Who is Abdul Majeed Zargar? Kashmir’s last Mukh craftsman keeping alive wooden shuttle used in Pashmina weaving

Abdul Majeed Zargar, a 75-year-old craftsman from Amda Kadal Jogiwan, Srinagar, is one of the last Mukh artisans in Kashmir, responsible for creating the small wooden shuttles essential for weaving Pashmina shawls. Pashmina, a luxurious fabric crafted from the Changthangi goat's undercoat, undergoes 12 to 14 manual processes before it transforms into the renowned shawls.

Zargar, who discovered the Mukh craft by accident, faced initial difficulties and nearly abandoned the craft. However, he persevered after meeting a trader who recognized the value of his work. Today, factory-made shuttle boats have replaced Mukhs, leaving few opportunities for artisans like Zargar. Despite this, Zargar remains committed to preserving the craft, believing that the Mukh is the foundation of Pashmina. He hopes that the craft will continue even after he is gone, as long as he can keep making them.