Background
Kashmir valley, which is known for its art and crafts, is a home to the tradition of shawl weaving and embroidery work. Kanihama, a small village on Srinagar-Gulmarg highway is known for kani shawl, one of the most popular shawl varieties.
The original name of the village was “Gund Karhama” until it became famous for Kani Shawl and hence was named Kanihama ( Kani for Kani Shawl and Hama for Village ). Apart from agriculture Kani weaving is mainstay of the village economy.
The shawl developed here are exported to Europe and America. Apart from the foreign buyer, the domestic market also accept the product with great interest.
Details –
Number of handlooms – 250
Number of weavers – 600
Handloom products – kani shawl, scarf, jamawar.
Cluster Accessibility –
Kanihama is well connected with Roadways, Railways and Airways.
Roadways – 1 km away from Magam Bus stop.
Railways – 0.5 km away from Magam railway station
Airways- 25 km away from Srinagar international airport.
Reference – http://handlooms.nic.in/User_Panel/UserView.aspx?TypeID=1242