Bridges, Pastures & Crafts in Old Kashmir Photographs

A collection of old photographs showing everyday life, work, and community scenes in Kashmir from the early twentieth century to the late 1960s. The pictures include a shepherd from the pastoral Chaupan community in high mountain pastures near Harmukh in 1937; the foundation stone ceremony for the University of Kashmir at Hazratbal with notable figures present; the traditional process of making namda felt rugs in the early 1950s with wool layering and pressing; a Gujjar family gathered around fires in forested areas during their semi-nomadic life; boatmen harvesting lotus roots on Dal Lake amid dense growth; and a color view of pedestrians and buildings at Amira Kadal bridge over the Jhelum River in the late 1960s. Simple views of old Kashmir.

August 1937 — Higher mountain pastures near the base of Harmukh. This photograph depicts a Kashmiri shepherd, locally known as a Chaupan or Pohul, a member of a distinct pastoral community whose occupation was traditionally hereditary and endogamous. During the spring season, Chaupan families were entrusted with flocks by villagers from designated clusters and would migrate with them to high-altitude meadows (Behaks) officially assigned by the Revenue Department. Each Behak was subdivided into allotments known as Illak, held collectively by the Chaupan brotherhood, with no external entrant permitted without communal consent. In autumn, the flocks were returned intact to their owners. Remuneration consisted of a fixed quantity of grain and a monetary payment per sheep, supplemented by a customary entitlement of one sheep for every fifty successfully returned, provided the flock was delivered complete.

Foundation stone ceremony of the University at Hazratbal. The stone was laid by Hazrat Mirak Shah Kashani (RA), with Khawaja Noor-ud-Din Sahib also present. The University of Jammu and Kashmir was established through an ordinance issued by Maharaja Hari Singh from Bombay, under which Yuvraj Karan Singh was appointed Chancellor. An initial proposal to house the University at Gulab Mahal Palace (now the Grand Palace Hotel, Srinagar), with certain records shifted to the present Cultural Academy building at Lal Mandi, was ultimately rejected by Maharaja Hari Singh. Subsequently, a 120-acre orchard known as Amar Singh Bagh was donated by Sadr-e-Riyasat Karan Singh for the permanent campus, where the foundation stone was laid. It is noteworthy that the first Convocation of the University was held on 24 September 1949 at S.K. Park, near the General Post Office, Srinagar.

This photograph documents the traditional namda felt making process in Kashmir during the early 1950s. The craft involved layering cleaned sheep wool on a mat, sprinkling it with soapy water, and repeatedly rolling and pressing the fibers to form a dense felt sheet. Tools such as the pinjra were used to apply pressure and ensure uniform felting. After the sheet was properly compacted, it was sun-dried and later decorated with detailed Aari embroidery, often featuring natural and floral motifs. Namda making represents a blend of functional textile production and decorative artistry, reflecting long-established craft traditions and skilled manual labor within Kashmiri material culture.

This early twentieth century photograph documents everyday life of the Gujjar community in the forested regions of Kashmir. Families are seen gathered around small fires beneath tall trees, reflecting a semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyle closely connected to woodland and mountain environments. Gujjar communities traditionally relied on seasonal movement, livestock herding, and temporary forest settlements, adapting their daily routines to changing weather and grazing cycles. The scene captures domestic activity, shared spaces, and the use of fire for warmth and cooking, offering a rare visual record of community life that remained largely unchanged for generations. The image preserves an important historical view of indigenous pastoral culture and its relationship with Kashmir’s natural landscape in the early twentieth century.

This early twentieth century photograph captures lotus root harvesting on Dal Lake in Srinagar, a traditional livelihood practiced by lake-dwelling communities. Boatmen are seen working among dense lotus growth, using small wooden boats to navigate shallow waters while collecting lotus roots from the lakebed. The activity required strong swimming ability, balance, and familiarity with seasonal lake conditions, skills passed down through generations. Lotus root harvesting formed an important part of the local food economy and reflected the close relationship between Kashmiri communities and the wetlands of Dal Lake. The image preserves a rare visual record of everyday labor and water-based life that shaped the cultural and economic landscape of Srinagar.

This color photograph from the late 1960s shows Amira Kadal bridge crossing the Jhelum River in Srinagar. The bridge served as an important link between the commercial quarters on either side of the river and was a central feature of urban movement in the city. Surrounding buildings, riverbanks, and pedestrian activity reflect the architectural character and daily life of Srinagar during the mid twentieth century. Amira Kadal formed part of a network of historic bridges that shaped trade routes, social interaction, and city growth along the Jhelum. The image preserves a visual record of Srinagar’s urban landscape before major changes in infrastructure and riverfront development.