Changthang in Ladakh is home to the goats with the silken coat, the Changthangi, or pashmina goats.
Changpa nomads live in the Changthang plateau in Ladakh. They are the guardians of the Changthangi, or pashmina goats. As winter descends they retreat to lower altitudes.
As with the lifestyles of so many of India’s nomadic communities, the Changpas too face a multitude of threats, not least from changing weather patterns in Ladakh and the exodus of youth who set out to chart themselves a different future.
Kashidakari, more popularly known as Kashmiri embroidery, evolved under the patronage of Persian and Mughal rulers. While not much is known about the origins of this craft, legend has it that a Persian sufi saint brought the skill to Kashmir. What started as a skilled craft, soon became a source of domestic employment as farming in the harsh winters was not possible. Inspired by the scenic locales of Kashmir, Kashidakari draws heavily from the flora of the state. However, human and animal figures are not a part of this style of embroidery. A unique feature of Kashidakari is the Kashmiri tea pot. Known for its simple chain stitches, this embroidery done mostly on silk and wool is a global rage.
Changpa nomads live in the Changthang plateau in Ladakh. They are the guardians of the Changthangi, or pashmina goats. As winter descends they retreat to lower altitudes.
As with the lifestyles of so many of India’s nomadic communities, the Changpas too face a multitude of threats, not least from changing weather patterns in Ladakh and the exodus of youth who set out to chart themselves a different future.
Kashidakari, more popularly known as Kashmiri embroidery, evolved under the patronage of Persian and Mughal rulers. While not much is known about the origins of this craft, legend has it that a Persian sufi saint brought the skill to Kashmir. What started as a skilled craft, soon became a source of domestic employment as farming in the harsh winters was not possible. Inspired by the scenic locales of Kashmir, Kashidakari draws heavily from the flora of the state. However, human and animal figures are not a part of this style of embroidery. A unique feature of Kashidakari is the Kashmiri tea pot. Known for its simple chain stitches, this embroidery done mostly on silk and wool is a global rage.
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