NUND – The Best Of Kashmiri Literature

About NUND – The Best Of Kashmiri Literature

NUND – The Best Of Kashmiri Literature brings together the poetry of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH), known to the people of the valley as Nund Rishi, Sheikh-ul-Alam and Alamdar-e-Kashmir, the beloved saint-poet whose verses have been recited in Kashmiri homes for six centuries. The book is the work of Prof. Shafi Shauq, one of the foremost scholars of the Kashmiri language, and it was released by him at SKICC, Srinagar, in August 2024 together with companion volumes on Lal Ded and Kashmiri Sufi poetry. For the publisher, language, page count and binding of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492 for details of the copy in stock.

Who was Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH)?

Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH) was born around 1377 CE in Khee Jogipora near Qaimoh, in present-day Kulgam district, and passed away around 1438 CE. He is buried at Charar-e-Sharief, where Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin had his tomb built, and the shrine remains one of the most loved places of devotion in Kashmir. He is regarded as the founder of the Rishi order of Kashmir, known for its simplicity, humility, kindness and devotion to Allah Almighty. The people of Kashmir honour him with the titles Sheikh-ul-Alam, the spiritual guide of the world, and Alamdar-e-Kashmir, the standard-bearer of Kashmir.

He lived at the same time as Lal Ded, the mystic poet whose verses stand at the beginning of Kashmiri literature, and tradition holds that her example had a deep effect on him.

The poetry of Nund Rishi

Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH) composed his poetry in the form of shruks, short Kashmiri verses usually of four to six lines. At a time when Persian was the language of the court, he chose to speak to ordinary people in their own tongue, and in doing so he helped shape and preserve the Kashmiri language. His verses are so revered that some have called his poetry the Koshur Quran, an expression of the place it holds in the hearts of Kashmiris.

• The oneness of Allah and sincere devotion to Him
• The shortness of life and the reality of death
• Humility and the struggle against the ego
• Honest living, simplicity and contentment
• Kindness to all people, and respect for nature and every living being
• Criticism of empty ritual, pride and division between people

Why Nund matters to Kashmiri literature

Together with Lal Ded, Nund Rishi stands at the foundation of Kashmiri literature. Many of his lines live on as proverbs and everyday sayings, quoted by people who may not even know where they come from. Any serious study of Kashmiri language, culture, spirituality or identity has to begin with him, and that is why a book titled The Best Of Kashmiri Literature rightly opens with his name.

About Prof. Shafi Shauq

Prof. Shafi Shauq was born in 1950 in Kaprin village in Shopian district. He earned a doctorate in English and taught at the University of Kashmir for over three decades, retiring in 2010 as Dean of the Faculty of Arts. A poet, translator, critic and linguist, he has written a Kashmiri grammar, a Kashmiri dictionary and a history of Kashmiri language and literature. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2006 for his poetry collection Yaad Aasmanan Hinz, has also received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award, and has been honoured with the Padma Shri. Few scholars are better placed to present the verses of Nund Rishi to today’s readers.

Who should read this book

• Readers who want to discover the spiritual heart of Kashmiri literature
• Kashmiris living outside the valley who wish to reconnect with their heritage
• Students and researchers of Kashmiri language, literature and Kashmir studies
• Lovers of Sufi and devotional poetry
• Anyone looking for a meaningful gift that carries the voice of Kashmir

How to read Nund Rishi

The shruks are short, but each one holds a great deal. Read slowly, one or two at a time, and let each image settle before moving on. If you know Kashmiri, say the lines aloud; they were made to be spoken and remembered. Keep a notebook for the verses that stay with you, and return to the book over months rather than finishing it in one sitting.

Kashmir books at Lafz Bookstore

Lafz Bookstore has one of the largest online sections of Kashmir books, covering Kashmiri literature, history, poetry and translations. If you enjoy this book, ask us about the companion volume LAL on Lal Ded.

Edition details

Title: NUND – The Best Of Kashmiri Literature. Poetry of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH), presented by Prof. Shafi Shauq. For the publisher, language, year, page count and binding of the copy in stock, please message us on WhatsApp at 9906523492. Same-day dispatch from Srinagar. Delivery takes about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days across the rest of India.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nund Rishi? Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RH), the fifteenth-century saint-poet of Kashmir, honoured as Sheikh-ul-Alam and Alamdar-e-Kashmir.

Who prepared this book? Prof. Shafi Shauq, Sahitya Akademi Award winner and former Dean of Arts at the University of Kashmir.

Is there a companion book? Yes, LAL – The Best Of Kashmiri Literature, on the verses of Lal Ded.

How fast is delivery? Same-day dispatch from Srinagar, about 1 day in Srinagar and 3 to 10 days in the rest of India.

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