Makers & Craft
Why Kashmir's Houseboats Are Disappearing: Four Forces Sinking a Heritage
Kashmir's famous houseboats are vanishing due to a combination of restrictive government policies, bureaucratic paralysis in permit processes, severe economic consequences for owners and craftspeople, and the erosion of centuries-old craftsmanship. The fleet has drastically shrunk, threatening a vital cultural and economic heritage.
Elijah Vance·June 8, 2026