As custodians of rich heritage, let’s ensure this legacy continues to resonate through the corridors of time

Renowned for its stunning landscapes and tranquil ambience, Kashmir boasts a rich cultural heritage intertwined with the flows of its many traditions. Amidst its vibrant and life-giving lush meadows, thrives a charming and timeless tradition of horse-driven carriage, locally referred to as Tanga, the wheels of which have been clattering over the years by the frenetic pace of modernity.
Once a luxurious ride of the rich and affluent, Tanga, the traditional legacy of our ancestors, is least in vogue now except at a few places where this cheap and eco-friendly mode of travelling is still galloping in the streets including Sopore, Bandipora, etc. The majority has otherwise switched over to fast means of transportation.
The history of Tanga dates back to the 1930s when the Maharajas used to travel in luxurious horse-driven carriages. It was through Pathans of Peshawar that Tanga came to Kashmir. Then the horses would come from Kabul (Afghanistan) and the carts from Rawalpindi (now in Pakistan) through Jhelum Valley Road. Mughal Emperor Jahangir also used Tanga during his time. However, it is also believed that Tangas were commonly used in colonial India by British Officers and civil servants to reach their respective destinations.
Tanga has not only been a source of livelihood for Tangaban (coach men) families but it is also in sync with our rich culture that makes us unique all over the world. Not only does it remind us of our beautiful past but it is also a symbol of our rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, artistry, and a timeless gem that connects us to our roots vis-à-vis a testament to the legacy of our forefathers.
The fun Tanga ride was also enjoyed by the bride and groom during weddings as it was safe, secure, pollution-free, and comfortable, chances of accidents were less, no traffic jams occurred anywhere and usually cheaper to hire than an auto-rickshaw or sumo. The enduring symbol of cultural richness and historical significance will continue to enchant and inspire, reminding us of the beauty and elegance of the past.
Recently some young innovative entrepreneurs in Srinagar took a praiseworthy initiative of riding new stylish Tanga buggies on the offshore road of the famous Dal Lake to attract tourists—reviving our rich Tanga culture which once was known as a Badshah Sawaer (royal ride) besides serving the main source of livelihood for locals. We should salute them for resuscitating the rich legacy.
The Tanga ride that we would fetch at the cheapest rates has now become expensive for us. All because of our forgotten culture. With the advent of motor vehicles, the custom of Tanga rides has become extinct. In order to survive Tanga custom and help foster a livelihood for the people associated with it. We must let the traditional Tanga ride thrive as long as life exists in Kashmir.
At one point in time, there used to be Tanga Addas (stands) everywhere in Kashmir. But now such spots have shrunk and exist least with Tangas. In north Kashmir (elsewhere too), we still use the term Tanga Add to speak to. But how sad! For the name sake only. These stands are now occupied by quick transportation systems like auto-rickshaws and sumos that have snatched us off our most sought-after and economical traditional Tanga ride.
“The traditional Tanga ride should not disappear. It must survive because it represents our heritage, is more comfortable and cheap. A separate place for Tangas should be established. They should be used at tourist destinations as we see in the most advanced countries. This will not only maintain Tanga lovers’ interest in this traditional mode of travelling but will also keep alive our ancestors’ legacy,” says eminent scholar and former secretary of the cultural academy, J&K, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi.
On the canvas of my own memories, I can’t resist recalling how in childhood, we had Tanga Sawari (ride) as the only option in our village to go around. Though, in those days, there were many Tangabans (coach drivers) in our vicinity, yet, taking a joy ride stealthily by ascending on the Paidaan (foothold) of Mam Kak’s Tanga would give everyone a royal feel. His Tanga was fully decorated—a coloured cart with a yellow canopy, driven by a brown sturdy horse with leather seats under which he always carried fodder for his horse.
No sooner had he caught sight of us hanging behind on the foothold than he would instantly whip his horse with Chante (a stick having attached yellow string) to catch speed. That tic-toeing of horse hooves on the road made us insecure to quickly get off. At times, when we didn’t disembark, he would stop his Tanga and chase us, saying angrily—“Daffa Gachuv” and “Gouve Jane Murgy”.
As we navigate the complexities of modernity, let us heed the call to reconnect with our roots, celebrating the traditions that define Kashmir. Through conscious choices and collective action, we can ensure that the legacy of Tanga remains preserved as a piece of Kashmir’s pulsating cultural tapestry for new generations to come.

The writer is a columnist and author. He can be reached at [email protected]

Manzoor Akash