Promotion of Persian Literature in Kashmir

Abstract

The cultural relations between Kashmir and central Asia are very old. The advancement of Islam in Kashmir after the 14th century is related to the missionary activities of a group of accomplished mystics of Iran and central Asia. These missionaries not only propagated their religion but also introduced Persian arts, crafts, language and literature in Kashmir. These efforts made the Persian, official language of Kashmir till 1907, when it was replaced by Urdu. With the coming of the Muslim preachers and scholars from Iran and central Asia, Islamic influence penetrated deep into the valley. The cultural, political and religious relations among Kashmir, central Asia and Iran are very old. As a result of the establishment of all relations with Iran and central Asia, the Persian language and literature spread rapidly in Kashmir. The religious and official language during Hindu period in Kashmir was Sanskrit, but it was replaced by Persian from the times of Sultan Sikandar (1389 to 1413 A.D.). Persian continued to remain the official language of Kashmir till 1907, when it was replaced by Urdu.