(Kashmir Rechords Team)

While numerous books have been written about Kashmir and its Pandit community, a rare and unique work from 1893 stands apart. Written in Urdu, this book offers a deep insight into the lives of Kashmiri Pandits who had settled outside Kashmir, capturing their cultural evolution and integration into the broader Hindu society across India.

Penned by Advocate Shiv Narayan (Gurtu Razdan), also known as Raina Kashmiri and published by Kesari Press, Jalandhar, this remarkable book has been meticulously preserved at Aligarh Muslim University. Kashmir Rechords (www.kshmir-rechords) recently had the privilege of accessing and examining its pages, uncovering a wealth of information previously unreported.

Shiv Narayan, as per the book, belonged to a family that had migrated from Kashmir to various parts of India before finally settling in Delhi, earning them the title of ‘Dilli Wale’.  However, he himself was born and raised in Punjab and pursued a legal career at the Chief Court in Jalandhar. Dedicated to his fellow Kashmiri Pandit, Dewan Ram Nath Sahab Madan, a District Judge in Punjab at the time, the book spans 150 pages and presents an unfiltered portrayal of the community, discussing both its strengths and shortcomings.

In the foreword, the author acknowledges the likelihood of both praise and criticism for his candid observations but remains resolute in his commitment to truth. He implores his community members to view his work with an open mind, asserting that such a publication was necessary to document their history and heritage.

Shiv Narayan laments the absence of literature highlighting the contributions and culture of Kashmiri Pandits who had settled in other parts of India. He categorizes them into two broad groups: ‘Kashmiri Pandits of Punjab’ and ‘Kashmiri Pandits of Hindustan.’ His intent in writing this book, despite potential backlash, was to bring their journey to the forefront.

Expressing his wish that an outsider had undertaken this task for a more objective perspective, he ultimately took it upon himself to showcase the traditions and heritage of Kashmiri Pandits to the larger Indian Hindu society. He also references two contemporary journals—Safeer-e-Kashmir and Kashmir Prakash—which occasionally touched upon the plight of Kashmiri Pandits but, in his view, inadequately so, further compelling him to document their story.

Reason Behind Exodus

The  1893 book focuses exclusively on Kashmiri Pandits who were compelled to flee their homeland and establish roots in different parts of India. Despite their displacement, they steadfastly preserved their traditions while simultaneously adapting to their new surroundings.

One of the book’s significant chapters explores the reasons behind their exodus from Kashmir. While religious persecution is identified as the primary cause, Shiv Narayan also cites recurring famines and the pursuit of economic opportunities as crucial factors both for Pandits and Muslims of Kashmir. He highlights the achievements of notable Kashmiri Pandits such as Pt Nand Ram, Deewan Ajodhya Prasad, Raja Dina Nath and Colonel Badri Nath, who excelled in their respective fields despite their displacement.

Subsequent chapters delve into the community’s traditions, customs, attire, cuisine and rituals surrounding life and death. The book also details the festivals celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits in mainland India before 1893, including those they assimilated from local traditions to foster harmony with their neighbours.

For scholars and researchers interested in exploring this invaluable historical document, Kashmir Rechords offers a full transcribed version of its contents. Inquiries can be directed to support@kashmir-rechords.com or kashmirrechords@gmail.com.