This traditional Kashmiri artwork has been largely replaced by modern cooking devices. There is a need to revive it as a part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage.

The rich traditional legacy of Kashmiri artwork is renowned for its appealing outlook and exalted stature, holding immense significance and diversity across the region. In the annals of Kashmiri history, many have witnessed the traditionally rich and famous artwork of making “Dambur,” which was once a common feature in every household. This artistic work flourished in Kashmir, where women crafted special designs of earthly hearths. Art-making requires greatly innovative ideas and skill in carving out vibrantly fine objects. In fact, these artworks leave exquisite imprints on the colourful archives of Kashmiri culture.
This handicraft was quite prevalent in Kashmir and was a traditional artwork that women loved to preserve. They made hearths (Dambur) by mixing clay with water and adding other essentials to ensure high durability. These hearths were cared for and always polished for the next use. Mothers cherished spending time cooking on these hearths. They didn’t feel exhausted or reluctant to do kitchen work, especially cooking. Many women were exemplary professionals in this field, renovating old hearths. Some were often invited by neighbours to make new hearths for them. Kitchens were often enhanced by a standing hearth with two large open holes at the front. Long twigs and dried cow-dung cakes were used as fuel. On top of the hearth, three small-sized projections held heavy vessels upright.
This artwork survived for a long time but eventually faded away due to the advent of modern cooking devices. Dambur was once a crucial part of cooking food and making maize chapattis. It held an esteemed position in our homes, sufficing almost all our needs and was considered a sacred object from an Islamic perspective. Many believe that Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA) introduced it. Elderly women still assert with honour that Dambur was once used by the pious daughter of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She cooked food on the hearth for her beloved family.
It is a fact that this traditional artwork has significantly faded away in Kashmir and is now seldom found in our homes. Gas stoves and microwaves have largely replaced earthly hearths. However, the traditional importance of such artworks is fundamentally reflective and holds special value in representing not only the state’s heritage but also in drawing global attention. Year after year, we witness a paradigm shift in technology that detaches our emotional attachment to the traditional artworks made by our ancestors. It is evident that we have completely lost our connection with native artwork. It may now be difficult for our mothers to make a well-standing hearth (Dambur). This is a growing concern that needs dire attention to rejuvenate this beautiful artwork.
Factors That May Have Replaced Traditional Hearths (Dambur):
Technological paradigm
With the advent of technology, traditional artwork has diminished in significance. The switch to many electrical devices due to their high efficiency and availability in the market are crucial factors that have modernized kitchens to a great extent. The importance and value of traditional artworks have been replaced by machine-made objects that cater to faster services.
Constructing well-designed houses
The focus on constructing well-designed houses has become everyone’s dream. These houses require modern kitchens, often made from costly materials. Some are highly decorated with aluminium sheets. In these houses, placing a hearth (Dambur) is nearly impossible.
Lack of attachment and attention
Women were once strongly attached to traditional hearths (Dambur), but technological advancements have led to a detachment from these traditional artworks. Some people are still interested in making hearths in the compounds of their houses due to their deep connection with them.
Low quality
Traditionally made objects are often of lower quality, which has shifted our focus towards buying high-quality machine-made objects that are abundantly available in the market at different rates depending on quality. Microwaves, gas stoves, and other electrical devices are considered superior items that have sidelined traditional objects.

The writer is a civil service aspirant
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Mudasir Ali