Srinagar, Nov 09 (KNO): In the Aali Kadal area of Srinagar's old city, Bait-ul-Meeras, a century-old structure, has been transformed into an art centre and museum.
Hakeem Javed, the coordinator of HELP (Human Effort for Love and Peace) Foundation, and owner of the Bait-ul-Meeras, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the aim is to keep the next generation of Jammu & Kashmir well-informed about the region's rich legacy.
The house actually belonged to a renowned and powerful Pandit family of the Kaul dynasty. As per historical sources, Ram Joo Kaul, a well-known moneylender in his day, resided in this house with his siblings and their families. Between 1885 and 1925, the building was built under the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh, the Dogra king. The Pandit community's religious, political, and social meetings took place mostly in this house.
This structure is recorded in the historical account "Waqaat-e-Kashmir" (Events of Kashmir) by Kashmiri historian Mufti Mohammad Shafi Saadat.
Everything from traditional clothing to crafts, jewellery and utensils from the past Kashmir culture is on display at the heritage structure that serves as an art museum.
"The main aim is to inform and educate young people about the richness of Kashmiri culture. These utensils, jewellery, and traditional clothing are examples of the work and craftsmanship that demonstrate the depth of our ancestors' culture," Hakeem said.
The name of Bait-ul-Meeras, which translates to "the heritage home," was chosen by the HELP Foundation, which founded the art gallery. The coordinator explained that they have programmes here to teach children about the history of carpets and Pashmina shawls, as well as how they are made by hand.
"This four-storey old house is the perfect illustration of the valley's unique architectural style. Several hundred antiques from more than a century ago are on show. These artefacts, which include antique jewellery, silverware, traditional attire, and crafts, were put together for the museum show over the course of almost a year," Javed said
Nuzhat, a media student from Kashmir University said, "I visited Bait-ul-Meeras, a museum with my friends. It is a great step to keep alive our culture and tradition. I am sure you will be amazed after visiting there. The place connects us with our roots. "
"Being a student of Media Folklore and Cultural Studies, the collection literally helped me to understand my subject a bit better," she said, adding, "We should never forget our roots."
An official of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department said, "An NGO is running the Bait-ul-Meeraas, but we are caretakers of some of the old items that need care. We can provide an introduction to schemes; that is our job. Everything else is run by the NGO."
Hakeem Javed, the owner of Bait ul Meeras, said hundreds of locals along with tourists visit the house to learn about the past of Kashmir.
"Hundreds of students have been trained here every year on minimal charges. Many of them who were trained here in computers, calligraphy and other things have started their jobs on their own," he said—(KNO)