Cultural Syncretism of Central Asia and Kashmir: Eastern Maqomat and Kashmiri Sufi Poetry

Abstract

The land of Kashmir and Uzbekistan are both rich in beauty and culture. Anybody visiting both the places is bound to find similarities which connect these two places. Kashmir, no doubt, is one of the most beautiful places in Asia but Uzbekistan is also beautiful in its own sense. Though Kashmir and Uzbekistan belong to different parts of the world and though they are geographically different from each other yet there are many similarities in terms of culture and history which is due to historical connections, especially during the famous Silk road era and the Islamic golden age. There are many similarities related to Islamic art and architecture, literature, rich culinary traditions, vibrant music and dance forms, Sufi mysticism, handicrafts like carpet weaving, clothing styles etc. The reason behind these similarities are geographical proximity and historical connections belonging to the Silk Road region. When it comes to poetry, we see that Uzbek poetry and music has influenced Kashmiri Sufi poetry to an extent because of Persian influence. The Eastern Maqomat which is called as Shashmaqam in Uzbek language has deeply influenced the Sufiana Mausiqi of Kashmir and almost all the poets are influenced by the music and Sufi tradition of Central Asia. Some prominent Kashmiri poets including Sheikh-ul-Aalam (Nund Rishi), Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Samas Faqir and Rasul Mir to name a few are influenced by the Central Asian tradition of Sufi Poetry. Most importantly this inspiration is still present in the contemporary Sufiyana Kalaam as well. In my paper, I will be discussing the cultural syncretism of Central Asia and Kashmir. The similarities which exist between Eastern maqamat and Kashmiri Sufi poetry as well as its influence on Kashmiri poets like Nund Rishi), Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Samas Faqir and Rasul Mir