The proverbs contained in this volume are pithy statements mostly derived from wisdom that expresses traditionally held truths or pieces of advice based on common sense or experiences encapsulating a society's values and beliefs. The beauty of these proverbs lies in the fact that they hold true for all times and are well thought out and honed by our ancestors from time immemorial. Their popular usage in colloquial language and Kashmiri needs no emphasis as they can be seen as ‘spicy jargon’ of Kashmiri language too. The compilation has 151 new Kashmiri proverbs, each of which is scripted in English, Hindi and Urdu for wider reach and, more importantly, to help the reader in pronouncing it rightly; lest it should lead entirely to a different meaning. Each proverb is annexed with an elaborate description, interpretation and usage with illustrative examples, wherever possible. Readers will find a marked improvement in the quality of the presentation, language and ease of understanding of the proverbs over the first volume. These proverbs are hoped to invoke interesting memories in Kashmiris, in particular, and positive reception from other regions as well, by recapitulating similar proverbs in their respective languages.

This book, written during the pandemic, is the brainchild of the author, based primarily on the Kashmiri sayings the elders used to quote and intersperse during their day-to-day conversations. Such special sayings, the proverbs, are gems of wisdom that give advice about life. Proverbs do reflect and demonstrate national events, social customs and vices, and are found in all languages and societies alike. As rightly said by a Panamanian, “Proverb is to speech what salt is to food.” Generations have passed, but those proverbs are relevant even today. These proverbs, handed over through word of mouth, might slowly dwindle and vanish from our lives as our future generations are bound to distance themselves from the use of Kashmiri language due to circumstances created by the design, compulsion or choice. This concern prompted me to document these proverbs. The compilation has 101 Kashmiri proverbs in English, Urdu and Hindi, to ensure better reach. The meaning of each word is annexed with an elaborate description, interpretation and usage with illustrative examples, wherever possible. These proverbs are hoped to invoke interesting memories in Kashmiris, in particular and a positive reception from other regions as well, by recapitulating similar proverbs in their own languages.

The proverbs contained in this volume are pithy statements mostly derived from wisdom that expresses traditionally held truths or pieces of advice based on common sense or experiences encapsulating a society's values and beliefs. The beauty of these proverbs lies in the fact that they hold true for all times and are well thought out and honed by our ancestors from time immemorial. Their popular usage in colloquial language and Kashmiri needs no emphasis as they can be seen as 'spicy jargon' of Kashmiri language too. The compilation has 151 new Kashmiri proverbs, each of which is scripted in English, Hindi and Urdu for wider reach and, more importantly, to help the reader in pronouncing it rightly; lest it should lead entirely to a different meaning. Each proverb is annexed with an elaborate description, interpretation and usage with illustrative examples, wherever possible. Readers will find a marked improvement in the quality of the presentation, language and ease of understanding of the proverbs over the first volume. These proverbs are hoped to invoke interesting memories in Kashmiris, in particular, and positive reception from other regions as well, by recapitulating similar proverbs in their respective languages.

(Reprint London 1895 edn.)

Filled with serpent kings, long lost lovers, magical birds and seductive witches, The Legend of Himal and Nagrai is an enchanting collection of folk tales from a land as beautiful as it is misunderstood--Kashmir. In the title story, the serpent king Nagrai takes on human form to be with his one true love--the princess Himal. But despite Nagrai's warnings, when Himal doubts her lover's origins, all hell breaks loose. Will the star-crossed lovers ever be together? In 'Akanandun', having pined for a son for years, a couple is finally blessed with a beautiful boy--but on one diabolical condition. Will the couple be able to keep their word? In 'Shikaslad', a pauper goes on a quest to awaken his luck, which has been 'asleep' for years. Will he recognize good luck staring him in the face? These and twenty-six other delightful folk tales--painstakingly collected and retold by the author--bring to light the immensely rich, multicultural and largely undocumented tradition of storytelling in Kashmir. At a time when Kashmiri voices are being brutally silenced by an authoritarian state, this book is a vibrant tapestry celebrating Kashmiri life--in the words of its people.