Tral’s ancient Gufkral caves face neglect, residents demand preservation; The multiple caves, which hold deep cultural significance are fast deteriorating due to neglect and natural erosion, spurring the local residents to call for their preservation
Srinagar, Feb 8: Nestled in idyllic village of south Kashmir’s Tral area, the ancient Neolithic caves of Gufkral are lying in disrepair due to official neglect.
The multiple caves, which hold deep cultural significance are fast deteriorating due to neglect and natural erosion, spurring the local residents to call for their preservation.
The crumbling Gufkral caves trace their origin 2000 to 3000 BCE. Gufkral, a name derived from the Kashmiri words “Guf” (cave) and “Kral” (potter), reflect the area’s deep-rooted association with pottery.
The area is inhibited by scores of potters, who have been crafting earthen pots and other clay objects since generations. Sharing a deep emotional attachment with the caves, 80-year-old Rehmiti Begum said, “I clearly recollect the day when I was married inside one of the caves”. Rehmiti said that her parents had told her that she was born in a cave as well.
Another resident Abdul Khaliq Kumar(70) said that his ancestors used to live in the caves and he spent his entire childhood playing inside these dingy natural structures.
Despite their significance, the caves are rapidly deteriorating. Soil slides have led to the closure of few of them, rendering them unsafe for exploration. Since the structures are primarily composed of soil, the risk of further erosion remains high.
“The remaining ones could also collapse in the absence of any preservation measures taken by the authorities”, said Kumar. The potters are still using the caves for the curing of pots. They put the clay utensils in the caves so that they could air- dry slowly to avoid cracks.
Many community members said that the caves were not only the remnants of history, but also an inseparable party of their identity. “The authorities must take some serious steps to preserve them”, said the community members.
