Habba Khatoon (1554-1609) the Nightingale of Kashmir, lovingly known as ZOON (the Moon). She was from the humble subaltern peasant family; her inclination was more towards poetic world. She used poetry as a medium to express her miseries, love and spirituality. Habba Khatoon emerged in the era when women were trapped in the patarchial conundrums. Apart from the romantic love story, she is considered as the towering figure in the field of poetry, literature and spirituality. Her poetry has a deep touch of spirituality, love and nature. She has gained immense respect and love from the people who know her poetry. She is popular among Kashmiri masses and acquired the tile Habba Khatoon.
The melodious voice of Habba Khatoon attracted the emperor Yusuf Shah Chak (Dard-Shina by Ethnicity). He saw her in the fields, after listening the melodious voice of Habba Khatoon, Yusuf Chak proposed her to marry. Her poetic ambience, literary taste and spiritual empowerment made the emperor Shah to fall for her. The emperor Chak was overwhelmed and loved her to the core. Her love was so much that he did not allow Yusuf chak to visit Akbar. Her intuition was so strong she would know the repercussions of meeting Akbar. She was separated from her husband in 1579 when the Mughal Emperor Akbar arrested Yusuf Shah Chak on reaching Delhi and imprisoned him. Chak emperor finally died in the prison and was buried in Indian state of Bihar. The heavy loss made the Queen Lover (Habba Khatoon) fall deep in pain and grief; she was so upset and sad that his life became a living hell without his better half.
The magnificent Habba Khatoon Mountain in Achoora village of Gurez valley symbolizes the essence of eternal love. The glimpses of the Habba Khatoon reflect the story of Habba Khatoon and her husband Yusuf Chak who was Dardic by descent. The mountain is remembered in memory of Habba Khatoon and his beloved Yusuf Shahi Chak. Whosoever visits Gurez and sees the glimpses of Habba Khatoon Mountain, they come to know about the Habba Khatoon and her journey.
Gurez Valley also known as Dard-Shina valley is one of the remarkable cultural minorities in Jammu and Kashmir. The unique traditional & cultural heritage has a lot to speak about the assets of a Dardic civilization. Apart from the socio-historicity, the richness of the Kishanganga River and the lofty Himalayas adds beauty to Dardic civilization of Gurez. The sense of co-existence between the rivers, mountains and the distinct cultural ethos beautifies the civilizational aesthetics of dard-Shina ethnicity. Dawar Tehsil the main town of Gurez valley sits at the foothills of Habba Khatoon and the shades of Harmukh Peak, with the Kishanganga River running on its side.
Besides the Habba-Khatoon peak/Mountain, Habba-Khatoon Spring has been highly revered by the people of Gurez and the tourists coming from the different corners of India. The divine and sacred nature of this spring defines the symbol of sentiments and emotionality that the spring brings forth. From the scriptural evidences and more historical references, the impact and relevance of this ‘spring’ has never dimmed. Habba Khatoon spring comes from an underground source in Achoora village of Dawar Tehsil. Tourists and people from all parts visit the spring, thus adding to the socio-cultural significance of this place. A large number of people visit this spring to drink its water, having healing effects. Tourists who visit Gurez Valley always visit this spring to drink water, which they believe will detoxify the impurities (both within and outside the body). Before returning to their native places, the tourists take some bottles filled with the spring as a blessing from the Habba Khatoon spring. The spring has rather marked sanctity, and the iconographic status attached to it.
Habba Khatoon Peak and the landscape it overlooks, they witness not just a geological wonder but a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Dard people. In essence, the Habba Khatoon Peak and its surrounding landscape encapsulate the essence of the Dard community. It is a story of people whose strength is as unyielding as the mountain and whose beauty is as enchanting as the river’s gentle flow. The interplay of these natural elements serves as a powerful metaphor for the intricate drapery of Dard’s life woven with threads of resilience, strength, and unwavering beauty. As one gazes upon the Habba Khatoon Peak and the landscape it overlooks, they witness not just a geological wonder but a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Dard people.
The rich Dardic tradition comes with its rich cultural heritage; their heritage, not very long back in history, has taught them how to live sustainably and in harmony with the nature. Gurez Valley has maintained a sense of Dardic-ethnic uniqueness and reflections of eternal love of Yusuf Shah Chak and Habba Khatoon. This can be observed among Dard-Shina who for thousands of years have continued to be themselves preserving their unique ethnic identities. The present-day micro Dard-Shina ethnic community of Gurez, stick to their land where they know how to survive better than anyone, not only holding onto their ethnic identity but also fulfilling those minimum requirements to keep it alive. They continue to lead a communitarian existence, where generations succeed one another, speaking the same language and cherishing valuable traditions, and, at the same time, they have maintained a rich civilizational ethos.
The majestic Habba Khatoon Peak nestled in the outskirts of Achoora village (Dawar) stands as a resplendent testament to the indomitable strength inherent in every Dardi person. It is a symbol of beauty and fortitude, gracefully towering over the landscape. This geological marvel not only captures the essence of the region but also reflects the enduring spirit of the Dard community. The peak’s towering presence, reaching towards the sky, mirrors the strength and resilience deeply ingrained in the Dardi people. Like the peak, they stand tall and unwavering in the face of challenges, embodying a collective strength that has withstood the test of time. The beauty of the Habba-Khatoon Peak is not just in its physical stature but also in the symbolism it holds for the local inhabitants.
Dr. Suheel Rasool Mir is a Senior Research Fellow Sociology, working on the Borderlands of Kashmir and Ladakh, Sociology of Ethnicity and Sociology at Margins.