Some Well Known Kashmiri Pandits of
Lahore
Dr. Brij Premi, Jammu
Khasta, Hargopal Kaul
Pandit Hargopal was born at Lahore in 1848.
He started his career as a school teacher at Lahore and later at Patiala.
His stay at Lahore provided him ample opportunity for his intellectual growth.
He was introduced to the renowned Colonal Holride, the then Director of
Education, Punjab, who encouraged his literary pursuits.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh was the ruler of Kashmir then. He was a patron of
oriental learning and a reformer of administrative system. This inspired
Hargopal Kaul and his brother Salig Ram Salik to return to their native land,
Kashmir.
In the beginning Khasta spent a lot of time visiting places. This
helped him to write his book 'Guldastei Fawid'. Major Huson, officer on
special duty for Kashmir affairs then, introduced him to Colonal Hunsri, the
Resident of Kashmir. This helped him to enter the Maharaja's court.
For some time he wielded tremendous influence in the court, which ultimately
involved him in many intrigues. His outspoken and critical nature added fuel to
the fire and he along with his brother Salig Ram Salik was subjected to
imprisonment in Bahufort for 3 years. During his confinement in prison he
wrote his famous Masnavi 'Gopal Nama' in which he versified the condition of
Kashmir and exposed the court intrigues. He also composed a poem entitled
'Narsingh Autar' which is a satire on the political system.
After his release Khasta went to Lahore and started writing in the Urdu
weekly 'Kher Khah Kashmir', the paper started by his brother. After the
death of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, Khasta returned to Kashmir.
Khasta was a social reformer too. He macte pioneering efforts in
launching a movement for social reform and education of women. He started
a school for women and appointed his only daughter, Padmavati as its
Headmistress. He also started the first school for boys namely Hindu
School in Srinagar. This school later on came up to be known as S. P.
College of Srinagar, Kashmir.
Khasta was a good nationalist. He fought all along for the identity of
Kashmir. He always craved for the unity of Kashmiri Pandits. He was
known as 'Sher-i-Kashmir' during his time. He died in January, 1923.
Besides being a dedicated leader to the cause of Kashmiri Pandits, he was a very
good writer, poet and a reputed journalist.
He has a number of books to his credit. His 'Guldaste Kashmir' is the
first ever history of Kashmir in Urdu from the ancient time till the age of
Maharaja Partap Singh, It was published in 1883 at Lahore.
'Guizari Fawaid' is a sort of a long story written in a lucid and simple
style. He has some other books also. The fate of these books and
compilations is not ]known.
Khasta was a poet too. He composed verses in Urdu and Persian, both.
He was connected with a number of papers, Ravi, Reformer, Public news, 'Kher-Khah
Kashmir', 'Desh Ki Pukar' are some to mention. Most of these papers
appeared from Lahore.
Salik, Pandit Salig Ram
Bom in 1856 at Lahore, Pandit Salig Ram was younger brother of Pandit
Hargopal Kaul Khasta. He had his early education at Mission School Lahore
and received higher education at Patiala.
Salig Ram returned to his native land Kashmir during the rule of Maharaja
Ranbir Singh. He took employment with a Pashmina firm and later in the
State Residency, his services were terminated for his being implicated in a case
against the British. He was put behind bars at Bahufort along with his
brother, wherefrom he managed his escape and took shelter at Sialkot.
During this period of turmoil he completed his two Masnavis : 'Sundar Badanu'
and 'Sisi Panu'. He also wrote a substantial portion of his book in prose
entitled 'Dastani Jagat Rup' which speaks of men and matters of his time.
Salik attempted to seek permission for bringing out a paper in 1880.
This request was turned down. He however started his own paper 'Kher Khahi
Kashmir' an Urdu weekly from Lahore. This paper fought for the philosophy
of Sanatan Dharm in particular and for the interests of Kashmiris in general.
Sahk was a staunch Hindu. Besides writing extensively on Hindu themes
he wrote two small booklets viz 'Murti Mundan' and 'Dharin Updesh', fighting
valiantly for the interest of Sanatan Dharm faith.
He wrote 'Maharaj Gulab Singh' in English, which he rendered into Urdu also.
This earned him a reward of Rs. 1000/- from the Kashmiri Govermnent.
Salik liked the religious Maharaja Partap Singh. He wrote extensively
in his favour in 'Kher-Khaki-Kashmir' and other papers. He also started an
English paper and criticised the atrocities committed by Sardar Mohammed Hayat
Khan, the then Revenue Minister of the State. This made him to quit the
State. Salik was later invited by the Residency to live in Kashmir and was
honoured highly. In Kashmir he managed the affairs of 'Tufie Kashmir' for
some time. In his last days he took to practicing law. Being
basically a 'writer, he could not confine himself to practicing law only.
He wrote the Interpretation of 'Ranbir Penal Code' in Urdu. Besides, he
compiled the interpretations of Law of Registration, Civil Procedure Code, etc.
He functioned as Public Prosecutor for some time. But his first love
was writing and reading.
He published his paper 'Vahil'. Salig Ram died in 1929 at Srinagar.
He was a great Hindu, a great Patriot, a great Kashmiri writer and poet.
Salik was possessed of a powerful pen. He wrote a number of books in
prose and poetry. To mention some:
1 . Biography of Maharaja Gulab Singh
2. Danger of Education
3. Shastra Arath
4. Murti Mundan
5. The trouble of Dayanandis
6. Dharm Updesh
7. About half a dozen books on law and its interpretation
8. Kashmiri Reader, (1927)
9. Gangenie Fitrat (Essay and articles)
10. Dastan Jagat Roop
11. Tufie Salik
12. Dewan-i-Urdu (Poetry)
13. Masnavi Sunder Badan.
14. Sisi Pano.
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