Kashmiri youth keep Quranic calligraphy tradition alive

SRINAGAR - Youth in Kashmir keep the centuries old tradition of Quranic calligraphy alive with their utmost devotion to this great art form.

Calligraphy, known as “Khatati” in Persian and “Khoshnevisi” in Urdu, was popular all over the world especially Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and different parts of India, including Hyderabad, Lucknow and Mumbai.

But in today’s world this precious art form has lost its importance. However, in Kashmir valley, the art is still alive, thanks to the initiative of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages under whose supervision and guidance, young Kashmiri youth are learning this art form.

Young boys and girls get themselves enrolled for a three-year calligraphy diploma course at the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages.

Students say that since calligraphy is a part of rich Kashmiri tradition and culture, they want to keep the art alive and pass it on to the future generation.

“The art of calligraphy has been going on since the time of Mughal king and our teacher out here also encourages us to learn the art so that the art remains alive in Kashmir valley and we can also pass it on to the coming generation,” said Showkat Bhat, a calligraphy student.

“Both boys and girls are interested and it is a good thing. But yes, as for boys they can learn the art and can go outside like they can write on the tombs in graveyards. But for us, we cannot go out but if anyone wants his/her book to be handwritten, we can do that by sitting at home,” said Shaheen Khan, another student.

Quranic calligraphy is a form of artistic writing using the Arabic script. It dates back to the seventh century when calligraphy was written on parchments or papyrus to make copies of the Islamic holy book, the Quran. (ANI)