By Sahil Manzoor Bhatti

In Srinagar’s old city, the sound of hammers on copper once marked Kashmir’s tradition. Artisans shaped flower pots, samovar trophies, trays, and cookware by hand, using skills passed down for generations.

Introduced in the 14th century by Shah Hamdaan (RA), the copper industry supported thousands of families and became a symbol of the region’s cultural identity.

Now, those hammer strikes are slowly fading into silence.

Today, mass-produced copperware floods the market. Machine-made imitations, cheap and shoddy, are sold at prices far below what an artisan can afford to charge.

Even worse, adulterated copper items slip into the supply chain, undermining consumer confidence. Many buyers, tourists and locals alike, hesitate before purchasing what used to be Kashmir’s proud signature souvenirs.

Behind this decline lies a broader failure. The region’s economy struggles under layers of........

© Kashmir Observer