Mahatta & Co.: Preserving Kashmir's Legacy Through the Lens for Over a Century

Inside Kashmir's oldest photo studio: Rare look at Mahatta & Co.'s 100-year legacy

Established in 1905 by Amarnath and Ram Chand Mehta, Mahatta & Co. has been a silent witness to Kashmir's history, preserving its people, landscapes, and traditions through photography. The studio introduced color photography to Srinagar in 1957 and became a hub for portraits, historic events, and notable figures. Despite challenges like Partition and modernization, Mahatta has adapted, transforming into a cultural space with an art gallery, a café, and a digital archive. As its legacy continues, Mahatta & Co. remains a timeless keeper of Kashmir's rich heritage, ensuring its stories endure for generations. Mar 17, 2025
The Art of Kashmiri Paper Mache by Mirza Altaf Beigh

This 50-year-old artisan is guardian of Kashmir's dying art of paper mache

In the quiet lanes of Bhagwanpora, Srinagar, 50-year-old Mirza Altaf Beigh dedicates his life to preserving the centuries-old art of Kashmiri paper mache. A proud torchbearer of his family's legacy, which dates back to the 14th century, Mirza crafts exquisite items like jewelry boxes, flower vases, and antique designs—all by hand, using self-made tools. Jan 19, 2025