CHINAR SHADE

THE SILENCE OF SRINAGAR CITY ....

2012-01-18T11:14:00.000+05:30

Srinagar kashmir
Photo Autar Mota

Many times this silence and gloominess confronts you in this city .Unable to bear this gloom and painful silence, many residents left this city . Left towards heat and dust . Those who stayed back surely missed them. Missed them sincerely . I quote kashmiri poet Farooq Nazki..

Me Taapa Kraayun Andher su Tschondumm

Me sheena Tschaatie munz deutumm nabuss vonn.

Vathhie Garuss bar Taa Daarie Traavith

Su Aav Kar Tayee Su Draav Koat Kunn.

( Farooq Nazki )

I searched him under the blazing sun ,

In icy winds Irummaged the skies to look for him..

Keeping doors and windows of his house open ,

Tell me when did he come and which destination he left for ?

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SAFFRON PRODUCTION DWINDLING IN KASHMIR VALLEY ...

2012-01-16T16:54:00.001+05:30

Pampore kashmir November 2011
Photo by by Autar Mota

SAFFRON or KONG ( Kashmiri ) , the most expensive crop, comes mostly from Pampore Uplands ( Wudar ) in kashmir valley .Infact ninety percent saffron grown in the Kashmircomes from this area. But than with traditional  farming methods , poor irrigation facilities and lack of postharvest management , the yield perHectare has come down from 3.13 Kgs to2.50 Kgs. The area under cultivation has also shrunk from 5700 Hectares to 3800Hectares . Is the centuries old Kashmir Saffron under threat ?
Not so at the moment butsurely if we do not read the writing on the wall the area under cultivation andproduction per hectare may further dwindle . We should strive for creation of Irrigation facilities throughtube wells and sprinklers which would ultimatelyincrease the production. Immediate restriction needs   to beput on construction activities in and around cultivable area also .

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JHELUM RIVER VIEW NEAR PAMPORE TOWN OF KASHMIR

2012-01-14T15:25:00.000+05:30

Jhelum or Vitasta Riveras it flows near Pampore town in Kashmir Valley .

Photo Autar Mota

To this photo I addtwo couplets from my Kashmiri Gazal.

Az chhu Apazeiuk singaar Gaah Traavaan

Poaz Te Vanahukh Kamiss Tche Diekh Teilee Buthh.

Graav Karanuss ChhuAz Ijaazat Hyonn

Graav Zevi Pyath Anakh Gatschee Zunn Leuthh……

( Autar Mota )

Today Falsehood looks radiant all over ,

Who shall see your face should you tell thetruth ?

Nowadays seek permissionto lodge your grievance heart ,

Else Lodgeyour grievance and be disgraced .

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SHAVE YOUR HEAD TO SIGNIFY SURRENDER

2012-01-12T17:18:00.001+05:30

Stone Cutting shop atAthawajan kashmir

Photo autar Mota

To this photograph iadd a brief write up on

" SHAVE YOUR HEAD TO SIGNIFY SURRENDER "

I have come acrossinstances in ancient history wherein shaving of Head by soldiers was construedas surrender. The early Romans ensured that their slaves shaved their heads.The practice was also prevalent with ancient Egyptians . It was prevalent withGreeks and Turks as well. Even Ottoman soldiers also carried down this practiceduring their conquests .

Head shaving is alsoprescribed as a symbol of humility and total surrender during pilgrimages .

It was considered a mild punishment for the enemyin most of the ancient and middle age societies . kashmirian kings alsopracticed it . King Lalitaditya of kashmir had many soldiers in his army whowere from Turkey and Tukhara( An area in Central Asia proximal to Balkhand Badakshan ) and who were possibly responsible for bringing this practice tokashmir . I quote kalhana

“ As an admission ofdefeat , the ruling princes were compelled to adopt various emblems showinghumility by the stern man which they carry to the present day ”

( Canto 177 TarangaIV kalhana’s Rajatarangini )

“To denote the signof Bondage , it is manifestly by his order that , the turks carry their handsat the back and shave half the head. ”

(Canto 178 Taranga IV kalhana’s Rajatarangini )

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STORY OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN OR TREES AND FRUITS

2012-01-05T14:35:00.003+05:30

Of Parents and children
Photo Autar Mota
Mattan kashmir 2010.

Trees bear fruits that finally get carried to cities far off . They create their own demand in this new world. Whilefruits enter this new world, trees feel happy .And trees ! left lonely to face the storm ,rain , Winds and hostile weather !!!!!!!

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WHO DOES NOT BOW ???

2012-01-04T19:01:00.002+05:30

Photo Autar Mota
Srinagar october 2011

WHO DOES NOT BOW …….????

“Bowing is a practice that keeps the monster called EGO atdoor. Eager to enter, this deadly animal is else always at our doorstep. In away Bowing also expresses helplessness of a man set against this universe. AHelplessness that seeks support and a shoulder to weep. Surely a step forwardto realize miniaturization before the timelessness of this cosmos or theinfinite reality. When you get up, you are clean and charged to give peace andhappiness.The monster called ego goes to backyard . Hence Bowing is a positiveand energising practice . And Unknowingly, quite often these small actionstransfer peace and happiness to others .I have seen this happening whenchildren bow before elders or their own parents. ”

(Autar Mota )

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EVENING TIME VIEW NEAR GANDERBAL TOWN , KASHMIR...

2012-01-03T17:06:00.000+05:30

Evening time Near Ganderbal Town, kashmir

Photo Autar Mota2011.

Ek Baar Hi Jee bhar Ke sazaa Kyon Nahin Daitay .

Mein Harf e galat Hoon To Mitaa Kyon Nahin Daitay

Moti Hoon To Daamun Me Piro Lo Mujhey Apney

Aansoo hoon To palkon se Giraa Kyon Nahin Daitay……

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HARWAN WATER RESERVOIR OF SRINAGAR AND LINES FROM A GAZAL OF AHMED FARAAZ

2012-01-02T15:29:00.000+05:30

HARWAN WATER RESERVOIR,

SRINAGAR, KASHMIR....

( Near Harwan Garden of kashmir )

Photo 2011.

Be tarah haal e dil hai aur tujh se,

Dostaana nahin ke tujh se kahain.

Qasidaa hum faqeer logon ka,

Ek thikaana nahin ke tujh se kahain.

Eik Tu harf Aashnaa thhaa magar,

Ab zamaana nahin ke tujh se kahain...................

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HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2012 FOR ALL

2012-01-01T11:51:00.002+05:30

Gulmarg Under Snow fall
Photo Autar Mota
A VERY VERY HAPY AND PROSPEROUS 2012 TO ALL FOLLOWERS AND VISITORS TO THIS BLOG.
Ahsaan Mere dil Pe Tumhaara Hai Doston
Yeh Dil Tumhaare Pyaar Ka Maara hai Doston
( AMota )

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THE STORY OF MR. DONKEY AS PUT FORTH BY URDU WRITER KRISHEN CHANDER

2011-12-27T14:39:00.003+05:30

(My sincere Thanks to "The Donkey sanctuary press Images " for this Photograph )

A NOVEL WITH DONKEYAS THE LEAD CHARACTER

KRISHEN CHANDER ANDMR. .DONKEY ( Humour and satire )

People say that adonkey is stubborn and foolish . Contrary to popular perception I find thiscreature intelligent , friendly and dependable in work. I believe urdu writerKrishen Chander ( 1914-1977 ) was also fascinated by this animal . He wrote afull fledged Novel on this creature in urdu titled " Ek Gadhey KiSarguzasht ' which was later published in 16 Indian languages . In English wehad “ Mr Donkey’s Autobiography ”and in Hindi we had its version as “ Ek Gadheki Aatm kathhaa ”. I have all the three versions with me . The one in Urdu isoriginal and super followed by the Hindi version . English translation is alsogood . The Book l is a moving satire on Indian Bureaucracy , film world ,Banking , politics and the licence Raj that existed in the country . Musicians,Journalist and Artists have also not escaped scrutiny in this Book. PanditJawahar lal Nehru too figures in this Book as Mr Donkey decides to meet Panditji as well. The opening Para of this great book reads like this ;-

“ Gentleman , I amneither a saint nor a Mahatma . I am also not Shri 108 Swami Geham Gehama Nand‘s follower . I am not Sufi Gurmukh singh Majhelaa the Herbal medicine seller.Neither a Vaid nor a doctor. Not a film star or a politician. Just a donkey whohas been suffering from a congenital fatal disease called News paper reading .So much has this disease spread in my body that I have left carrying bricks onmy back and am now focusing only on reading news papers . I lived with DhabooPotter of Barabanki and Donkeys of Barabanki are famous world over. I wasassigned the task of carrying bricks to Barrister Syed karamat Ali shah’sbuilding under construction. Syed sahib was a well read man who had built alibrary in his vacant plot much before constructing the new house. The libraryhad a reading room and syed sahib would read all sorts of news papers sittingon the verandah while simultaneously supervise the construction in progress. Ideveloped a routine at this construction site .Once I threw the load of bricks, I would slip inside the library and start reading newspapers . Barristersahib was himself too occupied in his newspaper reading that he hardly noticedme…………………………………………. And once the house was complete , Dhaboo potter drank Hoochone day and beat me mercilessly with a stick . He asked me to get out cryingloudly

“ I do not want adonkey who reads newspapers . I need a donkey who can carry bricks on his back’

After being thrownout by Dhaboo Potter, Mr Donkey now settles with Ramu Dhobi ( Washerman ) whouses this creature to carry dirty clothes to Jamuna river .And then somethingsad happens . Ramu is killed by a crocodile in jamuna and the family has nosource to fall back upon . Mr donkey now runs from pillar to post to get relieffor the family . He approches the Department of Relief new Delhi and is turned out . See theexchange of dialogues in this department

" Say what youwant " office superintendent in the relief department .

" I have comehere for some relief " Mr donkey .

" Only those whohave come from Pakistanas refugees can get relief over here " office superintendent in the reliefDepartment .

" If some one isruined in this country only , tell me where has he to go for justice and relief? " Mr Donkey .

The superintndentaskes his peon to throw Mr Donkley Out from his office .A lady inside theoffice tells Mr donkey to approach department of labour .

Mr Donkey meets Mr Rangachaari and Shri Subramaniam Deputy secretary and Additional secretaries respectively in the Ministry of labour Government of India . Both the bureaucrats enterinto a long discussion to decide whether a washer man falls within the ambit oflabour laws .Finally Rangachaari declares

" It isdecidedly a case fit for Ministry of fisheries . Crocodile lives in water andso do fish .Now that Ramu has been killed by a crocodile , it is the departmentof fisheries which has to settle this relief case ."

Subramaniam politelyhands over Ramu's file to Mr Donkey and asks him to go to Department ofFisheries .

Mr Donkey goes to seethe Anglo Indian Head of department of fisheries where this pipe smokinggentleman declares

" Look Mr Donkey, your problem is strange and i can not see a solution . I have one solutionfor you. Look ! washer men use soap for washing dirty clothes ; You get myPoint and soap falls under ministry of commerce ,Relate your story to commerceMinister . May be he would like to help Washermen of the country who otherwiseremove the dirt by repeatedly striking wet clothes against hard stones ."

Mr donkey goes to meetcommerce Minister Mansukh lal .

" Look Mr donkey, I can supply hardest stones to washermen to rub these clothes . I can abolishduty on soap.I can order the cloth mills to use stronger threads so that onceclothes are hit against hard stones ,nothing is torn but Your story isdifferent . It is the story of people with empty stomachs ..It is the story ofhelpless people of our nation. . Even a minister is helpless over here . Iadvise you to meet pandit Jawahar lal Nehru our Prime minister .

What does pandit jisay ????????????????????????

As advised , MrDonkey goes to see pandit ji . But then a donkey is a donkey and prime ministeris a prime minister. No donkey is allowed to meet prime Minister . So Mr donkeyhides behind the wall of Pandit ji’ official residence for the night and atdawn jumps in . Challenged by Guards and the gardener of pandit ji’s rosegarden , Mr donkey runs here and there in the lawn. Suddenly pandit ji emerges.Now the conversation

“ Sir I have come foran interview . Just fifteen minutes . I happen to be a donkey .”

“ No issue if you area donkey . Many donkeys keep coming to me daily for interviews ”

Mr donkey is elatedto meet pandit Ji . He forgets Ramu and his widow and starts discussingnational and international issues with Pandit ji .Many problems are put forthby Mr Donkey for solution .Finally Pandit ji says

“I have now learntmany things from a donkey . But then I do not have Alladin’s lamp in my hand toovernight change the condition of the poor people of this country . We haveplanned everything . Wait for some time . Wait for 25 years and see the change.”

Before leaving MrDonkey says

“ I know Pandit jiyou enjoy Horse rides . Ride this donkey as well. I shall feel grateful andobliged . “

Pandit ji rides thedonkey and makes it to gallop. Mr Donkey is surprised by pandit ji’s swiftness. Requests pandit ji to stop and moves out.

A meeting with panditji adds value to the personality of a simple donkey from Barabanki .Recognition . Praise . Crowds .. Press photographers . Newspaper correspondents. Media attention . He loses control over his affairs . The world takes himover. Interviews by New York Times , Le Monde ,Manchester Guardian , LondonTimes and many National and International magazines follow.

“ Sir what is youropinion about co existence ? ”

“ every donkey shouldobeys the law of coexistence . I cannot say about man .”

“ What is youropinion about social equality and division on the basis of race or colour ”

“ The world ofdonkeys is different . It has total equality and no race or colour division .”

“ Sir what would yousay about the cold war ? ”

“ We donkeys do notbelieve in hot or cold wars . In fact we hate wars and fights . You must haveseen how peacefully many donkeys graze together on any vacant piece of land.Together we carry bricks or sand and help in construction and development . ”

Mr donkey is thenentertained by Seth Barjotia for securing an oil refinery contract fromgovernment .The film world requests for a comedy film to be made on Mr Nehru’sdonkey .Mr Donkey receives a marriage proposals from Seth Mansukh lal’sdaughter Roopwati . He is invited to as a chief guest in a beauty contest. OurMr Donkey addresses writers and intellectuals in a seminar organized by SahityaAcademy. Relishes a classical music recital by Gunkali . Read the book andLearn more interesting stories of Mrdonkey.

( Autar Mota )

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WHERE HAVE THOSE GREAT SOULS GONE ??

2011-12-26T18:19:00.002+05:30

Shrine of Reshi Peer in down town srinagar
photo Autar Mota 2011.
To this Photograph i add My Kashmiri Poem -(Kaetii Tschhaandukh ) or Where shall I find them ?

(Kaetii Tschhaandukh )

Tim kaetii Tschhaandukh

Kaemii vaaetii Tschhaandukh

Yim Maaguss munz Naethhanaeunn Nanaaevaarie,

Yim Haaruss PheranTaa Naar Tapaan

Yim Vaharaatchan Munz vaana Penjeun Tal

Halmuss tip tip roodh rataan.

Daafa Traavithh Aiess Dhaeil Cheeraan .

Prathh Vatie Pakvunn Ouss Yee Bozaan

“ Allah Allah ! Maula Maula!

Shiv Shiv Shambhu !

Om Namo shivaaye !

Tche Tee Khaaur Zoovuss

Tche Tee jaanuss Ruut.

Atha Tull Tche Tee Mung

Assamaanuss Ruut. ”

Tim Taaeti Koat Gayee?

Tim Maaeti Koat Gayaee?

( Autar Mota )

( Where shall I find them ? )

Where shall I find them ?

Which path should I traverse to trace them ?

Those who walked naked and barefooted in Magh ,

Those who used pheran and kangri fire in intense heat of Haar ,

Sitting under shops ,

Those who storeddrops of rain falling from roofs in their clothes .

Lying on this couch,

they would compress outthese drops from their wet apparel.

We heard them saying

“Allah Allah ! Maula Maula!

Shiv Shiv Shambhu !

Om Namo shivaaye!

Let you be disease free !

Let good things be for you !

Raise your hands and

Wish everyone’s welfare .”

Where have these great souls gone ?

Where have these simpletons gone ?

Maagh - Corresponds to the Mid of Jan to Mid of Feb . It is a month of intense coldin Kashmir . It is a Month as per Bikrami Calender

Haar –corresponds to the Midof June to Mid of July. It is a month of hot summers in Kashmir. It is a Month as per Bikrami Calender .

(Translation from kashmiri By Autar Mota )

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WHY SHOULD POSTERITY PAY THE PRICE OF OUR NEGLIGENCE ?

2011-12-23T15:39:00.001+05:30

Photo Autar Mota

March 2011 srinagar, kashmir

Kanoon e Qudarat

“Jaisee karni Vaisee bharni”

Kanoon e Duniyaa

“Karey Koyee Bharey Koyee ”

Law of the nature

“As you sow , soshall you reap ”

Law of this world ofours

“ While one sows ,Other reaps ”

The Dal lake srinagar is actually dying. Why should posterity pay the price for our negligence ??

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DRIVING DOWN TO DAL LAKE FROM PALACE ROAD SRINAGAR KASHMIR

2011-12-23T13:51:00.000+05:30

PHOTO AUTAR MOTA
JULY 2011
KASHMIR

Driving down palaceRoad towards Dal lake srinagar on a sunny day in July 2011, my mindstarted thinking seriously on followingissue. I share it with all

“ Man thinks in twoways . For him two worlds exist simultaneously. The existing or the worldwherein he actually lives and the imagined one .There is a tendency to movefrom the existing to the imagined . The knowledge of the difference between theexisting and the imagined keeps the struggle of existence on. ”

(Autar Mota )

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SOME VIEWS OF BAANIHAAL TOWN ( J&K)

2011-12-21T15:12:00.001+05:30

ABOVE :TRAETH YAETH PHUTVAATIS OR HELL WITH THESE SMALL CURRENCY NOTES .ACHEESE SELLER IN BANIHAAL BAZAAR

ABOVE : BANIHAAL HAS A NEAR TOTAL KASHMIRI CULTURE. KANGRI ISEXTENSIVELY USED TO FIGHT INTENSE COLD

ABOVE :WILLOWS AT BAANINHAAL

ABOVE : A MAN FROM THE PLAINSSELLING LOCALLY MADE MEDICINES ON FOOTPATH

ABOVE : From Youthful Sunlight to shades of old age ; The caravanmoves. But then the machines also inflict a dehumanizing process . Theyconfront you not only in sunshine but also in shade . A man walks from sunlight to shade in banihaal bazar.

ABOVE : AZ ROAZ SAANIE - DILBER MYAANEY

HEY TALLA SAA AZ BEH RAATA SAANEI . HEY SIR PLEASE STAYTONIGHT AT MY HOUSE . A FACE IN THE BAZAR .

ABOVE : A VIEW NEAR THE NEWLY BUILT MOSQUE IN MAIN BAZAR .

ABOV E A VIEW NEAR IRCON GUEST HOUSE BANIHAAL .

All photographs by autar Mota Dec 2011 at Banihaal Town .

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CLOUDS ABOUT TO POUR DOWN ( A PHOTOGRAPH WITH MY MOBILE PHONE CAMERA) )

2011-12-21T13:46:00.002+05:30

PAIN MAKES US ALL TO BEG ?

MOBLE UPLOAD BY AUTAR MOTA

JULY 2011

Saawan ki Badlee Machalee hai ,

Bhar bhar matkee maari hai ,

Kaun kahaan daamun ko bachaaye

Har Aangan pichkaarihai,

Sab kaa Dard bhikhaari hai...............

( lines from a poem of autar Mota )

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WHEN THE RAIN BATHED THE CHERRY TREE .

2011-12-21T13:33:00.002+05:30

WHEN THE RAIN BATHEDTHE CHERRY TREE .

( PHOTO AUTAR MOTAMAY 2011 KASHMIR )

Apney Inaam e husn Kebadley ,

Hum Taehi daamanon seKyaa Lenaa

Aaj Furqat zadon PeLutf karo ,

Phir Kabhi Sabraazmaa lenaa.

( faiz )

In recompense of yourbeauty’s largesse

What would you expectof us , The empty handed ?

Why don’t you be kindto those afflicted by separation ?

There shall beanother time to test their patience .

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MERA SAFAR OR MY JOPURNEY; A BOOK BY ALI SARDAR JAFRI IN HINDI

2011-12-17T15:52:00.000+05:30

BOOK REVIEW

MERA SAFAR : Published by Bharatiya Jnanpith ,

Lodhi Road New Delhi. Price Rs 50/=.

Selected poems oof progressive urdu poet Ali Sardar Jafri ( 1913-2000)

With serious Urdu poetry in Devnagri script, the book is meant to present Urdu poet Ali Sardar Jafri to a broad section of his fans / readers who are not familiar with Arabic script . The book contains 132 poetic compositions comprising of Gazals , Songs , Mini Poems , Blank Verses , Quatrains and extremely powerful and eloquent poems on Indo Pak Friendship and the much debated topic of lasting peace in the Indian Subcontinent .

Sardar hardly needs any Introduction. His Journey from Balrampur ( UP ) to Lucknow , Aligarh , Delhi and finally to Mumbai ( 1942 ) during the days of British Raj, His unflinching faith in man , love for his homeland Awadh, his long association with some Freedom fighters of the country , his communist connections and Imprisonments and finally his association with progressive writers( like Rajinder Singh Bedi , Krishen Chander , Faiz and sajjad Zaheer ) are given some space in the brief and crisp foreword to this book. The selection from various poetic works of the poet for this book are quite impressive and appropriate so as to present the essence of his beliefs and convictions .

These merits apart , the compilers have missed much in introducing Sardar to the readers of this Book. Not a word about Sardar’s firm conviction on staying back in India when all his relatives left for Pakistan in 1947. Not a word about sardar’s association with Nobel Laurate Pablo Neruda or Paul Robson (1898 – 1976 ) , American concert singer , actor, athlete, scholar and a passionate advocate for the civil rights movement. No mention of film , Television and Documentaries produced or scripted by him. His association with World progressive writers and Turkish Poet Nazim Hikmet ( 1902-1963 ) is nowhere mentioned . Sardar’s faith in Nehruvian Model for the country , his humanism in feeling pain and anguish over Poverty and exploitation in Asia and Africa do not find a word in the introduction.

Sardar was a spokesman for the poor, and wrote zealously to promote peace and friendship between India and Pakistan all along his life . .This towering poet started his literary journey with his first Book Manzil ( a collection of short stories ) published in 1938. His language is direct, his words are powerful and his ideas are like paintings on a bigger canvas. Sardar’s poems have been translated into many languages of the world. He is also recipient of Soviet Land Nehru Award and the coveted Jnanpith Award apart from being conferred Padam Shri by Government of India .

Many Critics have labeled him as a preacher which in no way is the real estimation of the man or his work .In fact this happens with poems and issues that are meant to be conveyed to bigger audiences or Humanity at large . People misunderstand such creative work and interpret it as preaching .

I remember Atal Bihari Vajpayee saying about sardar jafri

“ One may disagree with his political beliefs but none can overlook the vision that this man has for the Humanity “ Vajpayee made the historic peace trip to Pakistan where he presented SARHAD the first-ever album of anti-war poems of Sardar Jafri (sung by Seema Anil Sehgal) to his Pakistani counterpart. This was indeed the greatest tribute to the poetic vision of Sardar.

On this initiative from Vajpayee Leading Newspapers wrote

“Where politics had failed, poetics triumphed ”

I quote a Memoriam on sardar which was read out in a seminar in 2000 in New Delhi ..

“Sardar was a rebel, freedom fighter, pacifist, radical activist, storywriter, critic and documentary filmmaker at once. But, above all, he was a poet endowed with exquisite imagination, one of the brightest stars on the firmament of twentieth-century Urdu poetry. “

A poem from SARHAD has following beautiful lines . This poem is also included in the book under review

“ Tum Aao Gulshan e Lahore se chaman Bardosh

Hum Aayein Subh e Benaras Ki Roshinin Le kar

Himalaya ke hawaaon Ki Taazigi Le kar

Aur oss ke baad Yeh Poochein Ki Kaun Dushaman Hai ..”

You Bring us flowers from the Garden of Lahore

We bring the Dawn of Benaras for you ,

We bring the fresh Himalayan breeze for you,

Then let us sit down and ask each other ,

“Who Is the enemy Now ? “

For lovers of Urdu poetry the Book has many eloquent and powerful poems like Subh e Fardaa , Tashkand ki shaam , Qatl e Aftaab and Guftagu raising issues like the need for permanent and lasting Indo Pak Friendship and peace in the subcontinent. His other poems like Mera Safar , Asia jaag uthaa, Ved e Muqaduss, Chandalika , Awaadh ki Khaak e Haseen and Daulat e Duniya Kaa Hisaab are a treat to urdu poetry Connoisseurs .The compilation has beautiful quatrains and couplets like

Daur e Mai Khatam Huva Khatam Huyee sohbat e shab,

Ho chukee Subah Magar raat abhi Baaki hai

Aisaa Lagtaa hai Ki Bichchhadi Hai abhi Mil ke Nazar

Aisaa Lagtaa hai Mulaqaat Abhi Baaki Hai .

Aey wattan Khaak e wattan Woh Bhi Tujhe Dhe Dheinge Hum

Buch gayaa hai jo lahoo ab ke fasadaat ke Baad .

(O my country, my beloved land, we shall be most willing to sacrifice

Whatever blood is left in us after the bloodbath of riots)

Yeh kaun Aayaa Shab e wasal Ka Jamaal Liye

Tamaam Umr e Guzashataa ke Maah o Saal Liye

Hazaar Rang e Khizaan Ka Badan pe Pairaahun

Zawaal e husn mein Bhi Husn e Laazawaal Liye .

Some mini poems composed by sardar and included in MERA SAFAR are worth mentioning . For example

Gham Kaa heera

Dil mein Rakho ,

Kis ko Dikhaatey Phiratey Ho ,

Yeh Choron Ki Duniyaa hai.

Keep these pearls of pain hidden in thy heart

Do not show them to one and all.

Take care !

There are thieves all over

They might snatch this too from thee.

About the freedom soaked in Blood bath of 1947 sardar says

Issi sarhad pe kal dooba tha sooraj ho ke do tukade

Issi sarhad pe kal zakhmi huyi thi subh-e-azaadi

(Yesterday, the sun split into two and diminished at this border

Freedom’s dawn was also wounded at this very border…)

Sardar’s romanticism is unmatched .His small poem “Tu Mujhe Itane Pyaar se Mat Dekh “ included in this compilation is worth mentioning for his moving romanticism which at times is shadowed by anxieties of existence .

Tu mujhay itnay pyaar say mat dekh,

Teri palkon kee naram saayaye main

Dhoop bhi chandni si lagti hai

Aur mujhay kitni door jaanaa hai

Rait hai garm,Paon kay chhaalay

Yoon dehktay hain,jaisay angaaray

Pyaar ki yeh nazar rehay na rehay

Kaun dasht-e-wafa main jalta hai

Teray dil ko khabar rahay na rahay

Tu mujhay itnay pyaar say mat daikh

-------------------------------------

Don't look at me so lovingly.

In the gentle shadows of your eye lashes

the sunlight turns into moonlight.

I've yet to go far off,

the sand beneath my feet is hot,

and the boils on my feet

feel like red hot coal.

Whether love lingers or not,

who wants to get burned

in the desert of faithfulness?

Whether you remember me or not,

Don't look at me so lovingly

Praising beautiful hands of workers of the world , Sardar goes on to say that Humanity should Respect the hands of Poor Artisans . These hands should get acceptance and dignity for these hands alone run this world. This poem called “ Haathon Kaa Taraana “ or song of the hands is also included in the compilation under review .

Mitti Ko chhuain to sonaa hai

Chaandi ko Chhuain to paayal hai

Pather ko Chhuain to Buut kar dein

Kaalik ko chhuain to kaajal hai

Aijaaz hai yeh inn haathon ka

Resham Ko chhuain to Aanchal hai

Inn haathon ki taqreem karo

Inn haathon ki taazeem karo

Duniyaa ko Chalaane waale hai

Inn Haathon Ko Tasleem karo

If they touch clay , It turns gold .

If they touch silver , it shapes itself to become Paayal ( Beautiful foot anklet ) ,

If they touch a stone , they make a deity out of it .

If they touch the lamp soot , they make it Kohl for the eyes .

What a wonder ! They touch silk and it turns to be our Body scarf..

Respect these hands .

Dignify these hands .

They move the world .

Accept these hands .

Some more poems of sardar like Husn e Kashmir ( The beauty of Kashmir ,) and Bombay would have done a little bit of value addition to this compilation . Nonetheless , the Book present Sardar Jafri in Proper perspective and the reader finds it enjoyable.

( Autar Mota )

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THE GARDEN , THE FLOWERS AND FRIENDS ARE WAITING FOR ME....

2011-12-15T18:48:00.001+05:30

Photo Autar Mota
srinagar . kashmir

Fasl e Bahaar Par Bhi Aseer e kafas Huun mein

Gulzaar Ki Fazaa Ko Mera Intezaar hai .

Jaisaa Fusurdaa Ho Gayee bazm e sadaa O Saaz

Yaaraan e Khush-nawaa Ko Mera intezaar Hai

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MY LOVE ! MY CITY ! LISTEN THIS TWO LINE COMPLAINT OF YOUR LOVER ...

2011-12-14T00:09:00.001+05:30

Srinagar Dal Lake october 2011

Photo autar mota

Ek Tarz e tagaaful hai so woh unn ko mubarak ,

Ek arz e Tamanaa hai so hum kartey raheinge

... ( faiz )

This posture of indifference , Let it be her prerogative,

For me it always be my desire's entreaty

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A VIEW NEAR TANGMARG KASHMIR

2011-12-13T12:26:00.002+05:30

A VIEW NEAR TANGMARG KASHMIR

PHOTO AUTAR MOTA OCTOBER 2011.

Zindagi hum tere daagon se rahey sharmindaa,

Aur tuu hai ke sada Aainekhaane Maange.......

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REMEMBERING AGHA SHAHID ALI

2011-12-12T12:22:00.007+05:30

Photographs by autar Mota

(Photo No 1 is Agha shahid's family House at Raj Bagh srinagar ,No 2 is the spacious lawn maintained by his father and scholar Agha Ashraf Ali , No 3 shows Agha Sahib standing , No 4 shows Agha Ashraf Ali in his study room ,No 5 shows Agha sahib with Autar Mota and media man Ajaz Rashid the remaining three photographs were clicked at jammu on 08.12.2011. Photographs from 1 to 5 were clicked at Agha Sahib's residence at Raj Bagh Srinagar on 04.07.201.)

TENTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF POET AGHA SHAHID ALI

Kashmir born Poet Agha shahid Ali needs no introduction in American literary circles . So does he need no introduction in UK. But yes he remains unknown in his own state and more specifically in Kashmir . Do we forget our ICONS ?
A function was organized at Press Club jammu On 08.12.2011 by Civil society for Arts and literature , family friends of the late poet and other Literary personalities of the state . The function was meant to commemorate Agha Shahid Ali ‘s (Kashmir born English poet) 10^th death anniversary . Agha Ashraf Ali ( Father of late poet ) was on dais with Prof A N Dhar ( Ex HOD English university of Kashmir ), Noted kashmiri poet Farooq Nazki and Ved Bhasin Editor Kashmir Times Group. Others who joined included Poet and scientist A R Nazki , short story writer Khalid Hussain , Gojri Scholar Javid Raahi ,Writer Dr. Ramesh Taimiri ,Theatre personality Ravindra kaul, Photographer Ajaz Rashid and many more from the field of art and literature . Memorable evening . Poems and literary talks . Father ( Agha Ashraf Ali ) remembering childhood days of his brilliant son . Prof A N Dhar remembering meeting Shahid in kashmir university. Some speaker recites Faiz . Another pays his poetic tribute to Shahid 's memory My thoughts too shift. I am reminded of Agha shahid Ali ’s poem on satyajit Ray's movie “Pather Pancheli “. Shahid has condensed the entire labour of the genius director Satyajit Ray to an 8 line poetic composition . Here goes the poem.

Durga dies in the rains,

her tongue bitter with stolen

fruit. Beyond the field, trains

escape a boy’s dreams, run

into the air. A necklace chains

him to the water’s bones, turns

his reflection sour. Wherever

Apu goes, to the temple or the river,

he carries Durga’s smile to the depths of the air.

( Agha Shahid Ali )

The memorable scene of this great movie wherein Durga and Appu move through the fields to have a glimpse of the train has been beautifully captured in this poem by Shahid .

My mind also goes to his superb translation of faiz. Loneliness has many colours and contours. Faiz is a master in expressing human loneliness . I can not help loving his poem “Tanhaayi ” and the superb and simple translation of Shahid appearing in the Book “ The Rebel’s Silhouette: Selected Poems, by Faiz Ahmed Faiz ”translated by Agha Shahid Ali ..Intense loneliness expressed by faiz and superbly conveyed in English by agha shahid Ali's translation

(Tanhaayi)

Faiz Ahmed Faiz

phir ko’ii aayaa, dil-e-zaar! nahiin, ko’ii nahiin;

raah-rau hogaa, kahiin aur chalaa jaaegaa.

dhal chukii raat, bikharne lagaa taaron kaa ghubaar,

larkharaane lage aiwaanon mein khwaabiida charaagh,

so ga’ii raasta tak takke har ek rah guzaar;

ajnabi khaak ne dhundlaa diye qadmon ke suraagh.

gul karo shamiin, barhaa do mai-o-miinaa-o-ayaagh,

apne be khwaab kivaaron ko muqaffal kar lo;

ab yahaan ko’ii nahiin, ko’ii nahiin aayega!

Solitude

Someone, finally, is here! No, unhappy heart, no one -

just a passerby on his way.

The night has surrendered

to clouds of scattered stars.

The lamps in the hall waver.

Having listened with longing for steps,

the roads too are fast asleep.

A strange dust has buried every footprint.

Blow out the lamps, break the glasses, erase

all memory of wine. Heart,

bolt forever your sleepless doors,

tell every dream that knocks to go away.

No one, now no one will ever return……………………….

(Translated by Agha Shahid Ali.)

My friend and poet Farooq Nazki has also composed a kashmiri poem "Akh Berang chith - Agha Shahid-ni nawaa "as a tribute to the poet. The wonderful English translation to this poem is by his talented daughter Roohi Nazki . Here goes the poem.................

(To Agha Shahid – From: Dead Letter Office)

The deepening black of an evening rose,

The fragrance of a thousand blooms

The Prince of the kingdom of sleep

Caressing the eyes with a soothing dream

Rousing the soul to a silent fire

Eyes, laden with the nameless terror, a strange content

Therein glinted a hope for tomorrow

Therein went buried many a dream

Dwelling long in dreams forbidden

Searching hard in shadows forbidden

He saw them there, the demons of the night

Their dance macabre, seared his soul

I still remember

He was so different

A being unique, a heart’s content

As I held him in my gaze, my blood rose in my veins

Away and yet so close to me

The solitary figure in a crowd

Alone

First whiff of the spring

Blazing sun

Blossom of the mustard flower

Cool draught of a spring

A field of saffron

The first shower

A fist of snow

An honest man, shrouded in white

The long night of the ninth moharram

A cry for water of the tenth moharram

The flaming chinar

The generous soul

The sweet breeze of early spring

The moon in a dark wintry night, frozen in the sky

The promise of a ‘sheena sharth’

Long winter

A warm kangdi on a wintry night

Sufiya’pet, her crown, her world

A droplet shimmering on a sprig of leaves

Noble son

The midnight blue of a moths wings

Circling death, courting love

A celebrity incognito

A nameless letter that the pigeon delivers

The bridge of ‘Suraat’over the ‘Bhavsar’ ocean

A boat ride

The shailmar garden

The lilting ardour,

making the blood dance in the veins

Tibet Bakal’s ‘Tilang tarana’

The gentle voice of Shams Faqir

Begum Akhtar’s touching Khayal

The creeper climbing the mud wall

The lone flower gracing a vase

Immense desert

Divine being

A mirage within the mirage of dreams

The bard of my land

A saint, a sufi

So far, yet tuned to be silent lament of my heart

Cradling the vale in his eyes

Words shining like fireflies in the velvety night

His memory synergies my soul,

blazing the frozen blood in my veins.

Shaking the mountains

Spraying flowers

Casting life on trees and plants

A cry of delight

A lyrical thought

The merry wooer, solitary along the bridge of fire

A ray of light dispelling the darkness

Oh universe be a witness to what I say

That harbinger of life

Lal Ded’s dream

The rishi of goodwill

The seeker

He will rise again

Splitting the earth

Green like a field of wheat

He will soar again over the Himalayas

Draped in tulips he will appear, yet again

( Farooq Nazki Translated by Roohi Nazki )

What more can be said about this great poet i do not know . Almost all about him is available on the net . Amitav Ghosh , his friend and writer ( who wrote the novel “The Hungry Tide ” ) has also added a nice page about the life and work of this poet especially covering the period of his illness . To Amitav , Shahid had said

‎" This dividing of the country , the divisions between the people- Hindu , muslim , Muslim , hindu - Yo can not imagine how much i hate it . It makes me sick.I wish this had not happened . "

"Once shiela Dhar who knows Gazal singer Begum Akhtar very well told me that my teeth and and mouth resemble Begum sahiba " .

“ I just love those moody songs of kishore kumar apart from Rogan josh and old Bombay films ”

Shahid shall be remembered for seriously working on the GAZAL format for English poetry . He himself wrote some poems in this format and compiled a book “Ravishing DisUnities: Real Ghazals in English.

My experience with Agha Shahid Ali's poems has been like reading Rajtarangini. First reading in a summary way confused me. But Once you understand the reference /context of his poems you start realizing intellectual tallness and clarity of vision of this man . You come to his poems again and again. His poetry breathes the natural fragrance of kashmir . If kashmir is in pain his poems reflect the pain. If hope and bright dawn is nearby , he is the first to talk about it . Shahid uses a large canvas to convey issues touching him. In this type of literature you do not talk about any victor or vanquished . You can not call it a poetry of cause or poetry of effect . It is poetry of human beings who have a shared history and a shared past . Through some poems ,the poet also envisions a future for them based on a very strong and indestructible cultural commonality and ethos . Such Intellectuals rise taller in any group to say loudly " look folks ! All of you are sufferers ". And We are duty bound to salute these genuine feelings .This is the quality of great literature . A Literature that has no group label. Apply it to universal situations and it fits perfectly....

Shahid loved Kashmir ,its river , mountains , hills , lakes , birds and seasons . He had special love for srinagar city .I also Joined the memorial function on 08.12.2011 and felt privileged to be given an opportunity to speak for 10 Minutes on Poetry of Agha Shahid Ali especially his translation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz. I dedicate a poem of mine to Agha Shahid Ali's memory . I read this poem at the memorial function on 08.12.2011..

Hamaara shehar ( our City )

Manzilein Ghumm hain Raastey Sooney

Naa Koyee Yaar Naa Sukhan Naa khuloos

Kab Hansey Thhey hamein to yaad Nahin

Koyee Kaandhaa nahin hai Roney ko

Shaam Se hi Gharon ke Bandh kiwaad

Zindagi Ghutt Gayee hai kamron mein.

Kyaa Khareedeinge inn Bazaaron mein

Jin me Bikatee hai dard o Badh –Haali.

Woh Parindey Woh Pyaar ke Raahi

Shehar Ko Jin Pe Naaz Thaa kal Tak

Aaj Jaane Kahaan Bhataktey hain

Ya issi Shehar mein hain Chupp Bebas

Apne Khwaabon mein rang Bhartein hain.

Khwaab woh Hain Ki Sunaaye Na Baney

Dard Woh hai ki Dikhaaye Na baney

Fir Bhi Har waqt Yeh Dua Woh Karein

" Aey Mere Shehar Tuu Aabaad rahey

Mausamon ki Mehar rahey har saal

Tere Baagon mein Parindey hon sadaa

Teri Jheelon mein Aabshaaron mein

Inn safedon mein in Chinaron mein

Har Choraahey mein basti koochey mein

Zindagi Laut ke har pal Yeh kahey

Pyaar Ka Jashn Manaana Hai Ab

Har Andhere ko Mitaana Hai Ab”"

(Autar Mota )

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SNOW , SRINAGAR CITY AND FAIZ AHMED FAIZ

2011-12-11T23:53:00.001+05:30

Snow near Partaap Park srinagarDec 2010.

Snow , City and Faiz Ahmed Faiz

(Sochney Do)

Ek Zaraa Sochney Do

Iss Khayabaan Mein

Jo iss Lehzaa Bayabaan Bhi Nahin,

Kaun si Shaakh Mein Phool Aaye The sab se pehlay,

Kaun Be rang Huyee Ranj o Taab Se Pehlay,

Kiss Ghari kaun se Mausam mein Yahaan ,

Khoon Kaa Qehat Paraa,

Gul Ki Shah Rag Pe Kara Waqt Paraa,

Sochney Do,

Ek Zaraa Sochney Do

Yeh Bharaa Shehar joab vaadi e veeraan bhi nahin,

Iss mein Kiss waqt Kahaan ,

Aag Lagee thi Pehaley ,

Iss ke saf Bastaa dareechon mein se kiss mein Avval,

Zeh huyee surkh Shuaaon ki Kamaan,

Kiss Jagah Joat Jagi thi Pehaley ,

Sochney Do

Hum Se iss Desh Kaa Tum Naam o Nishaan poochhtey ho,

Jis Ki Taareekh Na Jugraafiya ab yaad Aaye ,

Aur Yaad Aaye To Mehboob e Guzishtaa ki tarah ,

Ruu b Ruu Aane se JiGabraaye ,

Haan Magar Jaise Koyee ,

Aissey Mehboob Kaa dil Rakhney ko ,

Aa Nikaltaa hai Kabhi raat Bitaane Ke liye ,

Hum Ab iss umr ko Pahunchey hain jab hum Bhi Yuun Hi,

Dil se Miltay hain bas Rasm Nibhaane ke liye

Dil Ki Kyaa poochhtey Ho

Sochney Do

( Faiz Ahmed Faiz )

Let Me Think

Let me think , Just a while ,

In this garden

Which at this moment is not even a wilderness,

On which bough sprouted the primal flowers

And which flower first blanched

With grief and fatigue ?

And before this _

At which moment , and during which season

Were we struck with the drought of blood

And the flower’s Jugular vein smarted

Under time’s harshness_

Let me think.

Let me think a little .

This teeming city ,now not even a desolate valley _

Here , when and where

Did the first fire breakout ;

In which one of its arrayed windows

Was first born the arc of blood drenched flames _

And where did the first light flash?

Let me think.

You ask me the whereabouts of that country

Whose history and geography now elude my memory

And , if at all recalled somehow ,

It’s like a beloved of the past encountering whom , face toface ,

The heart feels unnerved _

But yes , as if someone

Just to cheer up his lover ,

Shows up sometime to spend the night .

I have now reached at that point

When even if I go over to meet my beloved

It shall be just for a ritual’s sake .

What is there to ask of my heart ?_

Let me think

( Translation By Shiv K Kumar )

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EYES GET FOCUSSED TO THIS ALSO ; WHAT CAN ONE DO ?

2011-12-11T00:27:00.000+05:30

Laut jaati Hai idhar ko bhi nazar kyaa keejiye ...................
TULAMULA VILLAGE KASHMIR
PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2011.

Apne Afqaar Ki Ashaar Ki Duniyaa hai Yehi
Jaan e Mazmoon Hai yeh Shaahid e Maanay hai Yehi
Aaj Tak Surkh o Siyaah Sadiyon ke Saaye ke tale
Aadam o Havaa ki Aulaad Pe Kyaa Guzri Hai ,
Maut Aur Zeest ki Rozaana Safar Aaraai mein
Hum Pe Kyaa Guzri Hai Ajdaad pe kyaa Guzri hai

( Faiz )

This alone is the domain of my thoughts___
My verse , its sole quintessence.
Till today , In the shadow of centuries , Sanguine and sable ,
What has been the lot of Adam’s progeny ?
In the daily battle array of death and life ,How shall it fare with us ,
How had it fared with our ancestors ???

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MORNING VIEW OF MAJESTIC ZERO BRIDGE AND LINES OF KASHMIRI POET PROF. GH NABI FIRAQ

2011-12-07T13:06:00.001+05:30

MORNING TIME 6AM NEAR ZERO BRIDGE SRINAGAR

PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2011.

But then a complaint with the morning breeze as well ........
Subahikee Vaavo Kuthh akh Vanahaai
Tscheitee Maa Chhuhumm Goamutt sarkaarie
( Prof. G N Firaq noted kashmiri Poet )

O Morning Breeze ! Listen I need to tell you something
“ Do You also represent the Establishment ? “

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TWO VIEWS NEAR GANDERBAL KASHMIR AND SOMETHING ABOUT BARK OF BIRCH TREE ( BURZAA)

2011-11-28T12:37:00.000+05:30

Near Ganderbal kashmir
October 2011
Photo Autar Mota

I have come across a wonderful aspect of kashmirian society . This possibly relates to the period of 3rd centaury and continued till 11th centaury . I read it in a journal. I had my doubts . But after carefully going through Rajtaringini, all misconceptions have been cleared . I am indebted to kalhana . .

In Kashmir, any person who renounced worldly life would put on clothes made of bark of birch tree . A man who wore such clothes was supposed to have taken up religious or other pursuits cutting his connections with the society at large . Birch bark was quite popular in Kashmir and was also used as a substitute for paper even upto 19th centaury . I quote kalhana

“The cave residences were illuminated by iridescence of the crest jewels of numerous wandering holy men , drowsy with murmurs of breeze caught in their garments of Birch bark.”

( Canto 165 Page 65 IInd Taranga Rajatarangini of kalhana Translated by R S Pandit )

It now stands clarified to me as to what some elders meant when they would say

“Kyaa Saa Ammei Maa Voall Burzaa ”

“ What happened ? Has he worn garments made of of Bark of Birch tree ?”

( Autar Mota)

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IT IS NECESSARY THAT WE SHOULD SIT AND TALK NOW.......

2011-11-21T17:08:00.004+05:30

All photographs by Autar Mota october 2011

Except PhotoNo 2 from top that has been clicked at village Tulamulla kashmir ,All other Photographs have been clicked near Martand Sun Temple kashmir . The majestic sun temple ruins are just 2 kms away from Mattan village in Anantnaag district. The nearest village to Sun Temple ruins is known as Ranbirpora . A sizeable population of Sikhs live in this village .These photographs were clicked outside the house of my Friend and advocate Rachpaal Singh . To these photographs I add my blank verse “ Baat karnee Bahut zaroori hai .” or It is necessary that we should talk………………..

To this photographs I add my blank verse “ Baat karnee Bahut zaroori hai .” or It is necessary that we should talk………………..

( Baat karnee Bahut Zaroori Hai )

Zindagi Aa Ki Zaraa Baat karein Hum Bhi Ab,

Baat Apni Naa bani Aaj tak Mozoo e Sukhan,

Baat Jo Tum ne Naa chhedi ab Tak ,

Baat Jo Maine Naa karni Chaahi ,

Baat Jo Atkee Rahee Meri Zubaan Par aksar ,

Baat jo Bhatkee gali sadkon mein ,

Baat jo maine sunee Gairon se ,

Baat jo Apnon se Ho hi Naa sakee

Baat hi to Vafaa hai Pyaar Bhi hai ,

Baat Rishtaa hai to Ghumkhwaar Bhi hai ,

Aisee Baatein Dabaa ke kaun Jiyaa,

Innsey Nazrein Bachaa ke Kaun jiyaa,

Baat karne se to Rastey Bhi Nikal Aatey hain ,

Baat karne se To Tufaan Bhi Thhum jaatein hain,

Varnaa Dariyaa Bhi Khaamoshi se hi Jumm jaatein hain.

Dard Mushtarqaa hi Milaa hai Hamein ,

Kyon naa Bolein ki Kyaa Gilaa hai Hamein,

Uss jawaan Khoon Ki Baatein ki Jo Sadak Pe Giraa ,

Unn parindon Ki Jinhey Maar Gayee Garm Hawaa ,

Unn ki Baatein Bhi Aaj kar hi lein,

Gathriyaan Yaad ki lekar bhatak Rahein hain Jo

Ajnabi shehar ke Jhulse Huvey Shaahraahon Pe.

Baat Uss Maa ki Jo Ab Goongi Hai ,

Baat Uss beti Ki Jo Hanstee Hi Nahin,

Nafraton ke Bazaar ke Taajir ,

Kam se kam Baat yeh Bhi Sunn To lein ,

“Nafaraton ka agar hai Aaj Chalan

Kal Yahaan Aanaa hai Mohabbat Ne ”………………………

( Autar Mota )

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SOMETHING MORE ABOUT THE POETRY OF AKHTAR UL IMAAN .

2011-11-20T16:50:00.002+05:30

Akhtar ul Iman (1915–1996) was a noted Urdu poet and screenwriter in Hindi cinema, who had major influence on modern Urdu nazm..He happens to be my favourite modern urdu poet . Credit goes to him for shaping the contours of modern Urdu Nazm . He has been a trend setter and an exponent of Philosophical Humanism. A sample of his Modern Nazm . A nazm wherein passionate humanity has been put into the effort of realizing GOD. Lines from His poem Naya Ahang:-

Loghaat alfaaz Ka ek Dher hai Lafzon Pe mat Jaana ,

Nayaa Ahang Hotaa Hai Moratab Lafz o Maani Kaa ,

Mere Haq Mein abhi Kuchh Faisalaa Saadir Naa Farmaana ,

Mein Jiss Din Aaoongaa Taaza Loghaat Hamraah Laoongaa .

( Akhtar Ul Iman )

The dictionary is nothing but a heap of words,

Be Cautious and discreet !

A fresh design is in the offing to define everything anew.

Pray , Don’t pass any judgment at the instant .

The day I come my Lord ,

I shall bring along with me the new Lexicon.

Akhtar Ul Iman comes close to Franz kafka 's character GREGOR SAMSA ( Novel "The Metamorphosis" ) in below lines

Mein Rubber ka Bana aisaa Babwaa hoon jo

Dekh sunataa Hai mehsoos kartaa hai sab,

Peit mein Jis Ke sab Zehar Hi Zehar hai ,

Peit Meraa Kabhi Gar Dabaaoge tum,

Jis Qadar Zehar hai ,

sab Ughal doonga tum sab ke chehron pe mein.

( I am like a doll of rubber

i watch , listen and feel everything .

My belly has nothing but poison ,

See if you ever press my belly ,

I shall vomit the entire poison on all of you ,

Just straight on your faces ! )

I have also attempted to translate one of his poems

“At the last stop Before My Destination ”. The poem goes as under :-

“At the last stop Before My Destination ”.

I shall continue moving like this only,

Yes treading this red , white , green and black earth.

Listen You ! Whosoever is over there ! Listen!

Let me know if any one is with me.

None! Okay let it be None !

I make myself free from even the dust

That came to my feet

In this journey .

Now I have returned what ever was yours ,

Let any one lodge his claim and I shall redeem it ,

Tomorrow no one should link me to falsehood,

Tomorrow don’t doubt my intentions ……

Another poem that I like has been beautifully translated to English by Mr Mehmood Jamaal

(Pride of Cities)

How can you hear a scream in this huge city

among the clamouring buses and thundering trains ?

There is a buzzing of bees in the constant crowd.

Catch someone and murder him in broad daylight, if you please !

Go rob a woman of her chastity, she's yours !

Who will hear a scream in this vast city ?

Big cities, my friend, are for big projects :

speeches of honoured ministers, processions of leaders,

marches, demonstrations, unity and all that.

This is the place for night people, decadence ---

whoever told you this was a centre of learning ?

Look ! just freshly arrived, a royal personage ---

and all the important city gents will lick

his boots and present him with a petition;

then, after that, some president of a bank,

some new ambassador, some new leader,

some manager with plans for industry,

a delegation for cultural exchange,

big plans, big sacrifices, big talk,

functions, parties, big hotels, big big tricks ---

Big cities, gentlemen, are for big people.

But there are those in here who are nameless;

came to laugh at the golden city

but they had a long way to go,

those who came to build this world.

They all had big hearts, big souls,

were full of knowledge, wit,

but in the politics of the world were small.

A big city is for big works my friend !

A breaking heart is not a rocket that you can see;

in a big city, who can hear a scream ?

( Urdu to English Translation by Mehmood Jamaal )

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HOW IS THAT DEAR CITY OF OURS ?? YES SRINAGAR ( KASHMIR )..

2011-11-20T00:28:00.000+05:30

RANDOM VIEWS OF SRINAGAR CITY

PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2011

Woh shehar jo hum se chhoot gayaa Ab uss kaa nazaara kaisaa hai,

Har dushman e jaan kiss haal mein hai Har jaan se pyaara kaisaa hai .......

Aey des se Aaney Waale bataa....

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THE NARROW LANE LEADING TO THE SHRINE OF RESHI PEER AT ALI KADAL SRINAGAR AND A POEM OF URDU POET AKHTAR UL IMAAN .

2011-11-20T00:15:00.000+05:30

The narrow lane leading to the shrine of Reshi Peer in Alikadal srinagar

photo autar mota . To this photo i add a poem of late Akhtar Ul Imaan noted modern urdu poet .

( At the last stop Before My Destination )

I shall continue moving like this only,
Yes treading this red , white , green and black earth.
Listen You ! Whosoever is over there ! Listen!
Let me know if any one is with me.
None! Okay let it be None !
I make myself free from even the dust
That came to my feet
In this journey .
Now I have returned what ever was yours ,
Let any one lodge his claim and I shall redeem it ,
Tomorrow no one should link me to falsehood,
Tomorrow don’t doubt my intentions ……..
( Urdu poem of Akhtar Ul Imaan Translated by Autar Mota )

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THIRD CLASS TICKET WINDOW OF PALLADIUM CINEMA LAL CHOWK SRINAGAR

2011-11-20T00:04:00.001+05:30

THIS IS THE THIRD CLASS TICKET COUNTER OF PALLADIUM CINEMA LAL CHOWK SRINAGAR . THE CROWDS .THE SMALL WINDOW. MANY HANDS INSIDE . NOISE . EVEN IF YOU HAD THE TICKET IN YOUR HAND BUT HOW TO TAKE OUT THIS HAND SAFELY ????? ADD TO THIS ONE COULD ALSO GET A LASH FROM MOHD ISMAIL OR NOTORIOUSLY CALLED ISMAAL BLACKER .........THAT IS WHAT PALLADIUM CINEMA WAS .

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUTAR MOTA

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MILK IS NOW EASILY AVAILABLE IN KASHMIR

2011-11-19T23:59:00.000+05:30

MILK COLLECTION AT GANDERBAL KASHMIR MORNING TIME 19.10.2011. MILK IS ABUNDANT IN KASHMIR NOW . NO MORE MILK IMPORTS FROM PUNJAB ( AMRITSAR )
PHOTO AUTAR MOTA

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KASHMIRI SHAWLS AND THE TAXES

2011-11-19T23:48:00.000+05:30

It was in the first quarter of 19th century when Napolean was in Egypt that he picked up a kashmiri shawl and presented it to his wife Josephine whence it became an article of fashion in rich circles of

France

Popularity of kashmiri shawls tempted the rulers to earn revenue from this trade. Shawl trade was heavily taxed . Every shawl was taxed 24% of its value . Heavy duty was also imposed on wool . So much so that this Taxation brought this industry very very close to closure and the poor artisans had begun to starve . The government earned a revenue of 12 lacs from DAG E SHAWL or shawl tax alone .It was Maharaja Ranbir singh who remitted this Tax altogether enabling the Industry to revive and the artisans to survive . The Maharaja taxed goods imported from Punjab and Yarkand instead at a flat rate of 5 percent to make up for the loss of revenue.Heavy tax on shawls is also confirmed by Moorecroft who visited kashmir in 1824.

( Autar Mota )

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EVENING TIME IN DAL LAKE , SRINAGAR KASHMIR ...28.10.2011.

2011-11-19T23:26:00.000+05:30

EVENING TIME IN DAL LAKE , SRINAGAR KASHMIR ...28.10.2011.
photo autar mota

Zindagi Failee Huyee thee Shaam e Hijraan ki Tarah
Kiss ko itanaa Hoaslaa thhaa Kaun Jee kar Dekhataa...........

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SNOWFALL OF JANUARY 2011 IN SRINAGAR CITY.

2011-11-14T23:15:00.001+05:30

Srinagar January 2011..

Meri aankhon mein abhi tak hai muhabbat ka ghuroor
Mere honton ko abhi tak hai sadaqat ka ghuroor
Mere maathe pe abhi tak hai sharaafat ka ghuroor
Aisay wahmon se abhi khud ko nikaloon to chaloon..................

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BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS PATIENCE COOPER AND KUMAR PAASHI'S POEM

2011-11-14T23:03:00.003+05:30

Photograph of Anglo Indian actress Patience cooper ( 1905-1983 ) from Calcutta .

Patience Cooper is remembered for her roles in movies like NAL DAMAYANTI , VISHNU AVTAAR , CHANDI DAAS, FAKHR E ISLAM, NAKLEE DOCTOR , DURGESH NANDINI, PATNI PRATAAP, ZEHRI SAANP , BAAGI SIPAAHI , MOHINI,MERA PYAARA ,KASHMIRI SUNDARI, GAREEB KI DUNIYA ,HOOR E ARAB,TURKI HOOR ,SATYA VAADI RAJA HARISH CHANDRA , ALLA UD DIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP,ALI BABA AND FORTY THIEVES , ANOKHA PREM and LANKA DAHAN. She acted in about 44 films in total.she acted in movies of the silent Era and later in sound movies .Saadat Hassan Manto had recommended her to his film producers as a lead actress for a movie based on his own script.Patience is reported to have declined saying that she was too old for the role . She married Gul Hamid Khan an actor of silent movie Era and migrated to karachi in 1947 where she died in 1983.

NOW SOME MORE FROM KUMAR PAASHI'S POEM ON SAUGANDHI.

If SAADAT HASSAN MANTO created SAUGANDHI for his story HATAK and gave her immortality , urdu Poet kumar Paashi stepped in and dived deep into her heart to express the hidden Pain , sorrow and anguish of this lonely character condemned to live a life of falsehood , self deception and exploitation . I share some more lines from Kumar Paashi’s poem SAUGANDHI……

Door khade meire Aangan Dwaare

Pal Pal Paas Bulaayein,

Kaho Hawaaon se Ab Unko

Door kahin Le jaayein ,

Jhoot ki Yeh Chaaron Deewarein ,

Jhooth Ka farsh aur Chhat hai,

Jhooth ka Bistar ,

Jhooth Ke Saathi,

Jhooth ki Har Sangat Hai,

Jhooth Bichhaaoon Jhooth Lapeitoon,

Jhooth Utaaroon Pehnoon,

Jhooth Pehan Kar Jism ke veerane mein Doadatee jaaon,

Such Ki Titalee Bol Kahaan hai ,

Kab se Tujhe Bulaaon,

Ek Lambi Tareeq sadak par kab Tak Chaltee Jaaon,

Kyon Nahi Zehan Ki Deewaron se takraa kar Mar Jaaon.

Ek Mausam Mere Dil Ke andher

Ek Mausam Mere Baahar ,

Kyaa Jaane Mujh janam Jali Ne Kyaa apraadh Kiyaa hai

MERE SAATH ZAMAANE TOONE ACHHAA NAHIN KIYAA HAI………

"Manto has systematically projected the life of Saugandhi and laid bare her sentiments, the soul, the inner and external situation . After going through 'Hatak' one doesn't have a feeling of malice towards these hapless and poor women. Innocence of 'Sugandhi' and her womanhood--all these elicit new feelings, those of sympathy. This is the hallmark of a great litterateur". Krishen Chander Urdu writer.
( Autar Mota )
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KAIFI AZMI'S POETIC LINES ON BIRTHDAY OF SHABANA

2011-11-14T11:49:00.000+05:30

Urdu poet Kaifi Azmi wrote following lines on 18.09.1974 at Moscow for Shabana's Birthday. Bollywood Actress and activist Shabana Azmi is late kaifi sahib's daughter ..

Ab Aur Kyaa Tera beemar Baap Degaa Tujhe ,

Buss Ek Dua Ki Khudaa Tujh Ko Kaamyaab kare.

Woh Taank Dhe Tere Aanchal mein Chaand Aur Taare ,

Tu Apne Waaste Jis Ko Bhi Intekhaab kare ................

( Kaifi Azmi ,Moscow 18.09.1974 )

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KHUSRO’S POETRY EXUDES FRAGRANCE OF INDIA’S FOLK CULTURE AND PLURALITY

2011-11-12T15:09:00.006+05:30

Recently i read a book on Amir khusro( 1253-1325 ) .I need to convey some important incidents mentioned in the Book .

When khusro went to his master for the first time ,he composed below mentioned lines in Persian to be conveyed at appropriate time . He stood at the door of the master but had no courage to utter even a word from these lines

“Tu Aan shaahe ki bur Aiwaane kasarat ,

Kabootar gar nasheenad Baaz Gardad ,

Gareebe mustamandhe bur dar aamad ,

Bayaayad andharoon ya Baaz Gardad.”

... The master was a perfect visionary and a sufi saint of highest order ..While the seeker was just thinking only ,the master sent a follower out with a message,

“ Bayaayad andaroon marde haqeeqat ,

Ki baama yak nafas hamraaz gardad ,

Agar ab lah buaad aan marde nadaan,

Azaan Raahe ki aamad baaz gardad ’’

Hearing these words ,the seeker rushed inside to meet his master who happened to be none other than Hazrat Nizam ud din Aulia .That is how Amir khusro met his master .I know young Naren (who later came to be known as swami vivekananda )also met his master Rama krishna in some what similar manner .I do not know Persian but from some words which are also used in urdu, i can make out what the seeker thought and what his master conveyed through his messenger

Seeker said

“ You are such ruler that even if a kabootar sits on your palace wall, he becomes a Baaz with your grace.A seeker now stands a your door ,let him know whether to enter or leave.

The master said,

“o seeker of truth ,enter to know my secret for some time .But if the person who has come over here is not in search of true knowledge, better for him to go back from the same road that brought him over here. ’’

Khusro remained devoted to his master Hazrat Nizam Ud Din Aulia throughout his life. When his master left for his heavenly abode , Khusro was at Lucknow on some official duty .He rushed to Delhi and saw His master ‘s beautiful face as if his peer was in a deep slumber . The long hair that his master had were partly on the face . The master looked like a bride in siesta .That made khusro to sigh and say

Gori soyey seij par Mukh par Daale keish

Chal Khusro Ghar Aapney rein Bhayee Chahun Deiss .

That day onwards khusro put on black clothes and donated his entire wealth to poor.He sat near the grave of his Peer and sang

“Chhaap Tilak sab Cheeni re Mo Se Naina Milaa ke……….”

Khusro’s letters are a treat to read. Each line exudes his love for India . I quote

“ The fragrant air of India ( Hind ) , its flowers and the fruits have no parallel any where in the world. India ( Hind ) is an unmatched country . I now belong to this country .This is my dear country now. This is my everything .I want to remain a true patriot and mix with the soil of this land . Perhaps world does not know that this country has a great civilization and is a source of great knowledge . Not less than Romans and Greeks .Just one Brahmin of this land is sufficient to match the knowledge of Aristotle .The science of astrology that this land has given to the world can make the Romans and Greeks small. Every corner of this country is full of knowledge and Art . Since many centuries , people from all over the world have been coming to this land to seek knowledge .Never have people from this land moved out to seek knowledge .India gave mathematics to the world . The game of Chess ( Chausar ) has its origin in this land only. And the classical music of this land . Sheer magic! . Sheer magic!. Every Sur and Taal pours nectar of happiness into the veins of the performer and the listener . ” so wrote Amir khusro in a letter .

In another letter Khusro writes

“ If we outsiders have to live in India , then we have to live in the hearts of Indians . For this our first and foremost duty is to learn the widely spoken Indian language .Learn their emotions and folklore and use it in poetry . Otherwise also I feel that any Indian language is equally sweet like the Persian or Arabic that we are used to .In so far Indian culture is concerned , I have already given you example of Rani Padhmani and Deval Devi. This is the quality of this soil that has created such great ladies . You may not get such examples anywhere in the world. ”

Khusro is an ICON in the history of art , literature and music of this subcontinent . To me he is one amongst the greatest personalities who had a genuine multicultural and pluralistic outlook . Some writers say that Tabla is his invention. Some credit him with invention of Sitar. But for sure I know that he is the creator of TARANA and KHAYAL style OF Gayaki in the Indian classical music . He was born at Badayoon ( UP ) though his father hailed from Balkh , Khusro had a mastery over Khadi and Brij dialects . He used Khadi with Persian in his poetry and other works . Some times words from each language and sometimes complete lines or sentences .

Perhaps his has been the first recorded attempt to create a real Ganga – jamuna style in Indian poetry . His language is thus Persian and Hindavi . He was quite at ease with the folk culture of the land which he describes liberally in his poems . I quote some of his lines

1 “Amma Mere baba ko Beijo ki sawaan Aaya .” This folk song continues to be sung in Up and some adjoining states .

2 “Bahut kathin hai dagar panghat ki ” These lines are from a Qawwali written by Khusroo. This qawwali is popular till date .

3 “sagan Bin Phool rahi Sarson ” a folk song still being sung rural areas of awadh .

4 “ Parbat Baans Mangaa morey babul ” a popular folk song sung in music mehfils .

5 “ Bahut rahi Baabul ghar Dulhan – Chal tore pee ne Bulaayee ’a popular folk song sung in music mehfils .

6 “Kaahe ko Biyaahi Bidesh ” These lines of Khusro make all sentimental . No father can remain untouched by the pathos that Khusro has created.

Mixing persian with Khadi Dialect . Greatness of Khusro . Lines mixed with lines . I quote

Jo Haal Miskeen Makun Tagaaful(1)-- Duraaye naina banaaye batiyaan
Ki taab e Hijraan Naa daaram e jaan(2) _ na Lehu Kaahe Lagaaye chhatiyaan
( amir Khusro ). The Persian lines convey
(1)Do Not Forget the plight of this poor man -
(2) O Love ! i can not stand this separation now .

I quote Again

Yakayukk Az dil Do chashm e jaadoo-basad farebam beburdh Taskeen ( 1)

Kisse padi hai jo Jaa sunaave -Piyaare pee Ko Hamaari batiyaan

( Amir Khusro )

The Persian lines convey

( 1 ) Suddenly these two magical eyes,with hundreds of deceptions , took away my peace and made me to lose my patience .

Amir Khusro is also known for his poetic riddles or Pahelis . Many riddles became so popular that they still continue to be discussed in the subcontinent .

I quote some

1 Ek kahaani me kahoon

Sunn Aey Mere Poot

Binaa paron Woh Udd gayaa

Baandh gale mein soot.

( A poetic riddle to describe a kite . )

2 Meethi meethi Baat Banaave

Eisaa purukh woh sab Ko Bhaave

Booda baala jo Bhi Aaye

Uss ke Aage sees Navaaye

( A riddle to describe a barber )

3 Ek naari ke Do hain Baalak

Donon Ek Hi rang

Eik Phirey ek thaada Raahe

Phir Bhi Donon sang

( a riddle to describe a Chakki )

Amir Khusro also wrote Keh Mukariyan . Many readers may be surprised by these words . Yes Keh mukariyaan is a style of conveying riddles or pahelis in Poetry . The strength of this Keh Mukariyan is finally to deny all at the end of the poem. The speaker or the poet provides hints till the end of the poem and finally provides such an answer that surprises the listener or the reader . This is keh Mukariyan style .We have a some what similar style in English poetry as well. Poets like Lewis Carrol, Emily Dickinson , Charles Simic and A A Milne have also written poetic riddles . I quote some Keh Mukariyaan of Khusro .

1 Aankh Chalaave Bhonh Chalaave

Naach koodh ke Kheil Dikhaave

Munn mein aave le jaaon andher

Aey sakhi Saajan na sakhi Bandher

( Monkey )

2 Lipat Lipat ke vaake soyee

Chhaati Paanv lagaa kar royee

Daant se daant bajey To taada

Aey sakhi Saajan na sakhi jaada

( winter )

3 Aap jale aur mohe Jalaave

Pee pee kar more munh mein aave

Eik mein ab Maroongee Mukkaa

Aey sakhi Saajan Na sakhi Hukka

( Hubble Bubble )

4 Dhur Dhur karoon To dodhaa aaye

Chhunn Aangan Chhunn bahar jaaye

Deehal chhoad kahin Na sutataa

Aey sakhi Saajan na sakhi kuttaa

( Dog )

5 Jab Maangoon Tab Jal Bhar laave

Mere munn ki Vipat Bujhaave

Munn ka Bhaari tan ka chhotaa

Aey sakhi saajan na sakhi Lotaa

( water jug )

( Autar Mota )

Photograph No 1 is the Hazrat Bal shrine of srinagar . Photograph No 2 shows Gurdawara Chhatti Padshaahi of Srinagar and photograph no 3 shows the abode of Goddess Sharika at Hari Parbat Srinagar. All Photographs by Autar Mota .

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DEJHURR HAS CHANGED ITS GEOMETRICAL SHAPE AND ATTAHURR HAS BECOME COLOURFUL AND ATTRACTIVE .

2011-11-08T10:13:00.007+05:30

DEJHURR has changed its Geometrical shape and ATTAHURR is now available in attractive colours.
Mobile Photo Autar Mota

Attahurr is a part of the Dejhurr that kashmiri Pandit women wear as a symbol of peace, prosperity and happy married life . The hexagonal ( Shatkona ) dejhurr has a definite geometrical shape comprising of Bindhus and triangles linking it to Tantra.Dejhurr has to be made from gold as kashmiri pandits identify gold with goddess sharika having her abode at Hari Parbat srinagar.Some elderly pandits say

“ It represents a “ Deukk Budd ” or Suhaagin. Dejhurr is not a mangal sútra worn by married hindu women.It is a yantra based on sri Chakra a symbol of Sharika. The original shape of the DEJHURR is Hexagonal or a shatkona .Sharika is Durga who not only grants happiness,prosperity and bliss to a married woman but also remains her protector.It is totally kashmiri in concept ,origin and usage.A symbol of kashmiri culture and ethos.“

A DEJHURR is suspended from ear by an auspicious thread called Atha.Atha is now being replaced by a golden chain.And finally the ATTAHURR is tied to the golden Dejhurr .Attahurr is made of salma or silver thread.A kashmiri pandit woman wears new Attahurr on some auspicious day ,a function in the family,a religious ceremony and essentially on birthday of her husband.Attahurr had only silver colour previously but now it is available in attractive colours. In kashmir a paettigorr had the traditional skill of making Attahurr ,Teik Taal,Zooji,Taranga,Manan Maal etc. etc. for kashmiri pandit women. We had many Paettgorru shops in srinagar city . i vividly remember this shop in Rainawari near Vishwa Bharti College. I also remember another such shop at Badyar Bala . Perhaps these skilled artisans are now engaged in some other activity to earn their livelihood .

( Autar Mota )

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DIWALI IN SRINAGAR ( KASHMIR ) 26.10.2011

2011-11-05T13:57:00.002+05:30

DIWALI MILAN IN SRINAGAR 26.10.2011
Photo Autar Mota Srinagar .

Autar Mota joined Diwali celebrations in srinagar on 26.10.2011. Fireworks, candles and crackers .saw Shri Salman sagar , Shri Farooq Renzoo and some officials joining a group of young Pandits and Muslims at this Diwali Milan. Entire foot bridge near lal Mandi had been illuminated .sweets were distributed. Grand Illumination could be seen at Hanuman ji Temple, Akhara building and Sanatan Dharam sabha Building lal chowk. I heard Bursting of crackers in Rawalpora and lal Chowk localities .

Dil se paiham khayaal kahta hai

Itanee shireen hai zindagi iss pal

Zulm ka zahar gholaney-waale

Kamraan ho sakeinge aaj na kal

Jalvagaah e-visaal ki shamein

Voh bujha bhi chuke agar to kya

Chand ko gul karen, to hum jane

( Faiz Ahmed Faiz )

This is the thought the heart returns to:

that life, in this moment, is sweet.

Let tyrants prepare their poisons,

they will never succeed.

They may snuff out the lamps

in the rooms of lovers,

but can they extinguish the moon?

About this Diwali Milan in srinagar, Arun Wakhlu writes on his Face Book page

“A beautiful step forward towards Love and Light.Thank you to Amit Wanchoo,Qazi Haroon and all those who organised this initiative. May the Love and Light in our Hearts express freely and bring Peace and Prosperity to J&K and the rest of the Subcontinent. May J&K be a Lighthouse for the world. ”

( Autar Mota )

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CROSSING RIVERS WITHOUT BOATS OR BRIDGES .

2011-11-04T14:22:00.000+05:30

( A winter view of river Jhelum near Pampore Photo autar Mota 2010. )

The practice of Crossing rivers on inflated animal skins was prevalent in kashmir .As per kalhana’s Rajatarangini ,Inflated Animal Skins were also used in Kashmir for crossing rivers . I quote

“The enemy made haste and with armed men and inflated skins , he drew out Jayapida from the midst of the river and took him prisoner and held a feast . ”

Canto 544 page 167 Taranga IV Rajatarangini translated by R S Pandit

“His officers, Kandraja and others , while crossing the sindhu without a bridge , went to the residence of the Leveller owing to the bursting of the inflated skins in the stream ”

Canto 1129page 497 Taranga VIII Rajatarangini translated by R S Pandit

Animal skins were used by ancient Greeks to cross rivers .

( Autar Mota )

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A VIEW ON SRINAGAR-BARAMULLA ROAD

2011-11-04T13:16:00.000+05:30

JEJEER TAA MAKKAAI VAETT..

ON SRINAGAR- BARAMULLA ROAD .

PHOTO Autar Mota October .2011

Koyee to zakhm e Dil Par Marham e Mehr o wafa Rakhey

Koyee To Dard ke rukhsaar par dast e shifaa Rakhey

( Ali sardar Jafri

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THE BEAUTIFUL HANDS OF ARTISANS OF KASHMIR

2011-11-02T14:09:00.000+05:30

Pictures from Top to Bottom . Photographs by Autar Mota

1 A handmade Woolen Namda

2 A handmade papier mache Bowl .

3 An Embroidered silk saree

4 An Embroidered kashmiri shawl

5 Handmade items from willow wicker of Kashmir

6 Embroidered cushion Cover from kashmir

7 Embroidered Tea Cozy set .

8 Embroidered ladies coat .

9 Papier Mache decoration items .

10 The kashmiri tea kettle or samovar

11 Kangri or Fire Pot from Kashmir

Above items have been Created by the beautiful hands of Artisans of Kashmir ..........

Mitti Ko chhuain to sonaa hai

Chaandi ko Chhuain to paayal hai

Pather ko Chhuain to Buut kar dein

Kaalik ko chhuain to kaajal hai

Aijaaz hai yeh inn haathon ka

Resham Ko chhuain to Aanchal hai

Inn haathon ki taqreem karo

Inn haathon ki taazeem karo

Duniyaa ko Chalaane waale hai

Inn Haathon Ko Tasleem karo

( Ali sardar jafri )

If they touch clay , It turns gold .

If they touch silver , it shapes itself to become Paayal ( Beautiful foot anklet ) ,

If they touch a stone , they make a deity out of it .

If they touch the lamp soot , they make it Kohl for the eyes .

What a wonder ! They touch silk and it turns to be our Body scarf..

Respect these hands .

Dignify these hands .

They move the world .

Accept these hands .

( Autar Mota )

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EMPEROR AKBAR , KALHANA'S RAJATARINGINI AND KAAV YENIVOAL

2011-11-01T14:15:00.003+05:30

KAAV YENNIVOAL ( THE BARAAT OF THE CROWS )

Photo Autar Mota Lal Mandi Foot Bridge Srinagar , kashmir . Deewali day 2011.

sometimes during evenings i would suddenly find a group of crows making noise in the sky and flying past us over the sky . Elders looking at this would cry " Ya Guvv kaav yenivoal " meaning this is a Baraat of crows..

RAJATARINGINI AND EMPEROR AKBAR

After the annexation of Kashmir by Mughals, Emperor Akbar ordered for translation of Kalhana’s Rajataringini . He had always felt fascinated by this work. He ordered his court historian Abdul Qadir Badayuni to translate this work after going through the earlier work known as Bahar Ul Asmar ( sea of tales ) done under orders of king Zain ul Abdin. Quite often the emperor sought progress from the translator and at times the emperor would call him to his bed chamber . The translator would sit near the foot of the bed and read stories to Akbar from this Great work of Kalhana.Quite often this session continued till morning .Akbar always advised the translator to keep his language simple. Akbar would also pay some money to the translator which he accepted heartily and left the chamber after kissing the ground or what is known as performing Zameen Bos………

( Autar Mota )

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TANTRINS OF KASHMIR

2011-10-31T15:26:00.000+05:30

( Photo Autar Mota . A Willow basket seller in Ganderbal kashmir )

TANTRINS OF KASHMIR

Tantrins of kashmir ( present day Tantrays ) were hilly Rajputs mostly employed in infantry by kashmirian kings . Tantrins were very powerful , brave and daring. On account of these qualities they were paid handsomely by kashmirian kings . Their presence in the Kingdom meant safety and security of the state . Tantrins were also conscious of their utility to the kingdoms which made them to indulge in court intrigues . Tantrins would punish some kings and favour others . Tantrin chiefs were also consulted by kashmirian kings on vital decisions of the state . Tantrins also took bribes and cash rewards from kashmirian kings and at times the kings would give them Hundis or commercial Instruments or duly signed promissory notes . In the event of Non payment of these Hundis on due dates, Tantrins would revolt and usurp the kingdom making the king run away in fear . Avantivarman and Sahi kings of Kashmir had a large number of Tantrins in their Infantry . I quote

“ In Pausa of the same year having failed to , through lack of funds , the sums due on the Hundis to the Tantrin , he fled in fear and tribulation ”

(Canto 302 Fifth Taranga Rajataringini of kalhana translated by R S Pandit page 211 )

“ with a view to confer imperial power on some worthy person , on one occasion , summoned for a consultation the ministers , the grandees , Tantrins .. ……. ”

(Canto 250 Fifth Taranga Rajataringini of kalhana translated by R S Pandit page 207 )

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SAFFRON FLOWERS OF PAMPORE KASHMIR

2011-10-31T00:14:00.005+05:30

(A Girl showing saffron flowers at Galandhar Pampore , kashmir )

( The saffron flower )

(Saffron flowers with Bulbs )

( Three crimson stigmas of the flower )

( saffron being dried at Kadalbal Pampore )

( saffron being dried in Pampore )

( A Man standing near saffron fields of GALANDHAR PAMPORE )

( The crimson stigmas after being removed from the flower )

( The Dried saffron ready for sale )

Saffron is actually the crimson stigmas of the Saffron flower . Saffron crocus Bulbs are planted in fertile lands and these bulbs produce flowers only after one year . It is grown on plateaus ( Known as Wudar in Kashmiri ) near Pampore town in Kashmir Valley . Experiments were also carried out at other places for saffron production but the results were not satisfying . Subsequently, the people in other areas preferred other crops especially fruits over saffron.Each flower produces only three 3 stigmas and each saffron crocus bulb will only produce 1 flower. Flowers plucked are then dried and the stigmas removed .

Sold at Rs150- 170 per gram currently , the price of this rare agricultural produce skyrocketed to Rs500 per gram some time back . The saffron produced in Kashmir has excellent aroma and colour .It is known world over for its purity and quality . Used mostly as a coloring agent for foodstuff , it is also used as medicine , spice and in temples and religious ceremonies by Hindus . Kashmiris also use it for making KEHWA TEA know as KONG KAHWAA.

In Kashmir ,

( Autar Mota )
CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
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HUNS , MIHIRAKULA AND KASHMIR

2011-10-25T13:46:00.003+05:30

( A view of river vitasta or Jhelum ......Photo Autar Mota )

While going through history of Kashmir , one comes across a name MIHIRAKULA. I have been asked by many friends to comment on this name and the character of the person. I shall elaborate as under :-

To Know Mihirakula , we must also know something about HUNS , a violent tribe that inhabited various places in central Asia . Riding horses , Huns swarmed countries and indulged in killing , looting and other barbaric acts to spread terror .Entering through Hindu Kush pass , White Huns attacked India during the reign of Gupta kings somewhere in the middle of fifth century. Emperor Skandagupta is reported to have given a crushing defeat to this first batch of Huns . This tribe now diverted their attack towards Europe. This group of white Huns marched towards Europe and swarmed various countries . Not satisfied , another group of Huns led by TORAMANA again attacked India entering through Hindukush pass. Toramana conquered Punjab , Rajputana and Malwa and ruled this country for a brief period from 510 AD to 511 AD. He had his sway over KASHMIR and DOAB as well. Toramana was succeeded by his son MIHIRAKULA . Mihirakula was a Hinduised Hun who ( as per some historians ) demolished Bhudhist Viharas and demonstrated sadistic tendencies . To deal with Mihirakula , Gupta kings put all their might together and drove out Mihirakula from their land . Driven out of the plains, Mihirakula now moved to Kashmir .The prince of Kashmir gave him an asylum but Mihirakula overthrew the prince with intrigues and he sat on the throne. He could not enjoy his power for a long time, as he died of disease in 533. A.D. It is recorded that Mihirkula never laughed. For ordinary and petty issues he ordered slaughter. Slaughter of animals and subjects . R S Pandit records at page 40 of Rajataringani (his English Translation ) that Mihirakula carried out a terrible persecution of Bhudhists . He goes on to add that he killed monks and destroyed many Viharas in Kashmir . Mihirakula is reported to have brought a large number of prisoners with him to Kashmir and is is also reported to have massacred a good number of captives on the banks of river Indus on way to Kashmir . Mihirakula made the Hun name dreaded and hated in Kashmir .Many historians are tempted to call him THE INDIAN NERO.

Mihirakula coins were found first of all in Bactria and in some territories of the present Afghanistan and also in Kashmir and in different parts of the country . After Mihiakula’s death Praversena his younger brother came to Kashmir and ascended the kashmirian throne . This king built present Srinagar city and later on made it as the capital of his kingdom.

The tide of Hun invasions had receded by the end of the sixth century, when the Turks and the Persians attacked them in Bactria. Huns had set up their capital in Bamiyan Afghanistaan . From this focal position , they set out to conquer entire India . A school of thought believes that Huns were Bhudhists. Another school of thought puts forth a theory that Huns destroyed many Bhudhist Viharas and were Shiva worshippers . Whatever be the fact , Huns certainly adopted the religion and tradition of the country where they settled after conquering . In this context many Huns were Hinduised and those who moved towards Europe adopted Christianity as their faith.

( Autar Mota )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
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NINE FRESH VIEWS OF KASHMIR...

2011-10-21T23:19:00.002+05:30

MILK COLLECTION AT GANDERBAL KASHMIR MORNING TIME 19.10.2011. MILK IS ABUNDANT IN KASHMIR NOW . NO MORE MILK IMPORTS FROM PUNJAB ( AMRITSAR ) PHOTO AUTAR MOTA

AT ZIYARAT OF SHAH E HAMDAAN SRINAGAR . " lORD ! BLESS THIS LITTLE DEVOTEE !!!!!!! " THAT IS MY WISH. PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 2011 .

MY FAVOURITE AUTUMN FRUIT ' TREIL ' ( MINI APPLE )IS IN THE MARKET THESE DAYS. PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 20.10.2011

SACRED SPRING AT TULAMULA ( KHEER BHAWANI SHRINE ) BEING CLEANED PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 19.10.2011. MORNING TIME 9 AM

THE BEAUTIFUL LAWN OF MR. MUSHTAQ CHAAYA 'S HOTEL GRAND MUMTAZ AT GULLMARG . AUTAR MOTA LIKED THE MAINTENANCE AND THE LOCATION OF THIS HOTEL . PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 20.10.2011.

Autumn Singhara sold on footpath in Srinagar city . Photo Autar Mota october 2011

The dateon the photograph is incorrect . Date had not been set in the camera . Shikara ( Boats ) roofs in the making at Nigeen Club Srinagar . Photo Autar Mota 18.10.2011

"I SHALL NOT TAKE ANY MONEY FOR THIS TEA . IF YOU STILL INSIST , I SHALL TREAT IS AS AN INSULT " .THAT IS WHAT THIS SIMPLE AND AFFECTIONATE SHOPKEEPER SAID. PHOTO AUTAR MOTA 20.10.2011.

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FOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF KASHMIR AND FOUR UNFORGETTABLE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS ....

2011-10-17T16:21:00.011+05:30

( A view near Ganderbal Town )

( Sand collection from Jhelum river near Sumbal kashmir )

( a view near Ganderbal kashmir )

( Morning Bird feeding on Boulevard Dal lake )
All Photographs by autar Mota March 2011

FOUR UNFORGETTABLE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

Many Characters that i happened to come across while reading some books and novels have remained etched in my memory . Some of them are totally unforgettable . In this unforgettable category i am always reminded of four prominent characters . I am not commenting upon usefulness of these characters to society . That is another debate. But then some of these fictional entities appear to me more human and impressive than many in bones and flesh .

The first that comes to my mind is Gregor Samsa , a character created by Franz kafka for his novel The Metamorphosis . Gregor is a traveling sales man who is the sole bread earner for his large family . And then one day Gregor wakes up to find himself transformed to a Monstrous insect .

Similarly Meursault created By Albert Camus for his novel OUTSIDER remains another unforgettable character . Meursault suffers more damage from the society for not weeping at his Mother’s funeral than for killing an Arab (for which he faces a trial as well in a curt of law ) on a beach in Algeria .Demonstrating emotional detachment from his environment , many events in the novel like a proposal for his marriage , death of his mother , his arrest followed by the unjust trial do not have any emotional impact on Meursault. But then he is truthful and honest to core and is prepared to pay the price for his mistakes .Lonely and cursed , he finds himself overwhelmed by the strange yet benign indifference of this universe . People are tempted to call him outsider but as per Camus he is a man in love with sun that leaves no shadows .

Hori Ram a character created by Munshi Prem chand for his novel Godaan is again unforgettable . Hori is poor , decent , truthful and deeply in debt . Like any other poor farmer of the country he is also trapped in the vicious circle of rural indebt ness and exploitation . Crushed by the Zamindaari system that existed in the country , Hori is put to tons of misfortunes for fulfilling his desire to own a cow . Supported by his wife , Hori Struggles to provide for his children. To sum up , Hori Ram emerges as a Starved and half naked soul who waits for his god to come to his rescue . Touched by the Hori’s plight this character leaves a scar in the mind. . Hori dies finally.

Manto’s Saugandhi is another classical character that can not be forgotten . He created this Character for his story HATAK . The plight of Saugandhi brings simultaneous hatred and sympathy in hearts of millions of MANTO readers . Till this society exists Saugandhi shall exist as Manto's pen has immortalized her . Saugandhi the Bad woman . Saugandhi the kind and tender hearted woman. Saugandhi the exploited . Sauganmdhi the lonely woman . Saugandhi the woman who has gone too far in her dull and aimless life that she has lost the distinction between Man and Dog. And a different Saugandhi who finally spits venom and fire when she throws out her exploiter Madho from her dingy and dirty room that happens to be her world..

Manto has given total freedom to this Character to evolve itself and then attack the very society that created it. Saugandhi's room defines her life . Cramped and dull . Things like her bed , unpolished and stiff leather sandals , face cream , Talcum powder , hair pins , lipstick, a parrot trapped inside cage full of some rotten fruit pieces with tiny black mosquitoes , Oil lamp on the wall , A chair with shabby seat cover and an old HMV gramophone with rusty pins . Yes a photo of lord Ganesha also hung and decorated with some fresh and mostly dry flowers . The room presents a picture of disorder . Yes disorder of her existence and living is starkly visible through the objects lying in her room.

Saugandhi also had her dirty pet dog living inside this room . This dog with some skin disease/ rash slept under her bed or near the door on a shabby mat. Manto calls it Khaarish-Zadaa kutta . When Saugandhi attacks and throws out Madho ( Her Exploiter ) from her room , this dog too joins and helps her by barking and attacking Madho. Ram lal the pimp too comes occasionally to this room bringing a customer for Saugandhi .Relation between Ram lal and saugandhi are pure professional . But then Ram Lal too comes to the room to gulp down the left over liquor from any bottle that some customer might have brought with him to Saugandhi's room . To Conclude , I add lines from a poem of poet Balraj Komal on this Character…

Mere Muqaddar ki Badhrang deewaron par .

Anginat Makrooh Chehre Aawezaan hain,

Sar par Chhat hai ya dareeda Aasamaan ?

Rozanon se meri kouson Aur zaaviyon par

Dhoodh se Chhalaktee Huyee chhaatiyon par ,

Thhook , Luaab ,Badhbudaar sharaab ,

Zehar Aameiz , Banjar qatraa e tauleed ,

Badhkaar saanson , aur manhani sikkon

Ki Mutaaffin , Musalsal baarish hotee hai.

Me Joo e Masmoom mein Behatee huyee

Barg o Gul ke narm o naazuk ,

Dil Aawaiz Khwaab Dekhtee Hoon

Kaaboos Kaarwaan dar kaarwaan

Umandate huve

Mere lahoo mein uttar Jaatein hain,

Maa Meri Khaalik Tuu kahaan hai ?

Maa Meri Khaalik Tuu kahaan hai ?

( Autar Mota )

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.