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The Mystical Career and Poetry of Nuru’d-Din Rishi Kashmiri
Ishaq Khan, Mohammad
Ishaq Khan, Mohammad
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Abstract
Ever since tha dawn of human civilization, the valley of Kashmir is said to have been an abode of Rishis,1 and, for this reason, it has also been known as Rishivatika or Reshwaer. A strong folk traditon still persists, particularly in a number of villages of Kashmir, about the existence of Rishis in very ancient times and the fact thats some forests in the Valley are even named after them gives a certain degree of credence to the oral sources of the Rishi tradition. But it needs to be pointed out that before the advent of Islam in Kashmir the Rishis were not socially active since they either led a secluded life in forests or on the tops of mountains. It was not until the emergence of the Rishi order of Muslim mystics, founded by Nuru’d-Din (1378-1439 A.D.), that the social authenticity of the Rishi tradition came to be established for the first time in Kashmir history. Undoubtedly, under his influence the Rishis emerged as a social force so much so that they were found worthy of description by such keen observers as Abul Fazl and Jahangir. A number of Kashmiri folk songs, Persian hagiographical works and chronicles which abound in praise of the Rishis also testify to their social role.2 This essay assesses the significance of the mystical career and poetry of Nuru’d-Din from the view point of history.
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1982-01
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With permission of the license/copyright holder