KU student revives Kashmir’s traditional Waggu craft

Ada Bhat
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24 Apr 2026

Tanzeela learned from father; family received GI tag; 20 women employed; bulk orders now coming after exhibitions

In Roni Mohallah of Mir Behri in Srinagar, Tanzeela is working to continue the craft of Waggu making. She is a student at University of Kashmir, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Persian. Along with her studies, she makes Waggu at home and also employs others in the same work.

Reed mats, locally known as Waggu, have been part of life in Kashmir for centuries. The craft dates back to the 16th century and is linked to Mirza Haider Daughlat. These mats were made from reeds collected from wetlands around Dal and Nageen lakes and were used in homes, shikaras, and houseboats. Over time, the use of Waggu has reduced with the introduction of other flooring materials.

Tanzeela learned the craft from her father, Ghulam Hussain, who has been associated with this work for many years. Her grandfather was also involved in the same craft.

“My father used to do this work, and I developed an interest. After my studies, I used my free time to learn this. I have been doing it for two to three years, but my father has been doing it for a long time. My grandfather also did this work, and I want to take it forward," Tanzeela said.

In the beginning, the family received few orders. Over time, they started taking part in exhibitions, which brought more people into contact with their work. “When we started, we did not get many orders. But after the exhibitions, people contacted us. Now we receive bulk orders, and to complete them, we have workers who help us," the young artisan said.

She now provides work to around 20 women from the locality, most of whom are middle-aged. The work is done from home, which allows them to manage their households along with earning an income. Tanzeela said, “When orders increased, we spoke to people here so that they could also get work. We told them they can work from home and earn.”

Ghulam Hussain, her father, manages the marketing side of the work. “I went to Delhi and later got a GI tag. I used to handle the work, then my daughter showed interest. I manage the marketing, and she handles the Waggu work. She has taken this work outside the home and provided employment in our neighbourhood. I told her to do what she needs, and I will support her," he said.

Maryama, one of the workers, talked about what it meant to resume work on Waggu in Kashmir again. “We used to do this work, but it stopped. Now we are doing it again. Tanzeela gave us this work and told us we can do it from home and earn. We have children and responsibilities. I am learning, and others should also learn so that this continues," she said.

Their work shows how a traditional craft is being continued through family knowledge and shared with others in the community.