Reviving 'Gabba' the original carpet making art of J&K
Only few are aware of the fact that Gabba carpets were the original carpets from Jammu and Kashmir.
NATURE HAS its own magic wand especially when you witness Gool, some 53 kms from Ramban(NH-1A) Jammu. It is an amazing experience that how two or more places on this earth can be so incredibly beautiful. Lush green meadows, snowcapped Pirpanjal mountains and gently rolling Basantadar ridge— they couldn’t look more different, but each showcases a kind of beauty all its own. If you are an ardent fan of the handiwork of nature as well as human, and one would like to catch a glimpse of the diversity of Gool. Blessed with all the natural bounties and dwelling on a panoramic location, this unexplored paradise has also untold chapters of history.
Nestling in the shelter of lush and virgin forests full of deodars and lilies which cover many unexplored hills, Gool is a tiny hamlet with a small population. To add to the unexplored beauty of Gool, this small hamlet boasts about Gabba. The art of Gabba weaving was first originated in Gool. Gabba is a hand-woven pile rug of coarse quality characterized by an abstract design that relies upon open fields of colour. Only few are aware of the fact that Gabba carpets were the original carpets from Jammu and Kashmir.
Nestling in the shelter of lush and virgin forests full of deodars and lilies which cover many unexplored hills, Gool is a tiny hamlet with a small population. To add to the unexplored beauty of Gool, this small hamlet boasts about Gabba. The art of Gabba weaving was first originated in Gool. Gabba is a hand-woven pile rug of coarse quality characterized by an abstract design that relies upon open fields of colour. Only few are aware of the fact that Gabba carpets were the original carpets from Jammu and Kashmir.
Ignorant about his skills, he confessed that he is the only gabba instructor in the Jammu and Kashmir region. He teaches this near extinction art form in Gool Handicraft Centre in Partmula. “Since being the only instructor, I also have to visit the Handicraft Centre in Ramban for teaching gabba making. Kashmir has adopted the style of Persia and Iran bidding adieu to gabba weaving. The Kashmiri carpets have no origin in Jammu and Kashmir. The weavers in Jammu and Kashmir have left their own traditional art form for the sake of money. With the commercialization of the kaleens, gabba is lying in the ruins,” he says while straining his eyes on the design pattern. Talking about the changes ushering inside the region, he feels migration and militancy is killing the serene beauty of this place. “The state government has come up to revive the art of gabba making. Funds and high-quality materials are provided. Now a lot of girls from across the state, who wish to be financially independent, are showing interest in the gabba making. Since a single gabba takes approximately 2 months for completion, money is also less. For livelihood, people are moving out for better lifestyle. With the element of commercialization inserted, gabba is getting a fresh lease of life. My only desire is to pass on the art to the next generation,” he adds. The government is trying its best to revive the dying art forms of Jammu and Kashmir. Economics has to intervene in the periphery of art and handicraft. According to Surjit Singh Salathia, Minister of Industry and Commerce, demand for certain art form is the main crux. Recently, the state government has plunged into reviving the dying art forms especially gabba. “We are providing funds regularly to the Handicraft Centres in the region to renew the interest in gabba making. High quality fabrics and threads are provided along with transportation arrangements for the students are organised. We are trying to train the youngsters in Gabba making for improving the economic conditions of the area. The State Handicraft Council has initiated steps to keep gabba weaving in the revived category. If this pilot episode turns out well and demand for gabba increases then more handicraft centres will be opened. The present batch of students will be appointed as the instructors for imparting training. We will definitely cooperate in reviving the fading art form of Gabba,” he adds. The man who has witnessed the good, bad and the ugly seasons in the Jammu and Kashmir region has unflinching courage. He commits to give away his entire life to the art of gabba making. “My sole quest is to keep the traditional art form alive. Tourists are aware about the kaleens but not gabba. Indian tourists can spend big bucks for purchasing simple carpets from some commercialized place at branded shops. This is the agony that killed the fate of gabba,” he signs off.
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