work stitched by someone, is nothing but the person is carrying a part of the soul of this beautiful land of valley – Kashmir.
These embroidered pieces are very important to Kashmiri people due to the fact that they link them to their past. It also plays the role to narrate stories, patterns on it are interpretations of the local folklore and the mythology that is related to the locals and their stunning territory. Therefore, one can locate how Sozni is helpful in maintaining the integrity of the cultural crawl of the Kashmir valley even today.
Economic Impact
It is important to note that Sozni embroidery is a huge business that helps the economy of Kashmir significantly. Employing thousands of artisans and families, it gives occupation to a large number of people. These fabrics are much sought after internationally and therefore the works and pieces created by these artisans are saleable commodities that enable them to earn a living and support their families.
However, these craftsmen have been facing a number of challenges in the present times. In machine made textiles are far cheaper and faster to make which makes it very difficult for the handmade more such products to survive in the market. Families such as the Beighs are thus struggling to educate people that Sozni embroidery is unique and deserves the high price it is being sold at. They state the procedures as well as the efforts that are invested in creating every piece.
Contemporary Relevance
Challenges and Adaptations
In today’s fast world, traditional crafts like Sozni face many difficulties. Gucci and other similar clothes and manufactured goods that we get currently makes people no longer have the desire to use their hard earned money to buy handmade items. It is a genre of arts that most artisans find it hard to sell to the market, therefore such dexterities are likely not to survive.
To manage with such issues, families, for example the Beighs, have adopted new strategies of working. And they are employing the technology and social media to reach their target customers irrespective of the continent or region. They, therefore, post pictures and videos of their work with the experience and history of the work in the background. Thus, they convey to the audience the message, which states that Sozni embroidery is unique and unique and it has to be passed down to the further generations.
Reviving Interest in Traditional Crafts
There is a rising concern towards the use of handmade products as is evident today. Being given more attention, people search for products that are antiques and produced by native artists. This is helping in laying the foundation for Sozni embroidery to return to the market in today’s market.
To maintain a continuation, this beigh family participates in exhibition, craft fairs, cultural ones and other related affairs. As for now they cooperate with the designers to incorporate Sozni embroidery in the contemporary clothing, thus, promoting this exquisite art. This way implementing the new strategies does not disrespect the craft but rather always register a way of maintaining the tradition that is associated with it.
Conclusion
Sozni embroidery shows the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir and represents the art, history, and identity of its people. The dedication of families like the Beighs in preserving this craft ensures that future generations can appreciate their heritage.
By supporting craftsmen and showing people the value of handmade textiles, we can help preserve not just Sozni embroidery but also the cultural heritage that makes our global community rich and diverse. When we purchase Sozni embroidery and value them for their beauty and aesthetic value then what we are paying for is the history, knowledge and craftsmanship of this beautiful art that has been in existence in Kashmir for hundreds of years. Through these efforts, the art of Sozni can continue to shine as a bright jewel in India’s cultural crown for many generations to come.
Also Read: Timeless Treasures: The Art and Cultural Heritage of Telangana
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