Haba Khatoon: Makers of Indian Literature

Haba Khatoon (mid-sixteenth century) was the consort of a king but attained immortality as the queen of song. The name of her husband, Yusuf Shah Chak, has been saved from oblivion in the light reflected from that of Haba Khatoon, the peasant women he adorned his palace with. A blend of country lass and queen, musician and poet, her personality has merged with the Kashmiri poetry and culture, through her passionate lyrics, vacans.

Legends have grown around her, and it is not easy to establish beyond doubt the authenticity of all the songs attributed to her. Based on the scant surviving material, Sri S.L. Sadhu builds up an account of her life and evaluates her contribution to the Kashmiri literature.

About the Author:

Sri Sadhu's works in Kashmiri have received awards from the Government of India. His Wuchha Prang has won a Unesco award. Author of two books in English, Sri Sadhu presents this monograph mainly to the non-Kashmiri readers.