Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Pune Team Documents Kashmir's Endangered Houseboat Craft
In Kashmir, there's a special way of building houseboats that's been around for a long time, but it's in danger of disappearing.
A group of people from Pune decided to study and document this unique craft.
They learned that houseboats are made from a special wood called deodhar, which is getting harder to find.
Because of pollution, new houseboats haven't been allowed since 1988.
The team talked to the people who build the boats to record their knowledge.
They're hoping to save this tradition, which is part of Kashmir's history.
A Pune-based team documented Kashmir's endangered houseboat-building tradition.
Houseboat construction is threatened by a lack of deodhar wood and the ban on new construction since 1988.
The project, funded by the British Museum, documented the craft before it disappears.
The team interviewed master craftspersons and recorded the construction process to preserve knowledge.
The study aims to counter the narrative that the British invented houseboats, highlighting their local roots.
- Who
- A team of researchers from Pune, master craftspersons, and the British Museum.
- What
- Documentation of the endangered craft of building houseboats in Kashmir.
- When
- The documentation project was carried out over a year and recently concluded.
- Where
- Kashmir Valley
- Why
- To preserve the knowledge of houseboat construction, which is at risk due to lack of materials and a ban on new construction.
Misconception of Houseboat Origin
Local Kashmiri Tradition
Origin of houseboats
Misconception of Houseboat Origin
The British invented the houseboat.
Local Kashmiri Tradition
Houseboats are an evolution of the local doonga.
- Main Material
- Deodhar wood
- Ban on new houseboats
- Since 1988
- Remaining Houseboats
- Fewer than 750
- Project Funding
- British Museum's Endangered Material Knowledge Programme
- Primary Focus
- Documenting boat-building traditions as heritage craft