Preserving literary heritage: Iconic Srinagar shop is a pioneer of Quran and Ramayana in Kashmiri language

Nov 09, 2023

Srinagar (J&K), November 09 (ANI): The literary shop in the Maharaj Gunj area of Srinagar holds great historical significance as it has been preserving Kashmiri literature since 1933. The shop also holds the distinction of being the first to publish the Quran and Ramayana in the Kashmiri language. It not only contributes to the preservation of Kashmiri literature but also enables the local community to access essential religious texts in their native language. It serves as a hub for writers, readers, and scholars, fostering the growth and appreciation of the Kashmiri language and culture. The longevity of this literary shop reflects its endurance and resilience in promoting and preserving Kashmiri literature despite the passage of time and various challenges. This literary shop undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of the local community and demonstrates the rich literary heritage of the region. The owner, Mohd Iqbal told ANI, “You can see a lot of stationery shops in today’s era but if we talk about this shop, it is a shop since the rule of Maharaja Pratap Singh, that time there was no print media, no electric media, nothing and at that time our ancestors used to go from place to place to collect the literature and provide the information to the people.” “This is the oldest shop for books in the Maharaj Gunj area. And I am one of their oldest customers. They have all kinds of books especially collections of Kashmiri literature. They even have translations of the Quran and Ramayana as well,” said a regular customer and a book lover.