Plants in the Poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)

Manzoor A Shah
The present paper is the result of a study of the poetry of Shaikhul Aalam(RH), one of the most venerated
and well acclaimed Sufi saints
of Kashmir, which finally led to compilation of an inventory of plant
species mentioned therein, with the broad objective to recuperate
traditional botanical wisdom for sustainable development. The list of
plant species is presented along with their brief description and
pictorial support for understanding of common people. The
conspectus of plant species is of significance, not only to provide
useful insights into important floristic elements of that particular era,
but also to rejuvenate the sense of species sacredness for their
conservation. Such studies, if extrapolated for other regions in a
multicultural state like India, can potentially yield an invaluable
traditional ecological knowledge base for conservation of sacred
species. Rediscovering the value-based ecological practices and ethical
considerations of revered Sufis and saints for the environment has
assumed special significance in the contemporary crisis of global
change. The valley of Kashmir harbours rich natural heritage and
affluent diversity connected delicately with cultural heritage through
value-based traditional social fabric. However, erosion of our unique
traditional heritage due to cultural invasion and depletion of
biodiversity due to biological invasions calls for restoration of our
value systems as well as native diversity. In this backdrop, a series of
studies has recently been contributed by the author from the Kashmir
Himalayan region to the valuable body of literature on the importance
of value systems and traditional knowledge in ecocentric and
environmentalistic discourses. Of late, Shah et al. (2012) worked out
the compatibility between mysticism and modern science through
case studies of Iqbal and Stace and testified their arguments also
through an appraisal of Iqbal’s modernist compatibility thesis in a
preceding publication (Shah et al. 2011). Earlier Shah et al. (2010)
drew parallels between mysticism and environmentalism through an
appraisal of Osho’s ecocentric interpretation of religion, thereby
broadening the scope of their case. An environmentalist critique of
traditional religion from a perennialistic perspective of Krishnamurti
had already laid foundations for subsequent studies (Shah and Shah,
2008). While Shah and Shah (2008) in detail expounded the
environmentalist dimension of Rishi thought with a special focus on
Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH), the environmental message in Kashmir Saivism
also brought to the limelight by Shah (2008). Shah (2007) linked the
traditional Kashmiri folk wisdom to environmentalist discourses and its
importance in preserving our heritage, besides attempting to abridge
cultural and natural heritage in the Kashmir Himalayan context (2010).
The present article is precisely an attempt to bring to limelight
the botanical insights of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH), with the broad objective
to begin the process of recovery of our traditional wisdom for
resumption of our organic relationship with nature on sustainable
basis. It is pertinent to mention that Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH) has
symbolically used these plants to convey some higher message of
morality and eco-consciousness. In view of the great reverence and
high esteem of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)in the hearts and minds of Kashmiri
people, using the powerful and appealing tool of his poetry for plant
conservation would be of great significance.The conspectus of plant
species rediscovered from the inspiring poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH),
is of immense significance. The study was envisaged to provide some
insights into the important elements of flora of that particular era and
rejuvenate the respect and care for these species in the hearts and
minds of all those common people in Kashmir who place Shaikh-ul
Aalam(RH)in high esteem.
Brief description of plants mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul
Aalam(RH)
In this section a brief description of some plant species
mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)is given in common
man’s language, avoiding technical scientific descriptions, in view of
the scope and target readership of the present journal. Most of the
plant species are supplemented with appropriate pictures with the
hope that the people may recognize them in the backdrop Shaikh-ul
Aalam(RH), thereby contributing to their conservation.
Salix (Vir)
The genus Salix, commonly called as willow in Kashmir includes a
number of species, most of which are deciduous trees in habit,
preferably growing. The species commonly found in Kashmir include
Salix acmophylla, S. alba, S. babylonica, S. denticulate, S. flabellaris, S.
insgnis, S. oxycarpa, S. wallichiana and so on, the discussion of each of
which is beyond the scope of the present article. In Kashmir there has
been a traditional way of cutting the side sub-branches and twisting
them in the form of small aggregates (locally called as batchi), the
foliage of which is used as a preferred fodder for sheep and goats. The
rest of the dried material is used as fuel for cooking purposes in the
traditional choolas (dan).
Taxus wallichiana (Posthil)
Taxus wallichiana L., native to Kashmir Himalaya, is a highly
valuable species distributed mainly along Himalayas usually at higher
altitudes (above 1850m a.m.s.l). In Kashmir the bark of the yew (or
posthil) was long ago used as a regular tea and was even largely
exported to Ladakh. According to Lawrence bark of the Taxus was
ground into flour and used in the famine.
Populus nigra (Phrast)
Populus nigra, commonly known as black poplar, or phras in
Kashmiri, is a an exotic tree species in Kashmir Himalaya. These trees are
used in agro-forestry to cover crop lands and agricultural fields and also
comprise a decorative and shade giving periphery of most of our highways.
Its wood is used for a number of purposes such as timber, fuel and making
the cases for apple, the main horticultural crop of Kashmir, for its
transportation to long distances across the country and even outside.
Rhus wallichii (Arkhol)
Rhus wallichii (Arkhol) is a shade loving tree, commonly known as
Wild Varnish Tree, and can be found at many places, especially the
protected area of Dachigam National Park. Although wood of this species
is quite resilient to frost, it is a highly irritable species the sap of which,
especially when green, causes painful blisters upon touching. Carpenters
and woodcutters are very much reluctant working with this species.
Zizyphus jujuba (Brei)
Zizyphus jujuba, commonly called jujube, is used primarily as a
fruiting shade tree, the fruit of which is commonly referred to as Ber.
The species can be seen more commonly growing in relatively warmer
parts of the valley such as Uri, Tangdar and adjacent areas. The fruit of
the species is of great value in traditional medicine, not only in
Kashmir but elsewhere too. The wood of the species is used for
making various agricultural implements in Kashmir.
Corylus jacquemontii Decne. (Virin)
Corylus jacquemontii, commonly called hazel or Turkish Hazelnut,
is found in Kashmir right from Gurez valley to Aru, Pahelgam, up to
Doda and Kishtawar. The nuts, commonly called hazel nuts, are edible.
Aesculus indica Colebr (Hanudun)
The plant species, commonly called as Horse-chestnut (as its fruits
are given to horses suffering from colic), and in Kashmiri called as hane
or hanudun. In view of its attractive leaves, beautiful canopy, multicoloured blossoms and tall stature,
the tree is also used for
ornamental purposes as an avenue tree, though it occurs quite
commonly in the Kashmir Himalayan forests. An extract of leaves has
been found to be useful in whooping-cough.
Primula rosea Royle (Gul-e-Nar)
Primula rosea is a typical terrestrial Himalayan perennial plant
species with highly attractive foliage and bright pink flowers, found
mainly in alpine habitats, where it preferably occurs in wet locations
near the melting snow. In Kashmir Himalayan region this species can
be seen in places such as Simthun (Duksum), Sonamarg, Apharwat
(Gulmarg) and Khadung area after snow starts melting. The species is
used by tribals as an ingredient of certain medicinal preparations.
Cotoneaster bacillaris
Cotoneaster bacillaris is a perennial rosaceous deciduous shrub
with red bark and uneven texture, distributed across East Asia and
western Himalaya. The shrub is occasionally used in bee attraction,
especially in the off season by beekeepers, and is also planted in city
courtyard garden, cottage informal garden, flowering shrub, low
maintenance and woodland margin.
Malva rotundifolia Desf. (Sutsal)
Malva rotundifolia is a perennial plant of Malvaceae with a few
varieties found to grow in Kashmir. It is commonly called as dwarf
mallow or round dock which grows wildly in barren areas or waste
lands and is also cultivated in kitchen gardens and vegetable fields. It is
a commonly used vegetable in Kashmir, both in fresh and dried forms.
The species is used as an expectorant and is also useful in the
treatment of kidney stones and other gastro-intestinal troubles.
Traditionally the plant as forage has been found to be useful for curing
cattle with dysentery and blood stains in excreta.
Dipsacus inermis (Wupal-haak)
Dipsacus inermis, commonly known as Himalayan Taesel, is very
popular in Kashmir valley by the name of Wupal-haak. The plant
flowers in Kashmir usually between June- August. The species has
been a favourite vegetable used by Saints and Reshis of Kashmir and
its luxurious growth in some regions of the valley is attributed to the
special prayers and blessings of these Reshis.
Brassica oleracea (Karam)
There are many varieties of Brassica oleracea grown in Kashmir,
amongst which Brassica oleracea var. viridis is called Haak or Karam
saag a very common edible. Amongst various green leafy vegetables
Kashmiris have an exceptional taste and passion for it, hence it is
grown very commonly in kitchen gardens and comprises an important
part of almost every meal. Not only the leaves, but also the roots
(monji) of the plant are used.
Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin (AL)
Pumpkins represent fruit of Cucurbita and vary in shape from
roughly spherical to oblong. Almost all the parts, except roots, of the
pumpkin are edible, including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves,
and even the stems (ali-kanij). Cucurbita pepo is a highly prized
vegetable plant species, different varieties of which comprise an
important part of routine household preparations, both in fresh and
dry forms in Kashmir. Although most Kashmiris preferably use either
fresh or air- dried pumpkins, nowadays stored and canned pumpkin
are also available here.
Amaranthus caudatus (Lissi)
Amaranthus caudatus, commonly called as Lissi in Kashmiri and
Bustanfraz in Persian, is an annual angiosperm herbaceous species
growing up to 1m in length. In Kashmir Lissi is a locally used vegetable
both the seeds and leaves of which are edible, though preferably
leaves and soft stems or branches are used more frequently. The
species, in view of the typical red colour of the inflorescences due to
high betacyanin content, not only tastes good but also looks attractive
and turns the rice or bread with which it is used red.
Vitis vinifera (Dutch)
Vitis vinifera is cultivated in orchards and something in lawns as a
prized plant. Apart from being a highly prized fruit, its fresh leaves are
used traditionally for various medicinal purposes, especially in treatment
of skin rashes, sores and other type of blisters after tying tightly with
muslin cloth. Not only its leaves, flowers and fruits are edible but the oil
extracted from its seeds is also an important ingredient of eatables.
Silx alba (Vir) Taxus wallichiana (Posthil)
Populus nigra (Phrast) Rhus wallichii (Arkhol)
Zizyphus jujuba (Brei) Corylus jacquemontii (Virin)
Aesculus indica (Hanudun) Cotoneaster bacillaris
Primula rosea (Gul-e-Nar)
Malva rotundifolia (Sochil) Dipsacus inermis (Wupal-haak)
Brassica oleracea (Kram) Cucurbita pepo (Aul)
Amaranthus caudatus (Lissi) Vitis vinifera (Dutch)
Oryza sativa (Bati)
Oryza sativa is a proven native of China and comprises a staple
food of most of the regions across the world, especially in South East
Asia, including the valley of Kashmir. In Kashmir people are
exceptionally voracious rice eaters, and metaphorically quite often feel
hungry despite having eaten all other stuff but rice. Mixed farming was
the basis of Indus valley economy. Rice was cultivated in the Indus
Valley Civilization.
Potamogeton nodosus (Kuck)
Potamogeton nodosus is an aquatic plant species, known by the
common name longleaf pondweed. It is native to Eurasia and the
Americas where it is widespread and can be found in water bodies
such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams.
Ocimum basillicum (Babir or babri-buol)
Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as sweet basil and Babir in
Kashmiri, is a culinary herb, with a number of cultivars, grown both for
culinary and ornamental purposes. In Kashmir, the seeds of the plant
(commonly called as babri-buol), after proper soaking, are almost
routinely used in drinking water with a mixture of sugar and milk,
especially in the month of fasting (Ramadhan). The resultant drink is
used for breaking the fast and is also served during most of the Islamic
festivals to devotes. The fresh leaves of the plant are used for flavoring
the vegetables.
Pyrus communis (Tang)
Pyrus communis, or pear, is a common rosaceous fruit tree of
genus Pyrus, usually found in temperate regions, which is considerably
similar to the apple, not only in general architecture and floral
characteristics but also in cultivation and propagation. There are a
tremendous number of varieties of Pyrus communis grown in Kashmir
and the Pear industry has almost equal scope of growth in the settings
of our local environment.
Pinus wallichiana (Yarikul)
Pinus wallichiana (yair) is a highly prized species of very common
occurrence in Kashmir Himalayan forests. Besides the ecological
importance of this species, its economic importance stems from the
high quality timber and resin it yields. The resin, commonly called as
kairkilum, is applied traditionally by local people for healing of
wounds, especially the cracked heals. The woods of side branches of
Pinus are used by tribal Gujjars for lighting purposes, traditionally
called a lashi.
Lilium polyphyllum (Kandmool or Kandmond)
Lilium polyphyllum is a stout erect herb that grows in shady
habitats of mountain slopes. It is not so commonly a species in the
Jammu & Kashmir and has been even considered as critically
endangered. The bulbs of this plant species due to medicinal value are
traded as a substitute for another important medicinal plant, Fritillaria
roylei. Due to the loss of habitat, encroachment and changing climate,
besides being prone to overgrazing, this species is now getting more
restricted to places such as Simthan and Patnitop etc.
Juglans regia (Doon, Walnut)
Juglans regia is a large deciduous tree member of the family
Juglandaceae, attaining heights of 25–35m, and a trunk up to 2 m
diameter, commonly with a short trunk and broad crown, though taller
and narrower in dense forest competition. It is a light-demanding
species, requiring full sun to grow well. The bark is smooth, olivebrown when young and silvery-grey on
older branches, and features
scattered broad fissures with a rougher texture. The whole fruit,
including the husk, falls in autumn; the seed is large, with a relatively
thin shell, and edible, with a rich flavor.
Ulmus wallichiana (Bren)
Ulmus wallichiana, commonly known as elm occurs over a wide
elevational range. It is a sacred tree, preferably grown in and around
shrines and graveyards. While Hindus regard elms as sacred of
Ganpathi, Muslims also express sacredness of this tree through their
respect for shrines in which they grow. People in hilly regions,
especially from Lolab valley, use this species for a number of purposes,
especially as fodder for buffaloes when supplied as young shoots.
Nasturtium officinale (Nagirpun or Kulhaak)
Nasturtium officinale, commonly called as watercress, is a
frequently occurring perennial aquatic plant species with rapid growth
potential. It belongs to family Brassicaceae and is commonly found in
aquatic and marshy habitats of the valley. It flowers usually in mid
spring and is of traditional medicinal importance as its leaf extract is
given to patients suffering from stomach ulcers and intestinal
infections.
Taraxicum officinale (Haend)
It belongs to family Asteraceae and is of quite common
occurrence in Kashmir. It grows wildly in many habitat types, especially
in the demarcations of agricultural field plots. It is used as a vegetable
and also in the preparation of Khameer. The species in the dried form
is used for bath of purification given to after they have delivered. Its
leaves, after boiling, are mixed with small quantity of salt and turmeric
(haldi) and are applied as paste for treatment of bone fractures.
Lonicera japonica (Heyi-ther)
Lonicera japonica, commonly called as Japanese Honeysuckle, is a
twining vine with opposite, simple oval and beautiful fragrant flowers.
The fruit is a globose dark blue berry 5–8 millimetres (0.20–0.31 in)
diameter containing numerous seeds. The Kashmiri name of the
species has been echoed in many famous Kashmiri songs.
Rheum emodi (Pumbi-haak)
Rheum emodi, commonly known as the Himalayan Rhubarb, is a
perennial species, which has been traditionally used as a highly
effective laxative drug, as a purgative and also as a general tonic.
Powdered roots are sprinkled over ulcer for healing and also used for
cleaning teeth. Leaf stalks are eaten, either raw or boiled, sprinkled
with salt and pepper. Leaves and flowers are also edible. This species is
on the verge of rarity owing to its excessive demand.
Rumex (Abuj)
Rumex belongs to the buckwheat family Polygonaceae and has
many perennial herbaceous species in Kashmir Himalaya such as
Rumex acetosa, R. dentatus, R. hastatus, R nepalensis and others.
Amongst these Rumex nepalensis (Nepal Dock) is typically called as
Abuj in Kashmiri, which grows quite commonly across various habitats
in Kashmir. It is used as a vegetable and its roots are considered to be
useful against veneral diseases. In addition to the leaves of some
species of Rumex are said to have purgative qualities and are used as a
traditional remedy for sting of common nettle, called soi in Kashmiri,
(Urtica dioica).
Fagopyrum (Trumbi)
Fagopyrum, commonly known as Buck wheat and in Kashmiri as
Trumbi, belongs to the family Polygoncaeaeis with a number of
species, such as Fagopyrum esculentum, F. tataricum, F kashmirianum,
F. sagitatum commonly growing in Kashmir. Various species of this
genus are of common occurrence in forest habitats such as Badwan,
Barnai, Limber, Pahelgam, Badao, Kud, Bhaderwah. The flour of F.
esculentumis, eaten especially during the days of fasting, and F.
sagitatum, found wildly in various habitats, is also cultivated as a
cereal crop.
Marrubium (Trapur)
Genus Marrubium has about 40 species, amongst which
Marrubium vulgare, commonly known as White Horehound, is a
perennial species distributed almost throughout Kashmir and grows
wildly in open habitats. The species has been used traditionally as a
medicinal herb, the dried foliage and flowering top of which are used
against common cold, cough and even rheumatism. Notwithstanding
their relatively bitter and pungent flavor, the fresh or dried leaves of
Marrubium are edible and are used as flavoring agent, besides being
used for preparations of medicinal tea and herbal cough syrups.
Plantago (Guli)
Although there are about 200 known species of Plantago with
cosmopolitan distribution, there are two very commonly occurring
rosette forming species of this genus, namely P. lanceolata and P.
major, growing in Kashmir. Paradoxically, Plantago is considered as a
weed, on the one hand and on the other hand, it is used as a vegetable
besides being used in various medicinal preparations in the form of
Khameer. Leaves of P. lanceolata are applied to wounds and sores. The
famous ayruvedic laxative drug, Isbagol, commonly sold in the Indian
markets is obtained by grinding the husk of Plantago ovata and is
highly effective against irregular bowel syndrome and constipation.
Malus domestica (tsont)
Genus Malus, commonly called as the apple genus, belongs to
family Rosaceae with about 50species, and a large number
of cultivars. Amongst various species M. domestica comprises the
most important component of apple orchards in Kashmir valley. The
apple industry comprises backbone of the horticulture economy of
Kashmir and the fruit of the most prized cultivars, such as umbri,
golden delicious, etc. has a huge national market.
Cannabis (Bangi)
Cannabis, notoriously called as bangi in Kashmiri, is an important
plant species due to a number of wonderful properties. Cannabis
sativa is an annual herbaceous plant species that has been historically
under cultivation, both for good and bad reasons. Being a narcotic
drug, taken usually as the dried and powdered flower buds, its
cultivation became illegal in Kashmir, not only for sale but also for
personal use.
Crocus sativus (Kong)
Crocus sativus, commonly known as Safron (zafran or kong in
Kashmiri), is a highly prized perennial species growing from corms in
specific pockets of Karewa lands, especially in the Pampore region, in
Kashmir. The pistil of the species is a highly useful condiment and very
specially used as a flavouring agent in famous Kashmiri kehwa.
Echinocloa (Hami)
Echinocloa colonum, commonly known as jungle rice or popularly
as hama in Kashmiri, is a troublesome weed of rice fields belonging to
grass family Poaceaea. Usually Echinocloa produces seeds almost with
or before rice does so and also its stalk resembles rice stalk, thereby
finding their way into the stock of rice grains upon harvesting and
becomes too problematic to be separated later on.
Typha (Paech)
Typha angustifolia (commonly known as Narrowleaf Cattail or
paech in Kashmiri) is an obligate wetland perennial herbaceous plant
species. The plant provides ideal habitats and breeding grounds for the
resident and migratory birds in the wetlands of Kashmir. While the
cotton- like stuff obtained from its mature inflorescences has been
traditionally used as an important ingredient of cementing soils for
fine polishing of walls of the buildings (boor), other parts of the plant
such as roots, stems and leaf bases are edible.
Gossypium (Cotton)
Cotton plant belongs to genus Gossypium and is characterized by
shrubby habit, which though not grown in Kashmir, has been
mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH). Cotton is a globally
used soft, celulosic staple fiber from prehistoric times with huge
domestic, national and international market and is highly demanded in
Kashmir as well. In Kashmir there has been a strong tradition of
spinning the cotton fibre into yarn, especially by women, using
conventional charkha (yinder), which once comprised the backbone of
handloom textiles. However, with the dramatic advances in
mechanical interventions in textile industry, the traditional way of
spinning it reduced considerabily.
Platinus orientalis (Boin)
Platanus orientalis, famously known as chinar, is a large,
deciduous tree, very well known for its longevity, spreading crown and
majestic beauty. It is regarded as a Heritage tree and the famous
Chinar Bagh (Naseembagh) at Hazratbal has recently been taken up as
a Chinar Heritage Park by the University of Kashmir. Besides, a famous
worth-visiting spot in Srinagar is an island (char chinari) on Dal Lake
where four chinar trees stand. In addition to its ornamental value and
being a shade giving tree, its beautiful multicoloured foliage in autumn
is indeed eye-catching. The tree is linked to the history of Kashmir as
more than 600 year-old chinar trees have been found at Chatargam,
Chadoora and Badgam district, and has continued to decorate the
major historic gardens and landscapes.
Prunus (Tcher)
Though genus Prunus includes plums, cherries, peaches, apricots
and almonds, Prunus persica is the famous apricot species commonly
used in Kashmir, both as a fruit and for ornamental purposes and is
mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)more than once. The
apricots are widely cultivated in Ladakh region as it demand in the
market is high in rest of the State of J&K.
Apart from the plants described in the present article, the other
plant species mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH) include
Papaver somniferum (Khushkhash), Wushki, Muth, Linn Zand, Wheat
(Kinakh), Indigofera (kaech), Rong, Baegli and Pingi. The detailed
description of the species would be dealt in subsequent publications.
Oryza sativa (Bati) Potamogeton nodosus (Kuch)
Papaver somniferum (Khushkhash) Ocimum bascillicum (Babri)
Pyrus communis (Tung) Pinus wallichiana (yair)
Juglans regia (Doon) Ulmus wallichiana (Bren)
Nasturtium officinale (Nagirpun) Lonicera japonica (Heyither)
Rheum emodi (Pumbi-haak) Marrubium vulgare
Cannabis sativa (Bangi) Croccus sativus (Kong)
Echinocloa colonum (Hami) Prunus persica (Tcher)
Conclusion
In order to achieve the objective of plant conservation for
sustainable development in the mountainous valley of Kashmir,
indigenous people’s participation is of fundamental importance. A
collaborative campaign needs to be launched by conservation
biologists involving Departments of Forestry and Social Forestry, to
label the plants of critical importance as mentioned in the poetry of
Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)and highlight their cultural, ecological and medicinal
importance. In the current wave of cultural invasion and erosion of
value systems, such a campaign is likely to play a key role in the
restoration of the image of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)as an icon of traditional
ecological wisdom in this region. If the discourse of plant conservation
in relation to environmental management is carefully adopted using
the teaching of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH), it can potentially attain mass
popularity due to his mass faith and fan following in Kashmir. Besides,
bringing to limelight the botanical insights of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH)
would give a new dimension of contemporary concern to his teachings
while adding more dynamism to traditional ecological wisdom we have
inherited from this saint. Establishing a botanical garden of the plants
mentioned in the poetry of Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH) would be a step in the
right direction. The local people and stakeholders need to be involved
actively in motivation of others by respecting their traditional
knowledge and ecological ethics. Researchers of plant sciences in
Kashmir can also contribute in this direction by selecting some plant
species out of the present conspectus for different research projects,
thereby exhibiting their reverence for Shaikh-ul Aalam(RH).
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