A groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to architectural epigraphy in Kashmir has opened at the Kashmir Arts Emporium on Residency Road, Srinagar. This event represents the region’s most extensive effort to document, translate, and map historical writings found on its buildings.
A Collaborative Effort
The exhibition features detailed drawings, images, and translations of carvings, engravings, and paintings from various historical sites. Dr. Hakim Sameer Hamdani, who spearheaded the project with a year-long grant from the Barakat Trust in London, expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to announce the first open exhibition of calligraphic inscriptions on historic buildings, including khanqahs, mosques, temples, shrines, and mausoleums of Kashmir.”
The project is a collaboration between the School of Architecture, Planning, and Geomatics at the Islamic University of Science and Technology in Awantipora, led by principal investigator Mehran Qureshi. Together, they aim to illuminate the significance of these inscriptions.
Understanding Historical Interpretations
“These inscriptions serve as vital sources of public texts for understanding historical interpretations,” explained Dr. Hamdani. “Collectively, they span over four centuries of dedicatory, religious, and literary writings, beginning with the establishment of Sultanate rule in Kashmir in the 14th century.”
Kashmir, located at the intersection of various civilizations, has become a unique melting pot of diverse religious and cultural traditions. The introduction of Islam and Persianate artistic culture in the 14th century, coinciding with Sultanate rule (1320-1586), catalyzed the development of rich calligraphic traditions.
The Role of Calligraphy in Sufi Khanqahs
As the Sultans consolidated their rule, the practice of inscribing texts of spiritual, historical, and political significance on prominent buildings and public spaces emerged. This strategic display of inscriptions helped cultivate a unique Persianate cultural landscape in Kashmir.
“In major Sufi khanqahs, calligraphy was used extensively in a complex program of textual ornamentation,” Hamdani elaborated. “These inscriptions drew from Quranic verses, Prophetic sayings, and devotional poetry, establishing the spiritual status of various Sufi orders.”
Reviving Lost Treasures
Unfortunately, many of these historical texts have been lost over time due to the reuse of building materials, fires, and weathering. The exhibition aims to revive these lost treasures by showcasing documented sites, translations, photographs, and recreated drawings.
A Rare Glimpse into Kashmir’s Heritage
This landmark exhibition offers a rare glimpse into Kashmir’s rich epigraphic heritage, underscoring the region’s historical and cultural depth through the lens of its architectural inscriptions. By bringing these ancient texts back into the public eye, the exhibition not only preserves but also celebrates the unique cultural framework of Kashmir.
Feature Image: Exhibition on Architectural Epigraphy Opens in Srinagar| Courtesy: Kashmir Life
Architect Fernando Velho Warns Against the Commodification of Goa Through Tradable Land
