Kashmir did not appear prominently in the advanced and technical educational map of India at the beginning of the 20 th century. However some initial steps to bring modern education to the valley had been taken at the close of 19 th century. The establishment of Missionary School by Doxey in 1881 that was further improved by his successors like Hinton Knowles and Biscoe followed with the creation of Sri Pratap College in 1905 by Annie Besant of the Theosophical Society stand as testimony towards this endeavour. However the establishment of a technical art school in Srinagar was conceived five years later in 1912. It was Aurel Stein who mobilized the then Resident, Kashmir, Sir Stuart Fraser’s desire to improve the conditions and standard of education in Kashmir.

Stein knew the Resident’s admiration for himself and the then Education Minister Dr. A. C. Mittra’s awareness of the need in this effort. Encouraged by the prospect of the support from the Indian Government to promote native education in Kashmir Aurel Stein discussed the idea of creating Kashmir Art Institute with Fraser in early 1912.

“You can imagine my delight when during my first confabulation I discovered that Fraser was fully aware of the need for providing for the systematic guidance of Kashmir art industries. By the end of 19 th century, the great Kashmir shawl industry had been battered to death by machine made European imitations. The idea of a technical art school seems to have been in the air for some little time and I told Fraser of Andrews’ exceptional fitness for creating and guiding such an institution. The impression of its feasibility and importance sank in visibly.” - Aurel Stein.

(in a letter dated May 13, 1912, by Aurel Stein to Percy Allen.) Stein Mss, Bodleian Library, Oxford.

On Fraser’s recommendation Stein put the proposal for Dr. Mittra’s consideration.

“At his request I had a long talk with Dr. Mittra ,the Home Secretary of the state of Jammu and Kashmir who prides himself on having been the first to perceive this need, however vaguely.”

Stein had also asked his friend Fred Andrews to consider the suggestion to head the proposed institute and also to prepare a scheme for its actual implementation.

“I should advise you to make up your mind to take the Kashmir chance for good. The more I see of this glorious land, the more I pity those who live and work in London whatever their pay. For a pleasant existence in England one must have independence, plenty of money or else tastes not too artistic or intellectual. But yours are. I may be prejudiced in my love for Kashmir and freedom. But if I were you, I should rather aim at being in Kashmir on say rupees six hundred per month than at getting a post in London however interesting with prospect of enforced retirement when one is sixty or so and no pension worth thinking of. Excuse this frank statement of quite individual feelings. For me Kashmir will always seem the best base.” - Aurel Stein.

(in a letter dated May 6, 1912, by Aurel Stein to Fred Andrews.) Stein Mss, Bodleian Library, Oxford.

Stein continued to press his argument.

“I am too anxious, quite as eager as you are- dear friend, to maintain our collaboration to which I owe so much when I thought of the chance that might open for you at Srinagar. I was selfish enough to remember that I am fully resolved to make Kashmir my working place for the future as far as it is in my power. You know how attached I am to the land, my friends here and to my Marg in particular.” - Aurel Stein.

(in a letter dated June 29, 1912, by Aurel Stein to Fred Andrews.) Stein Mss, Bodleian Library, Oxford.