Very good write-ups and research treatises have been produced in Kishtwar. Many useful books have been published — among which those of the late Krishna Mehta top the list. She was not only the first Member of Parliament from J&K, but her books in English also make her the first English writer of erstwhile Doda District.
📋 Authors & Their Books on Kishtwar
✍️ Author Profiles
Krishna Mehta (1913–1993)
First English Writer of Doda District · First Woman MP from J&KBorn in Kishtwar on 4 June 1913, a direct descendant of Col. Basti Ram who helped annex Ladakh, Krishna Mehta was widowed during the violence of Partition in 1947. Rising from the trauma of the refugee camps, she came in contact with PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at Kurukshetra, who was so moved by her sincerity that he called her his sister.
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Late Krishna Mehta[/caption]
She established Gandhi Sewa Sadan and Women's Welfare Centres across J&K, was nominated to the Lok Sabha as the first woman MP from J&K, and was associated with Dr. Dinshaw Mehta's Society of Servants of God. She launched the Needs of Life Movement and secured government approval for Naturopathy as an alternative medical practice. She travelled extensively and her books in English make her the first English writer of erstwhile Doda District. Her ashes were immersed in the Chandrabhaga at Kishtwar as per her wish in 1993.
Wali Mohammad Batt — "Aseer Kishtwari" (b. 1954)
Historian · Poet · KAS Officer · National Award Winner
Wali Mohamad Batt - Aseer Kishtwari[/caption]
Born at village Berwar on 2 August 1954, Wali Mohmad Batt "Aseer Kishtwari" is a celebrated historian, author, educationist, and thinker from Kishtwar. He passed his MA in Urdu from the University of Jammu and qualified the prestigious KAS (Kashmiri Administrative Service) examination in 1977. His distinguished government career included serving as District Treasury Officer Doda, Chief Accounts Officer, Deputy Director Accounts and Treasuries, and ultimately Director General of Accounts.
He has published approximately a dozen books in Kashmiri, Urdu, and English. He is President of the J&K Urdu Forum, General Secretary of Rasa-Javadani Memorial Literary Society, and Founder Member of Challant Cultural Forum Kishtwar. His remarkable honours include the Rashtriya Gaurav Award by India International Friendship Society (presented by former Union Minister and Governor Dr. Bishma Narayan Singh), the Gandhi Peace Award, Rasa Javedani Literary Award, Vitasta Award, Best Book Award (English) 2006 by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Best Citizens of India Award 2010, and the J&K State Award 2011 for excellence in literature on Republic Day.
Shri Som Nath Sharma (b. 1938)
MA, B.Ed · Teacher · Author · British Council Award WinnerBorn in Kishtwar in 1938, Som Nath Sharma's early life was marked by tragedy — his father and two brothers were killed in the 1947 riots when he was just 6–7 years old. Through sheer determination, he completed his schooling under financial hardship, earned his B.Ed (1961) and MA in Hindi (1965), and went on to build a distinguished career in education.
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Sh. Som Nath Sharma[/caption]
He was deputed by the Education Department for a Major Diploma course in English at the Regional Institute of English, Chandigarh, where he was awarded by the British Council of India for academic merit. From 1978–1982, he served as Resource Person at DIET Kishtwar, organising orientation courses for English teachers across Doda. From 1982–1994, he worked as Tehsil Education Officer and Zonal Education Officer, touring Kishtwar extensively. He is a member of the Managing Committee of Adarsh Balniketan High School, Kishtwar. His book on Tourism Potential in Kishtwar was widely appreciated and recognised as an inspiration for generations to come.
Shri Duni Chand Sharma
MA · B.Ed · Historian · Principal DIET KishtwarA resident of village Behra Bhatta, Kishtwar, D.C. Sharma graduated from Amar Singh Degree College Srinagar in 1953, earned his B.Ed from J&K University (1956) and MA in History from Punjab University, Chandigarh (1959). He worked his way through the Education Department — from teacher to Senior Teacher, Headmaster, District Educational Officer, Principal Higher Secondary School, and retired as Principal of DIET Kishtwar on 31 March 1990.
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Lt Duni Chand Sharma Ji[/caption]
A keen student of history, D.C. Sharma authored History and Culture of Kishtwar (1995) and Glimpses of Kishtwar (2008) — two of the most important reference works on the district's history. Honoured with a memento by the Chief Minister of J&K on Teachers' Day (5 Sept 2001) for distinguished services, he has also been felicitated by the SDM Kishtwar, NHPC, and the Jammu Itihas Avam Sanskriti Sangam.
Shri Kewal Krishan Sharma (b. 1944)
MA B.Ed · Poet · Writer · MHRD National Award 2014
Sh Kewal Krishan Sharma[/caption]
Born on 5 October 1944 at Shakti Nagar, Kishtwar, son of Lt. Sh. Shiv Nath Sharma, Kewal Krishan Sharma is a renowned poet, writer, educationist, and moralist from Kishtwar. He joined the Education Department as a teacher and retired as Principal of Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Kishtwar. He managed the levelling of a rough 2-kanal piece of land as a school playfield — an act commended by the Director of School Education, Jammu.
A founding president of Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam, he has authored books in both Hindi and English. His articles have been published in Daily Excelsior, State Times, Dainik Jagran, and Sheeraza (JK Academy). He has delivered talks on Radio Kashmir Jammu and Doordarshan Kendra Jammu. He was honoured with the prestigious National Award 2014 by MHRD, New Delhi for his outstanding contributions as an educationist, thinker, moralist, and environmentalist. Recently, Jammu & Kashmir Government honoured him with J&K State award in 2026.
Shri Lekh Raj Parihar "Nirala"
BSc · MA (English) · M.Ed · Novelist · Yoga Teacher · Social ActivistSon of Late Thakur Sahib Ram Parihar, hailing from village Sonabhati of Palmar, Lekh Raj Parihar "Nirala" completed his BSc from GGM Science College Jammu (1971–72), MA in English from Jammu University, and M.Ed. He joined the education department as a science teacher in 1974, serving in far-flung areas including Ramsu (Banihal), Machail (Paddar), Marwah, Thakraie (Inderwal), and Leh (Ladakh). He served as President of the Graduate & Post-Graduate Teachers Forum for over a decade.
After retiring as English Lecturer in 2009, he served at Islamia Faridia College of Education till 2016. He received yoga teacher training from Baba Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj in January 2010 and now serves as a Yoga teacher in rural Kishtwar. He is Chairman of Vishwashanti (NGO), District President of Bharat Swabhiman Trust Kishtwar, Vice President of Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam, and Vice President of Anjumen Tariqi-e-Adab Kishtwar. A staunch social activist and humanist, he is always against false rituals in society.
Shri Des Raj Bhagat (b. 1946)
BSc Agriculture · MSc · Author · Kishtwar
Late Des Raj Bhagat Ji[/caption]
Born on 26 August 1946 in village Matta, Kishtwar, into a Dalit family, Des Raj Bhagat rose through education and public service. He earned his BSc Agriculture from Govt. Agriculture College R.S. Pura (1968) and MSc Agriculture from PAU Ludhiana (1976) on government deputation. He served in the Agriculture Department, producing numerous technical bulletins and project reports.
His biography of the late Shri Jagat Ram Aryan — titled The Ambedkar of Jammu and Kashmir — is a tribute to one of the most important social reformers from the region. He also proposes to write a book on Kishtwari poets and their works, with English translations, to project Kishtwar's rich poetic culture to the outside world.
Smt. Manisha Sharma "Manu"
First Lady Journalist from Kishtwar · Poet · Author
Manisha Sharma "Manu"[/caption]
Daughter of Sh. Ram Sewak Sharma of Bera Bhata, Kishtwar, Manisha Sharma is a talented writer, poet, and the first female journalist from Kishtwar. She began her journalism career at Dainik Jagran in 2005 and also worked with Punjab Kesari as Reporter and Writer. A renowned poet, her poems have appeared in Trikuta Lalkar, Sarvhit Sandesh, Bal Ravi Samarika, and leading newspapers.
Her notable poems include Bundain, Nanhi Beti, Main Zindgi, Kaisa Ye Maan Hai, Agar Hoti Manzil Asan, and Rakht Ranjit Dhara. She has written articles on diverse social issues and authored Kishtwar Ki Lok Kathayain — a collection of the folk tales of Kishtwar. She currently works with Dainik Sawera and News Channel Today 24.
Prof. Dr. Jewan Dhar
PhD Political Science · Principal · Author · Marwah College
Prof Jeewan Dhar[/caption]
Prof. Dr. Jewan Dhar hails from native village Dachhan, completed his schooling there, graduated from GDC Udhampur, and earned his Master's and Doctorate degrees in Political Science from the University of Jammu, where he was elected President of the ABVP. He has served in the Higher Education Department as Assistant Professor in various colleges, successfully guided several M.Phil scholars, and presently serves as Nodal Officer/Principal of Government Model Degree College Marwah — one of Kishtwar's most remote yet important institutions.
With a strong social commitment, he founded the Smt. Premi Devi Dhar Literary Society — named after his mother — at his native village, dedicated to encouraging poor and meritorious students. His book The Flow of Asikini is a scholarly work on the river and landscape of Kishtwar.
Anil Kumar Bhagat
RESEARCHER · Author · Teacher
Anil Kumar Bhagat[/caption]
Anil Kumar Bhagat is a prominent historian, researcher, and author dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir. Born on November 11, 1982, in Village Bun Kuleed (Lachkhazana), Kishtwar, to late Smt. Sheela Devi and Shadi Lal Bhagat, he has successfully blended a career in public education with a profound scholarly pursuit of regional history. Currently, he serves as a teacher at the Government High School Pochhal in Kishtwar. Driven by a deep passion for Himalayan archaeology and regional heritage, Bhagat began intensive historical research in 2010 and officially started publishing his findings in 2022. His work primarily focuses on uncovering the lesser-known historical narratives of the Kishtwar region. Beyond his independent research, Anil Kumar Bhagat actively collaborates on national-level documentation projects. He is currently associated with the Survey of Manuscripts and Heritage Sites under the Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
🏛️ Literary Organisations of Kishtwar
The literary tradition of Kishtwar is sustained by several active organisations that organise Kavi Sammelans (poetry gatherings), publish literary works, and champion the cause of Kishtwari language and culture.
📖 Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam
Founded by Kewal Krishan Sharma — the premier literary, social, and cultural organisation of Kishtwar dedicated to the enrichment of Kishtwari language, poetry, and literature.
📖 Challant Cultural Forum
Co-founded by Wali Mohd. Aseer Kishtwari — an important platform for cultural preservation and literary activity in Kishtwar district.
📖 Faridia Bazam-e-Adab, Doda
Named after Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi — organised major all-India poetic symposia on National Integration (1986–89) attended by eminent poets, with coverage by Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir.
💡 Did you know? Wali Mohammad Aseer Kishtwari is cited on KashmiriBooks.com as "well-known as a writer of Urdu and Kashmiri verse alike" who "has carved a unique niche in the literary landscape of Jammu & Kashmir" — making him one of the most nationally recognised literary voices produced by Kishtwar.
📚 Kishtwar — A Land of Scholars, Poets & Storytellers 🌸
Literature & Heritage Series | mykishtwar.com · Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
Author
|
Books
|
Krishna Mehta
|
Kashmir 1947 – A Survivor’s Story
|
Jagat Ram Aryan
|
Istghasa, Kashmir
Chalo, Kashmir Mein hangama-E-Raishumari Kyun ?
Kashmir Mein Sazish, Ye Hungamaye Khuda Kya, Agro Botony of Saffron |
Mohd Asser Wali
|
Tasveer Zila Doda in Urdu,
Focus on Jammu and Kashmir, Zilla Doda ki Adabi Shinakhat,
Tareekh-i-Ishat-i-Islam, Farsh-e-Gul, Tareekh-i-Awlia-i-Jammu & Kashmir,
Jamme-Subhik Kaeshir Kalamkar, Yaad-e-Nadeem, Safr-e-Harmain, Zikr-O-Fiqr,
Jamis-Te-Kashir Manz Kashir Zabban-O-Adab (History & Criticism),
Monograph of Nishat Kishtwari, Monograph on Janbaaz Kishtwari, Nishat
Kishtwar (Monography)
|
Shiviji Kak Dhar
|
Tarikh-I-Kishtwar in Persian,
Ahwal-e-Mulk-e-Kishtwar
|
Fidda Mohd Husnain
|
Cultural History of Kashmir and
Kishtwar
|
Ghulam Mustfa Ishrat
|
Tarikh-I-Kishtwar in
Urdu,Tarik-e-Kishtwar
|
Hari Lal Jotshi
|
Shri Sarthal Devi Darshanam in
Hindi and Sanskrit
|
Ram Chandra Kak
|
Anitiquities of Marev-Wardwan
|
(Prof.) Shiv Nirmohi
|
Padder-Lok Aur Sanskriti,
Kishtwar-Sanskriti aur Parampara
|
Ram Dhan
|
Assessment Report of Kishtwar
Tehsil – 1914
|
Najam-ud-Din Syed
|
Tarikhi-I-Kishtwar in Urdu
|
Duni Chand Sharma
|
History and Culture of Kishtwar,
Glimpses of Kishtwar History
|
Dwarka Dass Shastri
|
Milinda-Panho-Pali in Sanskrit
With Hindi Translation
|
Mohan Lal Aash
|
Cultural History of Doda
|
Kewal Krishan Sharma
|
Kishtwar Bhashya –Sahitya aur
Sanskriti, Dainik Chariya, Kishtwar Darpan, Fourth ‘R’ of Education, Duggar
ka Samskritik Anchal, Roshani ki Kirna, Atma Hatya – Samsya aur Samadhan,
Koun Yaad Karta Mujay.
|
Som Nath Sharma
|
Kishtwar- A Focus on its Tourism
Potential
|
Lekh Raj Parihar
|
Naagwati, AakashVani, Teachers
Today, Nirala’s Poems, Paaribag Geet Mala
|
Des Raj Bhagat
|
Shri Jagat Ram Aryan – The
Ambedkar of Jammu and Kashmir
|
Manisha Sharma
|
Kishtwar Ki Lok Kathayain
|
(Prof) Dr Jewan Dhar
|
The Flow of Asikini
(Kishtwar)
|
Late Shri Jagat Ram Aryan
Mr. Jagat Ram Aryan was a fantastic writer also. ‘Agro Botony of Saffron’ which is written in English, in co-authorship with his better half on the scientific aspects of the world’s costilest condiment. He has written atleast six books on different issues.
Mr. Sharma is famous as a teacher and historian. He has retired from service now but is doing good literary work. He has also written some research articles.
During his educational career Wali Mohmad Aseer took keen interest in participating in cultural programs, discussions, writing competitions and other cultural activities of schools and the College. By studying Urdu literature in depth, he developed interest in poetry and literature. The company of local organizations, writers, poets and artists sharpened his thinking and literary aptitude. Poetry was his hereditary right. Slowly he was attracted to prose writing, research and literary criticism.
The conducive literary atmosphere of Doda promoted him to compile the Kashmiri works of his illustrious father, which he published under the title Changi Reh (The flame of the lamp). Per chance Faridiya Bazm-e-Adab, Doda had been established on the insistence of Mohd. Ishaq Zargar. It has been christened with the venerable name of Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi. It was an important occasions of 1986. Mr. Aseer also regularly attended its various activities at district level. This organization started a series of holding poetic symposia and publications at local, state and national levels. Under this programmed memorable poetic symposia were held on National Integration at All India level, in far flung District Doda in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989, attended by eminent poets from the state and country. Along with other members of the Bazm, Mr. Aseer did not leave any stone unturned in making these poetic symposia a grand success. Despite uncongenial circumstances, the Door Darshan, Srinagar and Radio Kashmir Jammu and Srinagar, gave appropriate publicity to these poetic symposia.
He has published about a dozen books including Tasveer Zila Doda in Urdu, Focus on Jammu and Kashmir, Zilla Doda ki Adabi Shinakhat, Tareekh-i-Ishat-i-Islam, Farsh-e-Gul, Tareekh-i-Awlia-i-Jammu & Kashmir, Jamme-Subhik Kaeshir Kalamkar, Yaad-e-Nadeem, Safr-e-Harmain, Zikr-O-Fiqr, Jamis-Te-Kashir Manz Kashir Zabban-O-Adab (History & Criticism), Monograph of Nishat Kishtwari, Monograph on Janbaaz Kishtwari, Nishat Kishtwar (Monography).
Beside this he wrote so many articles, reviewed different type of books, wrote foreword in Kashmiri, Urdu and English languages.
He is the President of Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Forum, General Secretary, Rasa-Javadani Memorial Literary Society Jammu, Press and Finance Secretary, Koushur Markazi-Adabi forum Jammu, Founder Member of Challant Cultural Forum Kishtwar and Faridia Bazam-e-Adab, Doda.
Forum Jammu and founder member of Challant Cultural Forum Kishtwar and Faridia Bazam-e-Adab Doda. He has been honoured with Gandhi Peace Award in 2000 by Smt. Nirmala Desh Pandey of Rachanatmak Samaj, Rasa Javidani Literary Award, Vitasta Award of Nagrad Adabi Sangam Jammu.
Jenab Wali Muhammad Bhat “Asser Kishtwar” received the Rashtriya Gaurav Award at a function at New Delhi by India International Friendship Society, for his meritorious services. The award was presented to him by Dr. Bishma Naraian Singh, former Union Minister and Governor. He has received Gandhi Peace Award, Rasa Javedani Literary Award, Vitasta Award, Urdu Award and Best Book Award of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for the year 2015.
Award of J&K Urdu Forum Jammu, Urdu Award of M.A. Urdu (Professional) Jammu University, Best Book Award (English) 2006 by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. The Best Citizens of India Award 2010 by International Publishing House New Delhi and J&K State Award 2011 for excellence in the field of Literature on the eve of Republic Day.
Apart from these awards he has received several mementos and appreciation certifications.
i am very much interested to get a copy of ''Tarikh e kistawar'' written by ''Syed Najum ul Hassan''
ReplyDeleteSorry Mam, But i am not able to provide you this book
ReplyDelete