Mandala art and Kashmir’s shikara sorceress

All of 21, Mahira Shah has been winning hearts as well as accolades for her mandala artwork. Her path has been a challenging one but she has pursued it against odds. Here is her story in her own words:

I was born in Pinglish village of Tral tehsil, beneath the majestic Shikargah mountain. This mountain was once the hunting ground of Hari Singh, the then ruler of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Growing up in a middle class family of five, I was presented with a blend of blessings and challenges. I can vividly recall my father’s wise words, “Asav na tae lasav kith path” (If we don’t laugh, how can we survive)? As he held my hand and drew a coloured line amidst the horizontal black lines on a scrap of paper, he reminded me of the importance of laughter for our very existence.

I was the youngest among two sisters and a brother. I attended Madrasa Taleem-ul-Islam School where I was an average yet enthusiastic student. However, the course of my education took an unexpected turn when I was in class 10. My parents arranged my marriage then in the neighbouring district of Anantnag. Nevertheless, I have emerged as Kashmir’s pioneering woman mandala artist, earning a place in the India Book of Records for creating ‘world’s smallest mandala shikara’  with my artwork that measures 29.4 cm x 21 cm. My journey, however, has been a blend of both joy and sorrow, shaped by the circumstances surrounding my early marriage.

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I have been fortunate to have a supportive husband and in-laws who prioritise my artistic endeavours over household chores. My journey into the world of mandala art was unexpected. I created an artwork during a family trip with just a few lines, painted the name of Kashmir’s famous YouTube artist, Mahi Amir, on it, and shared it on social media. The positive feedback I received fueled me to explore mandala art further. With no formal education, infrastructure or mentors, I initially felt discouraged. However, my passion compelled me to persevere. I dedicated myself to learning every detail of mandala art through self-study, sacrificing sleep to wake up early and stay up late at night. My hard work and dedication paid off. 

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Inspired by the rich pottery tradition of Kashmir, I infused the essence of the region into my creations on pottery and canvas, showcasing them on various social media platforms. One evening, while exhausted from my daily chores, inspiration struck me as I conceived the idea of crafting a paper rendition of a shikara (boat). Undeterred by three days of backaches and weary eyes, I meticulously completed the intricate work, eagerly sharing it on social media. The moment my phone began chiming incessantly with notifications remains etched in my memory. The first person I excitedly shared this news with was my father, who had shed tears when our meagre income couldn’t stretch to afford watermelon and fried fish.

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From that point onward, success reverberated through my life as I garnered recognition. Despite entering into marriage at the age of 16, I have transformed into a devoted housewife, a nurturing mother and a celebrated artist. Now, my ambitions extend further, as I aspire to establish my own brand, Mahira Artworks, to showcase the art form. Today, while tending to my 2-year-old son, Esa, and offering support to my husband, Inam Shah, who is a cinematographer, I deftly balance the demands of my matriculation examinations and the never-ending household responsibilities. My ultimate endeavour is to create a masterpiece – a miniature mandala kangri (fire pot).

I also wish to immortalise the pirs (Muslim saints) of Kashmir like Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and Sheikh-ul-Alam on a global stage. I believe in the transformative power of art, which is capable of bridging gaps and nurturing harmony among diverse communities. My aim is to showcase the distinct cultures of each region of the country through my art, helping them gain recognition and appreciation from around the world.

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