The story
Papier-mâché came to Kashmir from Persia in the 15th century and was refined in Srinagar's old city, where families paint fine floral designs on paper-pulp objects. Walnut-wood carving uses timber from the valley's walnut trees for screens, tables and boxes, and khatamband ceilings fit small wooden pieces into geometric patterns without nails. These crafts sell heavily to tourists and to export buyers, including Christmas ornaments. Artisan numbers rise and fall with tourism and export demand.
In numbers
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department says it has trained 8,102 new papier-mâché artisans across the valley.
Kashmir Reader — Over 8,000 new artisans trained in GI-registered papier mache craft · 2026About 3,000 artisans were associated with the papier-mâché sector, according to a government director.
Al Jazeera — Kashmir papier-mache artists struggle amid pandemic, few tourists · 2021
GI tag
- Kashmir Paper MachieApplication no. GI Application No. 181IP India — Registration Details of Geographical Indications
- Kashmir Walnut Wood CarvingApplication no. GI Application No. 182IP India — Registration Details of Geographical Indications
- KhatambandApplication no. GI Application No. 204IP India — Registration Details of Geographical Indications
Ways in for a newcomer
- Online and export sales of Christmas and festive ornaments
- Hotel and interior projects using khatamband and walnut carving
- Craft workshops for tourists
- Packaging and shipping services for artisans
Problems the cluster faces
- Dependence on tourism and export cycles
- Shortage and cost of walnut timber
- Cheap imitations
- Low income pushes young artisans out
Businesses to start here
Paper Mache Products from Temple Flowers →Wood Carving Unit (Photo Frames) →Wooden Furniture Making →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Walnut Processing (Kernel) Unit →