Literature of Kashmir explained

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

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

NameYears BirthplacePeriodRemarks
Lal Ded1320–1392Pandrethan, or Padmanpore (modern Sempore, Pampore)Kashmir Shaivism and Islamic SufismShe was the Kashmiri mystic poet credited with pioneering Vaakh/Vatsun or Shrukh genre of Kashmiri literature.
Nund Reshi1377–1438Qaimoh, KulgamSufismNund 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 Sarfi1521–1595SrinagarSufism 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 Khatoon1554–1609Chandhur, PamporeLyricismShe is known to lyricize her vailing cries for lost time. The queen poetess was popularly known as the "Nightingale of Kashmir".
Khawaja Habibullah Ganai Nowshehri1555–1617Nowshera, SrinagarSufismHe 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 Bhawani1621–1721Khanqah-i-Shokta, Nawakadal (Srinagar at present)Kashmir Shaivism and Islamic SufismHer Vaakhs reveal the influence of both Kashmir Shaivism and Islamic Sufism.
Sahab Kaulb. 1629Habba Kadal, SrinagarKashmir ShaivismHis Krishna Avtaar Charit is the first Kashmiri poem of Leela (Divine play) genre.
Nunda Dard. 1774Village KaathyulSufismHe and Mir Syed Ullah Shahabadi are the only two poets who attempted the Ghazal writing successfully before Mahmud Gami.
Arnimal1738–1778 LyricismShe is the second poet after Habba Khatoon in the field of love lyrics.
Mir Abdulla Behaqid. 1798N/ASufismHe is the first Kashmiri poet to adopt Mathnavi (rhyming couplets) as his medium in poetry.
Shah GafoorN/AVillage Choon, BudgamLyricismHis well-known works include 'Rosh Paan Havtam Kashvaniye', 'Sorui Chu Panai Be Vanai Kya', and 'Kya Gov Malaal tes Yarsei among others.
Momin Sa'ebd. 1800Bebagom, PulwamaSufismTo 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 Kral1774–1854Village Koil, Pulwama (buried at Yendregam, Pulwama)SufismHe 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 Mird. 1826Habak, Magam, buried at Gund Khawja QasimDevotionalHussain Mir is regarded as the founder of the Classical Age in Kashmiri Marsiya's, known as Muqam Band.
Parmananda1791–1864Village Seer, Martand (Mattan at present)MysticismHis most notable works include Radha Swayamvara.
Pandit Mirza KakN/AHangulgund, Kokernag, AnantnagMysticismHe had authored Shiv Puraan in Kashmiri language.
Shah Qalandard. 1850LyricismKnown for his popular mathnavi 'Adam ta Guljaan (love-story of faqir Adam and Princess Guljaan).
Mahmud Gami1765–1855Village Aravaer (modern Mahmudabad), Dooru Shahabad, AnantnagLyricismPopularly known as Jami of Kashmir, he had also translated Nizami's Layla Majnun into Kashmiri titled Lael Majnun.
Rahim Sa'eb1775–1850Teliyan mohallà, SoporeSufismHe 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.
Munshi Mohammad Yusuf Baba1798-1885Babapora, Habba Kadal, SrinagarDevotional 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.
Hakim Mulla Muhammad Azim1803-1852Babapora, 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 Qasimd. 1853 Gund Khawja Qasim, buried Karbala, IraqDevotionalThe most prolific and popular Marsiya writer of Kashmiri Marsiyas, his works reflects deep understanding of traditional Muslim knowledge both literary as well as religious.
Munshi Safdar Khand. 1850'sAwadh, Uttar PradeshDevotionalHe 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, in a marsiya of bearing the same name.
Wali Ullah Motood. 1858Wuhan, Beerwah dist. BudgamSufismHe has written a Mathnavi based on the legend of Hemal and Nagrai.
Nyam sa'eb1805–1865Agh hamaam Habba Kadal, SrinagarLyricismHe 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 Nazim1807-1865N/ASufism and LyricismHe 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 Bulbul1812–1898Malapora, Ganderbal SrinagarLyricismWrote the well-known razmia mathnavi Saamnaama, translation of Firdausi's Classic Shahnaama.
Karam Bulandd. 1899Haanz Gund, Wahthora BudgamLyricismHe 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 Kralwari1820–1877Kralwara, Nagam BudgamSufismHe is best known for his mathnavi Gulrez'.
Ahmad Batwaer1838-1918Batawara, Soura SrinagarSufismHis well known works include 'Az Boaz Saeni Mudda.
Rasul Mir1840–1870Dooru Shahabad, AnantnagRomanticismHe 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 Nadim1842–1911BandiporaLyricismHad written the social satire Shaharashob.
Wahab Khar1842–1912Khrew, Pampore, PulwamaSufismHe came from a lineage of poets: his father and grandfather, both blacksmiths by profession, were also venerated Sufi poets.
Wahab Parray1845-1914Khos mohallà, Hajin, BandiporaSufismHe had translated Firdausi's Shahnaama' from Persian to Kashmiri in the year 1900.
Pandit Govind Kaul1846-1899SrinagarMysticismAs a profound Kashmiri scholar he had helped Aurel Stein in translating Kalhana's Rajatarangini.
Rahman Dard. 1897Safa Kadal, SrinagarSufismHe is best known for his Mathnavi Sheeshrang.
Shamas Faqir1849–1904Zaindar, SrinagarSufismHe belonged to the Qadriya silsila of Sufism and had also written the mathnavi Mehrajnaama, recounting prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Mehraj (spiritual journey) to God.
Aga Sayyid Muhammad Safvid. 1932Mirgund, BudgamReligious ProseA 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 Hanfi1849–1937N/ASufismHe 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 Razdan1850–1925Wanpoh, AnantnagKashmir ShaivismHe is known for his Shiv Puraan and Shiv Lagan.
Hakim Mulla Habib ul Lah1852-1904Devotional Mysticism In addition to his Persian poetry is known for his Kashmiri Marsiya's, especially Yusuf. His Sahlab Nama is devoted to the tragic floods of 1903 which devastated Kashmir.
Aziz Ullah Haqqani1854–1919Narparistan, SrinagarSufism and RomanticismHe 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 ArizN/APulwamaLyricismHis mathnavi entitled Nav Bahaar, had been translated into Persian. Though, the manuscript remains undiscovered so far.
Asad Parray1862-1930Hajin, BandiporaMysticismHe was highly influenced by Hindu mythology and had written works in praise of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva.
Hakim Hassan Ali 1870-1915Devotional 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 Alyaas1881–1941Tsrar Sharief, BudgamRomanticismHe had been inspired by Aziz Ullah Haqqani, and wrote his rendering of the mathnavi Mumtaaz Benazir.
Mohammad Ismail Nami1884–1940Kavador, SrinagarLyricismHe was an extensive traveller of Tibet and had written Tibet Safarnama and Nizami's Sheeren Farhad in Kashmiri.
Prakash Ram Bhatd. 1885Devsar dist. KulgamMysticismHe is the author of the first Razmia (war) mathnavi in Kashmiri literature, 'Ramavtaar Charit', based on Ramayana.
Akbar Bhatd. 1910AnantnagSufismHe roamed as a fakir all over the valley for two years and after this peregrination wrote the poem Saalgah.
Kaefi Shahd. 1910Kothar dist. UdhampurRomanticismWrote a romantic mathnavi, Qissa Behraam Shah'
Abdul Rahim Aimad. 1911Nagam, BanihalSufismHis mathnavi Gulbadan' is a translation of Muhammad Ali Murad's Urdu mathnavi of the same title.
Pir Mohi-u-din Miskeend. 1915SufismHad 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 KurgamiN/AKurigam, QazigundMysticismHe had translated Ramayana to Kashmiri language.
Vishna Kauld. 1917KulgamMysticismHe had translated Valmiki's Ramayana into Kashmiri
Haji Mohi-ud-din Miskind. 1921SrinagarSufismHis mathnavi 'Zeba Nigaar' has been credited to Rasul Mir by Abdul Ahad Azad in Kashmiri zuban aur shairi vol.II
Asad Mir d. 1930Hakura Badasgam, AnantnagLyricism 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 FaarigN/AN/ASufismHe was the father of ex-chief minister, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq.
Ahad Zargar1882–1984Narvara, SrinagarSufismHis well known masnavis including- Kaefir Sapdith Korum Iqraar', expressing the philosophy Wahadat-al-Wajood.
Zinda Kaul1884–1965Madanyar, SrinagarLyricismHe was the first Kashmiri writer who had won the Sahitya Akademi award, 1956 for his volume Sumaran (The Rosary).
Mahjoor1887–1952Mitrigam, PulwamaLyricismBeing a revolutionary poet, he is famously known as Shair-e-Kashmir.
Samad Mir1892–1959Haar Nambal, Narwara SrinagarSufismHis 'Aka Nandun is the Kashmiri rendering of the legend of prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael.
Lassa Khan Fida1898-1965Qazi mohallà, AnantnagSufismAt the age of 21, he wrote his first book Gulbakwal' which was later adapted into a TV serial.
Abdul Qadoos Rasa Javidanib. 1901BhaderwahLyricismHe had published his Kashmiri poems under the title Nairang-e-Gazal'. He had also represented Kashmir at the National Mushaira in 1961.
Abdul Ahad Zargarb. 1908SrinagarSufismBeing 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 Almast1908–2006Badyar Bala, SrinagarProgressive movementHis collection of poetry include Bala Yapair (This side of Mountains, 1955) and Sahaavukh Posh (Desert Flowers, 1981).
Abdul Ahad Azad1909–1948Rangar, Chadoora, BudgamLyricismHe had written the essay Kashmiri zuban aur shairi.
Mir Ghulam Rasool Nazki1910–1998Mader, BandiporaSufismHis well known works include Namrodnama, a collection of 200 quatrains published in 1964.
Ali Mohammad Gilkard. 1976Nowhatta, SrinagarSufismHe 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 Arif1910–2005AnantnagProgressive movementKnown 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 Nadim1916–1988Habba Kadal, SrinagarProgressive movementHe had penned the famous folksong 'Bumbro Bumbro'. He had also written the anti-war poem Mae Chhum aash paghich'.
Fazil Kashmiri1916–2004SrinagarProgressive movementAs 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 Hajni1917–1993Hajin, BandiporaProgressive movementHis 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 Roshanb. 1919Khanyar, SrinagarProgressive movementHe had translated Munshi Premchand's Godaan in Kashmiri.
Lal Aragami1923–1988Chattibanday Aragam, BandiporaSufismHis well known works include Sareth Rahbar Lobum Moula.
Abdul Khaliq Tak Zainageri1924–1989Hardishiva, Zaingeer SoporeSufismIt 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 Premi1924–1990Soaf Shalli, Kokernag AnantnagProgressive movementMahjoor gave him the name "Premi" (meaning Lover) because his poetry was full of love for Kashmir.
Amin Kamil1924–2014Progressive movementHis notable works include the collections Beyi Sui Paan and Padis Pod Tshaayi.
Arjan Dev Majboor1924–2015Zainpora, PulwamaProgressive movementHe had translated Kalidas's Meghadootam into Kashmiri.
Janbaz Kishtwari1925-1990KishtwarProgressive movementHe is known for his collection of poetry Phalwin Sangar'.
Rehman Rahi1925–2023Wazpora, Downtown SrinagarProgressive movementHis Navroz-e-Saba had won the Sahitya Akademi award, 1961.
Pran Kishore Kaul1925-presentSrinagar Modern-ageHe had written the screenplay for the popular Doordarshan Television series Gul Gulshan Gulfaam.
Vasudev Rehb. 1926SoporeProgressive movement He is known for his collection of poetry Shab Gardun' (The Night Watchman).
Vishwanath Vishwasb. 1926SoporeProgressive movementHis well known poems include 'Anaady Haanz (The Foolish Boatman).
Pushkar Bhan1926–2008N/AProgressive movementAs a playwright he had collaborated 3 times with Som Nath Sadhu.
Ali Mohammed Lone1927–1987Drogjan, Dal Gate SrinagarProgressive movementHe was a prominent dramatist of Kashmiri language and had written the plays Te Vyeth Rooz Pakaan and Suyya.
Ghulam Nabi Nazir1927-2015Yaripora, KulgamProgressive movementHis well known works include Kashir Lukh Baath'. He had also translated Shakespeare's Othello to Kashmiri.
Ghulam Nabi Firaq1927–2016Naushera, SrinagarProgressive movementAdapted play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe into Kashmiri language.
Akhtar Mohiuddin1928–2001Srinagar 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 Santosh1929–1997 Chinkral, Habba Kadal SrinagarKashmir ShaivismAs a poet he had been the recipient of Sahitya Akademi award for his poem Be Soakh Rooh (1978).
Rashid Nazki1931-2016BandiporaSufismHe 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 Kashmiri1932-2018SrinagarProgressive movementHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for Yath Miani Joye' in 2005. He had also won the Padma Shri in 2010.
Moti Lal Kemmu1933–2018SrinagarProgressive movementBeing a multi-faceted artist, he had worked as a choreographer for Dina Nath Nadim's Bombur Yembarzal, and Himal Nagrai.
Naji Munawar 1933–2021Modern-ageBest known for his collection Mwokhta lar, a book of stories for children.
Autar Krishen Rahbar1934–2020Fatehkadal, Downtown SrinagarModern-ageHe was a dramatist, and had written the famous play Badshah.
Zeba Zeenat1934–presentNadihal, BandiporaSufismShe is a mystic poet whose work is based on self-exploration.
Hari Kishan Kaul1934–2009SrinagarModern-ageHe 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 Gauhar1934–presentCharar-e-Sharief, BudgamModern-ageHe had written the second novel in Kashmiri language, entitled Mujrim (1971).
Muzaffar Aazim1934–2022Gotlipora, TangmargModern-ageHis 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 Sadhu1935–1982N/AModern-ageApart from being a significant playwright, he had also won the Padma Shri (fourth highest Indian civilian award) in 1974.
Taj Begum Renzu1935–2015SrinagarModern-ageShe is the first Kashmiri female fiction writer and journalist.
Ghulam Nabi Tak Naazir1935-2015Yaripora, KulgamModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for Achhre Tsange' in 1991.
Bashir Bhaderwahi1935-presentBhaderwahModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism Jamis Ta Kasheeri Manz Kashir Natia Adbuk Tawareekh' in 2015.
Mohammad Yousuf Taing1935–presentShopianModern-ageHis work, Mahjoor Shinasi (A criticism on Mahjoor) won him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1998.
Makhan Lal Kanwal1936-2016Sangrampora, SoporeModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award fo Yath Aangnas Manz' in 2012.
Mushtaq Kashmiri1936-2022Kav mohallà, Khanyar, SrinagarResistance literatureHis book Tohfa-e-Shaheed' is written in the memory of his son, Ahmad ul Islam, who was a militant.
Moti Lal Saqi1936–1999Bijbehara, AnantnagModern-ageHe received the Sahitya Akademi award in 1981 for Mansar.
Sajood Sailani1936–2020Nowgam, SrinagarModern-ageHe served as a member of Sahitya Akademi's advisory board from 1973 to 1977 and in 1990.
Chaman Lal Chaman1937–1999N/ARomanticismHe had represented Kashmir at the National Conference of poets in 1960.
Ayoub Sabir1937–presentBugam, KulgamModern-ageHe 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 Sultanpuri1937–2020Sultanpur, BaramullaModern-ageIn 2009 he got the Sahitya Akademi award for his book Vont on literary criticism.
Marghoob Banihali1937–2021Modern-ageHe had returned his Sahitya Akademi award in 2015, for his Partavistan (1979), a collection of poetry.
Hriday Kaul Bharti1937–2020SoporeModern-ageHe is best known for his contemporary short stories including- Doan athan hinz dastaan.
Rattan Lal Shant1938-presentSrinagarModern-ageHe 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/AN/AModen-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for 'Yiman Padan Mye Yetsaar Gotshuy in 2010.
Ghulam Nabi Khayal1938–presentShal mohallà, SrinagarResistance literature He became the first Kashmiri writer to return the Sahitya Akademi award in 2015, for his Gashik Minaar (Luminaries), 1975.
Ali Mohammad Shahbaz1939–1996Shathgund, HandwaraResistance literatureHis literary work pictured and voiced the agony of Kashmir conflict.
Rasool Pampur1940–2015Hassenpora, BijbeharaSufismHe was very much inspired by the Sufi compositions of Lal Ded and Sheikh-Ul-Alam.
Farooq Nazki1940–presentBandiporaModern-ageHe is the son of Ghulam Rasool Nazki.
Pyarelal Handoo1941-2014Chandapora, Habba Kadal, SrinagarModern-ageAs 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 Shaida1941–2015Akilmir Khanyar, SrinagarModern-ageAs a prominent dramatist, he scripted 26 episodes of Habba Khatoon- the first Urdu drama from Kashmir which was broadcast on DD Kaeshur.
Omkar Nath Koul1941–2018Modern-ageHe was a prominent linguist of Kashmiri language.
Zareef Ahmad Zareef1943–presentAali kadal, Downtown SrinagarModern-ageHe 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 Zutshi1944—2014SrinagarModern-ageHe 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 HamadaniN/AN/AModern-ageHe 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-presentGanderbalModern-ageHe 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 Rasheed1947–presentNowpora Kalan, SoporeModern-ageHe released his first book Doad Khatith Guldanan Manz (Pain concealed in flower vases) in 2006, and was highly acclaimed by critics.
Abdul Ahad Hajini1948-presentHajin, BandiporaModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his collection of short stories Akh Yaad Akh Qayamat' in 2019.
Rafiq Raaz1950–presentSrinagarModern-ageHe is the author of Arooz Kashir Zaban (Prosody of Kashmiri language).
Shafi Shauq1950–presentN/AModern-ageHe 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 Reshi1951-presentSrinagarModern-ageHe won the Sahitya Akademi award for his collection of short stories Aina Aatash' in 2013.
Naseem Shafaie1952–presentSrinagarModern-ageShe 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 Asrar1953–2021Malaknag, AnantnagModern-ageHe is the founder of The District Cultural Association Anantnag’
Bashir Dada1953-presentAnantnagModern-ageHe 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 Kashtawari1954-presentBerwar, KishtwarModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism 'Tawazun in 2021.
Ghulam Ahmad Najar1954–presentNajar Mohalla, Tekipora, Lolab Valley, KupwaraSufism He has many Sufism books to his credit, but notably his book “Jaam-i-Arifayan” is the most comprehensive collection.
Piarey HatashN/AAnantnagModern-ageHe is particularly known for his Nazm Aes Bayo Naeb Nishanay Rov' that had featured in the documentary (2007) by Sanjay Kak. He has also translated many short stories from Dogri language to Kashmiri.
Shad Ramzan1956–presentKulgamModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for Kore Kaakud Gome Pushrith' (2014).
Aadil Mohi-ud-dinN/ASumbal, BandiporaModern-ageHe had received the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism entitled- Zol Dith Sadras (2016).
Aziz Hajini1957–2021Hajin, BandiporaModern-ageHe was the former Secretary of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and languages (JAACL).
Majrooh Rashid1958-presentModern-ageBeing 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 Mushtaq1961-presentBudgamModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of short stories Aakh' in 2018.
Farooq FayazN/AN/AModern-ageHe had won the Sahitya Akademi award for his literary criticism Zael Dab' in 2022.
Sajad Inquilabi1964-presentKhudwani, KulgamModern-ageHis debut collection of poetry was Poushgound' (Bucket of Flowers). When he wrote this, he was just 14.
Madhosh Balhami1965–presentBalhama, Pampore PulwamaResistance 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 Saify1966-presentKishtwarTriyout literatureBeing 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 Jan1966–presentPoshwari, Sonawari BandiporaSufismHer 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 AnzooN/ABijbehara, AnantnagModern-ageHis notable ghazals include- 'Myon Dill Wadnovthan' and Watan Waalyo Watan Wapas Tarakhna'.
Sunita Raina Pandit1967-presentAnantnagModern-ageHer 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 Qadri1972–presentChurmujur, BudgamSufismIn 2015, she had self-published her collection of poetry, entitled Ishq-e-Nabi.
Arshad Mushtaq1974-presentSrinagarModern-ageHe 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 Azam1977–presentDangiwotsh, Rafiabad BaramullaModern-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 Sahiba1983–presentAnantnagModern-ageShe had won the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for her Zard Paniek Daer (2017).
Shabir Magami1984-presentMagam, BudgamModern-ageBeing 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 Mohd1986-presentCharari ShariefModern-ageA critic, short-story writer, translator. He is also the author of 'Sadre Tchakis tal', 'Wande Bavath', 'Sari Harf', 'Pragash etc.
Rumuz-e-BekhudiN/ASrinagarModern-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 Bhat2000–presentDuderhama, GanderbalModern-ageHe 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

Writers in Persian

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 Ghani 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 Sheikh Yaqub Sarfi Ganai (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 Habibullah Nowshehri (1556-1617), Mirza Dirab Big Juya (d. 1707), Gani Kashmiri (1630–1669), Mirza Beg Akmal Kamil (1645-1719), Muhammad Aslam Salim (d. 1718), Mulla Muhammad Taufiq (1765), Muhammed Azam Didamari (d. 1765), Mulla Muhammad Hamid (1848) or Birbal Kachru Varasta (d. 1865), amongst a myriad. Of course, Kashmiri Pandits too played a role in that school, and one exceptional case was Pandit Taba Ram Turki (1776–1847), who was a celebrity as far as Central Asia.

Writers in Urdu

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

Writers in English

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2021-02-15. The new face of contemporary poetry. Meet Asif Tariq Bhat. 2021-02-17. Kashmir Analyser. en-US.
  2. Web site: Kashmir. Rising. Promoting mother tongue with poetry Rising Kashmir. 2021-02-17. Promoting mother tongue with poetry Rising Kashmir. en.
  3. Web site: How Poetry Helped Bring a Piece of Kashmir to Delhi. 2021-02-17. The Wire.
  4. Web site: Admin. India Education Diary Bureau. 2020-11-17. Literary function, Mushaira held at Bandipora. 2021-02-17. India Education,Education News India,Education News India Education Diary. en-US.
  5. Web site: Saffudin. Ali. 2018-06-05. For the love of language: Kashmir's new age Urdu poets—Part I Free Press Kashmir. 2021-02-17. freepresskashmir.news. en-GB.
  6. Book: Raina, Trilokinath. A History of Kashmiri literature. Sahitya Akademi. 2002 . 9788126013661 . New Delhi.
  7. Book: Shiti Kanta . Pandit Mukunda Rama Shastri . The Mahanaya-Prakasha of Rajanaka Shiti Kanta . The Research Department, Jammu & Kashmir State . 1918 .
  8. Book: Sisir Kumar Das. Sisir Kumar Das . A history of Indian literature, AD.500–1399: from courtly to the popular. . 193 . Sahitya Akademi . 2006 . Scholars consider _Mahanayakaprakash_ (Light of the supreme lord) by Shitikantha (c.1250) as the earliest work in Kashmiri language. . 9788126021710 .
  9. Book: Lal Ded . Lal Ded . Ranjit Hoskote . Ranjit Hoskote . I, Lalla : Poems of Lal Ded . Penguin 2011.
  10. Web site: Amin Kamil - Kashmiri literature, Kashmiri poetry . Kamil.neabinternational.org . 2013-03-03 .
  11. Web site: Ali Mohammed Lone. A fearless dramatist. Ali Mohammed Lone, Greater Kashmir. 18 January 2021. Greater Kashmir.
  12. Web site: Kashmiri Language.
  13. Web site: Welcome To the Homepage of LALDED . Lalded.8k.com . 2013-03-03 .
  14. Web site: How young poets from Kashmir are creating a parallel poets' society with online mushairas. The Print. 27 June 2020 .
  15. Web site: Kashmiri Language and Literature - Kashmiri Magazine of Kashmiri Poetry, Kashmiri Fiction. 2021-01-18. www.neabinternational.org.
  16. Martin Levey, Early Arabic Pharmacology: An Introduction Based on Ancient and Medieval Sources, Brill Archive (1973), p. 10
  17. [Prithivi Nath Kaul Bamzai|P. N. K. Bamzai]
  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. [:de:Claus Vogel|Claus Vogel]
  25. Anna Akasoy & co., Islam and Tibet: Interactions Along the Musk Routes, Ashgate Publishing Limited (2011), p.76
  26. [Richard Pischel]
  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
  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]
  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]
  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]
  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. http://khalifaabdulhakim.com/ A website on Dr Khalifa Abdul Hakim maintained by a relative and with a lot of bibliographical resources
  57. http://www.kashmirlife.net/punjabs-kashmir-connection/ Punjab's Kashmir connection
  58. http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/story/193515.html A Scholar-Intellectual
  59. Web site: Taufiq Rafat - the Ezra Pound of Pakistan . . 2009-11-09 . 2014-04-18 .