Along with other civilizations, mud houses and other things were frequently used in the ancient times in the Kashmir Valley, but with time, the use of these mud houses and other things declined.
Although these clay objects have been replaced by modern technology in today’s history, the tambuknari, a traditional clay musical instrument in the valley, is still used today.
Be it on the occasion of marriage or other ceremonies, the use of tambuknari is inevitable during the music gathering. It is a tool made by mixing clay and water. Its neck is long and hollow. After making such a shape with wet clay, it is cooked well in a furnace, after which colors and pigments are applied to it.
According to experts, the unique musical instrument tambuknari came from Central Asia and over time became an important part of the culture here.
This particular musical instrument is produced in many villages of Kashmir Valley, but now modern techniques are also being used in its production. Early potters used to make tambuknari or other pottery on a hand-operated wheel, but now electric wheels are used.
According to Mohammad Siddiq, a craftsman who makes this musical instrument in the Brain area of Srinagar, though the demand for pottery has decreased in the valley, the demand for tambuknari has not. He said that this instrument is an aspect of the culture of the Kashmir Valley with which people are still associated today.
“I work in my factory from morning to evening and produce at least fifty tambakaris which are bought by the buyers,” he said.
He said that throughout the year I get orders from dealers to whom I supply goods. The said artisan said that a large tobacconary is sold in the market for 250 to 150 rupees. However, he said that there is a need to take steps to promote it at the government level.
