's First Step...Page 4 SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine If you can't go...Page 3 Preserve ‘Rare Jewels’ in purity

Mansar Lake J K Vaid Have you ever noticed that for reaching Mansar lake, you have to ascend though a (Plane Table Survey with Alidate on 1:2000 scale, Use of Klyen Sub-Surface Sampler for hill slope from southern Samba side? From northern Battal side (on Dhar - Udhampur bathymetry and water sample collection at depths of lake water column and allied tech- I am sure you all must have visited the popular picnic spots of Jammu - Mansar Lake road) also there is a gentle upward gradient towards the lake. Isn't this peculiar? Nor- nical studies. The first time base line data on Mansar and Surinsar lakes is tabulated and the nearby Surinsar Lake. However, you may not be that much conscious of many mally, the lakes are found in depressions and you have to go down to access them. Gen- below:- a unique feature pertaining to the twin lakes, as have been revealed in the recent scien- erally, only glacial lakes such as Kaplas Kund also called as Vaskund at 13500 feet height National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) has also been undertaking Water Quality Sur- tific studies carried out by Geological Survey Of India (GSI). In the first ever systemat- in the Kaplas Range in Bhadarwah area, are formed at great heights due to scooping veys of the Mansar and Surinsar Lake Waters collected from surface, periodically. Their ic Geoenvironmental Survey in 1996-97 by a team of three Geologists, two Surveyors action of moving ice (glaciers) on the rocks over very prolonged period of times. findings of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the lake waters conform with analytical and two Chemists of GSI under my guidance and supervision, a wealth of base-line data So, Mansar lake is formed on a Structural High called as an Anticline in geological reports of GSI carried out more than two decades ago. has been generated and many myths regarding depth of the lakes, apprehensions about parlance. Anticline means an arch of rocks with its high turned upwards. Same is true their shrinkage or siltation and pollution or environmental degradation etc. have been Conclusion: for its sister lake called as Surinsar, situated at 11.7 Km Northwest (N55W) of Mansar exploded. So we are lucky to have such beauties in the form of two very deep fresh water lakes It is high time that this published scientific data be given wide publicity by the con- in Jammu which still enjoy pristine glory of environment. Any future surveys of this cerned quarters such as Mansar & Surinsar Lakes Development Authority, Departments nature would reveal the updated status of the lakes at that time. This is the first ever of Tourism and Information etc. through revised/updated brochures. The abstract ver- baseline data generated which will be useful in the future studies for comparative assess- sion of this data is published in Records Of Geological Survey Of India, Vol.131 Part-8: ment. Of course, the modern surveying techniques using Digital Total Station Surveys Extended Abstracts Of Progress Reports Of Northern Region : Field Season 1996-97, would yield high precision data for area calculations and the same is recommended. It P.16 - 24. Full report on Geoenvironmental Appraisal Of Mansar & Surinsar Lakes, issued does not involve much cost factor also. Technical experts need also to be taken on board in 2001, is also available with Geological Survey Of India. in course of development activities at and around the lakes. In the year 1977, Surinsar lake was surveyed by Department of Geology & Mining, J&K Government by Plane Table RELIGIOUS BELIEFS & MYTHS : mapping on 1 : 2000 scale. That report was also consulted in the studies by GSI. On com- Mansar lake is considered to be abode of a Hindu serpent god, Sheshnag by the locals parison of 2 maps on same scale of 1:2000, one prepared by DGM in 1977 and the oth- and populace of surrounding areas and some religious rites such as mundan ceremonies er by GSI in 1996 , it was found that there is no change in depth or area of Surinsar lake are performed here for their sons by many families at the ancient Sheshnag temple, locat- in 19 years time. No early data on accurate surveys existed for Mansar lake. ed at northeastern margin of the lake. Even to this day, locals and many others believe lake. The core of this anticline has a number of fractures or faults, including cross-faults. This, however, doesn't mean that we should not take due care about the ecology and that the lake doesn't have any bottom. In other words they mean that the depth of the It is these fractures or faults which have resulted in spring activity in the lake basins pollution of the lakes. We must preserve them in all purity and beauty. Mansar and lake is so great that it cannot be fathomed. Well, when oceans can be fathomed, why not (Mansar and Surinsar) yielding perennial source of lake waters. Most of the lake waters Surinsar lakes are amongst the deepest fresh water lakes in India. We have much deep- a small lake? Science has made all that possible. are coming from below, welling up as copious springs along the fracture planes, in arte- er lakes in , but they are not fresh water, they are brackish waters, remnants of Origin of the Lakes sian conditions.. great seas of the past with enchanting geological history. Kashmir lakes which also are Regarding the formation or origin of the lakes also, there are mythological stories Next time you visit Mansar or Surinsar, please note that no stream or nala is feed- fresh water lakes are of much lesser depths, Mansbal being the deepest one amongst such as - the great Arjuna of Mahabharata times shot an arrow to carve out twin lakes ing the lakes for water source and the catchment area of both the lakes is also very lim- them at around 10 metres depth. Nainital lake at the noted hill station Nainital in Uttrak- of Mansar and Surinsar. But such magical things are very hard to digest, especially by ited i.e. less than one sq km, the annual rainfall of the area being about 1400 mm. In hand is considered to be very deep. It, however, is 18 metres only at its deepest point. the modern educated generation. These lakes have been formed by a well defined rare other words both the lakes are closed drainage type. The lakes can be approached from N.H. 44 off Samba and from Jammu, as well as geological process during mountain building diastropic processes. In short they are net Facts & Figures: Udhampur, at short distance of 23 km, 60 km and 45 km respectively. result of God given boon. So let us have the facts about the twin lakes, as revealed by authentic ground surveys (The author is a noted Geologist & Retd. Director Geological Survey of India)

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// A blend of Art, Culture & Heritage Sunny Dua unique collections through an online portal as well. Having sold her hand woven, hand crafted and hand embroidered shawls Persistent campaigns against leather products only to save in Australia, London and even Varuna Anand in an exclusive extinct animals and not harm them for pleasure or products interview to The Daily Excelsior said sky is the limit when it while have forced international clothing brands to stop killing comes to maintaining quality and marketing ‘The Splendour of or harming crocodiles, snakes, rabbits including Chiru goat for Kashmir’. She said, ‘though Pashmina comes from Changthang producing leather or extracting Shahtoosh respectively, it has Plateau in Tibet and parts of Ladakh region but weaving and also opened avenues for Pashmina - a fibre which is produced doing embroidery on it is an expertise that wrests with weavers without harming any animal but is globally appreciated and is of Kashmir alone’. in big demand. This is the reason Kashmir as well as Basohli Launched in November 2011 Splendour of Kashmir is in its Shawls in Jammu and Kashmir are among the most exquisite 9th year now. A qualified textile designer, Varuna revealed that textile ever woven that display exemplary skill and artistry. Pashmina shawls designed in Kashmir are most sought-after World’s most delicate fibre, Pashmina is basically a fibre textiles in the world but lack of knowledge makes many end up that grows in between hair of a particular goat that’s found in buying either fake or entirely a different product. Late Dr S S high altitude regions of China, Afghanistan, Mangolia, Ladakh, Dua who had established Upshi Pashmina farm in Ladakh Tibet, Nepal, Iran and other central Asian republics during region during his stint in sheep husbandry department also extreme winters to protect the animal. This when sheered is de- used to say that buying authentic Pashmina is itself an art and haired, made into looms, then thread and finally women into not everyone’s cup of tea. fine Pashmina Shawls. From here onwards, art lovers and tex- His simple household test of Pashmina fibre was to burn a tile designers like Varuna Anand begin their journey of promot- thread and tell its authenticity by its smell. Wool, synthetic and Varuna Anand ing art of doing embroidery on Pashmina shawls and showcas- Pashmina residue all smell different after burning, he used to ing finished goods around the globe. Pashmina shawls have been worn by the royals and elites and market fake products as well. Several such people who skilled craftsmen of Kashmir, be it a woven or a hand embroi- for centuries. Unless hard work and craftsmanship of breeders, From the timeless Kani shawls intricately claim to be so called champions of Pashmina products have dered shawl as they transcend any other imitation or its equiv- weavers, combers, spinners, dyers, tracers, pattern makers and even made several unsuccessful attempts to grab Padamshree. alent. The delicacy & softness of the Kashmir Shawl have been embroiders that goes into making of a masterpiece is not mar- hand woven on the looms to the extensive According to Varuna, after Banaras and South Silk that pro- a focal attraction to this venerated textile from time immemo- keted well to reach end users, products woven out of a fibres hand embroideries done on fine Pashmina mote their respective states, Pashmina has always kept flag of rial” she had informed a select gathering at Indian High Com- that’s as fine and thin as 12 to 15 microns is just an artwork wait- India unfurl by being most sought after possession of Jammu mission, London. ing for its admirers. To simplify this task, Varuna Anand has shawls, an art which requires high skill and Kashmir. Art work done on shawls intricately here not only Varuna connects this ancient handcrafted textile to not only put in her best efforts to not only float ‘The Splendor of Kash- finds admirers around the globe but also makes people incul- politics, business and fashion but also believes that it symbol- mir’ (SK) but also made it a brand to reckon with around the and an incredible amount of dedication, cate a desire to own this piece of ‘art’ at whatever cost. ises romance and fashion in a big way. Imitations have abound- globe. commitment and whole hearted devotion. Giving credit to Naqashdars (embroiders) and those who ed for centuries, but none has succeeded in producing the inim- It was towards this end that Varuna was recently invited at give finishing touches to the final product, she said Rafugars itable delicacy of warp and weft, of material and design that St. James Court, London by the Indian High Commission (IHC) (Repairers) are also an important link in entire chain of shawl comprise the legendary beauty of the Jamavar shawl. The to showcase curated art pieces and speak on the ‘art of making say. The Splendor of Kashmir, according to Varuna also believes making. During Mughal era when Pashmina shawls were taxed, woven wonders of Kashmir are called Kani shawls. They are Pashmina shawls’ where Indian High Commissioner, Ruchi in wining trust of its prize possession holders by providing them people started making them in small pieces and then Rafudars woven on looms with the help of Kanis. Kanis are small eye- Ghanshyam also delivered welcome address and had all praise with traditional hand-made and hand-woven shawls on which sewed them together to make a one piece shawl which was less bobbins used instead of the shuttle. These wooden spin- for J&K artisans for not only weaving delicate fibre but also doing embroidery takes even one or more year. unable to be detected with naked eyes. Having held exhibitions dles work most while weaving a shawl on the loom. doing intricate embroidery on finished product. Varuna’s top Describing a well crafted Pashmina shawl as a ‘piece of art’, at Delhi, Jammu, Haryana, Mumbai, Udaipur, Chennai, Luc- The weaver actually possesses no copy of the design except line brand ‘Heirloom’ has even made her won "Creative Women she said that expert hands weave them and expert designers know and now in London she is continuing with her tirade. in this notation. The manuscript or Talim of a melody lies in Entrepreneur" award by Business World Magazine. trace patterns on them before they are handed over to skilled Narrating an anecdote she said, ‘once a man from USA’s front of him, and from this he weaves the pattern that we see. Crediting weavers and artisans for creating masterpieces, craftsman or women to use multi-coloured threads for doing Napa Valley from Grace Family Vineyard bought a Pashmina Kani shawl Weaving is meticulously regulated by a coded pat- Varuna was chivalrous enough to speak at London where she embroidery. “The cost of one Pashmina shawl in terms of mon- shawl only after conforming that Varuna doesn’t deal in Shah- tern, known as the Talim drawn by the Naqashdar for guidance said, “The art of Shawl making comes down from generation to ey may be high but the value it adds to one’s wardrobe which is toosh shawls only to ascertain that Splendor of Kashmir is not of the weaver. It’s an extremely difficult and time consuming generation by skilful craftsmen, who take great pride in the also passed on to generations is priceless”, Varuna Anand into banned articles, products or promotes animal killings. procedure done by specialized weavers. pieces of art they create. Each shawl is a piece of art created by asserted. That’s the reputation we enjoy’. While displaying curated col- Each Kani shawl can take anything from 10 – 16 months to these talented artisans and weavers who work painstakingly, Erstwhile kings and queens, she said wore Pashmina and lection to ‘The Art Effect’, she revealed that SK is into Kani and weave depending on the intricacy of the design. The Sui Kaam with utmost dedication and devotion, converting them into Shahtoosh shawls as robes to display their royalty. Pashmina Jamavar besides other geometric patterns that have been done Jamavars are virtually a piece of Art where needle and thread splendid wonders cherished by collectors and textile enthusi- in fact is a prize possession for its art, cultural and heritage val- very intricately with silk, wool and even tilla besides other interlace in almost a symphony to form motifs (IRI-DEH- asts all over the world”. ue, she said adding it’s because of her grandfather was into tex- threads to add vibrant colours to them and make them more SENT) iridescent on the soft Pashmina fabric, firmly creating While Kashmiri Shawls are famous for their complex craft- tile she chose to become a textile designer as well. Now when acceptable. the pattern yet upholding the strength of the fabric. works, the uniqueness of Basohli shawls lie in a combination of she is promoting ‘art of shawl making’, crafted and curated Varuna at the London event while addressing the guests had The art of shawl making from Kashmir is the impeccable factors that have made it virtually impossible to duplicate any- works of Kashmir have found their admirers in London this said, “These shawls developed over 300 years ago through four way in which a fine fabric like Pashmina is extensively Hand where else in the world. Both Basohli and Kashmir handcraft- year making J&K UT blink on textile maps of the world. periods of foreign political rule over Kashmir. It was success- embroidered or Handwoven. From the timeless Kani shawls ed shawls have won worldwide acclaim for their exquisite “Pashmina is an integrated textile of India and the way we fully ruled by the Mughals, the Afghans, the Sikhs and the intricately hand woven on the looms to the extensive hand designs, craftsmanship and functional utility in their own way market it for professional gains, it automatically generates Dogras where each culture brought its unique contribution to embroideries done on fine Pashmina shawls, an art which but Varuna is into promoting particular craftwork that goes on employment besides helps weavers and breeders indirectly. the ‘Art of Shawl’ making in Kashmir. These changing royal requires high skill and an incredible amount of dedication, com- to the shawl for months together in Kashmir to make it a praise- The more buyers we get for the product, craftsmen create more patronages show the influence of the various cultures this Art mitment and whole hearted devotion. worthy art piece. such masterpieces’, she informed. The negative story attached form was exposed to”. “These shawls are an integral part of the rich textile heritage Having displayed her premier collections of authentic Pash- to this is that several half-baked and not so well versed with the “History stands testimony to the fact that nothing could of our country; it is living heritage one buys only to pass on to mina shawls world over through her exhibitions, she sells her subject people have jumped into the business of shawl making eclipse the raw material and techniques used by these highly ones loved ones as ‘Family Heirlooms’, Varuna asserts.