The origins of papermâché crafts in Kashmir date back to the 15th century. And the credit for bringing this art form to Kashmir is said to be attributed to Kashmir's eighth ruler, Zain-ul-Abidin. He discovered this art while still Prince of Kashmir in Samarkand, Central Asia. That's when he became intrigued by ppapermâché crafts. When he returned to Kashmir, he brought many craftsmen with him to the valley to train his subjects there. Another legend holds that this art was brought to Kashmir by a Sufi poet and saint named Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani. It came from Iran to Kashmir in the mid-14th century. Britain brought 700 artisans from Iran.
The process of making the paper-mâché craft begins with dipping the paper pulp into boiling water. Glue is additionally added to the ground paper mass. This process uses a traditional adhesive that mixes water and natural starch to a heavy cream consistency. Oil is added to keep it looking light and smooth.
