The Mystic and The Lyric: Four Women Poets from Kashmir

by Neerja Mattoo

"My body in bliss, a river of wine
My eyes are open, saqi, come fill these cups
Hu hu ha!
I cry, madness in my heart."

Lal Ded, Habba Khatun, Rupa Bhavani, Arnimal: these four women poets, dating from different periods in the history of Kashmir, are household names in the valley and are claimed by all, no matter what religious, ethnic or other group they belong to.

In this beautiful volume, Neerja Mattoo brings their work together for the first time, placing it in two traditions, the mystic and the lyric. Fine and nuanced translations of their poems are accompanied by brief introductions to their work that place the women in a historical context and deal with both the facts and the beliefs about their work.

Genres: Poetry, Womens

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2019

Reviews

[Neelam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only accessible poetry collection from Kashmiri women that I have been able to find and it didn’t disappoint. The dichotomy between longing and suffering in love (the lyric) to radical transcendance free from earthly love (the mystic), is intriguing in the prose of the four women and conveys a charm and timelessness that I wasn’t expecting.

[Nirbhay Kanoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was hoping to love it but sadly didn't. None the less, was a good introduction to 4 women and poets who I didn't know of. More such books should be written, if nothing else but to make us aware of our heritage and culture.

[Sharan Ahluwalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bless the moment I came across this collection of poetry translations by epic Kashimi women in history. Habba Khatun is my personal favourite.

[areebah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sun sinks and light brightens the moon
The moon sets and the mind lights up
When the mind dissolves, nothing remains
Earth, air and sky are dissolved, where are they?
- Lal ded

[Pri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I found it earlier. So so so immersive. This book is an experience.