BY AUTAR MOTA
Kashmir ‘s saffron was a much sought after commodity by Rajput , Sikh and Maratha Royals and rulers . In Amber Fort of Jaipur , I was informed by the guide that Rajput kings tried to grow Saffron in the Garden known as KESAR KYAARI . Kesar Tilak , Kesri dyed Turban and dress is linked with history of Rajput warriors . Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s fascination for Kashmir’s saffron was exceptional .
I quote From the Book “ THE RESOURCEFUL FAKIRS: THREE MUSLIM BROTHERS AT THE SIKH COURT OF LAHORE.”..
“Once On a Holi day the Darbar had baskets heaped one above another, full of small, brittle balls filled with red powder, and alongside them large bowls of thick yellow saffron and long gold squirts. Ranjit Singh broke the ice by taking a large dish filled with saffron and pouring it on Sir Henry’s bald head. Dhian Singh rubbed the Commander-in-Chief with gold and silver leaf mixed with red powder. ”
I quote noted Author Journalist Late Khushwant Singh ..
“On the 1st of Baisakh (April 12) 1801, Sahib Singh Bedi daubed Ranjit Singh’s forehead with saffron paste and proclaimed him Maharajah of the Punjab. ”
“ Maharaja Ranjit singh personally came to apply saffron Tilak to Ghulab singh in his Raj Tilak ceremony performed on the bank of river Chenab at Jeo Pota Ghat at Akhnoor on June 17, 1822.
“The Treaty between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Raja Fateh Singh of Kapurthala is in Persian and bears the palm impression of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in saffron and also his seal in Gurmukhi Script .”
I quote the concluding Para of the SANAD or PURWANA given to Ghulab Singh ( Dogra Rajput Ruler of J&K State ) in Persian and signed by Maharaja Ranjit singh ( Translated into English ) as it appears at page 79 in the Book “ KASHMIR THROUGH AGES ” by Gwasha lal kaul.
“ ….In witness of this , I grant this Purwana of mine with my own hands together with a bunch of saffron this 4th day of Ashad 1879 ( Bikrami )”
History tells us that Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra used to take her bath with saffron water . Alexander the Great also used saffron water Baths to heal his Battle Wounds.
I was told by a shopkeeper in Boston USA that very shortly America shall also join the select countries that produce Saffron in the world. Trials to grow saffron in New England more specifically in Vermont have been encouraging . The climate of Vermont is similar to kashmir and so is it in many other places of New England area .
In new york, i was told by a family that they successfully grew saffron in their garden that had good sloping drainage . I bought the Spanish variety of saffron from a New York Mall. Very expensive yet nowhere near Mogra( present rate around Rs300 to Rs 320 per gm) variety of kashmir. So is my experience with Iranian saffron.
Saffron ( Kong in kashmiri ) is essentially a spice . It is known world over for its special aroma and flavor . Accordingly , it is used as a natural seasoning agent in foods, sweets , drinks and puddings etc.. It is also used in various hindu religious practices like making it an essential ingredient of sacred Abhisheka mixture , using it in Prasada making and applying it in liquid form as Tilak . good quantity of kashmiri saffron is purchased by Temple Trusts of South India .
Saffron is also used In Ayurvedic medicines .Use of saffron is believed to be beneficial for so many skin ailments . Saffron has antioxidant and anti-depressant properties. For its mood elevation properties, ancient greeks called it “sunshine spice.” Ancient greeks also used it as an Aphrodisiac .
Will the cement Industry ( close to Pampore) and the greedy Land developers allow this precious heritage crop to survive in kashmir?
Autar Mota is a blogger, writer for local and national newspapers and magazines
