Ghulam Nabi Dar
A Kashmiri wood carver who began at ten and is known for designs inspired by the valley's landscapes, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2024.
Ghulam Nabi Dar is a master wood carver from Kashmir. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2024 in the field of art, from Jammu and Kashmir [1].
A life in wood
He was born on 3 April 1957 and began working with wood at about ten [2]. Over time he moved from traditional patterns to designs of his own, drawn from the natural landscapes of Kashmir [2].
Recognition
He won a state award in 1984 and the national award for craftsmanship in 1995–96 [2]. His work has taken him abroad, including to Baghdad in 1978, as well as to Indonesia, Thailand and Europe [2]. His carvings are found in homes, galleries and museums in India and beyond [2].
Dar continues to teach young carvers and to take part in efforts to keep Kashmir’s traditional crafts alive [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2024: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 15 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2024: citation for Ghulam Nabi Dar — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 15 October 2026.
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