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Literature of Kashmir

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"Kashmiri literature" redirects here. For other uses, see Culture of Kashmir § Language and literature.

Literature of Kashmir has a long history, the oldest texts having been composed in the Sanskrit language. Early names include Patanjali, the author of the Mahābhāṣya commentary on Pāṇini's grammar, suggested by some to have been the same to write the Hindu treatise known as the Yogasutra, and Dridhbala, who revised the Charaka Samhita of Ayurveda.

In medieval times, philosophers of Kashmir Shaivism include Vasugupta (c. 800), Utpala (c. 925), Abhinavagupta, Kshemaraja, and Anandavardhana. If we talk about contemporary poetry of Kashmir there are many poets, which include Asif Tariq Bhat[1][2] Tashi Shah,[3] Akeel Mohiuddin Bhat,[4] and Zeeshan Jaipuri.[5]

Kashmiri language literature

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The below listed table marks Kashmiri language poets in chronological order as per the book— A History of Kashmiri literature by Trilokinath Raina.[6]

Name Years Birthplace Period Remarks
Lal Ded 1320–1392 Pandrethan, or Padmanpore (modern Sempore, Pampore) Kashmir Shaivism She was the Kashmiri mystic poet credited with pioneering Vaakh/Vatsun or Shrukh genre of Kashmiri literature.
Nund Reshi 1377–1438 Qaimoh, Kulgam Sufism Nund Reshi was among the founders of the Rishi order, a Sufi tradition of the region. His well known disciples from this order include- Dehat Ded, Behat Ded, Shanga Bibi, Sham Ded and Ganga Bibi.
Hazrat Shaikh Yaqub Sarfi 1521–1595 Srinagar Sufism Popularly known as "Ishan Sa'eb", Sarfi was a Kashmiri Alim, Mutasawif, Faqih, Shayar, Mufassir, Muhaddith, philosopher and Sufi Shaikh of the Kubrawi Hamadani order. He became a Hafiz Quran at the age of 7. He has many Vaakhs to his credit.
Habba Khatoon 1554–1609 Chandhur, Pampore Lyricism She is known to lyricize her wailing cries for lost time. The queen poetess was popularly known as the "Nightingale of Kashmir".
Khawaja Habibullah Ganai Nowshehri 1555–1617 Nowshera, Srinagar Sufism He was the main Khulafa (successor) to Hazrat Shaikh Yaqub Sarfi and was Hafiz Quran, and very much fond of singing. He had written some notable Vaakhs too.
Rupa Bhawani 1621–1721 Khanqah-i-Shokta, Nawakadal (Srinagar at present) Kashmir Shaivism and Islamic Sufism Her Vaakhs reveal the influence of both Kashmir Shaivism and Islamic Sufism.
Sahab Kaul b. 1629 Habba Kadal, Srinagar Kashmir Shaivism His Krishna Avtaar Charit is the first Kashmiri poem of Leela (Divine play) genre.
Nunda Dar d. 1774 Village Kaathyul Sufism He and Mir Syed Ullah Shahabadi are the only two poets who attempted the Ghazal writing successfully before Mahmud Gami.
Arnimal 1738–1778 Palhalan, Pattan Lyricism She is the second poet after Habba Khatoon in the field of lyricism.
Mir Abdulla Behaqi d. 1798 N/A Sufism He is the first Kashmiri poet to adopt Mathnavi (rhyming couplets) as his medium in poetry.
Shah Gafoor N/A Village Choon, Budgam Lyricism His well-known works include 'Rosh Paan Havtam Kashvaniye', 'Sorui Chu Panai Be Vanai Kya', and 'Kya Gov Malaal tes Yarsei' among others.
Momin Sa'eb d. 1800 Bebagom, Pulwama Sufism To him belongs the honour of writing the first well-received Mathnavi in Kashmiri, entitled 'Mantaq-al-tayyar' based on Persian mathnavi of the same title by Attar.
Swocha Kral 1774–1854 Village Koil, Pulwama (buried at Yendregam, Pulwama) Sufism He was known to be the mureed (disciple) of Momin sa'eb. His poetry is an exposition of the philosophy of Wahdat-al-Wajood.
Khwaja Hussain Mir d. 1826 Habak, Magam, buried at Gund Khawja Qasim Devotional Hussain Mir is regarded as the founder of the Classical Age in Kashir Marsiya, known as 'Muqam Band'.
Parmananda 1791–1864 Village Seer, Martand (Mattan at present) Mysticism His most notable works include Radha Swayamvara.
Pandit Mirza Kak N/A Hangulgund, Kokernag, Anantnag Mysticism He had authored Shiv Puraan in Kashmiri language.
Shah Qalandar d. 1850 Haigam, or Wahthora, Chadoora dist. Budgam Lyricism Known for his popular mathnavi 'Adam ta Guljaan' (love-story of faqir Adam and Princess Guljaan).
Mahmud Gami 1765–1855 Village Aravaer (modern Mahmudabad), Dooru Shahabad, Anantnag Lyricism Popularly known as Jami of Kashmir, he had also translated Nizami's Layla Majnun into Kashmiri titled Lael Majnun.
Rahim Sa'eb 1775–1850 Teliyan mohallà, Sopore Sufism He belonged to the Qadri order of Sufism and was significantly influenced by Lal Ded and Nund Reshi. He is specifically known for using Sanskrit Shastra words in his poetry.
Mulla Munshi Mohammad Yusuf Baba 1798-1885 Babapora, Habba Kadal, Srinagar Devotional He is best known for his portal of human loss and grief in Kashmiri Marsiya. Munshi Yusuf remains one of the most popular Kashmiri Marsiya writers.
Mulla Hakim Muhammad Azim 1803-1852 Babapora, Habba Kadal, Srinagar Devotional He is known for introducing visual imagery in Kashmiri Marsiya and repositioning it in the urban, Persianate high culture associated with Srinagar city.
Mirza Aboul Qasim d. 1853 Gund Khawja Qasim, buried Karbala, Iraq Devotional The most prolific and popular Marsiya writer of Kashmir Marsiyas, his works reflects deep understanding of traditional Muslim knowledge both literary as well as religious.
Munshi Safdar Khan d. 1850's Awadh, Uttar Pradesh Devotional He worked in the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and is said to have been poisoned in his late 20's. He is the first poet who introduced the genre of writing bey-nuqta (verses withouts any diacritical marks) in Kashmiri Marsiya, in a marsiya of bearing the same name.
Wali Ullah Motoo d. 1858 Wuhan, Beerwah dist. Budgam Sufism He has written a Mathnavi based on the legend of Hemal and Nagrai.
Nyam sa'eb 1805–1865 Agh hamaam Habba Kadal, Srinagar Lyricism He is best known for his lyrical ghazals that have been sung by generation of Kashmiris. His Taelib named Rasul Shah Haaqsa was the murshid to Shamas Faqir.
Abdul Ahad Nazim 1807-1865 N/A Sufism and Lyricism He was also known as 'Waiz Shah Nur-ud-din', considered the finest Na'at writer of Kashmir. He had penned the famous Sufi song- Yim Zaar Vanahas Bardar.
Lakshman Joo Raina Bulbul 1812–1898 Malapora, Ganderbal Srinagar Lyricism Wrote the well-known razmia mathnavi Saamnaama, translation of Firdausi's Classic Shahnaama.
Karam Buland d. 1899 Haanz Gund, Wahthora Budgam Lyricism He had great love of music, theatre and organizing musical sessions. The NGO- Karam Buland Folk Theatre Group in Budgam is also named after him.
Maqbool Shah Kralwari 1820–1877 Kralwara, Nagam Budgam Sufism He is best known for his mathnavi 'Gulrez'. A mathnavi, many claim as finest descriptive poetry of the 19th-century Kashmiri literature.
Ahmad Batwaer 1838-1918 Batawara, Soura Srinagar Sufism His well known works include 'Az Boaz Saeni Mudda'.
Rasul Mir 1840–1870 Dooru Shahabad, Anantnag Romanticism He is popularly known as the John Keats of Kashmir. Rasul Mir formally inaugurated Ghazal into Kashmiri poetry. Gazals with rivers, valleys, birds, fruits and imagery of Kashmir are his forte.
Abdul Ahad Nadim 1842–1911 Bandipora Lyricism Had written the social satire Shaharashob.
Wahab Khar 1842–1912 Khrew, Pampore, Pulwama Sufism He came from a lineage of poets: his father and grandfather, both blacksmiths by profession, were also venerated Sufi poets.
Wahab Parray 1845-1914 Khos mohallà, Hajin, Bandipora Sufism He had translated Firdausi's 'Shahnaama' from Persian to Kashmiri in the year 1900.
Pandit Govind Kaul 1846-1899 Srinagar Mysticism As a profound Kashmiri scholar he had helped Aurel Stein in translating Kalhana's Rajatarangini.
Rahman Dar d. 1897 Safa Kadal, Srinagar Sufism He is best known for his Mathnavi Sheeshrang.
Shamas Faqir 1849–1904 Zaindar, Srinagar Sufism He belonged to the Qadriya silsila of Sufism and had also written the mathnavi Mehrajnaama, recounting prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Mehraj (spiritual journey) to Allah.
Aga Sayyid Muhammad Safvi d. 1932 Mirgund, Budgam Religious Prose A religious scholar by training he wrote 'Minhaj ul Salah wa Miraj al Falah', popularly known as 'Kashir Kitab' (c.1888), one of the first works in Kashmiri prose.
Pir Ghulam Mohammad Hanfi 1849–1937 N/A Sufism He is said to have translated Quran into Kashmiri. Some scholars believe that the Kashmiri translation of Quran which was published under the name of Maulvi Yusuf Shah was actually done by Hanfi.
Krishan Joo Razdan 1850–1925 Wanpoh, Anantnag Kashmir Shaivism He is known for his Shiv Puraan and Shiv Lagan.
Mulla Hakim Habib ul Lah 1852-1904 Babapora, Habba Kadal, Srinagar Devotional Mysticism In addition to his Persian poetry is known for his Kashmiri Marsiya, especially Yusuf. His Sahlab Nama is devoted to the tragic floods of 1903 which devastated Kashmir.
Aziz Ullah Haqqani 1854–1919 Narparistan, Srinagar Sufism and Romanticism He is remembered as a prominent Na'at writer. His best known mathnavi is 'Mumtaaz Benazir', which had attained the same popularity as Maqbool Shah Kralwari's Gulrez.
Saif-ud-din Ariz N/A Pulwama Lyricism His mathnavi entitled Nav Bahaar, had been translated into Persian. Though, the manuscript remains undiscovered so far.
Asad Parray 1862-1930 Hajin, Bandipora Mysticism He was highly influenced by Hindu mythology and had written works in praise of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva.
Hakim Hassan Ali 1870-1915 Babapora, Habba Kadal, Srinagar Devotional A respected Marsiya writer, his Bey-Nuqta (Dotless) is considered a literary feat because in 25 verses it avoids the use of letters with any diacritical markings (nuqta).
Haji Mohammad Alyaas 1881–1941 Tsrar Sharief, Budgam Romanticism He had been inspired by Aziz Ullah Haqqani, and wrote his rendering of the mathnavi Mumtaaz Benazir.
Mohammad Ismail Nami 1884–1940 Kavador, Srinagar Lyricism He was an extensive traveller of Tibet and had written Tibet Safarnama and Nizami's Sheeren Farhad in Kashmiri.
Prakash Ram Bhat d. 1885 Devsar dist. Kulgam Mysticism He is the author of the first Razmia (war) mathnavi in Kashmiri literature, 'Ramavtaar Charit', based on Ramayana.
Akbar Bhat d. 1910 Anantnag Sufism He roamed as a fakir all over the valley for two years and after this peregrination wrote the poem Saalgah.
Kaefi Shah d. 1910 Kothar dist. Udhampur Romanticism Wrote a romantic mathnavi, 'Qissa Behraam Shah'
Abdul Rahim Aima d. 1911 Nagam, Banihal Sufism His mathnavi 'Gulbadan' is a translation of Muhammad Ali Murad's Urdu mathnavi of the same title.
Pir Mohi-u-din Miskeen d. 1915 Kulgam Sufism Had written 6 masnavis, including Yusuf Zuleikha, Zeba Nigaar and Laal Majnoon. He had also translated the popular tragic romance of Punjab, Pakistan- Sohni Mahiwal into Kashmiri.
Prakash Kurgami N/A Kurigam, Qazigund Mysticism He had translated Ramayana to Kashmiri language.
Vishna Kaul d. 1917 Kulgam Mysticism He had translated Valmiki's Ramayana into Kashmiri
Haji Mohi-ud-din Miskin d. 1921 Srinagar Sufism His mathnavi 'Zeba Nigaar' has been credited to Rasul Mir by Abdul Ahad Azad in Kashmiri zuban aur shairi vol.II
Asad Mir d. 1930 Hakura Badasgam, Anantnag Lyricism He had written the popular ghazal Yeli Janaan Ralem. He has numerous ghazals to his credit that have been sung by generations of Kashmir.
Abdul Qaadir Faarig N/A N/A Sufism He was the father of ex-chief minister, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq.
Ahad Zargar 1882–1984 Narvara, Srinagar Sufism His well known masnavis including- 'Kaefir Sapdith Korum Iqraar', expressing the philosophy Wahadat-al-Wajood.
Zinda Kaul 1884–1965 Madanyar, Srinagar Lyricism He was the first Kashmiri writer who had won the Sahitya Akademi award, 1956 for his volume Sumaran (The Rosary).
Mahjoor 1887–1952 Mitrigam, Pulwama Lyricism Being a revolutionary poet, he is famously known as Shair-e-Kashmir.
Samad Mir 1892–1959 Haar Nambal, Narwara Srinagar Sufism His 'Aka Nandun' is the Kashmiri rendering of the legend of prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael.
Lassa Khan Fida 1898-1965 Qazi mohallà, Anantnag Sufism At the age of 21, he wrote his first book 'Gulbakwal' which was later adapted into a TV serial.
Abdul Qadoos Rasa Javidani 1901-1980 Bhaderwah Lyricism He had published his Kashmiri poems under the title 'Nairang-e-Gazal'. He had also represented Kashmir at the National Mushaira in 1961. He had also penned the famous song- Mashravthas Janaan sung by Faheem Abdullah.
Abdul Ahad Zargar b. 1908 Srinagar Sufism Being a disciple of Samad Mir, his expression was also multi-lingual that assimilated Arabic, Sanskrit and Persian languages and brewed them with Kashmiri language.
Dina Nath Wali Almast 1908–2006 Badyar Bala, Srinagar Progressive movement His collection of poetry include Bala Yapair (This side of Mountains, 1955) and Sahaavukh Posh (Desert Flowers, 1981).
Abdul Ahad Azad 1909–1948 Rangar, Chadoora, Budgam Lyricism He had written the essay Kashmiri zuban aur shairi.
Mir Ghulam Rasool Nazki 1910–1998 Mader, Bandipora Sufism His well known works include Namrodnama, a collection of 200 quatrains published in 1964.
Ali Mohammad Gilkar d. 1976 Nowhatta, Srinagar Sufism He was a great spiritual leader and a great Sufi saint, and popular among masses as Woast bab or Dassil bab. He is best known for his book Kaleed Ludni.
Mirza Ghulam Hassan Beg Arif 1910–2005 Anantnag Progressive movement Known for his satirical piece Aawaaz-i-dost. He had also translated 100 quatrains of Omar Khayyam,and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Cycle of Spring' into Kashmiri.
Dina Nath Nadim 1916–1988 Habba Kadal, Srinagar Progressive movement He had penned the famous folksong 'Bumbro Bumbro'. He had also written the anti-war poem 'Mae Chhum aash paghich'.
Fazil Kashmiri 1916–2004 Srinagar Progressive movement As a versatile poet he had proven his command or mastery in all genres of poetry – Ghazal, Nazm, Rubai, Qata, Marsiya, Munajat, Na'at, Manqabat, Leela etc.
Mohiuddin Hajni 1917–1993 Hajin, Bandipora Progressive movement His play 'Grees Sund Ghar' is the first play in Kashmiri language. He had translated 'Alif Layla' (One Thousand and One Nights) in Kashmiri. During his career, he criticised the political doctrine of Sheikh Abdullah, 3rd chief ministers and 2nd prime minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Noor Mohammad Roshan b. 1919 Khanyar, Srinagar Progressive movement He had translated Munshi Premchand's Godaan in Kashmiri.
Lal Aragami 1923–1988 Chattibanday Aragam, Bandipora Sufism His well known works include Sareth Rahbar Lobum Moula.
Abdul Khaliq Tak Zainageri 1924–1989 Hardishiva, Zaingeer Sopore Sufism It was in 1972 that he laid the foundation of the J& K Yateem Trust. He has also written poems for children, depicting his love for the orphans and the weak.
Sarwananda Koul Premi 1924–1990 Soaf Shalli, Kokernag Anantnag Progressive movement Mahjoor gave him the name "Premi" (meaning Lover) because his poetry was full of love for Kashmir.
Amin Kamil 1924–2014 Kaprin, Shopian Progressive movement His notable works include the collections Beyi Sui Paan and Padis Pod Tshaayi.
Arjan Dev Majboor 1924–2015 Zainpora, Pulwama Progressive movement He had translated Kalidas's Meghadootam into Kashmiri.
Janbaz Kishtwari 1925-1990 Kishtwar Progressive movement He is known for his collection of poetry 'Phalwin Sangar'.
Rehman Rahi 1925–2023 Wazpora, Downtown Srinagar Progressive movement His Navroz-e-Saba had won the Sahitya Akademi award, 1961. His other notable work is a poetic collection titled Siyah Rood Jaeren Manz.
Pran Kishore Kaul 1925-present Srinagar Modern-age He had written the screenplay for the popular Doordarshan Television series Gul Gulshan Gulfaam.
Vasudev Reh b. 1926 Sopore Progressive movement He is known for his collection of poetry 'Shab Gardun' (The Night Watchman).
Vishwanath Vishwas b. 1926 Sopore Progressive movement His well known poems include 'Anaady Haanz' (The Foolish Boatman).
Pushkar Bhan 1926–2008 N/A Progressive movement As a playwright he had collaborated 3 times with Som Nath Sadhu.
Ali Mohammed Lone 1927–1987 Drogjan, Dal Gate Srinagar Progressive movement He was a prominent dramatist of Kashmiri language and had written the plays Te Vyeth Rooz Pakaan and Suyya.
Ghulam Nabi Nazir 1927-2015 Yaripora, Kulgam Progressive movement His well known works include 'Kashir Lukh Baath'. He had also translated Shakespeare's Othello to Kashmiri.
Ghulam Nabi Firaq 1927–2016 Naushera, Srinagar Progressive movement Adapted play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe into Kashmiri language.
Akhtar Mohiuddin 1928–2001 Battamalyun, Srinagar Resistance literature He had written the first novel in Kashmiri language, entitled Dod Dag (1957), and was a prominent short story writer in Kashmiri.
Ghulam Rasool Santosh 1929–1997 Chinkral, Habba Kadal Srinagar Kashmir Shaivism As a poet he had been the recipient of Sahitya Akademi award for his poem Be Soakh Rooh (1978).
Rashid Nazki 1931-2016 Bandipora Sufism He was the founding president of Adbee Markaz Kamraz. He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Vahraat' in 1999. He had written the biography of prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in Kashmiri. He had also translated Sir Allama Iqbal's Asrar-i-Khudi to Kashmiri.
Hamidi Kashmiri 1932-2018 Srinagar Progressive movement He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Yath Miani Joye' in 2005. He had also won the Padma Shri in 2010.
Moti Lal Kemmu 1933–2018 Srinagar Progressive movement Being a multi-faceted artist, he had worked as a choreographer for Dina Nath Nadim's Bombur Yembarzal, and Himal Nagrai.
Naji Munawar 1933–2021 Kaprin, Shopian Modern-age Best known for his collection Mwokhta lar, a book of stories for children.
Autar Krishen Rahbar 1934–2020 Fatehkadal, Downtown Srinagar Modern-age He was a dramatist, and had written the famous play Badshah.
Zeba Zeenat 1934–present Nadihal, Bandipora Sufism She is a mystic poet whose work is based on self-exploration.
Hari Kishan Kaul 1934–2009 Srinagar Modern-age He is a well-known playwright and short story writer in Kashmiri. He is best known for his play Yeli Watan Khur Chu Yevan.
Ghulam Nabi Gauhar 1934–present Charar-e-Sharief, Budgam Modern-age He had written the second novel in Kashmiri language, entitled Mujrim (1971).
Muzaffar Aazim 1934–2022 Gotlipora, Tangmarg Modern-age His notable works include three poetry books in Kashmiri and one in Urdu in addition to plays Havas ta Haasil and Nai Mout. He created the first Kashmiri Narqalam font and Gulmarg Nastaliq font.
Som Nath Sadhu 1935–1982 N/A Modern-age Apart from being a significant playwright, he had also won the Padma Shri (fourth highest Indian civilian award) in 1974.
Taj Begum Renzu 1935–2015 Srinagar Modern-age She is the first Kashmiri female fiction writer and journalist.
Ghulam Nabi Tak Naazir 1935-2015 Yaripora, Kulgam Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Achhre Tsange' in 1991.
Bashir Bhaderwahi 1935-present Bhaderwah Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism 'Jamis Ta Kasheeri Manz Kashir Natia Adbuk Tawareekh' in 2015.
Mohammad Yousuf Taing 1935–present Shopian Modern-age His work, Mahjoor Shinasi (A criticism on Mahjoor) won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998.
Makhan Lal Kanwal 1936-2016 Sangrama, Sopore Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award fo 'Yath Aangnas Manz' in 2012.
Mushtaq Kashmiri 1936-2022 Kav mohallà, Khanyar, Srinagar Resistance literature His book 'Tohfa-e-Shaheed' is written in the memory of his son, Ahmad ul Islam, who was a militant.
Moti Lal Saqi 1936–1999 Bijbehara, Anantnag Modern-age He received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1981 for Mansar.
Sajood Sailani 1936–2020 Nowgam, Srinagar Modern-age He served as a member of Sahitya Akademi's advisory board from 1973 to 1977 and in 1990.
Chaman Lal Chaman 1937–1999 N/A Romanticism He had represented Kashmir at the National Conference of poets in 1960.
Ayoub Sabir 1937–present Bugam, Kulgam Modern-age He is a well known Satirist. For his famed book Gulalan Shaadmani, Sabir was awarded children's best literature award by Sahitya Academy New Delhi in 2013.
Mishal Sultanpuri 1937–2020 Sultanpur, Baramulla Modern-age In 2009 he got the Sahitya Akademi award for his book Vont on literary criticism.
Marghoob Banihali 1937–2021 Bankoot, Banihal Modern-age He had returned his Sahitya Akademi award in 2015, for his Partavistan (1979), a collection of poetry.
Hriday Kaul Bharti 1937–2020 Sopore Modern-age He is best known for his contemporary short stories including- Doan athan hinz dastaan.
Rattan Lal Shant 1938-present Srinagar Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his short story 'Tshen' in 2007. He is also the recipient of President's Gold medal and Nehru award.
Bashar Bashir N/A N/A Moden-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Yiman Padan Mye Yetsaar Gotshuy' in 2010.
Ghulam Nabi Khayal 1938–present Shal mohallà, Srinagar Resistance literature He became the first Kashmiri writer to return the Sahitya Akademi award in 2015, for his Gashik Minaar (Luminaries), 1975.
Ali Mohammad Shahbaz 1939–1996 Shathgund, Handwara Resistance literature His literary work pictured and voiced the agony of Kashmir conflict.
Rasool Pampur 1940–2015 Hassenpora, Bijbehara Sufism He was very much inspired by the Sufi compositions of Lal Ded and Sheikh-Ul-Alam.
Farooq Nazki 1940–present Bandipora Modern-age He is the son of Ghulam Rasool Nazki.
Pyarelal Handoo 1941-2014 Chandapora, Habba Kadal, Srinagar Modern-age As a prominent theatre actor he is regarded as the 'Father of Monologues' in Kashmiri theatre. He has directed and produced around 3000 programmes which include a number of short films and documentaries.
Shafi Shaida 1941–2015 Akilmir Khanyar, Srinagar Modern-age As a prominent dramatist, he scripted 26 episodes of Habba Khatoon- the first Urdu drama from Kashmir which was broadcast on DD Kaeshur.
Omkar Nath Koul 1941–2018 Kulgam Modern-age He was a prominent linguist of Kashmiri language.
Zareef Ahmad Zareef 1943–present Aali kadal, Downtown Srinagar Modern-age He is best known for his satirical poetry and efforts to highlight various social and political problems. He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his work 'Tchoonch poot' (a compilation of poems and prose for kids).
Somnath Zutshi 1944—2014 Srinagar Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his short story 'Yeli Fol Gaash' in 2003. He had also written a Kashmiri drama for Radio Kashmir titled 'Viji Vaav'. As a translator he had translated Franz Kafka's The Trial and Nikolai Gogol's The Inspector General to Kashmiri. He was awarded the Soviet Land Nehru award for Gogol's translation in 1974.
Anis Hamadani N/A N/A Modern-age He is particularly known for his short stories- 'Wajood te Chhai' (Existence and Shadow), 'Radio Aelaana Petha Az Taam', 'Wajoodas Nakha Chhaai', 'Su Yeli Wuchhan Oas', 'Po'z S'ad'ar te Akh Kath' and 'Buth te Zaath'.
Gulshan Majeed 1947-present Ganderbal Modern-age He had written the literary criticism on Wahab Parray, Lassa Khan Fida and Lakhimanjoo Bulbul titled Na'gdi Shqar. He had also translated Albert Camus' 'The Fall' to Kashmiri.
Shahnaz Rasheed 1947–present Nopora, Sopore Modern-age He released his first book Doad Khatith Guldanan Manz (Pain concealed in flower vases) in 2006, and was highly acclaimed by critics.
Abdul Ahad Hajini 1948-present Hajin, Bandipora Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his collection of short stories 'Akh Yaad Akh Qayamat' in 2019.
Rafiq Raaz 1950–present Srinagar Modern-age He is the author of Arooz Kashir Zaban (Prosody of Kashmiri language).
Shafi Shauq 1950–present N/A Modern-age He is the author of Kaesher Lugaat (Dictionary of Kashmiri language). He translated Leo Tolstoy's short novel 'The Death of Ivan Ilych' to Kashmiri.
Mohi-ud-Din Reshi 1951-present Srinagar Modern-age He won the Sahitya Akademi award for his collection of short stories 'Aina Aatash' in 2013.
Naseem Shafaie 1952–present Srinagar Modern-age She is the first Kashmiri women to win the Sahitya Akademi award for her work 'Na Thsay Na Aks' (Neither Shadow Nor Reflection) in 2009. She also won the Tagore literature award in 2009 for this work.
Basheer Asrar 1953–2021 Malaknag, Anantnag Modern-age He is the founder of 'The District Cultural Association Anantnag’
Bashir Dada 1953-present Anantnag Modern-age He is a prominent theatre actor, screenwriter and poet. His notable literary works in Kashmiri language include 'Zarum Na Doorer' and 'Kar Mokli Safar'. He had also represented Kashmir in National Symposium of Poets 2009, Bhubaneshwar with his Kashmiri poem entitled 'Yath Varee Andar'.
Wali Mohd Aseer Kashtawari 1954-present Berwar, Kishtwar Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism 'Tawazun' in 2021.
Yaqoob Dilkash 1954–2023 Shishgari Mohalla, Khanyar, Srinagar Modern-age He was an eminent Radio playwright, director and actor. His notable works include 'Mallekhush watte zaroor', 'Band Makanas Manz', 'Ratte Mongul', 'Zulmaat' etc.
Ghulam Ahmad Najar 1954–present Najar Mohalla, Tekipora, Lolab Valley, Kupwara Sufism He has many Sufism books to his credit, but notably his book “Jaam-i-Arifayan” is the most comprehensive collection.
Piarey Hatash N/A Anantnag Modern-age He is particularly known for his Nazm 'Aes Bayo Naeb Nishanay Rov' that had featured in the documentary Jashn-e-Azadi: How We Celebrate Freedom (2007) by Sanjay Kak. He has also translated many short stories from Dogri language to Kashmiri.
Shad Ramzan 1956–present Kulgam Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Kore Kaakud Gome Pushrith' (2014).
Aadil Mohi-ud-din N/A Sumbal, Bandipora Modern-age He had received the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism entitled- Zol Dith Sadras (2016).
Aziz Hajini 1957–2021 Hajin, Bandipora Modern-age He was the former Secretary of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and languages (JAACL).
Majrooh Rashid 1958-present Arwani, Vejibror Anantnag Modern-age Being a poet, he also a critic and translator. He has authored the books- 'Asri Kashir Shairi' (1995), 'Zaban Te Adab' (2007), 'Kashiri Shairi Hund Intikhab' (2010) etc. He is also the author of the monographs on Asad Mir and Lassa Khan Fida published by the Sahitya Akademi. As a translator he had translated Franz Kafka's 'The Judgement' into Kashmiri.
Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq 1961-present Budgam Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of short stories 'Aakh' in 2018.
Farooq Fayaz N/A N/A Modern-age He had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism 'Zael Dab' in 2022.
Sajad Inquilabi 1964-present Khudwani, Kulgam Modern-age His debut collection of poetry was 'Poushgound' (Bucket of Flowers). When he wrote this, he was just 14.
Madhosh Balhami 1965–present Balhama, Pampore Pulwama Resistance literature He is particularly known for his recitation of elegies composed for the funerals of militants in Kashmir. On 15th of March 2018, he lost his house and thirty years of written poetry to a fire in the middle of a gun battle between Indian Army and Militants.
Gulab Saify 1966-present Kishtwar Triyout literature Being a poet, he is also a critic. He is particularly known as the takhleeqkaar (pioneer) of Triyout genre of literature from Jammu and Kashmir, and the only writer who writes in this genre from the state. His well known works from this genre include 'Lal Chowk', 'Haar' etc. The well known Kashmiri song 'Taqdeer' sung by Ishfaq Kawa has also been penned by him.
Zareefa Jan 1966–present Poshwari, Sonawari Bandipora Sufism Her poetic world is as fascinating as her mystifying appearance. Her poetry treasure includes a few of her notebooks filled with circles. Those circles or codes can be read by her only.
Riyaz Anzoo N/A Bijbehara, Anantnag Modern-age His notable ghazals include- 'Myon Dill Wadnovthan' and 'Watan Waalyo Watan Wapas Tarakhna'.
Sunita Raina Pandit 1967-present Anantnag Modern-age Her well known works include "T'chhopi Hindi Aalaw" (The Call of Silence). Her other published Kashmiri books are 'Rihij Yaad', 'Suanzal', 'Pott Zooni Vathith', 'Mann Sar Tsyunum', 'Lalli Hindi Maaline Zaayun Lob' and 'Shuri Lyye'.
Haleema Qadri 1972–present Churmujur, Budgam Sufism In 2015, she had self-published her collection of poetry, entitled Ishq-e-Nabi.
Arshad Mushtaq 1974-present Srinagar Modern-age He is considered as a prominent director in Kashmiri language theatre. His well known adaptations of foreign plays or literary works include- Su Yee; based on Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, and Aalav; based on John Millington Synge's Riders to the Sea. He wrote his first original play- Be'chus Shahid (I am witness) in remembrance of Agha Shahid Ali.
Nisar Azam 1977–present Dangiwotsh, Rafiabad Baramulla Modern-age He released his first book Patti Leji Zoon Daras (Then the Moon's eyes froze), for which he bagged his first Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011. He has also translated many books and his works have been highly acclaimed by critics.
Nighat Sahiba 1983–present Anantnag Modern-age She had won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for her Zard Paniek Daer (2017).
Shabir Magami 1984-present Magam, Budgam Modern-age Being a poet, he is also a translator and critic. Some of his well known Ghazals that have been sung by Grammy award nominee Qaiser Nizami include- 'Maani Sir Saev Preth Isharan Manz', 'Mae Chu Phairan Choan', 'Phyur Loag Soacha Siparan' etc.
Sofi Ghulam Mohd 1986-present Charari Sharief Modern-age A critic, short-story writer, translator. He is also the author of 'Sadre Tchakis tal', 'Wande Bavath', 'Sari Harf', 'Pragash' etc.
Rumuz-e-Bekhudi N/A Srinagar Modern-age As soon as she devoted herself to poetry writing, her verses reflected self-reliance, empowerment, and struggle amidst the valley's strife backdrop.
Asif Tariq Bhat 2000–present Duderhama, Ganderbal Modern-age He is the author of Kashmiri novel 'Khawaban Khayalan Manz' (2022).

The use of the Kashmiri language began with the work Mahānaya-Prakāsha[7] by Rājānaka Shiti Kantha (c.1250),[8] and was followed by the poet Lalleshvari or Lal Ded (14th century), who wrote mystical verses in the vaakh or four-line couplet style.[9] Another mystic of her time equally revered in Kashmir and popularly known as Nund Reshi wrote powerful poetry. Later came Habba Khatun (16th century) with her own style. Other major names are Rupa Bhavani (1621–1721), Paramananda (1791–1864), Arnimal (d. 1800), Mahmud Gami (1765–1855), Rasul Mir (d. 1870), Maqbool Shah Kralawari (1820–1877). Also, the Sufi poets like Shamas Faqir, Wahab Khar, Soch Kral, Samad Mir, and Ahad Zargar. Among modern poets are Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1885–1952), Abdul Ahad Azad (1903–1948), and Zinda Kaul (1884–1965).

During the 1950s, a number of well educated youth turned to Kashmiri writing, both poetry and prose, and enriched modern Kashmiri writing by leaps and bounds. Among these writers are Dinanath Nadim (1916–1988), Amin Kamil (1923–2014),[10] Sarwanand Kaol Premi (1924–1990), Rehman Rahi (born 1925), Ghulam Nabi Firaq (1927–2016), Ali Mohammed Lone[11] (1928–1987), Akhtar Mohiuddin (1928–2001), Ali Mohammad Shahbaz, Avtar Krishen Rahbar (born 1933), Sajood Sailani, Som Nath Zutshi, Muzaffar Aazim.[12] Some later day writers are Hari Kishan Kaul, Majrooh Rashid, Rattanlal Shant, Hirdhey Kaul Bharti, Omkar N Koul, Roop Krishen Bhat, Rafiq Raaz, Tariq Shehraz, Shafi Shauq, Showkat Shehri, M.H Zaffar, G.M Azad, Anis Hamdani, Barkat Nida, Shafi Sumbli, Bashar Bashir, Shenaz Rashid, Shabir Ahmad Shabir, Shabir Magami, Tariq Ahmad Tariq,[13] and Moti Lal Kemmu.

Contemporary Kashmiri literature appears in such magazines as "Sheeraza" published by the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, "Anhar" published by the Kashmiri Department of the Kashmir University, and an independent magazines/portals like "The Kashmir Tales".[14] "Mountain Ink", Inverse Journal Neab International Kashmiri Magazine[15] published from Boston, Vaakh (published by All India Kashmiri Samaj, Delhi) and Koshur Samachar (published by Kashmiri Sahayak Sammiti, Delhi).

Ancient writers in Sanskrit

[edit]

Writers in Persian

[edit]
See also: Persian language in the Indian subcontinent

After Sanskrit and before the coming Urdu, because of the adoration and patronising policy of Persian culture by the Mughals, Persian became the literary language also of the region. Kashmir was very richly represented in that tradition, as already before the end of the 18th century "Muhammad Aslah's tazkira of the Persian-writing poets of Kashmir, written during the reign of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah (1131-61/1719-48), alone lists 303 poets".[40] Late scholar from Pakistan, Pir Hassam-ud-Din Rashidi, edited, translated, and enlarged this work later, and had it published by the Iqbal Academy.

The most famous of them was Muhammad Tahir Ghani (d. 1669), better known as Gani Kashmiri, whose poetry was recently translated into English, for the first time, by Mufti Mudasir Farooqi and Nusrat Bazaz as 'The Captured Gazelle' in the world-renowned Penguin Classics list. Ghani influenced many generations of Persian-and Urdu writing poets in South Asia including Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib and most importantly, Iqbal. Ghani's "forte" lies in creating delightful poetic images, usually by stating an abstract idea in the first hemistich and following it up with a concrete exemplification in the other. He also stands out for his multi-layered poems, which exploit the double meaning of words.

Another name in the field of Persian-language writers from Kashmir is Shaykh Yaqub Sarfi Kashmiri (1521-1595), a 16th-century Sufi poet-philosopher who was internationally acknowledged and who had for students, amongst others, well-known religious scholar Ahmad Sirhindi (more particularly, he taught him hadith)[41][42] and Persian-language poet Mohsin Fani Kashmiri (d. 1671 or 1672) (himself the teacher of Ghani Kashmiri and author of the pivotal work of comparative religion, the Dabestan-e Mazaheb).

Other of the well-known and influential Persian-language poets of Kashmir would include

Writers in Urdu

[edit]

Despite being a numerically small community, the Kashmiri Pandits are over-represented in their contribution to Urdu literature. One important early example is Daya Shankar Kaul Nasim (1811–1845), a renowned Urdu poet of the 19th century, and hundreds of others followed his path.[43]

Some eminent Urdu literary personalities of Kashmiri origins (from both the Valley and the diaspora) include (in chronological order):

Writers in Hindi

[edit]

Writers in English

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The new face of contemporary poetry. Meet Asif Tariq Bhat". Kashmir Analyser. 2021-02-15. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  2. ^ Kashmir, Rising. "Promoting mother tongue with poetry || Rising Kashmir". Promoting mother tongue with poetry || Rising Kashmir. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  3. ^ "How Poetry Helped Bring a Piece of Kashmir to Delhi". The Wire. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  4. ^ Admin, India Education Diary Bureau (2020-11-17). "Literary function, Mushaira held at Bandipora". India Education,Education News India,Education News | India Education Diary. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  5. ^ Saffudin, Ali (2018-06-05). "For the love of language: Kashmir's new age Urdu poets—Part I | Free Press Kashmir". freepresskashmir.news. Retrieved 2021-02-17.
  6. ^ Raina, Trilokinath (2002). A History of Kashmiri literature. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 9788126013661.
  7. ^ Shiti Kanta (1918). Pandit Mukunda Rama Shastri (ed.). The Mahanaya-Prakasha of Rajanaka Shiti Kanta. The Research Department, Jammu & Kashmir State.
  8. ^ Sisir Kumar Das (2006). A history of Indian literature, AD.500–1399: from courtly to the popular. Sahitya Akademi. p. 193. ISBN 9788126021710. Scholars consider _Mahanayakaprakash_ (Light of the supreme lord) by Shitikantha (c.1250) as the earliest work in Kashmiri language.
  9. ^ Lal Ded. I, Lalla : Poems of Lal Ded. Translated by Ranjit Hoskote. Penguin 2011.
  10. ^ "Amin Kamil - Kashmiri literature, Kashmiri poetry". Kamil.neabinternational.org. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  11. ^ Ali Mohammed Lone, A fearless dramatist. "Ali Mohammed Lone, Greater Kashmir". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  12. ^ "Kashmiri Language".
  13. ^ "Welcome To the Homepage of LALDED". Lalded.8k.com. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  14. ^ "How young poets from Kashmir are creating a parallel poets' society with online mushairas". The Print. 27 June 2020.
  15. ^ "Kashmiri Language and Literature - Kashmiri Magazine of Kashmiri Poetry, Kashmiri Fiction". www.neabinternational.org. Retrieved 2021-01-18.
  16. ^ Martin Levey, Early Arabic Pharmacology: An Introduction Based on Ancient and Medieval Sources, Brill Archive (1973), p. 10
  17. ^ P. N. K. Bamzai, Culture and Political History of Kashmir - Volume 1, M D Publications (1994), p.268
  18. ^ S.K. Sopory, Glimpses Of Kashmir, APH Publishing Corporation (2004), p. 62
  19. ^ Krishan Lal Kalla, The Literary Heritage of Kashmir, Mittal Publications (1985), p.65
  20. ^ Guang Xing, The Concept of the Buddha, RoutledgeCurzon (2005), p. 26
  21. ^ Phyllis G. Jestice, Holy People of the World: A Cross-cultural Encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO Ltd (2004), p. 621
  22. ^ Encyclopaedia of Indian Medicine: Historical perspective, Popular Prakashan (1985), p. 100
  23. ^ Ramachandra S.K. Rao, Encyclopaedia of Indian medicine : volume 1, Popular Prakashan (2005), p. 63
  24. ^ Claus Vogel, Vāgbhaṭa Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayasaṃhitā. The First Five Chapters of Its Tibetan Version, Franz Steiner (1965), p.13
  25. ^ Anna Akasoy & co., Islam and Tibet: Interactions Along the Musk Routes, Ashgate Publishing Limited (2011), p.76
  26. ^ Richard Pischel, A Grammar of the Prakrit Languages, Motilal Banarsidass (1999), p. 43
  27. ^ Satya Ranjan Banerjee, The Eastern School of Prakrit Grammarians: A Linguistic Study, Vidyasagar Pustak Mandir (1977), p. 31
  28. ^ Kamaleswar Bhattacharya, India & Beyond, Routledge (2009), p. 2
  29. ^ John E. Cort, Open Boundaries: Jain Communities and Cultures in Indian History, State University of New York Press (1998), p.57
  30. ^ Kolar Sesha Iyer Nagarajan, Contribution of Kashmir to Sanskrit literature, V.B. Soobbiah (1970), p. 426
  31. ^ R.N. Rai, Karanasara Of Vatesvara, Indian National Science Academy (1970), vol. 6, n. I, p. 34 Archived 2015-06-09 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ^ Vaṭeśvara, Vaṭeśvara-siddhānta and Gola of Vaṭeśvara: English translation and commentary, National Commission for the Compilation of History of Sciences in India (1985), p. xxvii
  33. ^ P. N. K. Bamzai, Culture and Political History of Kashmir - Volume 1, M D Publications (1994), p.269
  34. ^ Sheldon Pollock, Literary Cultures in History: Reconstructions from South Asia, University of California Press (2003), p. 112
  35. ^ Bina Chatterjee (introduction by), The Khandakhadyaka of Brahmagupta, Motilal Banarsidass (1970), p. 13
  36. ^ Lallanji Gopal, History of Agriculture in India, Up to C. 1200 A.D., Concept Publishing Company (2008), p. 603
  37. ^ Kosla Vepa, Astronomical Dating of Events & Select Vignettes from Indian History, Indic Studies Foundation (2008), p. 372
  38. ^ Dwijendra Narayan Jha (edited by), The feudal order: state, society, and ideology in early medieval India, Manohar Publishers & Distributors (2000), p. 276
  39. ^ P. N. K. Bamzai, Culture and Political History of Kashmir - Volume 1, M D Publications (1994), p.269
  40. ^ Collective, The Cambridge History of Iran, Volume 6, p. 980
  41. ^ Anna Zelkina, In Quest for God and Freedom: The Sufi Response to the Russian Advance in the North Caucasus, C. Hurst & Co. Publishers (200), p. 88
  42. ^ Irshad Alam, Faith Practice and Piety: An Excerpt from the Maktūbāt, Sufi Peace Mission (2006), p. 20
  43. ^ Shri Ram Bakshi, Kashmir: Valley and Its Culture, Sarun & Son (1997), p. 165
  44. ^ Hamid Afaq Qureshi, The Mughals, the English & the rulers of Awadh, from 1722 A.D. to 1856 A.D., New Royal Book Co (2003), p.79
  45. ^ Amaresh Misra, Lucknow, fire of grace: the story of its revolution, renaissance and the aftermath, HarperCollins Publishers India (1998), p. 57
  46. ^ Purnendu Basu, Oudh and the East India Company, 1785-1801, Maxwell Company (1943), p. 22
  47. ^ Simon Schaffer, The Brokered World: Go-Betweens and Global Intelligence, 1770-1820, Science History Publications (2009), p. 53
  48. ^ Surendra Mohan, Awadh Under the Nawabs: Politics, Culture, and Communal Relations, 1722-1856, Manohar Publishers & Distributors (1997), p.80
  49. ^ Edited by Bernard Lightman, The Circulation of Knowledge Between Britain, India and China, BRILL (2013), p.67
  50. ^ Abida Samiuddin, Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Urdu Literature, Global Vision Publishing House (2008), p. 94
  51. ^ Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, Persian poetry of Mirza Ghalib, Pen Productions (2000), p. 7
  52. ^ K.C. Kanda, Masterpieces of Urdu Ghazal from the 17th to the 20th Century, Sterling (1992), p. 182
  53. ^ K.C. Kanda, Masterpieces of Urdu Ghazal from the 17th to the 20th Century, Sterling (1992), p. 182
  54. ^ Ali Jawad Zaidi, A History of Urdu literature, Sahitya Akademi (1993), p. 181
  55. ^ D.J. Matthews, Urdu Literature, South Asia Books (1985), p. 86
  56. ^ A website on Dr Khalifa Abdul Hakim maintained by a relative and with a lot of bibliographical resources
  57. ^ Punjab's Kashmir connection
  58. ^ A Scholar-Intellectual
  59. ^ "Taufiq Rafat - the Ezra Pound of Pakistan". The Nation. 2009-11-09. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
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