Shakeel Ur Rehman
The story teller one was proactive with the same vigour since antiquity. The exact moment of his birth remains shrouded in the mists of time, devoid of any chronicled records for centuries together, yet, until recently, he basked in the full bloom of his vitality and vim. With the passage of time, his mode of thought and narrative style underwent a significant transformation. Heavily influenced by the ever-evolving spirit, his storytelling adopted a distinctly contemporary texture, reflecting the shifting tides of the ages. His characters evolved with the passage of time, aligning with contemporary sensibilities. With a percipient eye, I kept observing this raconteur and engaged myself in interaction with him.
The saying was decked up like a fairy of a towering snow-clad mountain nurturing barren lands with its streams, brooks, rivulets, and thin water courses. In its lofty and exalted state, neither the grandeur of Rome nor the wisdom of Greece could exert any influence. From east to west, many people would undertake to conquer its summits. Many waffled to appreciate its essence, while a few ascended to its summit, savoring its majestic ecstasy. And all this was not at all new, but a timeless custom woven into the fabric of history. The fact was that, being unique and gripping for ages together, it was bestowing tranquility upon the knowledgeable souls, enriching their wisdom, and adding up the values to invigorating minds. The state of this was appealing to the extent that every one would gulp it fully. This was the hardest reality; whoever got even a minuscule taste of it would feel like a dung beetle (Goh Ruinz) , keeping one leg in the air, believing that if it placed both legs on the ground, the earth might slip away.
The succession of events unfolded, with people from the East and the West converging upon it, intent on rendering it empty. Once they had hollowed it out, they laid claim to dominion over the royal snow peak to make everyone scoring their intellectual mark.
The bard intercepted him halfway and commenced to speak.
“This is my tale, and you have no right to appropriate it.”
He, too, possessed a stature not to be trifled with. ‘Very well,’ he retorted, “if you claim ownership, have you ever advocated for it publicly? Can you provide any evidence to support your assertion?”
The bard brooded and the listeners seemed on the same page to.
“ Come on you have to respond, have you ever narrated your tale of woes”
The bard paused for a moment before responding.
“Indeed, it has lingered through the ages, continuing to resonate within my mind. I am confident that it will echo in the minds of listeners as well, leaving a lasting impression”
One of the listeners, with a sense of pride, asked, “Very well, I acknowledge that it is yours. Now, please, narrate it in your own voice”
“What can he possibly add? This is my story, vibrant and alive in my mind. I will carry it forward and share the tale myself”
The straps of my heavy candy-yoke have loosened,
My body stoops, how can I bear this weight?
The teacher’s precepts have turned to pangs of loss,
A shepherdless herd am I, how shall I survive!
“I know you will say this is Lala Vakh; but wait, I will reveal the Shruks of Sheikh ul Alam, for these too are mine”
You must endure lightning’s flash and thunder’s roar,
Tornadoes and tempests at noon’s height;
You must shoulder burdens akin to mountains,
Your palms ablaze, yet you persist;
Through the grinding mill, you shall traverse,
Tolerating venomous draughts and flames dire!
Now listen and recognise the bard, lend me your ears
In morning’s glow and twilight’s veil, foes emerge,
Their chains entwine my narrative, a silent dirge
Yet I grasp onto hope’s hem, undeterred,
While the world’s scornful gaze remains unfurred.
How immense subject matter I bear, a treasury overflowing with tales untold. As the doors of unlatches, the ambience burgeons with an an alluring fragrance, captivating all who behold. Each soul, entranced, locks eyes in a silent communion, recognizing in the other the shared ownership of this enthrallment. Presented with reverence, it retains its primal essence, unfurling in the same mystique as its genesis.
“ Hay, come on let you carry on the tale”
They invited him to carry forward the tale
They ventured into the hollows of the mountain cave, from both the east and the west, with flames of wisdom that consumed the remnants of life that lay scattered across the east and west alike. In their hearts, they harbored the belief that their currency of power would remain unchallenged, yet they found themselves entrapped in the relentless chant of the snow-capped peak, a haunting melody that drained their vigor until they were but weary bears, yearning for the solace of slumber.
They cast their discerning gazes upon the bard, sensing the tale unfolding in harmony with its inception. The bard, attuned to the collective ownership of the narrative, exchanged a knowing glance and motioned for silence. Understanding the imminent conclusion, he prepared himself for the role ahead.
As the bard recommenced, seamlessly weaving the threads of the tale, another figure stepped forward, seamlessly continuing the narrative.
“They lay in profound slumber, engulfed by the fiery glow within the cave, which thawed the snow-capped peak, unleashing torrents that carried them away.
“ With these words spoken, he turned towards him, as if seeking affirmation, asking silently, “Is this not the truth… is it not?”
The Tale of the Snow-Capped Cliff encapsulates the entire literary topography of Kashmir. The narrator passionately argues that Kashmir boasts a rich, self-sustaining literary heritage. While acknowledging the undeniable impact of external influences, he roots his narrative in the works of indigenous poets, spanning from the erudite Abhinav Gupta to the mystic Rahman Dar. This tale is a testament to the enduring and profound literary legacy that defines Kashmir.
Shakeel-ur-Rehman has intricately woven a narrative that doubles as a debate, reflecting the profound legacy of our literary history. The cave, a potent symbol of introspection, beckons scholars from both the past and present to re-examine the manuscripts with purpose. Central to this story is the Bard, the protagonist who not only embodies this legacy but, as a steward of literary history, provides a nurturing space for other characters to develop within the plot’s framework. His characterization is as pivotal as the storyline itself; the Bard eschews exploiting his position, instead raising a collaborative environment that enriches the meta-narrative.
The snow-capped mountain undergoes a profound transformation when scholars, bearing the flame of their wisdom, enter its depths. The author’s intention is unmistakable, as the plot reveals a desire to witness the interplay of flame and ice—two opposing forces meeting within the cave’s confined space. The potential outcomes are clear: either the flame will be extinguished by the ice, or it will thaw the ice, allowing it to flow outward and spread its nurturing warmth and wisdom across the world. The author adeptly orchestrates this metamorphosis, enabling the snow to change its state and reveal the concealed wisdom of the cave to people worldwide. This unveiling aligns perfectly with the storyteller’s ultimate intent.
Shakeel-ur-Rehman’s narrative technique is strictly based on the following:
Point of View: The story employs a variety of narrative perspectives, including first person, second person, and third person. This versatile approach engages the audience and provides different angles through which to experience the plot.
Plot Structure: The events unfold seamlessly, intricately woven to serve the storyline . Each event contributes to the well-knit plot, transitioning smoothly from the Bard’s narrative to other characters’ contributions, adding depth and tension.
Characterization: Characters are dynamic and alive, allowed to act, speak, and interact authentically. They are not mere bystanders but integral part of the story, each demanding attention and contributing to the richness of narrative.
Dialogue: The dialogues are concise yet meaningful, portraying tension, argument, and conflict while also contributing to resolution.
Setting: The time and place are meticulously chosen to complement the plot, with the snow-capped mountain and the cave serving as apt symbols for the story’s themes.
Symbolism: Symbols like the cave, flame of wisdom, dung beetle, and mystical verses enrich the narrative, reflecting the author’s deep poetic legacy and enhancing the depth in the plot.
Foreshadowing: The story expertly hints at future events, such as the rush from the cave, using foreshadowing to underscore the significance of indigenous literature’s future stakeholders.
Imagery: The author employs vivid imagery to captivate readers, focusing not only on the scenic beauty of the snow-capped mountain but also on the subtle interactions between characters, enriching the storytelling experience. These narrative techniques combine to create a rich canvas upon which the story unfolds, allowing its components to grow.
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR
Mushtaq B.Barq is a Columnist, Poet and Fiction Writer. He is the author of “Feeble prisoner, “ Wings of Love” and many translation works are credited to the author like “ Verses Of Wahab
