The cultural and historical significance of the Surma Niy’em, a traditional stone tool used in Kashmir to grind precious Surma stones, lies in its connection of past practices with present traditions.
By Manzoor Akash
Stone carving, an ancient craft that has flourished in Kashmir for centuries, represents a rich cultural heritage deeply embedded in the daily lives of its people. Among the various traditional artifacts, the mini-mortar and pestle, locally known as Surma Niy’em or Khallur, stands out. This traditional tool, used to grind Sang-e-Surma into a fine powder, reflects the enduring legacy of stone-crafted items in everyday life.
Craftsmanship of the Sang Tarash
The Surma Niy’em is meticulously crafted by traditional stone carvers in the valley, known as “sang tarash.” These skilled artisans have preserved the age-old practice of mashing glittering surma stones into powder, an essential part of Kashmir’s rich culture of timeless beauty. Although this practice has faded into obscurity, it once defined the region’s artisanal heritage. Decades ago, the ancient eye cosmetic, widely available today, was a precious commodity brought from Madina (Arab) by elders during Hajj. Known as Ithmid (pronounced as Ismid), the asli surma (real antimony) was brought in the form of small, shiny grey stones.
The Surma Niy’em in Daily Life
Traditionally, the Sang-e-Surma was pulverized into powder by elderly women using the Surma Niy’em. This process was a testament to the unique marvel of stone carving, with the tool also referred to as Surma Kaen (stone masher to grind surma). Known by various names like kharal, musul, khalbatta, etc., the Surma Niy’em was rare, even then, unlike other traditional culinary stone items.
Surma: A Historical and Medicinal Treasure
Surma, also known as Kohl, has been used for various eye ailments either alone or in combination with other herbal or mineral ingredients. It was believed to help with impaired eyesight, ophthalmia, cataracts, itching, redness, irritation, watering of eyes, and shedding of eyelashes. Beyond its medicinal benefits, applying Ithmid surma to the eyes before bed is considered a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). In a Hadith (Sunan Abi Dawood, Book 28, Hadith 3869), narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu), the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned: “…Among the best types of collyrium you use is antimony (Ithmid): it clears the vision and makes the hair (eyelashes) sprout or grow.”
Historical Roots of Surma
The use of surma dates back to 3100 BC during the Protodynastic period of Egypt. Egyptian queens and noblewomen used stibnite, a sulfide of antimony (Sb), to protect their eyes from the harsh sun and as a remedy for various eye ailments, at a time when there were no ophthalmologists. From North Africa to the Middle East, surma has been used for over 5000 years. The practice of applying surma was also prominent during the Mughal era when Kings and Queens stored it in Surma Dani, crafted of brass metal, which was believed to be beneficial for the eyes in addition to being visually appealing.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
The Surma Niy’em and its use represent a significant aspect of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, intertwining daily life with traditional practices that span millennia. The meticulous craftsmanship of the “sang tarash” in creating these stone mortars exemplifies a commitment to preserving cultural rituals and remedies. This connection to heritage underscores the profound cultural importance of surma, beyond its medicinal benefits, highlighting the intertwined legacy of beauty, craftsmanship, and tradition in Kashmir’s rich history.
Today, while surma remains accessible in modern packaging and various formulations, the traditional methods and cultural significance behind its use are less visible. The transition from using hand-ground surma in Surma Niy’em to commercially available products marks a shift in how cultural practices adapt to changing times. Yet, the essence of these traditions continues to resonate within the community.
Memories of Childhood and Tradition
My sepia-tinted memories of childhood bring to mind the sight of my mother bringing home a black, boat-shaped Surma Niy’em every year from a Sikh neighbor. For days, she would grind those shiny surma stones, locally known as Surma Tulle, in the yard under the scorching sun, adding plain water or plant fluid to it. As she broke the glittering stones with a Tchou’t (small pestle), she chanted, “Che Loguth Sorme Cheshman Meh Kortham Dil Wobaeli, Che Chey Geso Pareshan Meh Gae Sahmar Nailey…” These words still reverberate in my ears.
Later, I observed my late grandmother, Zoon Ded, mixing zamzam water and sometimes arq-e-gulab (rose water) with the surma in a traditional Surma Niy’em. As children, whenever we fumbled in her pheran pockets for a toffee, our hands would invariably come out with an Aaleh Khalde (traditional fabric pouch) containing a surma tujj (a stick to apply surma), dunde khalal (a toothpick), and kan-e-kashu (an ear spoon for cleaning ears)—all in brass, tied to it. Her daily use of Ithmid surma likely contributed to her not needing spectacles even in her old age.
Honoring the Legacy of Surma Niy’em
In preserving and acknowledging the historical context of surma and its traditional preparation, we honor the legacy of those who passed down these practices through generations. The Surma Niy’em and the stories it carries serve as a tangible link to our rich past, reminding us of the timeless beauty and wisdom embedded in our cultural heritage. This connection to heritage underscores the profound cultural importance of surma, beyond its medicinal benefits.
A Call to Preserve and Revitalize
As we move forward, it is crucial to embark on a journey of preservation and revitalization to safeguard this heritage for future generations. By celebrating and preserving the traditional methods of surma preparation, we not only honor our ancestors but also ensure that the cultural significance and artisanal craftsmanship associated with Surma Niy’em are not lost to time. Let’s cherish and preserve these rich traditions, keeping alive the stories and practices that define our cultural identity.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The author can be reached at [email protected]
Leave a Reply