AA-9313851

Art of Naqashi and Work on Camel Skin.

Near about 900 years ago a Rajpute family of Multan was impressed by the teachings and preaching of Hazrat Bahau Din Zakaria (R.A) and embraced Islam. That famous family of the time was having relations with fine arts and handicrafts. In these handicrafts were the prepration of things from camel skin and then painting those things by using the skills of the art of Naqashi. In those times these arts were recognized as the arts of culture and civilization in the region, especially in Multan. After embracing Islam the handicrafts people of that family enhanced their arts according to the modern and shining way of Islamic life and rejected the old fashioned non-Islamic methods. Gradually the new styles of Naqashi came into being. This new Muslim family worked hard day and night for the progress; even the products of camel skin and modern Naqashi crossed the boundaries of Multan and spread through out the sub-continent by constructing a sublime effect and gained fame and courage. Generation after generation this art transferred to the periods of Mughal emperors. Muslim Mughal emperors not only liked the art of Naqashi rather they encouraged the artists with gifts and prizes. They made the Multani craft people to decorate their forts, mosques, tombs and buildings in addition to their palaces. Even today the buildings and mosques of historical importance invite to see the good work of Naqashi of that times. From the mysterious buildings of world, one is Taj Mahal (Agra) which was decorated by the Mutani Naqashs, who were especially called for this purpose. Their supreme work of Naqashi is still there with its full grandeur and gravity and affects the observers.

The long artistic journey of the artists of Rajpute Naqash family was continued. The time and the leaders changed, but there was no calamity on the art of Naqashi. This art progressed and prosper with continuity. In 1272, a person of Naqash family played very important role for the enhancement of this everlasting art of Naqashi. Elahi Buksh Naqash established the true methods of Naqashi, created mutual coherence in the balnce of colour and painting and the entire world saw new changes and colour patterns of Naqashi. The work of Elahi Bux is present even today, and may be observed. After Elahi Bux Naqash, his son Ustaad Rahim Bukhsh Naqash and later on his son Ustaad Khuda Bux Naqash kept his work of Naqashi and camel skin on the ways of progress even in the period of English rulers. After khuda Bux Naqash his son Abdullah Naqash changed his art of Naqashi according to the demands of modern times. Even in 1910, he, because of his intellect and abilities invented lamp and shade, enlightened with electric bulb. His new invention gave a new life and spirit to Naqashi and the product of Naqashi.

In 1930 Ustaad Abdullah Naqash got gold medal from Nawab of Bahawalpur for his excellent art and received gold medal from British Govt. in 1936 for his beautiful invention. On February 1933, by the grace of Allah Ustaad Abdullah was blessed by a pretty son. The name of baby was Muhammad Ashiq. With the passage of time this personality grew and he recognized as a great artist of 20th century. Muhammad Ashiq Naqash changed his cultural and forfather's art of Naqashi from traditional methods of those times to the demands of modern time. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash showed his promising Naqashi on vases of camel skin, besides different pots on the articles of wood e.g. furniture, doors, cots, and jewellery boxes and stands etc. He stamped his art of Naqashi on the walls and roofs of various famous buildings of the country. Either it is Awan-e-Iqbal or Serena Hotel, Prime Minister House or assembly Hall, the palaces of Nawabs or the tombs of saints, every building was designed by him with beautiful art of Naqashi.

In a hall of Serena Hotel, Faisalabad, he used his art of Naqashi to decorate, was named "Naqash Hall" on his name. He gained more respect when in 1989, Prince Karim Aagha Khan favoured him with Aagha Khan award. In 1990 Govt. of Pakistan awarded him with presidential award, the Pride of Performance. Remember that, in 1958, Pakistani Governor favoured him with industrial award for his services and patted him for his abilities.

Serena Hotel Faisal-a-Bad

Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash painted Naqashi in Serena Hotel Faisal-a-bad. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash was selected to work in a broad and central hall of Serena Hotel. He painted the walls and roofs of that hall with full zeal and zest. The work that started in 1986, was completed within 3 years. This work of Naqashi in Serena Hotel is not only to see, but also to admire. In 1989, on the occasion of the inauguration of Serena Hotel, Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash was praised by Prince Karim Aagha Khan. On this occasion, ex. President of Pakistan General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (late), ex. Prime Minister of Punjab Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shrief and ex. Governor of Punjab Makhdoom Sajad Hussain Qurashi were present. He was praised and paid rich tribute. The name of the hall was kept "Naqash Hall" on the name of Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash and he was given Aagha Khan award in 1989.

Awan-e-Iqbal Lahore

Lahore, besides being capital of Punjab, is the second big city of Pakistan. The historical buildings of Mughal Emperors are the identities of Lahore. The great poet Allama Iqbal is laying buried here. In this relation, a huge building Allama Iqbal Complex was built. A part of this building is Awan-e-Iqbal. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash was respectfully called to show his Naqashi in this part of Allama Iqbal Complex, Lahore. He painted Awan-e-Iqbal during 1996 and 1997. In this work, a contrast of old and new was observed. His work in Awan-e-Iqbal has historical importance and is a tourch light for new generations and admirable.

Darbar Mehal Bahawalpur

Princes of Bahawalpur State are respected for the guardianship of arts and for the safety and care of the culture and crafts. In this State, Qurashi Nawabs built superb buildings in different periods. In them mosques, forts, tombs and palaces are observable places. Especially the palaces were decorated with Multani Naqashi. In past, the forefathers of Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash decorated these buildings with historical Naqashi. With the passage of time and the influences of seasonal conditions affected these buildings. For to save this historical heritage, Nawab of Bahawalpur Nawab Sadiq Hussain Qurashi invited Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash in 2004. He provided a new life to these buildings. This work was very important. No doubt, he was only to do this work. This was a minor service of art which became a part of Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash's life.

Lok Virsa Islamabad and other companies and institutions continued to gave him shields awards and medals till the end of his life. In 2000, he attended a workshop in French culture center. Besides SARAC Countries, he visited D.8 and AIDO Asia countries. He met with great artists and famous personalities. He, on his visits to Dubai France, Germany and Kenya, exhibited his cultural art of Naqashi. His masterpieces were saved in the museums of UK, Germany Canada and France. A French artist came to Multan to meet him. The unwilling words spoken by him made a part of history. These words were " I found a well in the desert" and no doubt, he was like a well full of sweet and cool water, from which those fond of people got benefits according to their fills. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash gave the idea of Craft Bazar for skilled craft people of Multan for the result of which Multan Craft Bazar came into being and the handicrafts of Multan were gathered under the one roof. An other historical effort of Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash was the creation of Abjad-e-Naqashi (Alphabets of Naqashi) This book guides the students of Naqashi. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash was having many good habits. He was a patriot, offered prayers five times a day and kept fasts, very gentle, very honorable, having elevated thoughts, good character and full of tolerance and patience. He always showed solid resolution, determination, firm belief and continuous efforts. Neither changed political conditions, Governments and rulers stopped him from his business of Naqashi, nor changed social and economical crisis could shake him from his work. Malik Ashiq Naqash was bestowed with Abdullah, Abadullah and Abdur Rehman. These three brothers inherited the art of Naqashi and camel skin from their father. Even today Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash is busy for the building and prosperity of his inherited cultural art with the help of his brothers. However, the hard work and efforts which have done by Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash for the enhancement of Naqashi Art are unforgettable. He made countless efforts to construct Multan craft Bazar to fulfill the wish of his father. His hard work, day and night, and untiring efforts at least got fruits when Governor Punjab Lt. General (R) Khalid Maqbool inaugurated Multan Craft Bazar. A dream was changed into reality. Malik Abdur Rehman did not take any passive task to offer his art of Naqashi under the roof of Multan Craft Bazar for the public. He was selected as the General Secretary of Multan Craft Bazar, Multan. Because of his leadership, his well manners, spotless character and having a good heart full of sympathies for human beings, he is very famous among the other people of Multan Craft Bazar. Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash died on 6th February 2006 and the burden for the climax and progress of Cultural art had increased on the shoulders of Abdur Rehman Naqash. To achieve the object, he started his efforts for the cultural activities from the very beginning. For this purpose he had to go on long journeys in and out of the country.

Either it is Lok Wirsa Islam-a-bad or Craft Council of Pakistan, country institutions or embassies, international festival or exhibition or exhibitions, workshops or lecture classes, Malik Abdur Rehman always cooperate with all. He did not leave even a single occasion to introduce his cultural art. He went to India in 2004 for Dosti Workshop. He visited Glasgow, England in 2006 for First world Sufi Festival. He won success from every place.

Dostkari Workshop & Exhibition Delhi (India)

16th March to 31st march 2004

India Pakistan Craft Design Workshop was held on 16 March 2004 in Dili Hit, India. After workshop, the hand made products of both Indian and Pakistani artists were exhibited. Lac of people came to see this exhibition. Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash painted charming and beautiful naqashi on camel skin products. For this exhibition 7 artists were selected. From Multan Craft Bazar, Abdur Rehman and Rasheeda Begum were chosen. Director Lok Wirsa Islam-a-bad and executive Chair Person National Craft Council, Pakistan Mr. Khalid Javed was with them in this delegation. For both, Indian and Pakistani artists, it was very special workshop.

A senior Indian journalist Mr. Sayyad Naqvi named "Dastkari" as "Dostkari". In background there were unbalanced conditions and events of the reigns which affected the folks of both countries. Dostkari workshop and exhibition provided chances for the enhancement of skill and crafts of both the countries by mutual cooperation of the craft people and their combined efforts. To some extent, the hates from the hearts of the people of both countries were decreased. Indian newspapers and TV channels gave special coverage to Dostkari workshop. Besides TV channel Dor-e-Roshan, NDTV, ETV, Aaj Tak, and Sahara TV telecasted special and beautiful programmes. The defence minister of India, textile minister, fedral minister of internal affairs, secretary textile Govt. of India, members of parliament, regional director UNESCO, Pakistani high commissioner Mr. Aziz-ur-Rehman and deputy, high commissioner encouraged the artists of Dastkari and Dostkari workshop. Georaj Fernandous happily spoke:

"So happy to see so many happy and smiling faces here."

Pakistani high commissioner Mr. Aziz-ur-Rehman said:

"Workshop like this would go a long way in developing understanding between Pakistan and India and promote the cause of peace."

This workshop was given different names by different people. It was called "Brand of brother", "Crafting Bond", " Cross Border Craftsmanship", " Design Diplomacy" and "Neighbour Art".

This Dostkari Dastkari exhibition and workshop came to an end with the feelings and emotions of friendship and mutual harmony among the artists and people of both of the countries. The General Secretary and the excellent leader of Multan Craft Bazar, Mailk Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash got admiration and honour for the artists and objects of Pakistan.

Second Visit of India 2004

After Dostkari workshop and exhibition, Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash visited Delhi (India) for 15 days workshops. Those were very important workshops. Under the guardianship of Director Lok Wirsa Islam-a-bad and the executive chairperson of Pakistan National Craft Council of the Arts including two senior craftsmen of Multan Craft Bazar, this delegation reached Delhi. The craftsmen in this delegation were Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash and Muhammad Wajid Kashigar. UNESCO and National Crafts Council of India cooperated for the arrangement of excellent workshops and lectures. In all programmes, artists from 18 countries were invited. In these countries were Pakistan, India, Bangla Desh, Burma, Maldives, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Mexico, China, Urdan, Japan and Latin America. The artists of all the 18 countries attended workshops and showed their superb skills. Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman influenced the artists of other countries. He learnt and also taught many things to others. In these workshops, natural dyes, Block Printing, Naqashi and Kashi were wholly admired and given importance. Electronic and print media gave special coverage to the Naqashi work of Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash. His interviews were published and telecasted. At the end of all activities, Federal Ministry of Culture Govt. of India Mr. Sneel Dut favoured Pakistani Team with the Seal of Excellent Award, and for the countless services of arts gave them certificates of honour.

For Pakistani people and especially for the people of Multan, this is a great honour which was gained by the artists of Multan Craft Bazar and Multan Craft Council. They won brilliant success in a hard competition among the artists of 18 countries. In these 18 countries, 9 countries were Islamic.

First World Sufi Festival Glasgow (England) 2006

Multan Craft Council Multan played very important role for the development of Multani culture and civilization. For First World Sufi Festival 2006, 8 member artists of Multan Craft Bazar were selected under the leadership of Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash in August 2006. Malik Abdur Rehman, himself, is a superb craftsman.

Various Islamic countries attended this festival. Mysticism preaching was the main purpose of this exhibition. Moreover the poverty of the Muslims and the blames of terrorism upon the Muslim were hardly abolished. With the help of this festival this message was spread that Islam is a religion of love, respect, brotherhood, well relation, good manners, devotions and dedications. There is peace and calm in it. This religion wants solely and good conducts. The survival and prosperity of humanity lie in this religion. With other members of Multan Craft Bazar, Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash completed this purpose of the exhibition with full zeal and zest.

After three days World Sufi Festival--with the cooperation of Glasgow city council, England and Multan Craft Bazar Multan, Pakistan--Malik Abdur Rehman stayed there for three months and attended workshops. He opened the doors of Multani Cultural arts for the citizens of Glasgow, England. The people of every age, ladies and gents learnt art of Naqashi and camel skin completely and practically. Workshops and classes were divided into five following categories,

On the level of primary school

On the level of high school

On the level of college

On the level of university

For the teachers, professors and skilled workers of arts and crafts.

Besides this, for disable people the workshops were divided into three following levels

Disable children

Disable young people

Disable old people

He attended 80 to 90 workshops within 12 weeks. Because of a lot of interest of the local people, Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash worked hard to gain great success. Everybody under training, showed great interest. The difference of East and West was finished. The punctual English community lost their punctuality. Those people were surprised to see the masterpieces of Eastern Civilization. A newspaper of Scotland 'Oracle' wrote in his special addition No. 103 (August 2006)

"The main aspects of this event were without doubt the participation of the master crafts people from Multan, Pakistan, who proudly revealed their skills through their wares and products."

Another local newspaper had the following lines,

"Legend tells that crafts people were more assigned to a higher level of consciousness because as that worked their heart and mind would only recite the name of God continuously. No matter how many hours they laboured the name of the creator would echo within their consciousness."

The above words show the message of courage and brilliant success for the people of Multan, Pakistan.

After three busy months, Lord Provost Liz Cameron of Glasgow City Council met them and thanked Malik Abdur Rehman (The leader of the Pakistani delegation). On this occasion, she favoured him with the Special Sign of Glasgow City Council for Multan Craft Bazar and Multan Craft Council. Moreover she won the hearts of the craftsmen by ordering to save their masterpieces of Multani artists in a local museum. This was a great success for the reality of art and for Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash also.

Farrukh Mahal, Nishat Mahal and Darbar Mahal

Bahawalpur 2007

Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash refreshed the work of Naqashi, previously done by his forefathers in the historical palaces of Nawabs of Bahawalpur. This work of Naqashi was painted on walls, roofs, windows, doors and arches. Because of hard weather conditions, the old work was facing calamities and the colours became faint. The present Nawab of Bahawalpur invited the son of Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash, Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash for the rehabilitation of this Naqashi. In 2007, Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash took the charge of this hard work. He painted Farrukh Mahal, Darbar Mahal and Nishat Mahal again by using his exceptional skills. He did new work along with old work. Moreover he refreshed the old work of Fresco. After this work, Malik Muhammad Abdur Rehman Naqash has got fame in South Punjab especially for having relation with Multan Craft Bazar, Multan. As long as, these buildings would be there, the name of Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash would shine and live. Moreover the books of history would witness his everlasting art.

Besides above mentioned success and works, Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash introduced Naqashi and camel skin work throughout the country through lectures, various workshops, fair and festivals. He got many certificates of honour, shields, and medals. He has been praised by Pakistani and foreign ministers, members of parliament, foreign ambassadors, and various other institutions and companies of the world. Multan Craft Bazar, Multan Craft Council, ministry of culture, Govt. of Pakistan, National Craft Council of Pakistan, Lok-Wirsa Islam-a-bad, and various other institutions, not only admired his cultural art rather also helped him for the enhancement of the art of Naqashi and camel skin work. He has gained all the honour and respect because of God given abilities. He converted impossible to possible. He proved that a true artist is free from any malice and jealousy. His main aim is to serve humanity and his cultural art.

He respects his elders especially older artists and gives them the rank of teachers. The respect, honour and cooperation of Malik Abdur Rehman are always available for every artist who wants to serve art and culture. The progress of Multan Craft Bazar and Multan Craft Council is because of him. As Multan Craft Bazar has become an institution, Malik Abdur Rehman Naqash is busy with a new spirit and courage. He is taking new steps for the cent percent efficiency with a new and proper planning.

Suggestion for the Development and Progress of the Art of Naqashi and Camel Skin.

1. Construction of Naqash Art Gallery

The masterpieces of Naqashi and camel skin created by Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash and his forefather are historically very important. The masterpieces of this Naqash family are having the rank of classic work. The thing, which is required, is to save these masterpieces so that the next coming generations may take guidance from them. To fulfill this great purpose and for the safety of arts, Naqash Art Gallery should be constructed according to the call of time.

2. Importance of Museum

To enhance and develop the art of Naqashi and Camel Skin, a museum should be built where country objects and foreigners, common and VIPs, may come openly to have a sight of the classical masterpieces of arts and gain about the historical value and importance of these cultural arts.

3. Publishing of Abjad-e-Naqashi (

Alphabets of Naqashi)

To promote this art of Naqashi to those fond of students and other human beings, it should be arranged to publish Abjad-e-Naqashi in the form of a book, invented by Malik Muhammad Ashiq Naqash (pride of performance). Moreover this book should be included in the study course of arts classes in the institutions.

4. Arrangement of International Exhibitions

To introduce the art of Naqashi and camel skin work to the entire world, the arrangement of international exhibitions continually will be a very important step for the development of these arts.

5. Arrangement of Workshops and Lectures

The arrangement for workshops and lectures should be done at national and international levels for the craftsmen of Naqashi. Moreover there should be special concessions and facilities for the artists of Naqashi in the national and international journeys.

6. Exchange of Delegations

To modernize the centuries old art of Naqashi and camel skin work, there should be the exchange of delegations of artists and designers. The foreigner artists and designers should be invited so that our artists and handicraftsmen learn more about the demand of new colour schemes and designing and make their status and value in the foreign market. Moreover the local artists should be given facilities for the international visits so that they may gain training on the modern scales and give the new taste to their arts and crafts according to the liking and disliking of the foreign people.

7. Starting of the Teaching and Training Classes

Of Arts

For the practical training of Abjad-e-Naqashi (alphabets of Naqashi) and camel skin products, there should be starting of regular classes in Multan Craft Bazar so that at least 25 people may be trained practically within one year. For the safety of cultural art of Naqashi and camel skin work, it is necessary to increase the number of trained people every year. For this elevated purpose, required material and modern tools should be provided.