Shabir Ahmad Dar

Shabir Ahmad Dar is a skilled Kani shawl artisan from Batapora, Kanihama, Magam, Kashmir, with over 30 years of experience in the traditional craft of handwoven Kani shawls. Born and raised in the heart of Kanihama—the historic center of Kani weaving—he has dedicated his life to preserving one of Kashmir’s most celebrated textile traditions. Using the intricate taleem (coded design) system and handcrafted wooden kanis (small bobbins), Shabir Ahmad Dar creates shawls that reflect exceptional precision, patience, and artistic excellence. His work embodies the heritage of Kashmiri craftsmanship, with every shawl woven through countless hours of meticulous handwork. Through his decades of experience, he continues to uphold the authenticity, elegance, and cultural legacy of the GI-tagged Kani Shawl, ensuring that this centuries-old art form is carried forward for future generations.