Laal Lakhman….Kashmir’s Formidable Humorist Poet

By: Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo

A great civilization like Kashmir must claim and reflect a long tradition of humor in its literature, folk tales, writings and way of life. It definitely lives up to its reputation of that statement.  However, the same is not to be equated with high decibel, vulgar and boisterous one that presently sells around us. Like elsewhere in India including in Kashmir this standard is the Rasa, as defined by Bharat Muni in “Natya Shastra”.

Kashmiri humor essentially is the joyful humor. Evidence to back that up exists in plenty. Nilmata being one such compendium, which includes this essential part of joy and mirth in the life of Kashmiris of yore. Unfortunately the period from thirteenth century onwards which has been full of upheavals and changing landscapes does not record any humor. Late Shri Som Nath Bhat Veer, a great researcher and author categorizes the above as “Weeping One” and it is here we see a shift from playfulness, joy and mirth to ‘Satire’. This artistic expression reached its zenith with experiments by Laal Lakhman in his loaded satirical poetry.

Of him it is said that he would instill fear if provoked or antagonized as he could extract satirical humor from any situation. People took great care not to offend him as he could roast anybody with his wit of a hornet’s bite of a satire.

   Dr. Baljinath Pandita, the great Shaivite scholar terms him second only to Kshemendra the great polymath of tenth century Kashmir as conveyed by late Som Nath Bhat Veer.

Laal Lakhman’s poetic expression

 Laal Lakhman, the great poet was born in Tsavalgam, a small village nearly four kilometers from Kulgam. The acronym Lal is actually the name of his friend who as his colleague would accompany him on revenue collection missions of the government.

Lal Lakhman’s poetry was essentially aimed at reforming the ills of the society which highlighted the corrupt and immoral practices followed by shopkeepers, bread makers, government officials and members of public. Certain critiques however are of the opinion that his language may be considered crude and brass, nevertheless enjoying. An example of his poetical expression taking the situation of a brawl between two neighbors is given vent like below. :-

“Sona Jad te Dam Daessie….Gaanan Manz Ladith Aaessie

  Tiklen Kun gayakh faessie….Magh Maesie bozakh Na”

Translated into English, the expression invokes the plight of two families born to Jads and Dassis with golden spoons in their mouths, still they would enter into brawls in cowsheds. Their they were tied to pegs meant for cattle. Listen to this oh readers especially in the month of Magha.

It is said that one day he and his friend Jiya Lal went to see one Tota Ram in village Gudar. Somehow, Laal Lakhman did not enjoy the tea and as such sprouted the satire as follows:-

“Samavar osukh goshey… Tath oas variyuk koshey

Malayi kani traevith haay…… Chet e Toti Gudrenie chai”

‘The Samavar had remained uncleaned in a corner of the house and had gathered a full year’s tea dust……They substituted soot for cream. Enjoy dear friends Tota Gudri’s tea.

This illustrious son of Kashmir unfortunately had no children and is said to have met an uncelebrated and ignominious death in the later part of the previous century even though he was a phenomenon of sorts at one point of time.

There is almost negligible record available in public domain regarding life and works of Laal Lakhman. Except for a small video by Sh M K Raina of Project Zaan, no research work has been conducted on the poetry of this son of the soil. Sh Raina, however, mentions about Laal Lakhman’s famous poem  gàdû dêgùl.

Arjun Dev Majboor had also authored a research paper on Lala Lakshman some five decades ago.