Pahari Literary Society

A joint initiative for discussion with Pahari teachers, poets, writers, researchers, critics and students for the preservation, care and development of Pahari heritage.

Pahari Literature

Poetry

Ghazal, nazm, geet and the folk verse carried down by memory.

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Prose

Short stories, essays and reflective pieces in Pahari.

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Research

Peer-reviewed papers on language, history and oral tradition.

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Criticism

Close readings, book reviews and critical debate.

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My Articles

Based on research and criticism

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Couplet of the dayGhazal

دکھلا کے جھلک روپوش ہوئے جی بھر کے نطارہ نہ ہو سکااک بار تو تیری دید ہوئی دیدار دوبارہ ہو نہ سکا

Abdul Aziz Khan (d.)

You showed a glimpse and vanished; my eyes were never filled. Once I saw you — a second sight was not to be.

Recently published

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Poetry

Nazm "Budhi Maye "

''Budhai Mai'' is one of the most popular symbolic poems by Hashmi Sahib, included in his collection of poetry, “Trail.” In this poem, he employs various similes and metaphors to portray and express the overall condition and circumstances of the Pahari language.

Imtiyaz Naseem HashmiPoonch27 Sept 202634 min

My Articles

Novel Muhajar da Tajziyati Mutala

Novel Mujahar is prominent novel of iqbal shawl that shows light on the portion of india and its long lasting consequences that paharis faced .

Umar FarooqJnu New Delhi19 Sept 202653 min

Poetry

Ghazal: Counting the Hours

You are there and I am here — to whom shall I tell the state of this heart?

Mian Karim Ullah Qureshi4 Sept 20263 min

Poetry

Ghazal: Keep Your Flight High

Long roads and a burning noon — keep the destination in mind as well.

Dr. Jahangir Danish2 Sept 20263 min

Prose

Pardes: A Short Story

A story of leaving — of the ledger a village keeps of the sons it sends down the valley, and of what comes back.

Umar Farooq30 Aug 202614 min

Research

The Ghazal Poets of Karnah

Seventy kilometres from Kupwara, ringed by pasture on all four sides, Karnah has never trailed the district's other tehsils. A survey of the ghazal writers this soil produced after the Cultural Academy opened its Pahari desk in 1978.

Umar FarooqJNU, New Delhi24 Aug 202622 min

Prominent Figures

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Abdul Rashid Lone Ghamgeen

Poet

Abdul Rashid Lone 'Ghamgeen' is esteemed in Pahari literature as a prominent poet, playwright, essayist, and researcher. He belongs to the Khawarpara village of tehsil Karnah in the frontier district of Kupwara . Having retired from the Department of Education, he is recognized among the vanguard of the movement dedicated to the preservation and advancement of the Pahari language and literature. According to Ghamgeen, when the movement to nurture and flourish Pahari literature gained momentum in the 1970s, he was initially introduced to the public as a poet. However, as the need arose to awaken cultural consciousness among the Pahari people, he responded to the evolving demands of the time by turning his focus toward drama. He authored several highly successful plays that acted as a catalyst for this movement of popular awareness. A collection of his plays, titled "Kahani Kahr Kahr Di", has already been published. Beyond drama, he has contributed significantly to Pahari literature through numerous critical and research articles, enriching its textual heritage—a scholarly pursuit he actively continues to this day.

Dr. Jahangir Danish

Poet · Scholar

Brought an academic ear to the ghazal; a bridge between the oral and the written.

Mian Karim Ullah Qureshi

Renowned scholar poet writer critic and linguist.

Mian Karimullah Qureshi Karnahi is a renowned and celebrated writer, linguist, and poet hailing from the picturesque region of Karnah in Jammu and Kashmir. He has made exemplary contributions to the promotion, preservation, and enrichment of the Pahari language and literature. His work has not only been vital for safeguarding the language but has also given regional literature a distinct identity. Linguistic and Research Contributions: His literary journey is extensive. He has written significant research articles exploring the mutual relationship and affinities between the Pahari and Urdu languages. His famous work, Pahari Aur Urdu Ek Taqabli Jaaizah, is considered a foundational document for understanding the linguistic ties between the two languages. In addition, he has conducted profound work on the phonetics and phonology of the Pahari language, which has helped align it with universal linguistic principles. His article Languages of Jammu & Kashmir holds special importance in the history of regional literature and linguistic roots. Poetry and Collections: In terms of poetry, his verses reflect the fragrance of the soil and a deep resonance of folk emotions. Some of his prominent and popular poetry collections include: 1.Dand Karan Main Sutiya Sajna Ko 2.Peeng 3.Chatiyan Danan Di Preet His poetry and ghazals are not confined to books alone; they are widely appreciated at the popular level. His composed songs and ghazals form an essential part of regional culture and folk music. Pahari ghazal by Mian Karimullah Qureshi Karnahi: For men of letters and emerging writers, the work of Mian Karimullah Qureshi Karnahi serves as a beacon of light, setting an inspiring example of deep affection for one's mother tongue and culture.

Raja Nazar Boniyari

Renowned Scholar writer and Critic

Raja Nazar Boniyari (born Abdul Qayoom Khan; pen name: Nazar Boniyari) was a celebrated literary figure, progressive poet, fiction writer, educator, and cultural activist from Jammu and Kashmir. He was widely regarded as a premier exponent of modern Pahari literature and a guiding pillar for the Pahari-speaking community.Born on January 2, 1949, to Raja Zabardast Khan and Shreen Jan Begum, he belonged to a family of royal lineage (Rajas), though he carved his own path as a trailblazer of letters, becoming the first writer and poet in his family. Literary Work & Contributions Raja Nazar Boniyari’s literary journey spanned decades and encompassed poetry, short fiction, travelogues, criticism, and socio-cultural essays. Bilingual Mastery: He authored around 14 books distributed evenly across the Pahari and Urdu languages. His works reflect a deep social consciousness, often touching upon themes of humanism, peace, and cross-border harmony. Notable Books and Works: Some of his well-known published works and prominent writings include:Sharda Peeth – Tareekh ke Aine Mein / Sharda Peak (Safar Nama): A critically acclaimed travelogue and historical exploration focusing on the heritage of Sharda Peeth, which received widespread national and international appreciation. Dusra Adam: His landmark early work of fiction (translated into Russian). Dil Nama (Urdu) Banj Maa Ka Beta ,Yeh Kis Ki Lash Hai Mere Kafan Mai, Namal , Mithi Neech ,(Pahari Short Stories and Essays) Laelal De Banjare , Seerat Tul Numan and Pahari Zaban O Ki Tarikh . Honors and LegacyThroughout his lifetime: Raja Nazar Boniyari was honored by various institutions, notably receiving accolades from the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) for his lifelong dedication to Pahari and Urdu literature. Though he passed away in February 2024, his legacy remains deeply etched in the cultural and literary history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pahari Books

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