Waterways & Community Life in Old Kashmir Photographs

A collection of old photographs showing everyday routines and shared moments in Kashmir during the twentieth century. The pictures include women collecting water from the River Jhelum in Gandarbal in 1944 with earthen pots; houseboats and shikaras along Dal Lake Boulevard in Srinagar during the 1930s with early urban development; women and children conversing inside a traditional donga boat on a waterway in 1920; Kashmiri Pandit devotees gathered at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tullamulla around 1900; a woman in traditional attire and jewelry in a 1955 portrait; and a finely engraved three-piece metal tea set with tray from the 1890s. Simple views of old Kashmir.

This photograph from 1944 shows women collecting water from the River Jhelum at Gandarbal, illustrating an essential aspect of everyday life in Kashmir during the mid twentieth century. One woman is seen filling a vessel at the riverbank, while another carries a large earthen pot balanced on her head, demonstrating the physical skill and routine labor involved in water collection. At the time, the Jhelum served as a primary source of drinking water and household use for many communities living along its banks. The open river landscape and absence of built infrastructure reflect a period when daily survival depended directly on natural water sources. This image preserves a quiet yet powerful record of labor, resilience, and the central role of the river in sustaining Kashmiri life.

This photograph from the 1930s presents a wide view of Dal Lake in Srinagar, showing rows of houseboats, shikaras, and early development along what later became known as Boulevard Road. The lake appears busy with waterborne activity, reflecting its role as a central space for residence, transport, and tourism. Construction along the lakefront marks a significant phase in Srinagar’s urban expansion during the Dogra period, when organized road infrastructure was introduced beside traditional lake life. The alignment of houseboats, movement of boats, and distant hills together illustrate the coexistence of natural landscape and planned development. This image documents an important transitional moment when Dal Lake remained the heart of Srinagar’s social and economic life while modern road connectivity was gradually taking shape along its shores.

This photograph from 1920 shows women and children seated inside a traditional donga boat in Srinagar, offering a rare glimpse into everyday domestic and social life on Kashmir’s waterways. The women sit facing each other in close conversation, reflecting the communal and informal interactions that commonly took place during river travel. A young child sits between them, while another remains partially concealed near the front of the boat, emphasizing the family-oriented nature of such journeys. A metal water vessel placed on the wooden floor illustrates the practical objects carried during daily movement on the river. The enclosed structure and simple interior of the donga highlight its use as both transport and social space. This image preserves an intimate moment from Srinagar’s water-based culture, when rivers and boats formed an essential extension of home and community life.

This photograph from around 1900 shows Kashmiri Pandit devotees assembled at the Tullamulla shrine, widely known as the site of the Kheer Bhawani temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Groups of men, women, and children are seen gathered on the raised stone platforms and balconies of the shrine complex, reflecting collective worship and communal participation in religious observances. The architectural elements, including carved railings, open courtyards, and surrounding trees, highlight the traditional layout of the shrine during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Such gatherings were closely linked to annual festivals and ritual offerings, drawing devotees from across the Kashmir Valley. The image serves as an important visual record of religious life, pilgrimage culture, and community identity among Kashmiri Pandits at the turn of the century.

This portrait from 1955 shows a Kashmiri woman dressed in traditional attire, reflecting customary clothing and personal adornment worn during the mid twentieth century. Her garments include layered robes suited to the climate, while the elaborate jewelry, such as large earrings and chest ornaments, highlights regional aesthetic traditions and social identity. The head covering and braided hair further emphasize established cultural norms of dress and presentation. Such ornaments were commonly worn during daily life as well as on ceremonial occasions, serving as expressions of heritage, craftsmanship, and family custom. The photograph preserves a dignified and direct representation of Kashmiri womanhood during a period when traditional dress and material culture remained an integral part of everyday life.

This finely crafted three piece tea set with an accompanying tray dates to the 1890s and represents the high level of metalwork achieved by Kashmiri artisans during the late nineteenth century. The set displays detailed floral and geometric engraving combined with colored enamel work, reflecting traditional techniques passed down through generations of craftsmen. Such tea services were often produced for elite households and export, showcasing Kashmir’s reputation for refined decorative arts. The delicate handles, spouted forms, and richly ornamented surfaces demonstrate both aesthetic sensitivity and technical mastery. Preserved today as a historical artifact, this tea set stands as a testament to Kashmir’s long tradition of skilled craftsmanship and the cultural value placed on artistry and material heritage during that period.