Literature of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir has a rich literary heritage with contributions in Kashmiri, Dogri, Persian, Urdu, and Sanskrit.

Ancient and Medieval Literature

  • Kashmiri literature is believed to have started 2500 years ago, evolving alongside Sanskrit.
  • Kalhana’s “Rajatarangini” (12th century AD) was the earliest work where Kashmiri was used.
  • Shitikantha Acharya’s “Mahanayaprakasa” (13th century AD) was the first major work in Kashmiri Shaivism.
  • Lal Ded (Lalleshwari) (14th century AD): Introduced mystical poetry known as Vakh (four-line couplets).

Literary Development under Sultans

  • Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin’s period (1420-1470 AD) saw great literary growth.
  • Court poets like Bhattavatara, Ganaka Prasasta, and Uttasoma contributed significantly.
  • Persian literature flourished during the Sultanate period.

Renaissance of Kashmiri Literature (1500-1800 AD)

  • Habba Khatoon (1554-1606 AD): A renowned poetess known for her “Lol Lyric”.
  • Rupa Bhavani (1621-1721 AD) & Arnimal (1800 AD): Prominent poetesses.
  • Hindu poets such as Sahib Kaul and Prakasarama wrote religious epics.

19th Century Literature

  • Translations of Persian works into Kashmiri became popular.
  • Mahmud Gami and Waliullah Matoo introduced Masnavi (a form of storytelling in poetry).
  • Romantic tales like Laila-Majnu, Shirin-Farhad, and Sohrab-Rustum became popular.
  • Lila-poetry (a storytelling format) was developed by Paramananda (1791-1864 AD).

Modern Literature (20th Century)

  • Nationalistic poetry emerged, with Pirzada Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1885-1952 AD) being a major figure.
  • Nandlal Kaul was a noted dramatist who wrote “Ramun Raj”, “Satach Kahwath”.
  • Pandit Narayan Khar translated Bhagavad Gita into Kashmiri.

Post-Independence Period

  • Dinanath Nadim wrote modern Kashmiri poetry and won the Sahitya Akademi Award (1986).
  • Rahman Rahi (Sahitya Akademi Award, 1961).
  • Akhtar Mohiuddin wrote short stories and novels.

Notable Writers and Poets of Jammu and Kashmir

1. Lal Ded (1320-1392 AD)

  • Mystic poetess of Kashmiri Shaivism.
  • Composed poetry in “Lal Vakhs” style.

2. Nund Rishi (1377-1440 AD)

  • Also known as Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali.
  • Founder of the “Reshi Order” in Kashmir.
  • His sayings are collected in “Nur Nama”.

3. Habba Khatoon (1554-1609 AD)

  • Introduced the “Lol Lyric”.
  • Expressed pain of separation from her husband, Yusuf Shah Chak.

4. Mahmud Gami (1765-1855 AD)

  • Famous for Ghazals and Masnavi poetry.
  • Wrote “Yusuf Zulaikha”, the first Masnavi in Kashmiri.

5. Rasool Mir (1830-1870 AD)

  • Known as the “John Keats of Kashmir”.
  • Popularized Ghazal poetry.

6. Zinda Kaul (1884-1965 AD)

  • First Kashmiri poet to win Sahitya Akademi Award (1956) for “Sumran”.

7. Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor (1887-1954 AD)

  • Known as “Shayar-e-Kashmir” (Poet of Kashmir).
  • Wrote nationalist poetry.

8. Dina Nath Nadim (1916-1988 AD)

  • Led the Progressive Writers Movement.
  • Won the Nehru Award and Sahitya Akademi Award.

9. Nighat Sahiba (b. 1983)

  • Contemporary Kashmiri poet.
  • Won Sahitya Akademi Award (2017).

Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages

    • Established in 1958 as an autonomous body.
    • Functions as Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi for the region.
    • Aims to promote, preserve, and develop regional art, culture, and literature.
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