Srinagar, As International Workers’ Day celebrations highlight the famous 1886 labor protests in Chicago, a historic event from Kashmir gains attention for its earlier impact on labor rights. The Shawl Baaf Tehreek, or Shawl Weavers’ Uprising, which occurred on April 29, 1865, in Srinagar, is noted as possibly the world’s first trade union movement.

According to Kashmir Media Service, this movement took place more than two decades before the Haymarket affair and even preceded major communist revolutions in Russia and China. The uprising emerged from the shawl weavers’ struggles against harsh economic and working conditions under the rule of the Hindu Dogra dynasty. Grievances over oppressive taxation, unfair wages, and restricted freedoms sparked the protest, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 28 weavers, with many more injured.

The event, led by figures like Rasool Sheikh, Ali Pal, Abdul Qudus, and Sona Shah, who faced severe repercussions including imprisonment and death, marks a significant but largely overlooked moment in the history of labor movements. The leaders’ efforts and the ultimate sacrifice of the workers have not garnered widespread recognition in global labor history narratives.

Despite its historical obscurity, the legacy of the Shawl Baaf Tehreek holds a place of honor within Kashmir, particularly among those in the Pashmina industry. April 29 is commemorated locally as Labour Day, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the shawl weavers.

This uprising highlights the long-standing tradition of craftsmanship in Kashmir, dating back over 700 years to when the art of shawl weaving was first introduced. The renown of Kashmiri shawls, once celebrated by notable historical figures like King Akbar and Empress Josephine, underscores the cultural and economic importance of this industry.

The story of the Kashmiri shawl weavers reinforces the enduring global struggle for workers’ rights and dignity, reminding us of the significant contributions made by these early labor activists.