SRINAGAR: Since 1915, Mahatta & Co. has been more than just a photography studio; it has been a silent witness to Kashmir’s unfolding history, preserving its beauty, culture, and key moments.
Established by Amar Nath and Ram Chand Mehta, the studio began humbly on a houseboat before settling on The Bund in Srinagar. Over the past 107 years, it has become an iconic institution, capturing the very essence of the Valley.
One of the studio’s most devoted photographers, Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, has spent over 50 years behind the lens, chronicling the faces and events that shaped Kashmir.
His camera has framed some of the most prominent leaders, from Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Through his dedication, Sofi has helped keep the stories of Kashmir alive, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Recognised in 2012 as India’s second-oldest photography studio, Mahatta & Co. stands as a bridge between the past and present, preserving Kashmir’s legacy one photograph at a time.
Today, while technology has transformed the way photography is practised, the name Mahatta still evokes nostalgia among generations who visited the studio to capture their special moments. Its legacy is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, where every image holds a history within its frame.
Intricate Art of Photography
Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, now 70, first stepped into Mahatta Studio on 2 February 1972. It was a time when photography was not just about clicking a button — it was an intricate art involving chemicals, patience, and craftsmanship.
“Back then, photography was a meticulous process,” Sofi recalls.
“We worked with chemical solutions like thinners, carefully developing images in darkrooms before stepping outside to capture the world.”
By the time Sofi joined, Mahatta Studio had already built its reputation as the go-to destination for photography in Kashmir. Its pioneering work in portrait photography and historical documentation had made it a household name.
The studio, which attracted both locals and tourists, was equipped with imported cameras, reflecting the Mahattas’ commitment to quality. Every image developed was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and skill that modern-day digital photography often lacks.
Sofi’s work covered a diverse range—from landscapes and cultural events to political gatherings. But unlike today, photographers did not retain copies of their work.
“I don’t have any of those pictures with me now, except for one displayed at Mahatta Café,” he says. “We always handed over the photographs to the clients.”
His most cherished assignment was documenting the visit of the Biscoe family’s son to Kashmir. Over 15 days, Sofi captured moments across Srinagar, from the historic Biscoe School to Tagore Hall and local stadiums. “The energy, the ceremonies, the pride — it was a momentous occasion,” he reflects.
However, his personal favourite remains a simpler photograph.
“The best picture I ever took was of two children who visited the studio with their parents. Their natural expressions made it truly special, and that image still stays with me.”
Through the Lens of Conflict
The 1990s brought a period of turmoil to Kashmir, and Mahatta Studio was not spared. Once a thriving business, it now faced a sharp decline, with photography becoming more than just an art — it became a matter of survival.
“If I got an assignment, I would take it with faith in Allah and make sure I returned before nightfall,” Sofi says.
Covering events in those years meant navigating security checkpoints and restricted zones. Photographers required official permits, and in many cases, incidents occurring during the conflict were documented by the police, not by independent photographers.
One of his most nerve-wracking assignments came during an event organised by the Government of India’s Song and Drama Division.
“They had installed multi-coloured lights, and the event started at 8 p.m.,” he recalls. “I stayed until midnight, but it was shut down earlier than expected.”
Even weddings, typically joyous affairs, required additional precautions. “In 1990, I covered a wedding in Rajbagh, Srinagar. Afterwards, the bride’s family insisted on dropping me home due to safety concerns. At that time, I made it clear to clients that I would only take assignments if they ensured my safe transportation.”
The conflict did not just affect business; it also changed the subjects and themes of photography in the region. With everyday life disrupted, photographers like Sofi had to be more cautious, adapting to the volatile environment.
Many studios in Srinagar shuttered during this period, unable to sustain themselves in the prevailing instability. However, Mahatta & Co. remained resilient, standing as a symbol of endurance.
Changing Face of Photography
Sofi has witnessed photography transform from a craft demanding skill and patience to an era dominated by smartphones.
“Today, everyone is a photographer,” he says with a tinge of nostalgia. “People take random pictures without considering privacy or the artistry behind it.”
While digital technology has made photography more accessible, Sofi believes it has also diminished the essence of the craft. “The tonal depth, the artistic perspective—it’s all fading,” he laments. “Technology should be an asset, not a replacement for skill.”
Despite the changes, Mahatta Studio remains a touchstone for photography enthusiasts and historians. Though no longer the bustling studio it once was, it has evolved into a gallery that preserves Kashmir’s past. Visitors still come to see the old equipment, learn about the golden era of photography, and hear stories from veterans like Sofi.
Among those who admire Sofi’s work is Mohammad Yousuf Wani, a former colleague.
“Sofi was a great photographer. He even covered my wedding, and at times, I accompanied him to events,” Wani recalls. “He became a prominent figure by covering major events. Each photograph tells a story—not just of the people, but of the turbulent times that defined them.”
For Wani and others who worked at Mahatta Studio, the transition from film to digital has been bittersweet. While technology has opened new possibilities, it has also marked the end of an era where each photograph was a labour of love.
Mahatta & Co. may have moved with the times, but its legacy remains. And through the lens of photographers like Ghulam Mohammad Sofi, the spirit of Kashmir endures, captured in timeless frames.
Every click of the shutter is a tribute to an era when photography was not just about preserving memories but also about telling stories—stories that deserve to be remembered, framed forever in the annals of time.
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