Nestled in Srinagar’s historic Maharaj Gunj, in the heart of Shehar-E-Khaas, stands Ghulam Mohd. Noor Mohammad Tajraan-E-Kutub, one of Kashmir Valley’s oldest bookshops. Established roughly 135 years ago by Ghulam Mohammad, the shop’s legacy is now carried forward by his grandson, Mohammad Iqbal Kitab.
“My grandfather founded this shop during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh,” Mohammad Iqbal Kitab told Rising Kashmir. “In that era, formal education was limited. Later, in 1928, Maharaja Hari Singh introduced ‘Jabri Taaleem’ (Forced Education) to broaden access to learning.”
In its early days, before the advent of printing presses, electronic media, or formal institutions like the Cultural Academy and universities, the bookshop played a crucial role in preserving Kashmiri literature. “Our ancestors collected existing Kashmiri literature, compiled it into books, and then journeyed to Lahore, Delhi, and Lucknow for printing before returning to distribute them in Kashmir,” explained Mohammad Iqbal Kitab.
The shop’s historical significance extends to preserving the works of revered religious figures like Hazrat Sheikh Ul Alam (RA), Hazrat Baba Dawood Khaki, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Sarfi, and Hazrat Khwaja Habibullah Nowshehri (RA), as well as the poetry of Lal Ded, Arnimaal, and Habba Khatoon.
Mohammad Iqbal Kitab emphasized the contributions of his father, Noor Mohammad, often called the “Nawal Kishore of Kashmir,” after the renowned Indian publisher who championed literature in the subcontinent. “If my father hadn’t preserved Kashmiri literature, institutions like the Cultural Academy and the Kashmiri Department at Kashmir University might not exist today,” he stated.
Noor Mohammad was a pioneering publisher, notably the first in Kashmir to translate the Holy Quran into Kashmiri. His literary endeavors also included Kashmiri translations of the Ramayana (in collaboration with Keshav Bhagati), Sudhama Chitra, Ram Leela, and Krishna Leela. In 1956, he established the “Kohinoor Press” or “Noor Mohammadi Press,” transforming the bookshop into a significant cultural and commercial center. He also authored two books in the 1930s and wrote poetry under the pen name “Azad,” becoming known as Noor Mohammad Azad.
His shop became a hub for intellectuals, fostering relationships with prominent writers and poets, including Meerak Shah Kashani, Ahad Zargar, Samad Mir, Mubarak Shahi Fitrat, Shamsuddin Pandaani, Mehjoor, Abdul Ahad Azad, Professor Mohiudin Hajni, Dinanath Nadim, Pitambhar Nath Dharfani, and Rehman Rahi. “Rehman Rahi himself told me that Noor Mohammad inspired him to pursue literature,” recalled Mohammad Iqbal Kitab.
While book reading was once a cornerstone of Kashmiri culture, the rise of the internet and e-books has led to a decline. “The culture of book reading has diminished, although some still read, but not as extensively,” observed Mohammad Iqbal Kitab.
Today, the shop primarily focuses on stationery, but the legacy of Noor Mohammad continues to resonate. “Alhamdulillah! His legacy lives on,” concluded Mohammad Iqbal Kitab.
Bijli gaash phyoor kocha bazaari laala draav gunj bazaari’ye, Noor Mohammad wanaan vil’zaari pesha tass sund dukandaari’ye” (A traditional Kashmiri verse celebrating Noor Mohammad’s bookshop.)
Writer is intern with rising Kashmir
