Syed Nissar H Gilani
As we are celebrating the 12th death anniversary of the late Prof. Shams U Din Ahmed, former Head of the Persian Department at Kashmir University, we pay tribute to his enduring legacy. Kashmir takes pride in producing extraordinary Persian poets and scholars, a tradition that was significantly shaped during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin. His patronage elevated Persian to a prominent position in Kashmir’s cultural landscape, influencing various aspects of life, including revenue records.
The Mughal kings further reinforced the prominence of Persian, utilizing it extensively in administrative and court proceedings. This period saw a significant surge in Persian literary and cultural activities, contributing to the language’s deep roots in the region. Notably, even Kashmiri Pandits made notable contributions to Persian literature during various periods, underscoring the language’s widespread acceptance across communities.
In my childhood, Persian was taught in some schools, and many of our elders were well-versed in the language. I’m fortunate to know families who possess a deep understanding of Persian. Among the brilliant Islamic and Persian scholars I’ve known are Jinab Mohd Amin Darab and the late Syed Mubarak Shah Gilani (Fitrat), who was my late father’s maternal uncle. I have had the privilege of interacting with such esteemed scholars, which has deepened my appreciation for Persian literature.
Kashmir has been home to luminaries like Ghani Kashmiri, whose mastery over Persian earned the region immense recognition. Other notable Persian scholars from Kashmir include Khawaja Mohammad Azam Dedmary, who authored “Waqat-i-Kashmir”, a historical text that Prof. Shams U Din Ahmed translated into a two-volume book. I also had the opportunity to visit Pir Shamsu Din Kamali (Hairat), another eminent scholar of Persian, who had translated Rumi’s Masnavi. His work is a testament to the region’s rich tradition of Persian scholarship.
Interestingly, Kashmir is not known merely for its natural beauty, but its Persian scholar Ghani Kashmiri has earned it a distinct reputation. My visit to Iran in October 2022 confirmed this fact when I interacted with learned scholars at Tehran University, who spoke highly of Ghani Kashmiri’s contributions to Persian literature.
Poet and writer Maqbool Ferozi, who studied Persian in 1972, recalls that Prof. Shams U Din Ahmed played a pivotal role in his academic journey. Maqbool Ferozi was the first recipient of the Gold Medal from the Iranian Government in 1972. Notably, Prof. Ahmed was instrumental in influencing the Iranian Government to introduce the Tahir Ghani Kashmiri Memorial Awards in Kashmir University, a testament to his dedication to promoting Persian literature.
Prof. Shams U Din Ahmed was born near the shrine of Aishan Sahab in Zainakadal, Srinagar, and received his early education in local schools. He completed his postgraduate studies in Persian with distinction from Aligarh Muslim University in 1951, alongside studying law. He was appointed as a lecturer in a college, followed by an appointment at Kashmir University, where he went on to become a prominent figure in the academic community. Prof. Ahmed travelled to many foreign countries, delivering impressive lectures in Persian on various subjects. His thought-provoking lectures in the then USSR are widely acclaimed, showcasing his expertise and influence beyond borders.
Prof. Ahmed was also known to be a close friend of the late Syed Ab Rashid Naqashbandi (Banday), famously known as the “Golden Voice of Kashmir”.
Prof. Ahmed’s brilliance and tireless efforts had a lasting impact on Persian scholarship. His academic background, including a law degree, adds to his remarkable achievements. Prof. Ahmed’s work is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting Kashmir’s Persian heritage. His legacy continues to inspire Iranian scholars and intelligentsia. As we commemorate his death anniversary, I pray that his soul rests in peace. May his contributions to Persian literature continue to inspire future generation.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department. and can be reached at nisargilani57748@gmail.com
