Kashmiri Pandits’ Unique Directory of 1936

The directory meticulously details the presence of Kashmiri Pandits across 118 cities and towns, stretching from British India to regions in Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Rangoon. The content is a treasure trove of information: addresses, occupations, marital statuses, gotras, ages, sibling details and even rare photographs of notable individuals, groups and temples.

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

In a remarkable initiative spanning over a decade, the Kashmiri Pandit Association of New Delhi, in collaboration with KP Shimla Association, undertook a monumental project between 1925 and 1935. Their mission was to compile a comprehensive directory of Kashmiri Pandits scattered far beyond their ancestral homeland. This labour of love culminated in the publication of the Directory of Kashmiri Pandits in 1936 by Idrees Burqi Press, Delhi.

Far more than a registry, this directory stands as an invaluable historical document, offering profound insights into the lives, struggles, and unyielding spirit of a community that endured centuries of forced migration from the Kashmir Valley.

A Testament to Migration and Survival

The directory meticulously details the presence of Kashmiri Pandits across 118 cities and towns, stretching from British India to regions in Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Rangoon. It traces their migrations, beginning as early as the 17th century, driven by the dual forces of religious persecution and political instability.

This narrative of displacement reveals the resilience of a community that, despite overwhelming odds, preserved its cultural and religious identity. The directory not only documents individual families but also chronicles the collective story of a diaspora determined to maintain its heritage and values.

Stories of Pain and Perseverance

The directory poignantly recounts the hardships faced by Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to flee their beloved homeland under oppressive regimes. Religious fanaticism during certain periods left the community with two stark choices: abandon their faith or escape to unfamiliar territories.

One grim chapter highlights a time when only 11 Pandit households remained in the valley, steadfast in their faith. Historian Pandit Anand Koul narrowed this figure further to just two families, an anecdote solemnly preserved in this directory.

Amid such adversity, the Pandits in exile clung to their education, dignity, and cultural preservation. They formed tight-knit networks to remain connected despite being dispersed across the subcontinent. As the foreword of the directory aptly notes:

“The remaining families, unable to endure the relentless pressure and persecution, migrated to mainland India, where the community’s unwavering commitment to education and intellectual pursuit played a vital role in their survival.”

A Cultural Treasure

Written in Urdu, the directory reflects the linguistic and cultural nuances of its time. Instead of page numbers, it uses script alphabets—“Alif,” “Bey,” “Jeem,” and so on—to mark its pages.

The content is a treasure trove of information: addresses, occupations, marital statuses, gotras, ages, sibling details, and even rare photographs of notable individuals, groups and temples. A particularly notable page, “Bey,” documents successive waves of migration and highlights the values that empowered the community to endure.

Preserving the Legacy

Recognizing the unparalleled significance of this 300-page historical artifact, the Kashmir Rechords Foundation intends  to translate it into English. This endeavour aims to make the directory’s rich content accessible to a global audience. To support this ambitious effort, the Foundation invites individuals and organizations to contribute. Interested parties can reach out via: kashmirrechords@gmail.com or support@kashmir-rechords.com.

In the meantime, Kashmir Rechords  will periodically share excerpts through blogs, offering glimpses into the lives of Kashmiri Pandits in distant lands. Upcoming features include the story of the sole Kashmiri Pandit family in Burma and another in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, in 1933.

• This directory is more than a historical record—it is a testament to the resilience, unity, and cultural richness of the Kashmiri Pandit community. It echoes their enduring values of education, peaceful coexistence and progress, even in the face of relentless challenges.
• Through Kashmir Rechords, these stories of survival and triumph will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that the legacy of the Kashmiri Pandit community remains alive and celebrated.
• Stay connected with Kashmir Rechords for more authentic and deeply researched narratives of Kashmir’s heritage. For one of the previous write-ups based on this Directory, click here: https://kashmir-rechords.com/sun-temple-fire-temple-kashmiri-pandit-temple-in-pakistans-gujrat/#google_vignette