Kashmir is a region of great cultural diversity and political complexity. It has been a site of conflict and cooperation among various ethnic, religious, and linguistic groups for centuries. In this second volume of Culture and Political History of Kashmir, we explore the historical developments and contemporary issues that shape the identity and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In this book, you will learn about:

• The origins and evolution of the Kashmiri language and literature
• The role of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism in the formation of Kashmiri culture and society
• The impact of colonialism, nationalism, partition, and insurgency on the political landscape of Kashmir
• The challenges and opportunities for dialogue, peace, and development in the region

Culture and Political History of Kashmir Vol 2 is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich and diverse heritage of Kashmir and its relevance for the present and future. It is written by experts in the field and provides a balanced and nuanced perspective on the complex issues facing the region.

Order your copy today and get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Kashmir!

The Kashmiri language is one of the oldest and most distinctive languages of the Indo-Aryan family. It is spoken by about seven million people, mainly in the Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered parts of Kashmir, as well as in some neighboring areas of India and Pakistan. It has also been influenced by other languages, such as Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Tibetan.

The Kashmiri literature is a rich and diverse corpus of oral and written texts, spanning genres such as poetry, prose, drama, folklore, and history. It reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the region, as well as its political and social changes. Some of the most prominent Kashmiri writers include Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Habba Khatoon, Abdul Ahad Azad, Amin Kamil, Akhtar Mohiuddin, and Rahman Rahi.

In this chapter, we will trace the origins and development of the Kashmiri language and literature, highlighting their unique features and contributions to the world of letters. We will also examine the current status and challenges of the Kashmiri language and literature in the context of globalization and modernization.

The Kashmiri language has a long and complex history, dating back to the Vedic period. It is believed to have evolved from the Dardic branch of the Indo-Aryan languages, which also includes languages such as Shina, Khowar, and Kalasha. The earliest evidence of the Kashmiri language is found in the inscriptions of the Kushan king Kanishka, who ruled over Kashmir in the first century CE. The inscriptions mention the names of some Kashmiri towns and villages, such as Srinagar, Parihasapura, and Hushkapura.

The Kashmiri literature also has a rich and varied tradition, dating back to the ninth century CE. The earliest extant Kashmiri literary work is the Mahanayaprakasa, a treatise on grammar and poetics by Mankha. The Mahanayaprakasa is considered to be the first work of literary criticism in any Indian language. It also contains some examples of Kashmiri poetry, which show the influence of Sanskrit and Prakrit.

The golden age of Kashmiri literature was between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries, when many poets and mystics flourished in the region. They wrote in various forms and styles, such as vakh (couplets), shruk (quatrains), masnavi (long narrative poems), ghazal (lyric poems), and mathnavi (didactic poems). They also expressed diverse themes and views, such as devotion, love, nature, social justice, and humanism. Some of the most celebrated poets of this period include Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Habba Khatoon, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, Arnimal, Rasul Mir, and Wahab Khar.