KASHMIRI ROBINHOOD ….MAHADEV BISHTA

                                                                                         

                                                               

  ( A  sketch of Mahadev Bishta blowing red ants through a pipe done by  artist Mohan Raina )

               (MAHADEV BISHTA,  THE KASHMIRI  ROBIN HOOD )

The story of Mahadev Joo, a Kashmiri Robin Hood is forgotten now. No grandmother to reveal how he procured the Pyjama of Maharaja Partap Singh by forcing red ants through a reed pipe while the ruler slept in his bed-chamber. So much was Maharaja upset with the irritating ants that he threw away his Pyjama to free himself from the insects. We were told by elders that someone had put up a challenge to Mahadev Joo for this daring deed and he did it skillfully.

There were two more notorious burglars  ( Zsein Tsoor in Kashmiri ) operating in Srinagar  along with Mahadev Bishta . A Muslim  from downtown Srinagar  known as Usmaan Chaasha and a Sikh from Kathi Darwaza known as Layak Singh had become notorious during Maharaja Partap Singh's rule.  Usmaan Chaasha was chased by Police and he jumped into the river near  Safa Kadal while Layak Singh moved to Punjab and never returned to Kashmir after Maharaja Partap Singh ordered for arrest of both the Burglars  who had also attained the status of Robin hood's in Kashmiri society.

 And then another story of Mahadev Joo also known as Mahadev Bishta (cat’s mew ) entering the Mehndiraat function of Dhar family of Safa Kadal along with his group for a robbery. This group came in the guise of singers and Mahadev Joo divided the group for this theft. Some members of this group sat with Mahadev Joo for the high pitched Chhakri singing while others engaged themselves with thieving the house. And Mahadev Joo brought everyone to the singing venue when he sang this:-

“Bishtak baanda

Raanda ho……..

Hashi nishi aa’tch vaen 

Raanda ho ..

Noshi nishi tchaa’kha 

Raanda ho

Tchhaadar tujh’thaa 

Raanda ho …

Voth vaen nerav

Raanda ho.”

(Mewing like a cat, 

O performer!

You are the terrible,

Go to the mother in law?

You are the terrible,

Have you gone to the daughter in law?

You are the terrible,

Have you carried the blankets?

you are the terrible,

Get up, we should leave now

You are the terrible .)

While Mahadev Bishta engaged every member of Dhar family and the guests with his singing, some members of his group moved through the house for their assigned task. They were guided by Mahadev Joo through the lyrics of the song that he was singing. It was already decided in the group before this burglary that word “Haesh or mother in law” meant the provisions storeroom while “ Noesh or the daughter-in-law” meant the expensive jewellery.

We were made to believe that Mahadev Joo was a man of short stature and a thin body frame. A man who could climb trees and rooftops to barge into the houses from chimneys known as ‘Vogg’ in Kashmiri. A real-life Mogli who walked with heavy dry grass sandals or Pullho'r.Many elders told me that during his old age, he was a reformed man who lived a simple village life. He was a dancer, Chhakri singer and mimic artist or Baand.

I am told that Mahadev Bishta belonged to village Gushi of district Kupwara, Kashmir. He could imitate the voices of many animals particularly that of cats, hence earned the nickname of Bishta. He had a Chhakri singing party of his own and under its guise, he would rob the affluent families to help the poor families to marry off their daughters. Pakistan sponsored tribal raiders killed him in his native village Gushi, Kupwara sometime in October 1947. However I was also told by some elders that he died of Tuberculosis .

Many elders have told me that Mahadev Joo entered the house of his target by simply mewing like a cat. The house owner would think it to be a stray cat and would accordingly try to ward it off by crying," Bishta Bishta ".

He is reported to have mastered the technique of entering houses from rooftop chimneys known as ‘Vogg’ in Kashmir. During his old age, he moved back to his village in  Kupwara  where the  marauding tribal raiders killed him.

My mother's cousin sister who was affectionately known as Arin Jigar /Behan Pyari ( wife of Radha Krishen Dhar of Vichar Naag, Kashmir ) was a singer cum poet. In marriage functions of her relatives, she would enthral every participant with her singing and by creating fantastic accompanying beats on Gaagar (brass Matka) or Tumbaknaari( A Duffli used in Kashmir). She was a great performer.

Arin Jigar had a great sense of humour and a sharp wit. Apart from other compositions that she sang, "Bishtak Baanda " Chhakri was something special from her repertoire. We learnt the story of Kashmiri Robin Hood from her.

The story of Mahadev Bishta remained a part of our folklore. And gradually we forgot our Kashmiri Robin Hood or Mahadev Bishta.

( Avtar Mota )

-No Derivative Works 2.5 India Licens

Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.

A BAITHAK ( SITTING ) DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF STALWART KASHMIRI POET DINA NATH NAADIM HELD UNDER INITIATIVE "DIALOGUE"

    BELOW .. 
      PHOTOS OF SOME OLD BAITHAKS

                   ( Dr R L Shant )

              ( Sculptor Padamshri  Rajinder Tikoo speaking )

                                                                               

         ( Sh Triloke Kaul and  Punjabi Writer Khalid Hussain )

                                      

                       ( Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki with  PadamShri Rajinder Tikoo )

             ( Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki with Dr Agnishekhar )

         ( Music Composer and Vocalist T K Jalali and Artist Gokul Dembi ) 


BAITHAK  ( SITTING )HELD ON 27.01.2017 UNDER INITIATIVE DIALOGUE 

DIALOGUE is a unique Initiative in our state that has come from some like minded Individuals from the field of Art, Literature, Music , Social service etc. The idea to hold Baithaks ( Sittings ) and involve youth from among various sections of the society has proved of immense utility in Bridging so many gaps . 

It is an effort towards promoting integration , Peace and goodwill through Art , literature , Music and social service . Conceived by Narinder Safaya Advocate supreme Court of India and a poet himself, it is supported by a dedicated team comprising of Prof. Arvind Gigoo (English Author)  ,  T K Jalali ( composer , Vocalist and former Principal Institute of Music and fine Arts ) ,  Makhan Lal Saraf (Doyen of Theatre Movement in J&K State)  , Shadi Lal Koul  (Well Known Theatre Artist) , Prof R L Shant ( Hindi and Kashmiri writer ) ,Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki ( Poet , Writer and Former Head ICCR Kashmir ) , Indu Bushan Zutshi ( Writer and Trade Union Leader ) , M K Santoshi ( Hindi Poet and writer ) ,  Gokul Dembi ( Artist ) Shailender Aima,  ( Social service and writer ) Autar Mota ( writer , Blogger and poet ), Jangs  Verman ( Journalist, Photographer  and writer  )  and Many More Individuals .

In every Baithak , Two Prominent persons from our State from the field of Art , Literature , Drama , Music and social Service are called to speak about their life and work to a select gathering . Every effort is made to involve youth.  Some  Baithaks (Gatherings)  are to be  exclusively held  for younger generation drawn from various sections of the society .The purpose is to acquaint them with our rich cultural past and peaceful coexistence .

In previous BAITHAKS ( Sittings ) , Sh. Triloke Kaul ( Well Known Artist ) , Sh. Makhan Lal Saraf ( Theatre )  , Dr Ayaz Rasool Nazki ( Poet , writer and Former Head ICCR ) , PadamShri Rajinder Tikoo ( Sculptor ) and Prof R L Shant  were invited as  Principal speakers . BAITHAK held on 27.01.2017 was dedicated to the memory of stalwart kashmiri Poet Dina Nath Naadim..

                                                            

BAITHAK 27-01-2017…

“So'nn Siendh Sangar Ro'pp Kohh Maalai

Marg Ta Baal Tchhei Poshei Posh

Ko'll Raavaan Amrit Naett Naarey

Yuthh Reishi Vaarie Vitasta Raatchh”

( Dina Nath Naadim )

“Golden are your Mountains And silvery are the peaks

The Hills and the valleys are nothing but flowers .

Pitcher loads of Nectar flows down your streams ,

And here flows river Vitasta, the Guardian of this land of Rishis..”

The fifth “Bithak” an initiative of Narinder Safaya Supreme court advocate Was held at “Sanskriti Bhawan “ Roop Nagar Janipur . This  Baithak was hosted By Autar Mota . The topic for discussion was “ The immense Contribution of Poet Dina Nath Naadim to Kashmiri Poetry “. The chief spokesperson for The event was Shri Farooq Nazki well Known Poet and Media Personality .The second session was taken up By Shri G R Hasrat Gadda known Author and writer who has recently compiled a book on Poems of Dina Nath Naadim titled “ ME CHHAM AASH PAGAHUCH “ or "I am Hopeful of Tomorrow."  Sh Gadda’s Book derives its title from a Popular Anti war poem of Naadim “Me chhum Aash Pagahuch pagaah sholi Duniya “ Or “ I am hopeful of tomorrow , This world is going to be sunlit tomorrow.” Others who attended the event included Noted writer Arvind Gigoo , Poet Ali Shaida , Poet and writer Ayaz Rasool Nazki , Theatre personality M L saraf , Music composer and Vocalist T K jalali, Theatre personality Kusum Tikoo , Noted trade union Leader and writer IB Zutshi , Well Known writer and media Personality Brij Nath Betab , Mrs Nusrat Andrabi , Writer Adarsh Ajit. Dr B l Koul, Bushan lal Raina , Writer cum Poet M K Santoshi , Social activist Shailender Aima ,Writer and journalist Jangs Verman and many more.

                                                                                     

                                          ( M K Santoshi And Prof. Arvind Gigoo )

                                        ( G R Hasarat Gadda and T K Jalali )

                                                     ( A Group Photo )                        

                                         ( Narinder safaya and Farooq Nazki )

                    ( Prof. Arvind Gigoo < Brij Nath Betab and M K Santoshi )

       ( Dr. Ayaz rasool nazki , T K Jalali and Shailender Aima )

( Autar Mota , M L saraf ,B L Raina and I B Zutshi )

      ( Autar Mota and M L Saraf )

   ( Gathering )

    ( Gathering )

( Mrs Nusrat Andrabi , Mrs farppq Nazki , G R Hasrat Gadda and Narinder safaya )

  ( Shaliender Aima , Jangs Verman and Autar Mota )

( Kusum Tikoo , Ali Shaida ,T K jalali and Dr B L kaul )

 ( Mrs Nusrat Andrabi , Mrs Ayaz rasool Nazki and Mrs Farooq Nazki )

    ( Poet Farooq Nazki and Autar Mota )

                     

                                                                                 

Those who had assured but could not make it due to some exigency include Shantiveer Koul , Ravinder koul, Ramesh Hangloo , Prof. Liaqat jafri , Nida Nazwaz and Naina Saproo Trisal.

At the outset ,the gathering observed a Two Minutes silence in the memory of Poet Ghulam Nabi Firaq and some other writers/ Artists from the state who left for their Heavenly abode in December 2016/ January 2017. 

The proceedings of the Baithak were Compered by IB Zutshi.

In the first session Farooq Nazki spoke about his life , work and association with people like Prem Nath Dar , N L Chawla , Mohan lal Aima ( Through his father Mir Ghulam Rasool Nazki ), Som Nath Sadhu, Jia lal Koul Nazir , Pran Kishore , Pushker Bhan and many more. So Many beautiful Anecdotes were also narrated by him relating to his professional career and interaction with so many personalities at national level . 

Speaking about Naadim , Farooq Nazki said that Generations and generations of kashmiris shall remain indebted to The poet for his immense contribution in changing tone and texture of kashmiri poetry . He added that the knowledge of world literature that Naadim had acquired, proved of immense help in changing the canvas of kashmiri poetry . Naadim completed to perfection what Mehjoor and Azad had started , he added . He made special mention of some representative poems of Naadim like “ Naabad ta Tethvan ( Sugar Candy and Bitter poison ) “ Kaeth Darwaza Pyath Ghar Taam ( From Kathi Darwaza to residence ), Lakchhi chhu Lakchun ( Lakchhi has a mole ), Me chum Aash Pagahuch ( I am Hopeful of tomorrow ), Dal Haanzini Hundh Gyavun ( Song of a fisher woman from Dal Lake ), Shuhul Kul ( Shady Tree ) and many more, which , as per him form a part of the Great world literature. He added that use of Sonnet and Free Verse in kashmiri poetry is a gift of Naadim.

it was an emotional moment for entire gathering when Farooq Nazki read his poem "Naad Laayeiy" ( I shall Call You Back). The poem details various facets of Turmoil, Death and destruction  that visited  kashmiri valley in 1990. I quote .some select portions ...

(1)

Chhu Khoaff Daarien Barrun Awezaan,

Chhaa Aanganuss Munz Naqaab Laagithh Balaayee Praaraan,

Chhaa Byaar Phyaangaan Bonnie Goffie Munz,

Khoakhir Gaameit Aaiss Lafaz Ta Aaluv ,

Jawaan Maswal harithh Peimutch Aaiss ,

Pashunn Foalithh Aaiss Gulaal Aamit

Magar Khamaan Ouss hawaa yithh-kaein

Poahhuss Andhar Sseahh wasaan Gaamuss Andher

Taa Tchhaaraan shikaar Boachh Hoat…………..

( Farooq Nazki )

Fear dangles from doors and windows,

While the masked devil waits in the courtyard .

The cat kept mewing in its burrow dug in the chinar tree trunk,

Stammering for words , how could we cry ,

The youthful IRIS (flower ) fell to dust ,

Tulips grew wild on mud roofed house ,

And frighteningly blew the wind like a hungry Lion

that comes down to the village in Mid January

( from the forest after the winter snowfall )

And goes wild after every prey .

( English rendering by Autar Mota )

 (2)

Agar Dohan Aeiss Hisaab Bozuv,

Doh Yimay Aiss Yivaan Sonteik,

Shuhul Havaa Ouss Haaenth Bremijin,

Vachhass Divaan Sar Ta Daala Maaraan,

Bepuchh Bahaaruss Harud Vanaan ouss,

Kapas Vovithh Chha Badan Valaan Khaah,

Mushuk Valithh Aav Vaav Sountuk,

Dichin Bashaarat.

Yimav Qadam Kaed garav Neubar,

Tim Na Aayee Phirithh,

Na Tchhaandei Sountan .

( Farooq Nazki )

Should we revisit our days gone by ?

Spring would visit us likewise

This spring breeze would frolic in the same way

With the bosom of flowering buds .

And the Autumn would sardonically tell to undependable spring .

“ Earth does not Use the apparel should it grow cotton”

Bathed in Perfume ,

The spring has once again come this way ,

To spread its colours .

Alas! Those who stepped out of their homes

Did neither return,

Nor did this spring seek their whereabouts .

( The poem deals with painful event of 1990 in kashmiri valley )

Much and too Much needs to be done to rediscover Naadim added Farooq Nazki .

Shri G R Hasrat Gadda was the speaker for the second session of the  Baithak. Sh Gadda informed that his Book “ME CHHAM AASH PAGAHUCH “ ( A DREAM FOR TOMMORROW ) A Collection of kashmiri Poetry By Dina Nath Naadim (Published in 2016 by “Fankar Cultural Organization “ 159, Government Housing Colony Lal Bazar Srinagar) is readily available at ..

.

(1) Kitab Ghar M A Road srinagar

(2) Kitab Ghar Canal Road. Jammu.

Sh Gadda added that except Shuhul Kul , Naadim had not published any Book during his lifetime although he had written so much in all genres and forms much of which had remained unpublished . .Accordingly, in absence of any published Book , it was almost an impossible task for him to collect Naadim poems from Magazines and private Hands . Add to that, poet's friends and relations were far away and scattered in the length and breadth of the country . This task kept him busy for almost an year involving extensive Travel and Search in Kashmir , Jammu and New Delhi. He added that `Naadim was basically a poet of Nazm and accordingly the first section of his Book has 105 Popular and representative Poems of the poet .

He concluded by saying

“. To understand his real contribution , you need to look at entire kashmiri poetry written post 1947. ”

The Baithak ended with a Concluding sentimental speech  by Brij Nath Betab and a Vote of thanks by I B Zutshi .

Shri Shailender Aima Volunteered to Host of the next BAITHAK in March 2017.

( 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\.

BEAUTIFUL WORDS OF FIFTH SIKH GURU ARJUN DEV JI( 1563-1606) ..

                                                                 

 GOLDEN TEMPLE AMRITSAR 
( Photo Autar Mota )

BEAUTIFUL WORDS OF FIFTH SIKH GURU ARJUN DEV JI( 1563-1606) ..

Guru ka Vachan Bassay Jee Naale

Jal Nahin Doobe 
Taskar nahin Levay
Baahi Na Saakay jaale.......................

Eih lok parlok
Sang sahaayi
Jath kath mohay rakhvaale ........................

Nirdhan Ko Dhan
Andhule Ko Tikk
Maat Doodh jaisay baale........

.........................................................................................................

My English rendering would be......
.........

The word of the master Moves to the soul..

Does not sink in water
No thief can snatch it
No fire can destroy it ..

In this and the world hereafter
A companion and A supporter
A Protector Anywhere and everywhere ....

A Hidden wealth for the poor
A stick for the blind
And like Mother's Milk for the infant....

( 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\.

DEVANAND WAHEEDA REHMAN... EVERGREEN IMPRINTS THROUGH A SONG

                                                                                      

EVERGREEN IMPRINTS THROUGH A SONG ......  DEVANAND  AND  WAHEEDA REHMAN

“ Yaad agar woh Aaye

Aissay kattay tanhaai

Soonay Shehar mein jaissay

Bajnay Lagay shehnaai

Aana ho

Jaana ho

Jaisa bhi zamaana ho

Uttray kabhi na Jo khumaar

Woh pyaare hai.……

Rang Mein Piglay sona

Ang se yuun Russ chhalkay

Jaissay Bajhay Dhun Koyee

Raat Mein Halkay Halkay

Dhoop Mein

Chhaanv Mein

Jhoomti Hawaaon Mein

Har Dum karay Jo Intezaar

Voh Pyaar hai……

Hanstaa Huva Bachpan Voh

Behkaa huva Mausam hai

Chhedo To Ekk Sholaa hai

Chhu Lo to Bas Shabnam Hai

Gaaon Mein

Melay mein

Raah mein

Akelay mein

Aataa Jo Yaad Baar Baar

Voh Pyqaar Hai................

Shokhiyon mein Gola jaaye

Phoolon ka shabaab

Uss mein Phir milaayiJaaye

Thodi si sharaab

Hoga yuun jo Nasha Tayaar

Voh Pyaar hai ….

( Gopal Dass Neeraj )

My English rendering would be….

If you remember  it ,

You become comfortable even with your loneliness,

As if in a desolate town,

Some one comes playing soulful music,

At arrival time,

At the time of Parting.

Howsoever be the world around,

An intoxication that never dies down

Is nothing except LOVE....

Its colour , simply Yellow Molten gold,

And the nectar drips from its Body only

Like a soothing and delicate melody

played during the hours of darkness .

In the sunshine ,

In the shade ,

In the Playful gentle wind,

Something that keeps waiting moment after moment

Is nothing  Except LOVE..

Like the joyful childhood,

Or Like an ambiance that makes your mood go high ,

Tease it and you feel it like fire ,

And if it touches you,

It feels like a dewdrop.

In the village ,

In the fair ,

In the pathways,

In your loneliness

Something that comes again and again to the mind

Is nothing except LOVE..

Whirl together the freshness of flowers and Impertinence ,

Add a little of Intoxicant to this mix,

The Brew that is created in the process

Is nothing except LOVE..

( Autar Mota )

Gopal Dass Neeraj wrote this song for a Hindi Movie Prem Pujari  that had  Devanad and  Waheeda Rehman  in the lead role .

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\.