A lot has been penned about love, yearning, devotion, passion in melodic mode but poesy has never been everyones cup of tea, every lyricist covets to admire the beauty of creator’s creation but not everyone acquires the perfection. A key figure in romanticism, the skilled author of exceptionally ardent and nostalgic romantic lyrics Rasul Mir, an esteemed iconic dignity who bequeathed some of the most affectionate, passionate and magnanimous tender poems in history, so, is weighed as a superlative romantic lyricist of the valley Kashmir.
Rasul Mir, the graceful versifier, throbbed with love, is believed to be the sole romantic poet of Kashmir who earned reputation, appreciation and stardom from every nook of the valley, a poet who left behind quintessential impression through his poetized lines. He set a pattern for other poets, writers and intellectuals, who attempted to imitate his contour and style of writing, but it was not a cinch, as Mirza Ghalib expresses in one of his couplet about Mirza Bedils poetry,
Tarz-e- Bedil Main Reekhta Kehna
Asadullah Khan Qayamat Hai.
It is almost impossible to pen down an ode in his elegant, polished, and dynamic style while Azad, Mehjoor, Rasa Javaidani, all of them were legendry poets, are a few who came close to the gracefulness, eloquence and preciseness of Rasul Mir, however they are known for their own techniques.
Ha Yaareh Mukhtie Hareh Gand thoo Be Haatay Loo,
Matteh Maineh Mah Rukhsaar Wuchhath Be Gatteh Loo.
O My dear! Alike necklace, I yen to wear you around my neck,
O My dear! In aphotic night I yearn to see your moon like visage.
Gud Hoovtham Didaar Adeh Kiyazeh Khothut Roi
Vuen Kateh Wuchchath Dobaareh Vanij Meh Fateh Loo.
After showing a glimpse, why hide your face from me?
My heart is about to burst, where shall I see you again?
Rasul Mir was the most suave, charming and multidimensional poet of the 19th century, who left behind a treasure of great poetry. Mir was born at Dooru Shahabad (A famous town in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir). Historians appear inconclusive about Rasul Mirs age, some write that he died at the age of 68 while others say that Rasul Mir died in young age of 37 and according to oral traditions, he left this world at a tender age. His tomb is well maintained and constructed beside Khankah of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) at Shahabad Dooru.
Rasul was born in a Zamindar family, at Doru Shahabad village in Anantnag. It is said that he was a Nambardar (Village headman), Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Teing in Kuliyat-e- Rasul Mir refers to a document having Rasul Mirs signature as Nambardar in revenue records at Anantnag. It is also said that in 1855 AD Rasul was alive when Mahmood Gami (renowned Sufi Poet and Saint) passed away.
According to Mr. Abdul Ahad Azad, Rasul Mir had a house near old Khankah and had two sons who also died in young age. He was a tall good-looking gentleman with murky dense pointed moustaches. He used to wear a beautiful turban and loved to be well dressed. He was a well mannered and friendly companion having a young heart, thoroughly filled with passion and love.
Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Teing in Kulyat-e-Rasul Mir states that he met an old man Rish Telwani (about 80 years old) who said that his grandfather had seen Rasul Mir face to face and he was a tall, handsome man with sharp moustaches. He also said that Rasul Mir was a true aspirant of Samma and mostly he used to arrange Samma sessions at Lisser Muqam.
Rasul Mir in his lifetime had a routine to visit Khankah for offering prayer. After the completion
of prayers he would sit on a window of Khankah for hours in a peaceful atmosphere, it was his much preferred place where he would find composure and serenity. When Rasul died, he was buried at his favorite place infront of the same window of Khankah of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) at Shahabad Dooru, where, today a beautiful tomb has been constructed with fascinating fountains in the garden.
Oral traditions state that Sheikh Ahmad Tarballi of Srinagar was Murshid of Rasul Mir, while some followers of mystic path state that Rasul Mir had many murshids from different parts of the valley.
Mir was successful in cresting his own unique style of writing poetry; the selection and amalgamation of words made him one of the difficult poets to understand, nevertheless his poems remained most successful and inimitable. He is popularly known and titled as “Keats of Kashmir” for his extraordinary approach and profound insight into human nature and behavior. With him romance had numerous dimensions and he succeeded in exploring all of them in his lyrics.
Rasul Mir is not famous only for his romantic poetry but he bestowed some undying mystic poems which are believed to be of the utmost quality. His profound feelings, love and approach towards spiritual world is found in some of his best known and conspicuous verses but every eye may not be perceptible. Some Sufis believe that Rasul had attained most eminent status which can neer be achieved by an ordinary poet. His Sufi views and mysticism is deeply reflected in his poems and I would love to mention few verses with a magical last couplet, inscribed on his tombstone:
Kad Choon Alif, Laam Zulf, Meem Dahaan Tchuie,
Pur Aqaleh Sabak Shakleh Alim Laam Nigaroo.
Like Alif is thy stature, locks like Laam and visage like Meem,
O beloved! Thou have form of Alif Laam, my nous witnessed.
Rasul Tchu Zaenith Deen -o- Mazhab Rukh Ti Zulf Cheen
Kaw Zaani Kya Gow Kufur Tie Islam Nigaroo.
With Thy visage and curly tresses, Rasuls faith is bound,
What is kufur, and what is Islam, is, but, out of my comprehension.
Rasul Mir was a distinguished poet, beyond the bounds of comparison and is considered as one of the leading poet of Kashmiri language. He has indited verses on many subjects immensely escalating the scope of poetry. All his writings, if very limited is available, still are regarded as a paramount contribution to Kashmiri poetry and literature but, Alas! We have nothing preserved of such legend.
Rasul Mir and Mirza Ghalib (a legendry Urdu poet) lived the same period and were alive in 19th century. We find plenary biography, life evidence and poetry of Mirza Ghalib even hundreds of books have been written on his life, poetry technique, marriage and family. Rasul Mir lived the same era but unfortunately we dont come across any authentic historic records of this renowned poet. It appears that this optimum personality was ignored by the writers, philosophers and historians of the time, but Rasul Mir was destined, his verses were utterly accepted and loved throughout Kashmir. He had earned a special place in the hearts of people that they remembered every verse he jolted down and made him and his lyrics amaranthine. Otherwise whatever we write about him actually is, only which is transferred from heart to heart by elders to new generations.
Gaseh Vesyee Laleh Chum Dooray
Meh Chu Mooray Lalvun Naar
O! Friend, fetch my dear who is far-off from me
Fiery flames of love are blazing me.
Aayeh Kueklah Maidaan Dooray
Soh Cheh Paraan Allah hu
Soh Cheh Lej Mitch Waalwash Dooray
Meh Chu Mooray Lalvun Naar
From faraway lands Cuckoo (bird) rolled in,
In dhikr, it is reciting, Allah Hu
It is snared in a raveled mesh
Fiery flames of love are blazing me.
Yi Chu Rasul Mir Shahabad Dooray
Tami Chu Trovmut Ashiqeh Dukaan
Yeveh Aashqow Cheveh Tor-Re Tor-Ray
Meh Chu Mooray Lalvun Naar
Here is Rasul Mir at Shahabad Dooru
Where a love tavern he has opened,
Come O Lovers! Carouse a chalice or more
Fiery flames of love are blazing me.
This 19th century Kashmiri versifier was contemporary of Mehmood Gami. I personally visited the Mazars (Graves) of both Rasul Mir and Mehmood Gami and interviewed with the inhabitant of Shahabad Doru and Mehmood Abad. Locals say that Rasul Mir was a loyal, duteous and docile disciple of Mehmood Gami and used to see his Shaikh frequently. But while going through the pages of history we dont come across any relation between these two legendary poets of Kashmir.
Rasul Mir took first step towards the field of poetry in his childhood; he was a God gifted child, a born poet. He was a poet from the very start, penned quality verses at a very young age and some of his utmost quality poems by the age of maturity. Mehmood Game was already a famous Sufi poet and saint of the time lived in a nearby village then called as Aadeh Wadir presently known as Mehmood Abad. Followers of Sufi path used to visit him in huge numbers. He had a big roll of disciples from every path of life and Sufiana mehfils were celebrated regularly.
Rasul was habitant of a nearby village Doru Shahabad. He was in tender age when he heard about Mehmood Gami and one day decided to join a mehfil in his presence. Samma was on its zenith when Mir entered the room; Gami was in deep meditation accompanied by his many disciples.
After some time Gami spotted a new young face profoundly immersed in the ghazal sung by singers, after the completion of song Mehmood Gami asked for the introduction and then invited Rasul Mir to recite some of his own written verses. Rasu Mirl was quite hesitant first but somehow he managed to recite some of his own verses. Mehmood Gami was astonished to hear such phenomenal quality of poetry written by a young boy in a tender age; he was speechless and could not find appropriate words to appreciate Rasul Mir.
In this first meet Gami predicted the youthful death of Mir, he said to his disciples, Amis Cheh Jaaneh Margi Hind Kairan, Gamis prediction was based on a reason, that is, a poet gets such perfection after many years of hard work and experience but Mir had achieved the prominence in a tender age.
Betih No Ye Durer Choon Zarrie,
Ball Maraiyoo
Kya Kareh Thovtham Zar Zarrie,
Ball Maraiyoo
I too wont endure your separation,
I shall die,
What I do, you forsook me in gloom,
I shall die.
Sharmand Kerthas Aftaboo Kandharitch Zoon
Kajeh Chaaneh Gejsoo Lejsoo Darie,
Ball Maraiyoo
Oh! Sun you left me, Moon of Khanhaar abashed,
In your reminiscences, I am wracked, forlorn, isolated,
I shall die.
Engatteh Vennam Naneh Kathai Em Laal Faroshan
Kanneh Manz Niraan Jawharie,
Ball Maraiyoo
Lapidary told me secret of secrets even in dark
Inside stones, concealed by oyster, pearls occur,
I shall die.
Rasuleh Goolthas Hooleh Hessai Koleh Ma Sa Dal
Bo Looleh Masski Khaess Barai,
Ball Maraiyoo
Unconscious you made me, O Rasul! But dont break the pledge
With wine of love I shall fill your goblet,
I shall die.
According to oral history, once Rasul Mir was poetizing a poem, he concluded all the stanzas but got stuck at the very last couplet where poet cites his name. For few days he tried to compose the last couplet but no fitting verse was striking his mind. It was first time in his life when proper words were not coming to his mind otherwise Mir had a complete vocabulary always with him. At last when nothing was coming his way, he went to the tomb of Mehmood Gami and sat next to Gamis grave. He kept his head down on the grave for a while and after some time he got up and wrote the last couplet of the poem. It is said that when Mir was resting at the grave he saw Mehmood Gami in his dream who told him the last stanza of the poem. Here is the first couplet of that poem:
Thare Zan Poosh Harie Kael
Bale Marieye My Roosh
Today or tomorrow I shall fall like blossoms in autumn
For my sake don’t be annoyed or I shall die.
Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad (Prime Minister of J&K State from 1953 to 1965) was a big fan of Rasul Mir. In his tenure as Prime Minister Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad took the first step and initiated to celebrate the day of Rasul Mir every year at his tomb. On this day feast gets prepared and served to hundreds of guests during day followed by Samma session at night.
Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Teing in Kulyat-e-Rasul Mir states that once he got a chance to attend the Samma and Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was also present. A complete group of singers were invited and were singing a ghazal of Rasul Mir, when Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad abruptly got up on his feet and said singer that he sung the last line of ghazal wrong; the verse sung by singer was like this, Baharek Jaameh Wetchh Meh Kamkiss Nael and Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad recited the verse correctly as, Jamaalek Jaameh Wetchh Meh Kamkiss Nael.
The night was full of surprises, Mehfil was at its zenith, singer was singing one of the most loved ghazals of Rasul Mir, Tharr Tharr TChham Mar Beh Shayad, and everyone was deeply immersed in the song. When the last lines of the ghazal were sung, Wanteh Rasullioo Kas Tche Rootukh Wen Kami Mannawnai, all of a sudden Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad got up and yelled, “I will, I will”.
The above incidents shows that how much Mr. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was passionately inspired by Rasuls writings, even he had also memorized many of his verses.
Tharr Tharr TChham Mar Beh Shayad
Shar Meh Jigruk Drav Nai
Khosh Yi-Von Nund-Boon, Vessi-Yae
Myon Dilbar Aav Nai
I am shuddering convulsively I may die,
My hearts longing got neer fulfillment
Oh Friend! My glistering beloved, my adored
My beloved has not come yet.
Suie Meh Roothum Aash Yem Sinz Sath Meh Aasim Yeth Dilas
Wanteh Rasullioo Kas TChe Rootukh Wen Kami Mannawnai
Who I crave for, is angry with me, who I believed trustworthy
Oh Rasul! With who you are resented, there is none to wheedle you.
Rasul Mirs poems cover a wide range of human emotions and feelings, from solitude to the blindness of love, from desolation and bereaved to utter bliss. Mirs poems are best known and loved for their deep feeling, compassion and sensibility. Mir brought ghazal to Kashmiri poetry written so skillfully that it turned out to be a fundamental element of Kashmiri literary tradition. Romance is evident and sprinkled in almost all his works.
Now Gaam Boozum Paigam Chhoni
Chogaam Checkh Aasaan
Bi Vun Demai Sagaam Bringie
Kong-gi Haawtai Paan
At Nowgam (Village) I heard about you,
You are dwelling at Chogaam
I looked for you on the shore of river Bringie
Show me your face, Oh dear! Kong-gi.
(NOWGAM, CHOGAAM & SAGAAM are nearby villages of Doru Shahabad and BRINGIE is a famous river of south Kashmir, Most of the time Rasul Mir used to wander at the banks of river Bringie to see his beloved KONGIE). When we deem deep in this couplet we find great rhythm and beautiful combination of romantic words. Rasul had reached to the highest peak of love which is expressed in these fantastic verses. He was blessed with a great boon of heaven that is poetry.
Rasul Mir described his beloved with various names in different poems, sometimes he called her Konggi and sometimes Poosh Maal, and wherever he saw he witnessed his beloved.
Roosh Mai Roosh Ha Poosh Maaliyee Lo
Boosh Husnuk Rozee Ne Kaelliyee Lo
Resented don’t be with me, O! My dear Poosh Maal
This outer beauty won’t last forever.
Zael Mastas Tal Kanwaeliyee Lo
Soneh Dooran Chaie Mokhteh Jaeliyee Lo
Pukhteh Kaaran Kem Sambaeliyee Lo
Boosh Husnuk Rozee Ne Kaelliyee Lo
Under your curly tresses are lovely earrings,
These golden rings are bound with net of pearls,
Who adept goldsmith designed them
This outer beauty won’t last forever.
Every verse poetized by this renowned poet is full of love, affection, passion and attraction. Human hearts very first thread, Love, which present the whole universe as a beautiful poem and for him Love is the creed, beloved is the God and lyrics rush forth in bubbling streams to worship.
Rasul Mir is revered by many as one of the greatest poet of Kashmiri language and is titled as Keats of Kashmir” because of his staggering breathtaking poetry. But I would love to see Rasul Mir with Mirza Ghalib on the basis of their optimum works. I think Rasul Mir is as complete poet of Kashmiri language as Mirza Ghalib is of Urdu. Both had vast knowledge and grip on the rhythm of their poetry, they wrote every verse with great depth, profound emotion, passion and meter. Both were the masters of poetry and had great control on their native languages. Both are very difficult to comprehend and interpret by a casual reader even their poetized lyrics are regarded as most arduous poetry in their respective languages but are most famed, loved, read and remembered till date. Some beautiful couplets of both Rasul Mir and Mirza Ghalib are composed in such way that it looks they have heard one another.
Aah Ko Chaahiye Ik Umr Asar Hone Tak
Kaun Jeeta Hai Teri Zulf Ke Sar Hone Tak
A lifetime fades before a sigh shows its results
Who would live so long to see thy dark curls fixed up
(Mirza Ghalib)
Za-eil Wankan Ball Yel Laagie Shumaar
Pachh Lagnas Ganz-rans Lachh Ti Hazaar
Tami Shayeh No Muklan Payeh Lo Lo
Rind Poosh Maal Gind-nay Drayeh Lo Lo
When beloved shall begin to count the curly locks,
Days shall change into weeks and weeks into years
But is still impossible to get rid of
The lovely dear Poosh Maal is going out to play.
(Rasul Mir)
Rasul Mir was a versatile versifier displayed a great talent of poetizing lyrics and he truly was a classical poet without any peer. He was one and only one of his kind. His every verse is filled with pulsating tenor, yearnings and emotions. His poems are still being sung in many different ways by different vocalists of the valley.
Imran Yousuf can be reached at imranaaadi@gmail.com
