Rayees Ahmad Kumar
Banihal the gateway to Kashmir holds a notable and prominent place in the literary and cultural landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, acting as a linguistic and literary bridge between the Kashmir valley and Chenab or Jammu region.
This literally fertile region has produced some legendary poets, scholars, critics and litterateurs. Dr Marghoob Banihali, born in Bankoot was an eminent researcher and academician, who has authored over 50 books in Kashmir, Urdu and English.
Manshoor Banihali, a prominent writer, poet and scholar has also earned a series of awards and recognitions for his commendable role in writing extensively about history, culture and geographical heritage of the gateway town.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Mir, known as Zahir Banihali, is a prominent writer, poet, and retired veterinary officer from Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, who serves as the president of the Pir Panchal Adbi Forum Banihal. He has authored 21 books in Kashmiri, Urdu, and English. His literary contributions to Kashmiri language and culture have earned him local and regional recognition, including the ‘Khilat-e-Shaheen’ award. Dr. Banihali has now come up with a new and significant book, Satire and Humour in Kashmiri Language and Literature: A Critical Study.
Spanning over 725 pages, the voluminous work offers an extensive critical study of satire and humour in Kashmiri language and literature. The book has been published by the renowned Meezan Publishers, Srinagar. The book comprises 26 chapters.
In its introduction, noted writer and eminent litterateur Ayaz Rasool Nazki observes that only a person with Zahir Banihali’s exceptional commitment and dedication could have been expected to do justice to such a vast and significant subject.
He describes Banihali’s work as a monumental contribution, capable of serving as an important reference book for anyone interested in the study of satire and humour in Kashmiri language and literature.
In the acknowledgement, Zahir Banihali himself reveals how he developed an interest in writing a book on this vast and fascinating subject. It was in 2019 that a seminar on humour in the Kashmiri language was organised by Dr Aziz Hajini at Government Degree College, Banihal, and presided over by Dr Farooq Fayaz. On the occasion, I presented a paper on the subject, which was highly appreciated by Dr Hajini. Impressed by the research and insights presented in the paper, he suggested that I should undertake a comprehensive, research-based study and write a substantial book on the subject.
In it’s preface, distinguished writer Bashir Bhaderwahi says that ” By choosing a subject that has received very little scholarly attention, Zahir Banihali has rendered a valuable service to Kashmiri literary studies. Satire and Humor an introduction – this is the opening chapter of the book. Describing satire and humor an important branch of literature, Zahir Banihali is of the view that through wit, irony, ridicule and laughter government or society is critically examined while humor is for to amuse and delight. In this chapter, author meticulously differentiated between satire and humor. Sources of Satire and Humor- this is another chapter of the book, in which author traces the sources of words Satire and humor. He has done an extensive study and research by mentioning different theories and also the philosophical quotes.
In Chapters III, IV and V, the author eloquently discusses the purpose and utility of satire and humour, their significance, and their impact on society as a whole. According to him, the primary purpose of humour is to bring joy, relieve tension and strengthen human relationships, whereas satire seeks to expose and examine injustice, hypocrisy, corruption, prejudice and human weaknesses. The author argues that satire and humour are not merely significant branches of literature; they also perform important psychological, social, cultural and literary functions.
Chapter VI, one of the lengthiest chapters of the book, deals with satire and humour in different languages of the globe. The author has undertaken extensive and scholarly research to trace the presence and evolution of satire and humour across different linguistic and cultural traditions. Through coherent examples drawn from almost every major language and civilization, including Ancient Greek, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, Arabic, Persian, Pashto, English, Kashmiri, Turkish, Ladakhi and Urdu, among others, he cites numerous quotations, references and examples to establish that satire and humour have existed throughout history and across the globe.
In Chapters VII, VIII and IX, the author traces the origin and development of satire and humour in the Indian subcontinent, its presence in Kashmiri prose, and the various forms and kinds of satire and humour. According to him, the roots of satire and humour can be traced back to the earliest Vedic and Sanskrit literature, dating from 1500 to 500 BC. Although these texts are predominantly religious and philosophical in nature, they contain several elements of satire and humour. Moreover before the advent of modern literary forms, Kashmiri prose literature had always contained elements of satire and humour. He explores their various sources and traces their evolution through different periods of Kashmiri literary history. The author does not merely define satire and humour but also discusses their various types and forms in considerable detail. Among the major forms of satire he examines are Horatian satire, Juvenalian satire and Menippean satire.
In chapters 10, 11 & 12, the book draws a sketch of the concept of the Humor, Parody and humor & elegance in Kashmiri literature. According to author, origins of satire and elegance in Kashmiri tongue & literature are said to be about 6000 year old. He further separately describes the types of sarcasm eg Hijawa, Hazal, Parody, Tasne, Zirki, Thatta, Joke, Lying, Distortion, mourning, Hint etc.
Chapters 13 and 14 feature the life histories, literary contributions and enduring relevance of poets, scholars, critics and litterateurs from both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Among the many literary luminaries whose works and contributions have been meticulously examined by the author are Lal Ded, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, Rasool Mir, Mahmood Gami, Dr Aziz Hajini, Master Zinda Koul, Maqbool Shah Kralwari, Mehjoor and Arjun Dev Majboor. The author discusses their literary brilliance, poetic prowess and distinctive contributions to the rich literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, while also highlighting their continued relevance in the contemporary literary and cultural landscape.
Chapters 15, 16 & 17 discuss about Drama, Ladi Shah & Bhand Pather in Kashmiri literature and culture. Author says, story tellers, dramatists and fiction writers have played a crucial role in developing and enriching Kashmiri culture. Ladi Shah, which occupies a unique place in Kashmiri culture, is a traditional folk performer who combines satire, humor, poetry and social commentary in a single performance. Bhand Pather, which is our centuries old folk comedy theatre combining together dance, music, satire, humor & social criticism.
Chapters 18, 19 and 20 deals with Dastaan (Story Telling), Rouf & Wanwun and Cartoon Caricature. Story Telling exists in almost every literature of the world. In ancient societies when sources of entertainment were unavailable, Story Telling became the source of recreation. On weddings and on other festivals like Eid, Urs and Diwali our women folk would sing the songs of wanwun. These songs reflect the tune, feeling and situations of the singers. Cartoon and Caricature are a visual art which combines satire, humor and criticism. In this a book a number of well-known and eminent Cartoonists have been discussed and along their art.
Chapters 21 and 22 present a selection of paintings and cartoons, while Chapter 23 enlists other books authored by Zahir Banihali. In the last chapter of the book, the author expresses his deep gratitude and devotion to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), describing himself humbly as a servant of his servants.
Noted humorist Ayoub Sabir and historian and cultural activist Zarief Ahmad Zarief have congratulated Zahir Banihali on this eloquent and meticulous work.
After going through the pages of this remarkable book, I have come to the conclusion that Zahir Banihali has not merely written a book on satire and humor in Kashmiri language and literature; rather, he has painstakingly prepared an encyclopedic work encompassing a vast array of local and non-local poets, critics, scholars and litterateurs. Their literary contributions, brilliance and relevance in contemporary times have been discussed and appreciated with remarkable depth and insight. This is not merely a book; for literature enthusiasts, scholars, and research aspirants, it will undoubtedly prove to be a formidable work—one that invites serious study, reflection, and intellectual engagement.
From the core of my heart, I congratulate Zahir Banihali for his tireless efforts in bringing before us this remarkable masterpiece—a true work of art, skill, scholarship and literary prowess. His dedication, meticulous research and profound understanding of the subject have resulted in a work that is not merely a book, but a valuable contribution to Kashmiri language and literature.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
