SANJAY PANDITA
In the heart of Kashmir, nestled amidst the verdant valleys and majestic mountains, there existed a time when the world remained untethered from the relentless grasp of screens and smartphones. It was an era where human connection thrived through tales spun from the depths of imagination, a time when the art of storytelling was revered above all else. And in this enchanting land, there resided a man whose very voice wove the tapestry of ancient narratives and legendary sagas. To the people of Kashmir, he was not merely Mohammad Ismail Mir; he was the living embodiment of a rich tradition, known far and wide as Ismail Mir, the Daastangor, the storyteller. In the realm of oral history, his name resonated like a melodious refrain, beckoning all who yearned to be transported to a world where words had the power to transcend time and space.
In a time when the art of storytelling had begun to fade into the shadows, Ismail Mir emerged as a torchbearer, a custodian of tradition. He was not just a storyteller; he was a maestro who wove the threads of narratives into the fabric of people’s lives. His stories were not mere tales; they were journeys into the realms of great lovers, valiant warriors, and powerful gods. They were windows to the past, vessels of knowledge passed down through generations.
Ismail Mir’s performances were a spectacle to behold. He didn’t just start with words; he began with divine singing, casting a spell on his audience. The atmosphere he created was not just entertainment; it was a communion with the stories themselves. As his voice resonated through the room, he would accompany it with the melodious notes of a Matka or other instruments, adding layers of emotion and depth to his narration.
In the enchanting land of Kashmir, his name became synonymous with storytelling. Ismail Mir was more than a man; he was a legend in his own time. For over half a century, he held the dying tradition of storytelling in his capable hands, nurturing it back to life. His fame knew no bounds; his performances graced television screens and radio waves, and he took the art to the stage as well.
At the core of Ismail Mir’s artistry was “daastangoi,” an ancient form of storytelling in prose and verse that had roots reaching back centuries. What set him apart was his unique style, a style that brought storytelling out of the shadows and into the hearts of the masses. His recitations of traditional Kashmiri ‘dastaans’ like ‘Himal Nagrai,’ ‘Bumber Yamberzal,’ ‘Aqla Wazir,’ and ‘Aknandun’ were nothing short of mesmerizing, holding audiences captive for hours on end.
Ismail Mir possessed a sharp memory, a treasury of tales that seemed endless. In a time when modern entertainment was scarce, his ‘daastangoi’ was a beacon, drawing people from all corners of Kashmir. His stories, filled with righteous outlaws, epic power struggles, legendary wrestlers, and star-crossed lovers, found their way into the hearts of people young and old.
It was Ismail Mir who introduced the ‘Saaz’ into ‘daastangoi,’ adding yet another layer of richness to the art. His performances resonated not only within the borders of Kashmir but also far beyond. He took his craft to almost every state in India, carrying with him the soul of his homeland.
The legacy of Ismail Mir lives on through his two sons, Ghulam Hassan Mir and Abdur Rashid Mir, who have chosen storytelling as their profession, ensuring that the flame he ignited continues to burn brightly.
But what makes Ismail Mir’s story truly remarkable is its humble beginning. Legend has it that as a child, he was visited by a god-man in a dream, who implored him to tell stories. Ismail Mir, initially protesting, claimed he was illiterate and lacked the tales to share. Yet, at the god-man’s insistence, as he opened his mouth, stories flowed forth from him, as if they had been waiting for this storyteller, this Daastango, to give them life.
In the embrace of Ismail Mir’s storytelling, Kashmir found not just entertainment but a powerful medium of knowing, of connecting with its rich cultural heritage. His life’s work was a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling, a magic that transcends time and technology, reminding us of the profound impact a single voice can have in a world hungry for stories.
As Ismail Mir’s reputation as a master storyteller grew, so did the reach of his stories. His narratives weren’t confined to the boundaries of Kashmir; they traversed the airwaves, captivating listeners near and far. Radio Kashmir and Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar became the portals through which his tales ventured beyond the valley, resonating with people from diverse backgrounds.
In the simplicity of his art, Ismail Mir held a mirror to the essence of Kashmiri culture. He was not just a storyteller but a cultural ambassador, showcasing the depth of his region’s traditions. Through his performances, audiences from different parts of India and the world could catch a glimpse of the mystical beauty that is Kashmir.
The power of Ismail Mir’s storytelling lay not only in his voice but also in his choice of stories. He delved into the reservoir of ‘dastaans,’ narratives passed down through generations, filled with heroes and heroines, sorrows and triumphs. In each recitation, he resurrected characters long gone, making them breathe again in the imaginations of his listeners.
Beyond the narratives, Ismail Mir’s life was a testament to the transformative power of dreams. The god-man’s visitation in his childhood dream, urging him to tell stories, changed the course of his life. It was a reminder that sometimes, our calling is whispered to us by fate, and it’s up to us to heed the call.
Ismail Mir’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. In a rapidly changing world, where modernity often erases tradition, he stood as a guardian of the past. Yet, his determination and passion for storytelling proved that traditions could adapt and evolve while retaining their essence.
In the age of screens and instant gratification, Ismail Mir’s legacy stands as a beacon of the power of patience and the enduring allure of stories told from the heart. He reminds us that even in a world inundated with distractions, the ancient art of storytelling continues to have a place, for it touches something deep within us—a craving for connection, for knowledge, and for the magic of a well-told tale.
In the annals of Kashmir’s history, Ismail Mir’s name is etched in gold. He wasn’t just a storyteller; he was a custodian of culture, a guardian of tradition, and a maestro of words. His voice may have fallen silent, but the echoes of his stories continue to reverberate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to hear them. In the end, Ismail Mir’s life was a testament to the enduring power of stories to shape, connect, and inspire generations, a legacy that will continue to shine brightly, just like the stories he shared.
The author can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
`
