Gulmarg Valley, Kashmir. Photo by Mohammad Zahid

The Kashmiri language, locally known as Koshur or Kashur, is a nearly universally spoken vernacular language in the valley of Kashmir. Initially, it was believed that like many other vernacular languages, Kashmiri was of Sanskritic origin. This notion was challenged somewhat by the German scholar Ernst Kuhn who claimed that Kashmiri and some other languages in the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent could be placed under a separate category within the Indo-European language family. George Grierson, the Irish scholar-administrator who conducted pathbreaking research in the languages of British India and beyond, was the first to claim that Kashmiri belonged to the Dardic group of languages within the Indo-Aryan language family and hence could be considered as a ‘sister’ and not a ‘daughter’ of Sanskrit. The language, according to him, had emerged first in Dardistan (the region between north-west Punjab and the Pamir).

The beautiful occurrence with Kashmiri literature is that the most profound works of literature came to the fore right at the start. Lalla Vakhs, the quatrains of Lalla Ded, set a benchmark in terms of their lyrical beauty, spirituality, and close touch with the common people, relevance with human thought which make them timeless. Eight centuries later, this poetry stays relevant and while engaging with this sublime poetry, it feels like poetry of today. In his introduction to I, Lalla, The Poems of Lal Ded, Ranjit Hoskote comments upon the freshness of the verses of Lalla Ded thus, ‘As we have received them, Lalla’s vakhs bear a definite imprint of an ongoing process of linguistic and cultural change, which is recorded at the level of form imagery, concept and vocabulary. Some archaic words and phrases remain embedded in these poems, clues attesting to an earlier stratum of the Kashmiri Language; some allegorical references may seem arcane on a first reading, their frames lost to view. We find Sanskrit terms and phrases here, drawn from a larger Hindu-Buddhist universe of meaning that extended from Balkh in the west, across Kashmir, Ladakh and Tibet, to China, Korea and Japan in the east, and southward through the Gangetic regions to peninsular India, Sri Lanka and south-east Asia. These Sanskrit elements share conceptual and linguistic space, in the vakhs, with more Arabic or Persianate locutions, indicative of dialogue with Islamic ecumene that stretched, during Lalla’s lifetime, from Spain across North Africa and West Asia to China … And yet much of Lalla’s poetry is accessible to the contemporary listener or reader; stabilized in the idiom of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; compelling evidence that this oral archive has been updated from generation to generation. The poetry translation section of this feature carries a few vakhs from I, Lalla, The poems of Lal Ded.  

Fast forward. The contemporary Kashmiri Literature reflects what it has carried all along through the changing phases of its history which are marked by conspicuous milestones that fill the racks of recorded history. The socio-cultural, geo-political crucible that Kashmir has been all along, and that it continues to be has a deep imprint on its literature.

In this feature, we have an essay, “Kashmiri Literature and Culture in Transition” by Abid Ahmad that highlights the transition from early to the literature of today and even while doing so, the balance tilts towards the strong influence that early literature has on the present. Another essay, “Kashmiri Mystical Verses and Contemporary Scholarly Voices”, by Dr Aamir Habib also deals with a concise historical overview of mystical poetry in Kashmiri, and with a focus on some Kashmiri works, it then explores how contemporary scholars of Kashmiri language and literature have contributed to the preservation of this spiritual heritage emphasizing the lasting influence of the said poetry on contemporary Kashmiri literature, affirming its continued relevance in shaping modern literary discourse. We also have an introduction to Kashmiri Poetry by Ayaz Rasool Nazki who, while delving into the theme, takes us back to Acharya Vasugupta (860-925 AD) and Acharya Abhinavgupta (950-1025), and courses through the subsequent eras culminating with Rehman Rahi (1925-2023). Expressing concern about the novel, Shafi Shauq in his in-depth essay about the state of the novel in Kashmiri, describes in detail the very few novels that have been written in Kashmiri. Shafi Shauq feels that the future of the novel is bleak in Kashmiri, though he points out some hope in this genre. Ghulam Nabi Aatish in his essay, “Kashmiri Short Story” from his book of critical essays, Sarmaye te Saam, (Wealth and Review) talks in detail about the state of the genre of short stories in Kashmiri. Originally in Kashmiri, the essay is translated into English by Mohammad Zahid. Explaining the finer nuances of Wahab Khar’s poetry, Shad Ramzan in his essay titled “The Shimmering Diamonds in the Depths of Darkness” speaks of him as an inimitable Sufi poet, distinguished by groundbreaking innovations and bold experimentations that have refined the art form. The transformative act of illuminating the darkness with the fiery passion of the soul, one to reveal a mosaic of glittering diamonds, represents a meaningful spiritual odyssey. This powerful metaphor, rooted in the mystical traditions of Kashmiri Sufi poetry, embodies the poet’s innovative imagery, expertly weaving together the threads of spiritual exploration and artistic expression. Originally in Kashmiri, the essay has been translated into English by Shafqat Altaf.

In the section of poems in translation, we have vakhs of Lal Ded translated by Ranjit Hoskote taken from his work, I, Lalla - The poems of Lal Ded as already mentioned. Sunita Pandit Raina's poems, translated by Arvind Gigoo from the book Light and Shade deal with the themes of darkness, purity, pain, and renewal. "Poem No. 45" delves into the transcendence of night and light, where darkness and the celestial world offer deeper meaning and transformation. "Poem No. 46" reflects on dualities—pain and meaning, purity and defilement—suggesting that wisdom and renunciation hold deeper value than material or intellectual pursuits. "Poem No. 48" celebrates the beauty of nature, from flowers to rivers, while anticipating the warmth and comfort of family and home, signalling renewal and a new beginning. Together, they express a journey of self-reflection, spiritual awakening, and connection to life’s cycles. Hamdam Kashmiri’s poems, translated by Huzaifa Pandit, deal with deep themes of memory, existence, and identity, often blending introspective thoughts with vivid imagery. The speaker reflects on the journey of life, where memory fades, and personal ownership feels illusory. There's a sense of detachment from both the past and the present, questioning the significance of time and experiences. The poems evoke feelings of impermanence and introspection, with references to natural elements and philosophical musings on life, destiny, and the transient nature of human existence. In the poem "The Query," Rehman Rahi explores the complexities of love and self-exploration. The speaker, entangled with an enigmatic figure, wrestles with emotions of yearning, disillusionment, and identity. Love's paradoxes are revealed through vivid imagery, questioning the truth of one's emotions and experiences while as in "Involvement" the poet reflects on existential angst, where dreams, memories, and the passage of time create a surreal landscape of inner turmoil. Both poems translated by Majrooh Rashid contemplate the tension between personal growth, love, and the often inscrutable nature of existence. Another poem by Rehman Rahi translated by Nageen Rather reflects on memory's fleeting nature, the search for identity, and the transient quality of existence, exploring themes of detachment, loss, and introspection. In the poem "Premonition," translated by Majrooh Rashid, Chaman Lal Chaman reflects on a restless night disturbed by the howling of dogs, which symbolizes impending calamity. The speaker yearns for peace, dreaming of love, freedom, and relief from pain. He believes that the dogs' howls signal the arrival of evil spirits, foretelling turmoil and shattered dreams. Ali Shaida’s poems translated by Tousif Raza, explore themes of love, loss, and introspection. They evoke feelings of yearning, separation, and the transient nature of relationships. The imagery, from umbrellas in a storm to wandering in a desert, symbolizes emotional journeys, while the recurring motifs of pain and unfulfilled connections underscore the inevitable passage of time and its effect on human experiences, reflecting on the deep, lingering effects of love, loss, and the passage of time. And the poems by Naseem Shafai translated by Mohammad Zahid, explore deep emotions such as love, longing, pain, and the complexities of life’s struggles. In "The Sea and I", the poet contemplates an intense, almost combative relationship with the sea, symbolizing an inner emotional battle. "You Didn’t Come Then" speaks to the heartache of unfulfilled promises and waiting for someone who never arrives. "I Could Not Understand" captures confusion and internal conflict, while "Reconciliation of Love" reflects on the unresolved nature of love and loss. "Whom Shall I Tell" depicts the poet's acceptance of life's struggles and the desire for solace amidst the chaos. Faiyaz Dilber’s poem portrays a mother’s anguish amid conflict. Her sleepless nights reflect the emotional toll of violence, as she worries for her absent child’s safety. Her longing for peace and his well-being symbolizes the collective hope for stability and normalcy in a troubled region.

To have a feel of the contemporary pulse of English poetry in Kashmir, we have presented a few original English poems by various poets. Abid Ahmad explores love, longing, and the complexities of human connection. "A Walk" captures an intimate moment between lovers, where joy and separation coexist. "A Poem" reflects the pain of unfulfilled desire, where hope fades each night. "For a Stranger" delves into the magnetic pull of a stranger, creating a portrait of emotional craving and self-reflection. "This City" paints a picture of urban melancholy, where the city itself mirrors the struggles and quiet beauty of its inhabitants. Together, these poems express the depth of emotions experienced in relationships, yearning, and the environments that shape us. Poems by Huzaifa Pandit deal with the anguish and surrealism of a war-torn world, blending imagery of conflict, nature, and memory. "Evening in Lock-down at Pune" captures the tension between peaceful moments and the brutal realities of war, symbolized by saffron and soldiers. "Everything Reminds of the Absurdity of the Rain" delves into the hopelessness of remembrance, questioning the purpose of songs, rituals, and life after devastation. Both poems convey deep themes of loss, longing, and the struggle for meaning amidst the chaos, with a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of violence. Poems by Mohammad Shafi Ayaz explore themes of love, loss, separation, and introspection. "Separation" delves into the heartache of love lost, yet emphasizes the enduring nature of love even through distance. His other untitled poems reflect the beauty and transient nature of life, from nature's wonders to personal reflections on memory, sorrow, and unfulfilled questions. The collection touches on the impermanence of joy and peace while acknowledging the complex emotions tied to relationships, self-discovery, and the passage of time. The themes are poignant and reflective, capturing the essence of life's quiet struggles and moments of grace. Malik Sualeh Afroz touches on loss, inner turmoil, and the search for meaning. "Fairy Lights" reflects the struggle to hold on to hope amidst a backdrop of personal and existential battles. "Loss of the Gold Earring" portrays the pain and rhythm of loss, symbolized by the fading of a precious object. "Three and a Half Steps" captures a yearning for escape and release from haunting shadows. "The Camouflage Corner" expresses the disillusionment with life’s complexities and the loss of connection to the once cherished light and love of existence., Through his poems, Shafi A Athar explores themes of survival, beauty, resilience, and compassion. "The Pumpkin City" reflects on the disillusionment of modern life, questioning whether we truly live or merely exist. "The Beautiful Birds" celebrates nature’s grace and the fleeting beauty of birds in flight. "Sand for Sustenance" depicts the hardworking lives of those who extract sand to survive, emphasizing resilience and unity. "The Beggar Man" portrays a poignant encounter with a beggar, where compassion and human connection transcend material struggles, culminating in a meditation on life, death, and the peace found in faith. English Ghazals by Mushtaque Barq explores profound themes of fate, longing, and introspection. "Ghazal 1" reflects on the need to slow down in life, urging the listener to embrace moments of stillness and reflection. "Ghazal 2" weaves imagery of life's fleeting nature, drawing attention to the beauty and sorrow that lure everyone. "Ghazal 3" meditates on fate’s cruelty and inevitability, using powerful metaphors of sacrifice and suffering. "Ghazal 4" encourages resilience despite heartache, advocating for a positive outlook in difficult times. "Ghazal 5" emphasizes awareness, urging one to take notice of the world's unnoticed pain and beauty. Together, they convey an intricate interplay of life's trials, beauty, and the search for meaning.

This feature is brief and only indicative, showcasing what is certainly a thin slice of the Kashmiri literary spectrum, for this land brims with creativity and has been producing world-class works of literature, both in Kashmiri and English. It is hoped that this feature will get the attention of readers and literature lovers to explore the shining stars from the skies of Kashmiri literature.