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.