Why is in news? PM shares article on revival of Kashmir's centuries-old 'Namda' craft
Namda is a type of traditional Kashmiri felted carpet that is created using sheep wool and has colourful hand embroidery.
The distinct feature of this Kashmiri craft is that wool is felted and not woven.
Namda Craft is extensively used in Kashmir households for floor covering and mattresses.
It is said to have begun in the 16th century when Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to get a covering for his horses to protect them from the cold.
It was introduced by a Sufi saint named Shah-e-Hamdan to Kashmiris.
It is usually a sandwich of many layers of wool flattened over each other.
After a layer is spread, it is sprinkled homogeneously with water and pressed with a tool known as ‘pinjra’ (woven willow wicker).
Unique themes and floral patterns provide the themes for these masterpieces and flowers and leaves, buds and fruits are the essence of the designs.
It is practised as a craft in several cultures, especially in the countries throughout Asia, viz. Iran, Afghanistan and India.
Due to the low availability of raw materials, lack of skilled manpower and marketing techniques, the export of Namda craft has declined almost 100% between 1998 and 2008.
UPSC / PCM - 2026 / NEW REGULAR BATCH STARTS ON SEP-5, 2025 
