Vol 5 No 3 | Oct-Dec 2025
Politics of Language
Text and art by Suhail Naqshbandi
Koshur: A language that reflects the heritage of Kashmir
Koshur is a distinct Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Kashmir Valley. As a member of the Dardic subgroup, it possesses a unique linguistic identity, characterised by its rich phonology and a nuanced vowel system. Historically, the language was written in the Sharada script, but contemporary usage predominantly employs the Perso-Arabic script, with some use of Devanagari as well.
Koshur has a rich literary tradition, particularly in poetry. The language is celebrated through the works of influential mystics and poets such as Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon and Nund Reshi, as well as modern figures like Rahman Rahi and Dina Nath Nadiml. Its vocabulary reflects its deep connections to ancient Sanskrit, alongside significant influences from Persian and Urdu, which have been assimilated through centuries of cultural exchange.
Even though Koshur is a cornerstone of a distinct Kashmiri culture and is one of India’s 22 scheduled languages, it faces significant challenges attributed to a combination of factors, including limited official support, the prominence of Urdu in official and educational contexts, and a societal shift following the 1990s.
https://www.dailygoodmorningkashmir.com/the-last-speakers-of-the-kashmiri-language/
