3 Review(s)

Well-known as a writer of Urdu and Kashmiri verse alike, Wali Muhammad 'Aseer' Kishtwari has carved out a niche for himself as a literary figure in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also made his mark as an English writer of promise with his big volume Focus on Jammu & Kashmir published in 2003 that got him an award from the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in the year 2007. Thereafter, as a practising Kashmiri poet, he brought out the volume titled Farsh-e-Gul (Floral Carpet) in the year 2010—which is a compilation of his religious verses selected form a much wider corpus. Rich in content, it has a variety of traditional verse-forms in it. This English translation of Aseer Kishtwari’s Kashmiri verses captures the essence of Kashmiri poetry and is largely faithful to the original text. The translations are impeccable and, at the same time, very readable. Brought out as a volume appropriately titled Poetry of Meditation on the Sacred, they bear testimony to A.N. Dhar's remarkable inwardness and ease as a translator. The volume also provides a useful critical introduction written by him. The book will prove richly rewarding and provide a stimulating experience to all those interested in reading English translation of Kashmiri poetry.