Karakuli, Kashmir’s regal cap, symbolises honour and dignity for Kashmiris. The term Karakul comes from the ‘Qarakul’ sheep breed, which is native to Central or West Asia. It is manufactured from the skin of Karakul sheep and lambs, as the name implies. Russia’s native headgear is the karakuli. Central Asians and Afghans acquired it from there. It made its way to Kashmir from Afghanistan as part of the Afghan invasion. Karakulli made its way from Uzbekistan’s Bukhara to Central Asia and Afghanistan, eventually becoming an inseparable part of Kashmir’s culture.
It has a traditional importance at Kashmiri weddings since the bridal party is required to give it to the bridegroom. It is a source of pride for Kashmiris, and children are not permitted to wear it. This could be because its elegance is compared to that of a crown worn by Kashmir’s noblemen in the past. For centuries it has adorned the head of several Kashmiri leaders, including Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, Mirza Beigh, Ghulam Ahmad Bakshi, Mirza Moulvi Yousuf Shah, Farooq Abdullah, and even Omar Abdullah.
Even if it has increasingly found its way onto ordinary men’s heads, it is still a pricey headgear. The price ranges between INR 5,000 and 50,000 for this beautiful Kashmiri headgear. The higher the price, the better the quality and texture of the fur used to produce the Karakul hat. Characterised by a lightweight smoothness that has tight curls, velvety texture and glossy sheen, a Karakuli is a fashion statement in itself. All in all, it’s a prized cap for Kashmiris and rightly so.
Unfortunately, the elderly persons in our homes or society no more wear it. They think they look too old after wearing it and fear criticism. There was a time when it was worn with pride, the person feeling no less than a king. Today it is either seen in a museum or worn in traditional dramas for not more than for an hour. As we feel backward when talking in Kashmiri language, so do we feel wearing our traditional dress, be it pheran, karakuli or deji haer. Karakuli, pheran, etc, are the backbone of our culture. Tourists like to wear it and feel joyful. Karakuli has been worn in a number of movies which include Haidar and Bajrangi Bhaijan. Recently Gulshan Grover wore it when he was here for a shooting. Our educated youth should revive and protect our culture so that we don’t feel ashamed when the new generation does not see anything belonging to our culture around. It is our meeras and it should be preserved because it is the legacy of our ancestors and it should be carried forward.

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TARIQ AHMAD SHERA