A Dictionary of Kashmiri Proverbs.P65

A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ii A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS

A © The Author

All rights reserved. No part of this book protected by this copyright Dictionary notice may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior written Of permission from the copyright owner.

First Edition 1992 Kashmiri Second Revised Edition 2006

Published by: Proverbs Indian Institute of Language Studies C-13, Greenview 33, Sector 9 Rohini, Delhi 110085 www.iils.org

Omkar N. Koul ISBN 81-86323-21-X

Printed at: Radha Press 2465 Main Road, Kailash Nagar, Delhi- 110031 Indian Institute of Language Studies iv A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS

Ø Proverbs are like butterflies, some are caught others fly away.

Proverbs in a language do reflect the socio-cultural milieu and wide Preface range of experience of the people who use them in a particular society. They do not have to be always true. Folk wisdom is sometimes contradictory. For For the purpose of this dictionary, a proverb is defined as a statement that example, the following two proverbs regarding a couple or two friends are may contain an advice, a warning, a prediction or simply an observation. contradictory: Idiomatic expressions and similies which are the part of the language are not included in this dictionary. 1. halen ba:nan vuk1r’ tha:n, hivis hiviy samkha:n Proverbs are of different types. Some proverbs are simple folk say- ‘The twisted pots have twisted lids.’ ings (for example, p@tshis potsh khara:n ‘One guest does not like the other’). One meets the people of his/her own interests. Such proverbs have their literary meaning quite prominent. Some proverbs (‘Birds of the same feather flock together.’) are philosophical which aspire to deal with great mysteries and complexities 2. naras khar t1 kharas nar of life (for example, bech1nas n1 mandchun t1 bast1 khakhra:yi k’a:? ‘One A human being gets a donkey (as a companion) and a who is not ashamed of begging, why should he be ashamed of the sound of donkey gets a human being. ( ‘One gets a partner just his begging bag?’). Others are metaphorical in which the literal meaning is opposite to his/her expectations.’) merely redundant (for example, g@:v n’a:y bo:za:n s@:ri:, dã :d1 n’a:y n1 kã:h ‘Everyone listens to the dispute of the cow and no one listens to the Proverbs may or may not be regarded as a source of accumulated dispute of the bull.’ This means that women earn sympathy more readily wisdom. They are seen as a collection of tags that enable thoughts to be than men). In this dictionary, all the three types of proverbs are listed. communicated and exchanged. A large number of proverbs listed in this collection have been Proverbs in any language have their own characteristics and style. handed down orally from generation to generation. Slight variations in their They are short memorable statements. It is said, ‘A proverb is shorter than wordings are inevitable. Such proverbs have been listed in their most famil- a bird’s beak.’ Proverbs are generally used and quoted extensively in con- iar form. Some common variants are also mentioned. versations and literary texts. The origins of the proverbs are obscure in most of the cases. Proverbs in Kashmiri are of different styles. Prominent types are as Some of these are directly related to certain religious, cultural, historical follows: and literary texts. A large number of them are quotes taken from the literary (especially poetic) compositions of famous saint poets like 1. A simple statement Lalleshwari and Sheikh Noor-ul-Din. They have become part of the folk tsu:t~ his vuchith tsu:~ th rang rata:n wisdom. A number of proverbs are borrowed from Sanskrit and Perso- ‘An apple gets its colour from another apple.’ Arabicsources. The sources of proverbs have not been indicated. 2. Conjoined phrases A wide range of beliefs prevail regarding the wisdom of a:yi v@:nis t1 g@yi dris kã : proverbs.Most common beliefs are as follows: ‘(She) came to visit the shopkeeper but went to visit a baker instead’. Ø A good proverb is never out of season. 3. Question-answer style Ø Hold fast to the words of ancestors. “m@:j, vohava:n chumn1 k ã:h.” Ø Proverbs are the condensed good sense of nations. “potr1 vati peth beh.” Ø Wise men make proverbs and fools repeat them. ‘Mother, no one abuses me.’ Ø A proverb is the wit of one and the wisdom of many. ‘Son, go and sit on the road.’ Ø Time passes away but sayings remain. Besides the use of terms of address, the question-answer style is also A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS v vi A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS used with the help of a narrator. Consider the conversation between a Vowels Front Unrounded Central Back Rounded mother-in-law and daughter-in-law: High i i: 1 1: u u: Mid e e: \ \: o o: 1 noshey kuth khas, dopnas a:m ts k’a: karni chas. Low a a: O O: ‘(My) daughter-in-law, go to your bedroom.’ Consonants Bil. Dent. Retro. Pal. Vel. Glo. (She) replied, ‘What else I have come here for?’ Stops: vl. unasp p t tà k Here the term dopnas ‘she/he told her/him’ is used to indicate addressee vl. asp ph th tàh kh and addresser. vd. Unasp. b d dà g Proverbs have been collected from both primary and secondary Affricates: sources. A large number of proverbs have been collected from the people vl. unasp. ts c who use them natively in day-to-day conversations. Detailed notes were vl. asp. tsh ch maintained of such proverbs. Among the secondary sources some earlier vd. unasp. j collections, Kashmiri language dictionaries and various texts have been Nasals: m n consulted. It is important to mention here that A dictionary of Kashmiri Fricatives: proverbs and sayings by Rev. J. Hinton Knowles (1885 Indian reprint 1985) vl. s š h is the first attempt in compiling the proverbs and sayings in Kashmiri. A vd. z large number of proverbs listed in the above dictionary are either obsolete Lateral: l or merely translations of the Persian proverbs. The obsolete proverbs and Trill: r those which are merely literal translations of Persian proverbs have not Semi-vowels v y been listed in the present work. Among the native scholars, Ghulam Nabi @ @ 1 Nazir has compiled a collection of Kashmiri proverbs entitled k :shir’ d p t’ The nasalisation of vowels is indicated by the nasal sign /~/ (Kashmiri sayings,1988) with their meanings in Kashmiri. This caters to the above the concerned vowels. The colon sigh /:/ after the vowels indicates interest of native speakers of Kashmiri only who can read and write Kashmiri. the length of the vowels. The palatalization of consonants is indicated by The above two prominent works are useful reference materials on proverbs the sign of apostrophe /’/ after the concerned consonant. Abbreviations @ @ 1 and sayings. Omkar Koul has edited k :shir’ d p t’ dikshanri: (A dictio- used above are: Vl. (Voiceless), Vd. (Voiced), unasp. (Unaspirated), Asp. nary of Kashmiri Proverbs, 2000) which provides explanation of Kashmiri (Aspirated), Bil. (Bilabial), Den. (Dental), Alv. (Alveolar), Ret. (Retroflex), proverbs in Kashmiri. In the present volume, a large number of proverbs Pal.(Palatal), Vel. (Velar), Glo. (Glottal). have been collected from various literary texts and dictionaries. Kashmiri proverbs in Devanagari and Roman transcription are im- Proverbs are listed in the alphabetical order used in the linguistic mediately followed by literal translations. Literal translations present simple texts in Kashmiri beginning with vowels and followed by consonants. The renderings of the Kashmiri proverbs in English and are not merely word-for- 1 1 @ @ O usual order is as follows: , :, , :, a, a:, i, i:, e, e:, u, u:, o, o:, , k, kh, g, c, ch, word translations. Sometimes literal translations make the meanings clear. j, ts, tsh, t, th, d , t, th, d, n, p, ph, b, m, y, r, l, v, š, s, z, h. For understanding Whenever necessary, their metaphorical (hidden or extended idiomatic mean- the transcription of the proverbs it is important to mention the phonetic ings) are explained. Whenever possible, an attempt has been made to pro- values of these signs. Speech sounds in Kashmiri are presented below: vide English equivalents or near equivalents after their literal translations or simple explanations. It is to be noted that the translations do not claim to be equal in style. Translating Kashmiri proverbs into English has been a difficult job. I am grateful to my friend Mr. R.K. Bharati for going through an earlier draft of the manuscript and for offering constructive suggestions for its improvement. I would also like to thank Prof. Peter Edwin Hook, Prof. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Anjani K. Sinha, Dr. Dick Smith and Dr. H. Kumar Kaul for going through parts of the manuscript and for offering their suggestions. The first edition of this dictionary was first published in 1992 which is out of print now. Mr Sunil Fotedar volunteered to put selected proverbs from this dictionary on the web. This generated a lot of interest among scholars and general readers. I would like to thank Mr Fotedar for encourag- ing me to bring out the second edition of it. I am grateful to Mr. M. K. Raina for transcribing the original Kashmiri proverbs from Roman into the Devanagari script. It can be used by those who are familiar with the Devanagari script. I would be happy to receive comments from the readers which would help me to revise it.

Omkar N Koul A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 1 2 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Dç@ @ Dç@s Jçæsò lçò iççMçò jámç~ @ch vatsh1 t1 ga:š1 rus Dç@kçw³çd ]®ç@ì mçácç lçò mççmç içJç kçwJççÆuç~ May your eyes be opened but see nothing. (A curse) To turn a blind eye to something. @k’ ts@t à sum t1 sa:s gov kOli. One man cut the bund/barrage, and a thousand people fell into the river. Dç@s nábo cJççÆvçHçÀçôuç Dççmçávç~ @ch hund mOniphol a:sun Dç@kçw³çd æsçW[ oáçÆvç³çç lçò yçôçÆ³ç Dç@kçw³çd ³ççÇcççvç~ To be the pupil of one’s eye. To be liked or loved a lot. oáçÆvç³çç lçò ³ççÇcççvç çÆsvçò ÜvçòJç³ç DççÆLç çÆ³çJççvç~ To be an apple of someone’s eye. @k’ tshõ:d duniya: t1 beyi @k’ yi:ma:n; duniya: t1 yi:ma:n chin1 dOn1vay athi yiva:n. Dç@svç HççÆ®ç Hçw³çáj içæsávç~ One man sought the world, and another sought for faith. The world and @chan paci ph’ur gatshun faith both do not go hand in hand. To turn one’s eyes away from someone. To forget someone’s help. Dç@kçw³çd mçábo kç@ÀçÆmç³ççvçò, yçôçÆ³ç mçábo içò]pçç~ @k’sund k@siya:n1 beyi sund g1za: Dç@sj JççuçJç mçól³çd kçBÀ[îç kçÀ[òv³çd~ One person’s vomit is another’s food. @charva:lav s1:t’ k@nd’ kad1n’ Someone lives on the leftovers of others. To remove thorns from someone with one’s eyelashes. To love someone deeply. To take good care of someone. Dç@kçw³çd mçábo o]pççvç Dççyç, lçò yçôçÆ³ç mçábo vçò o]pççvç lççÇuç~ @k’ sund daza:n a:b, t1 beyi sund n1 doza:n ti:l One man can burn water, whereas another cannot even burn oil. A matter Dç@sJç DçBojò v³çávç mJçjcçò kç@ÀçÆ[Lç~ @ @ 1 O 1 @ of luck. chav ndr n’un s rm k dith To take the antimony out of someone’s eyes without letting her/him know. An act of a very cunning person. Dç@çÆkçÀmç o]pççvç oç@j lçò y³ççKç sámç JçáMçòvççJççvç DçLçò~ @kis daza:n d@:r t1 b’a:kh chus vuš1na:va:n ath1 One man’s beard is on fire, and another man warms his hands on it. To Dç@[îç o@Ðç ³çôæçÆs lçò Dç@[îç o@Ðç jôæçÆs~ @ @ 1 @ @ take advantage of someone’s misery. d’ d d’ yetshi t d’ d d’ retshi Half (the people) are burnt with their choice, and half are burnt by being driven into it (not out of choice). Dç@s kçÀç@v³çd pççvç lçò JçLç kçÀç@v³çd vçò~ Half the people deserve their fate and the other half do not. @ch k@:n’ ja:n t1 vath k@:n’ n1 It is better that the eye be blind than that the way is blind. Dç@[îç uççj lçò Dç@[îç oçj~ @d’ la:r t1 @d ’ da:r. Dç@s H³çþ vçò cç@s ]pçòjJçòv³çd~ Half at Lar and half at Dar. Unmanaged/scattered property or assets. Scat- @ch pet à h n1 m@ch z1rv1n’ tered relations. Not to bear a fly on someone’s eye. To take good care of someone. Dç@[ò³ç Gcçòj lçò yç@[ò³ç yçuçç³ç~ @d1y um1r t1 b@d1y bala:y. (Have) half a life and (live it in) great misery. A curse. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 3 4 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Dç@l³çd oôÐç yçáçÆsvç³ç c³çççÆvç Dç@s cçò JçáçÆsvç³ç~ Dç@çÆvçmç cçáMç nçJçòv³çd, vç sá iJçvççn vç mçJççyç~ @:ti: d@:d’ buchinay m’a:ni @ch m1 v1chinay. @nis muš ha:v1n’, na chu gOna:h na sava:b May diseases sting you right there, and 1 be unable to see it. A curse. To show one’s fist. to a blind man, is neither a sin nor a virtue. Advice is lost on stupid people. Dç@lççÇ Mççn lçò Dç@lççÇ içoçn~ @ti: ša:h t1 @ti: gada:h. Dç@çÆvçmç jçLç çÆlç Ün çÆnJççÇ~ A king for a moment and a beggar soon after. @nis ra:th t1 dOh hivi: One’s fortune can change very fast. Night and day are the same to the blind man.

Dç@L³çd yççvçmç K³ççôvç lçò Dç@L³çd yççvçmç s©vç~ Dç@çÆvçmç nçJççvç mçç@jçÇ JçLç, yçíkçÀuçmç vçò kçÀçbn~ @th’ ba:nas kh’on t1 @th’ ba:nas charun @nis ha:va:n s@:ri: vath be:klas n1 kã:h. To eat out of a vessel and then defile it. Everyone can show the way to a blind man, no body can show the way to a To receive someone’s hospitality and then slander him/her. stupid person. It is not possible to guide a stupid person.

Dç@oòj ]pç@ì ¿çÓn DçiçççÆo içæsávç~ DçBoò³ç& DçBoò³ç& ]®çBoòjiççícç (Jççlçávç)~ @d1r z@t à h’uh aga:di gatshun. @nd1r’ @nd1r’ ts@nd1rgo:m (va:tun). To stick (to something) like a wet cloth.To be very adamant. To keep on To reach Tsandargam (Moon town) village inwardly. insisting. To pester someone. When a person is actually in great distress, but doesn’t show it.

Dç@v³çd sçôj uçcçmç lçuç lçò kçÀçBçÆmç Jçás vçò~ DçBoòjò æsòçÆvçnmç LJçKç lçò vçôyçjò oçôHçávç içácçò Dçç³çcç~ @n’ chor lamas tal t1 k@~:si vuch n1. @ndr1 tshunihas thOkh t1 nebr1 dopun gum1 a:yam. A blind man sat down to shit on a slope, and thought that nobody could see Inside, they spat on him. On coming out he said, “It is perspiration”. To hide him. one’s humiliation.

Dç@v³çd mçòb]pç kçwJçuç³ç KJçoç³çmç nJççuçò~ DçBojò o]pççvç Hççvçò lçò vçôyçjò oç]pççvç uçÓKç~ @n’ s1nz kOlay khOda:yas hava:l1. @ndr1 daza:n pa:n1 t1 nebr1 daza:n lu:kh. A blind man’s wife is God’s keeping. One burns from within, and outwardly other people do so. A person may shiver in severe cold, but pretend as if he doesn’t. To show Dç@çÆvçcç mJç³ç, Jç@Jçòcç mJç³ç, uç@çÆpçcç mJç³ç Hççvçòmçò³ç~ off and make others envious. @nim sOy, v@v1m sOy, l@jim sOy pa:n1s1y. I brought the nettle, sowed the nettle, and then the nettle stung me. To be DçBojcçvç ûçbo kçÀjòv³çd~ affected by one’s own deeds. Ingratitude. @ndraman grand kar1n’ To count (someone’s) intestines. To know all secrets. Dç@çÆvçmç DççÆvç iççÆì oóHçÀ kçw³çç kçÀçÆj? @nis anigatià d1:ph k’a: kari? DçBoçÆjcç Mççn Dçboj lçò vçôyççÆjcç Mççn v³çyçj içæsávç~ How will a lamp help a blind person in the dark? . @ndrim ša:h andar t1 nebrim ša:h nebar gatshun. A lamp is of no use to a blind man in the dark. Inner breath inside and outer breath outside: i.e. to have one’s breath taken away (choked) by some astonishing event.To be wonder struck. To be as- tonished. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 5 6 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Dç@çÆHçmç o@v³çd cçáMççÆkçÀuç Kçôv³çd~ Dçç@þ iç@çÆ³ç Mçíþ iç@çÆ³ç, çÆ³çcç Hççbs H³çþò iç@çÆ³ç~ @pis d@n’ muškil khen’. @:thà g@yi še:th g@yi, yim pã:tsh petàh1 g@yi A loose-lipped person finds it hard to eat a morsel of meat (without brag- Eight gone, (and) sixty gone. In addition to these, five more have gone. ging about it). A shallow person cannot conceal a secret advantage. Some What is a little more trouble to a man already overwhelmed by it. To throw people ruin an advantage by revealing it to everyone else. good money after bad.

Dç@c³çd ³ççjòyçuçvç çÆs kçÀól³ççn vç@ìîç HçáÀìòjç@çÆJçcçòl³çd~ Dçç@þvç Jç@çÆj³çvç Hç@®ç kçwJçuç lçò Mçíþvç Jç@çÆj³çvç HççôkçÀ ñç@n~ @m’ ya:r1balan chi k1:t’a:h n@t’à phutà1r@:vim1t’. @:thanà v@riyan p@c kOl t1 še:thanà v@riyan pok sr@h. Many a water pitcher has this bank of the river broken. The river flowed for eight years, and the river bed stayed damp for sixty A source of destruction. A hazard. A dangerous person. years. Men die but their deeds live on.

Dç@³ç& DçççÆ³ç mçç@jçÇ lçò Dççôj içJç vçò kçÀçbn~ Dçç@yç Hçvçávç cççMççíKç~ @r’ a:yi s@:ri: t1 or gav n1 kã:h. @:b panun ma:šo:kh. All people came (were born) in good health, but none left (died) healthy. A man 1oves his own shortcomings.

Dç@çÆjmç Hççvçmç êòKç~ Dçç@yçJç HçôçÆ³ç³çJç içç@yçò®ç yçuçç³ç, cçboòs Hçlçò s³ç KçpççuçLç~ @ris pa:nas dr1kh. @:bav peyiyav g@:b1c bala:y, Fall sick and be treated with leeches! mand1ch pat1 chay khaja:lath. Leaches on a healthy body! (A curse). O sin/misdeed let Heaven’s misfortune fall upon you!May there be shame after shame! Be sure, your sin will find you out. (It is used for an unscrupu- Dç@çÆuçHçÀ uçç@uç Jçvçòv³çd~ lous shameless person.) @liph l@:l van1n’. To narrate the whole story (from the beginning to the end) of Alif Laila. To Dçç@çÆcçmç Üomç mçól³çd oyçòoyç~ explain things in unnecessary detail. @:mis dOdas s1:t’ dab1dab. To wrestle with raw milk. (raw = before it is made into yoghurt) To pick a Dç@çÆuçHçÀò H³çþò ³ç³çmç lççcç~ quarrel with the weak and immature. @liph1 pethà 1 ye:yas ta:m. From the letter @lif to ye (the first and the last letters of the Kashmiri alpha- Dçç@çÆcçmç Hçvçmç ojò ojò~ bet). From the beginning to the end. From A to Z. @:mis panas dar1 dar1. To pull on raw thread. To fight with a weak fellow. Dç@çÆuçcç sá mçcçboj~ @lim chu samandar. Dçç@çÆuç cçb]pç jdJçbiç~ Knowledge is an ocean. @:li manz rO~g. A clove among cardamoms. A different kind of person. Dç@çÆuçcç yçí-Dçcçuç iççí³çç çÆkçÀ Dç@v³çd mçòbçÆomç DçLçmç cçMççuç~ One who tries to do something unusual (and difficult, too). @lim be-amal goya: ki @n’s1ndis athas maša:l. Unused knowledge is like a torch in the hands of a blind man. The knowl- Dçç@çÆMçvççJç içJç HççíçÆMçvççJç~ edge should be used for the betterment of others. @:šina:v gav po:šina:v. A relative remains a relative, as long as relations are maintained. You should A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 7 8 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS not take relatives for granted. Dç a

Dçç@mçò yçyç vçíjòv³çd~ DççÆkçÀ kçÀvçò yççí]pçávç lçò yçôçÆ³ç kçÀvçò $ççJçávç~ @:s1 bab ne:r1n’ . aki kan1 bo:zun t1 beyi kan1 tra:vun. The coming out of the feeding breast (or bottle) from the mouth. To lose To let it in by one ear, and let it out from the other. support. To hear but not to act. Not to pay heed.

Dçç@mçòcç kçwJçuçò³çç, cççímçÓcç scç~ DççÆkçÀ uççÆì KççÆmç vçò içáçÆjmç, yçôçÆ³ç uççÆì HççÆkçÀ vçò HçÌouç~ @:s1m kOl1ya: mo:su:m cham. aki latià khasi n1 guris, beyi latià paki n1 paydal. I have a wife but she is innocent (incapable, delicate). At one time, he would not ride a horse, at another time he would not walk on A wife who cannot do much or take care of the household. foot. To be inconsistent or unstable.

Dçç@mçmç kçÓÀìçn ]®çç@çÆ³ç³ççí, Dçç@nçÇ JççKççn êçJçò³ççí~ DççÆkçÀ JçKlçò Òççvçò kçáÀpç lçò yçôçÆ³ç JçKlçò Òççvçò Ðçuç~ @:sas ku:ta:hà tsa:yiyo:, @:hi: va:kha:h dra:v1yo: aki vakht1 pra:n1 kuj, t1 beyi vakht1 pra:n1 d’al. When food entered the mouth, blessings came out for the host. Feed some- At one time the garlic-plant, and at another the garlic-skin. one well and you will get blessings in return. There are good times and bad times.

Dçç@mçmç içæçÆs HçáÀuç³ç Dççmçòv³çd, Dçoò iç@çÆ³ç HçáÀuç³ç Jçásòv³çd~ DçkçáÀ³ç Dççôyçáj lçò cççiç ]pçvç, kçáÀvçá³ç HçÀçkçÀò lçò êçiç ]pçvç~ @:sas gatshi phulay a:s1n’, ad1 g@yi phulay vuch1n’. akuy obur t1 ma:g zan, kunuy pha:k1 t1 dra:g zan. One’s mouth must blossom, before one goes to see the flowers blossom. A single cloud, and it is like the month of Magh (January-February); a single One must be happy at heart in order to enjoy the beauty outside. fast, and it is like a famine. A person with very little endurance. Dçç@mçmç cç]pçò lçò ³ç@[ o]pçò o]pçò~ @:sas maz1 t1 y@d daz1 daz1. DçKç Dçmçávç içJç cçoò Jçmçávç, y³ççKç Dçmçávç içJç Kçjmç Kçmçávç~ Delicious to the tongue; fire to the stomach. akh asun gav mad1 vasun, Hot food tastes good but is harmful for the stomach. b’a:kh asun gav kharas khasun. One kind of laugh is to dismount from horse, and another to ride an ass. One Dçç@mçmç cçb]pçò³ç DçLçò LçJçávç~ kind of laugh makes one feel great, and another makes one miserable. There @:sas manz1y ath1 thavun. is a limit to the decency of laughter. To keep one’s hand in one’s mouth. To keep on eating continuously. DçKç kçÀjçvç lçsò yçsò, y³ççKç çÆoJççvç Jçsò Jçsò~ akh kara:n tach1 bach1, b’a:kh diva:n vach1 vach1. Dçç@mçmç cçb]pç kçÀLç çÆMçþòv³çd~ One person earns his living after working very hard, and another beats his @:sas manz kath šitàh1n’. chest. When a person does not appreciate the efforts of others, and is Drying up of words in one’s mouth. jealous. Not to utter a single word in fear. DçKç kçÓÀì lçò yçôçÆ³ç kçÓÀçÆìmç içjòJçòv³çd~ akh ku:t t1 beyi ku:tis gar1v1n’. First, one is asked to face the gallows, and is asked to pay for making the A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 9 10 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS gallows. DçKç ]pçvççvçò s³ç oçÌuçLç, lçò y³ççKç ]pçuçLç~ akh zana:n chay davlath, t1 b’a:kh zalath. DçKç Kççôlç n@çÆmlçmç lçò y³ççKç Kççôlç ÜçÆmç~ One woman is wealth (prosperity) to you, and another is destruction. A akh khot h@s’tis t1 b’a:kh khot dOsi. good wife is a blessing, and a bad one is a curse. One person rode an elephant, another mounted a wall. Monkey see, monkey do. A stupid imitation. DçKç ]pçvççvçò s³ç nLç uçbçÆpç yçÓv³çç, y³ççKç s³ç yçjò lççuçò®ç nÓv³çç~ akh zana:n chay hath lanji bu:n’a:, b’a:kh chay bar1 tal1c hu:n’a:. AK #vajasa mçó%ya batò #yaaona baoyaa isainasa kuna Aqaò nyauna One woman is (like) a hundred branched maple tree to you, another is like a akh khOjas s1:t’ bat1 kh’on, beya: sinis kun ath1 n’un. bitch at the door. When one is dining with a great man or boss, will he dare to touch the meat There is a difference between a good and a bad wife. in the plate? DçKç lçò DçKç iç@çÆ³ç kçÀçn~ DçKç iç@yç vççÇçÆjn, DçKç Kççj kçáÀçÆs, HçôçÆ]®ç iççmçò, JçHçÀç@³ççÇ vçò kçôbÀn~ akh t1 akh g@yi ka:h. akh g@b ni:rih, akh kha:r kuchi, petsi ga:s1, vaph@:yi: n1 ke~h. One plus one make eleven. In unity there is strength. One sheep in a meadow, one kharwar (about 80 kilograms of grain) in the Two heads are better than one. storehouse, and the bulrush do not last for long. Meager means do not suffice or last. DçKç v³çáJç ³çcçvç, lçò y³ççKç K³çJç yç´cçvç~ akh n’uv yeman, t1 b’a:kh kh’av braman. DçKç iççJç pçççÆvç ³ççj, y³ççKç içJç vçççÆvç ³ççj~ One was taken away by death, and the other by delusion. akh guv ja:ni ya:r, b’a:kh gav na:ni ya:r. One is a true friend, another is a friend for (sharing) bread (i.e. selfish). DçKç yçjççÆ³ç KJçoç lçò yçôçÆ³ç n@çÆmççÆlçmç Kç@çÆmçLç~ (Persian: ya:r-i-ja:n o ya:r-i-na:n.) akh bara:yi khOda:h t1 beyi h@sitis kh@sith. One must differentiate between a true and a selfish friend. One person begs, and that too riding on an elephant. To exhibit false craze. DçKç içJç yçísávç yçôçÆ³ç n@m³çdçÆlçmç Kç@çÆmçLç~ akh gav be:chun beyi h@s’tis kh@sith. DçKç yç@®çlçvç, mççmçç cç@³ç&lçvç~ One is to beg, and that too riding an elephant. To ask for alms and also to akh b@ctan sa:sa: m@r’tan. maintain status. Trying to be a dignified beggar. Let one person live and thousand die. Save my life even if it costs a thousand lives. DçKç iççícçálç ³ççÇjò lçò JççÇçÆj cçbiççvç ìbiç~ akh go:mut yi:r1 t1 vi:ri manga:n tang. DçKç yçá[ò lçò cçíçÆþ, y³ççKç yçáçÆ[ lçò ìôçÆþ~ A drowning man asks for pears from the willow tree. akh bud 1 t1 me th 1, b’a:kh bud 1 t1 te th 1. A confused person. One who doesn’t know what is good for him. One man is old and sweet, another is old and bitter. Some people age gracefully others go sour. DçKç çÆsJ³ççíJç cçmçò, y³ççKç nçkçÀò jmçò~ akh chiv’o:v mas1, b’a:kh ha:k1 ras1. DçKç u³çJççvç ûçìmç, y³ççKç u³çJççvç ûçìò Jçç@u³çd mçòbçÆ]pç ]®çkçÀçÆpç~ One person is intoxicated with wine, another with the gravy of swede (a akh leva:n gratas,à b’a:kh leva:n gratà1v@:l’ s1nzi tsakji. green vegetable). Stupid imitation. One person licks the mill-stone, the other licks the miller’s ass. One gets benefit from his efforts, the other wastes it. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 11 12 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS DçKç JçákçáÀj lçò yçôçÆ³ç $çkçáÀj~ A person who has been tried is (as good as) prostrated (won over). akh vukur t1 beyi trakur. First, one is deformed, and second, proud too. Dç[îçvç DçMç lçò Dç[îçvç KçMç~ One problem over the other. A pimple has grown on the ulcer. ad’an aš t1 ad’an khaš. Happiness to some and misery to others. DçKç Jççívççvç JçiçáJç, lçò y³ççKç sámç çÆHçuçòvççJççvç H³ç]®ç~ Some get favours other are penalised. akh vo:na:n vaguv, t1 b’a:kh chus pil1na:va:n pets. One person weaves the mat, and the other holds out the reed to him. Unnec- Dç[îçJç K³çJç ®ççÇvçò, Dç[îçJç K³çJç ìççÆkçÀ~ essary waste of time. ad’av kha’v ci:n1, ad’av kh’avta:ki.à Half (the people) ate in special eating bowls, and the other half in earthen DçKçlççyç yççuçmç H³çþ Jççlçávç~ plates. A badly arranged party. A mismanaged party or feast. akhta:b ba:las pethà va:tun. The sun about to set. To become old. Dusk of life. Dç[uç lçò Jç[uç ]pçvççvçò s HçMçmç ]pç[uç æsd³ç³ç~ adal t1 vadal zana:n cha pašas zadal tshey. Dçiçj ]®çíj kçÀçÆj pçuo çÆ³ççÆ³ç, Dçiçj pçuoçÇ kçÀçÆj ]®ççÇ³ç& çÆ³ççÆ³ç~ A snobbish and ill tempered woman is like badly thatched grass on the roof. agar tse:r kari jal1d yiyi, agar jaldi: kari tsi:r’ yiyi. (The badly thatched grass on a roof does not prevent rain from pouring If one delays, he will come quickly, but if one hastens, he will be late. Haste through it). A snobbish and ill tempered woman is a curse in the family. makes waste. More haste, worse speed. DçlçÓuç K³ççícçálç nçHçlçJç~ Dçiçj m³ççôo kçÀLç DçççÆmç, nçôo yçlçò sávçò yççí]pçvç³ç çÆ³çJççvç~ atu:l kh’o:mut ha:ptav. agar s’od kath a:si, hod bat1 chun1 bo:znay yiva:n. Unmeasured items are eaten by bears. If one uses soft words, even plain rice (served) tastes good. One must eat within limits. It is not the quality of food which is appreciated. but the manner in which it is served. DçLç kçáÀçÆuçmç ]pçò³ç c³çJçò~ ath kulis z1 y me:v1. DççÆpç Dç@s iççMç Dççmçávç~ This tree has only two kinds of fruit. aji @ch ga:š a:sun. A woman can give birth either to a boy or a girl. To have eye sight in half an eye. To have only one child. DçLç MçÓçÆyç ]pçáJç kçÀçílççn uçÓçÆyç~ Dç]pç iççJç yçôiççn, JJçv³çd çÆ³ç Hçiççn~ ath šu:bi zuv ko:ta:h lu:bi. az gav bega:h, vOn’ yi paga:h. Whose heart will not rejoice on such a grace’? Today is not the (appropriate) time. Now, come tomorrow. Delaying tactics. (Said when a person is disgusted with someone’s behaviour). I am not impressed. Dç]pç vçlçò Dçoò kçÀj~ az nat1 ad1 kar. DçLçò ¬çÀònòv³çd lçò yçáçÆLç mçHçíÀo~ If not today, when? Tomorrow may be too late. ath1 kr1h1n’ t1 buthi saphe:d. Hands are black, and the face is white. A deceptive personality. One who Dç]pçcççíJçcçálç içJç HçLçj HççíJçcçálç~ looks very innocent, but performs unpleasant deeds. azmo:vmut gav pathar po:vmut. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 13 14 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS DçLçò sçôuç lçò cçô$çáLç ]®ççôuç~ ul-Din Wali - A Kashmiri saint poet of 14 th century). ath1 chol t1 metruth tsol. As soon as the hands are washed (after taking meals) the friendship van- Dçvç cçvçç kçÀj HçÀvççn, jsávç sá³ç yççô[ iJçvççn~ ishes. His heart is in his stomach. an mana: kar phana:h, rachun chuy bod gOna:h. A selfish friend. Bring a mound and finish it. It is a great sin to save. A spendthrift. One who does not think about tomorrow. DçLçò æsçôì lçò ]pçôçÆJç ]p³çÓþ~ Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die. ath1 tshot à t1 zevi z’u:th.à With short hands and long tongue. Dçvçònç³ç&vç Dçjòcççvç, kç@À³ç&cçòl³çd HçMçícççvç~ One who merely talks, but doesn’t work. an1h@:ren ar1ma:n, k@r’m1t’ paše:ma:n. The bachelors crave to get married, and the married ones regret it. Marry in DçLçò çÆolçcç lçò yç´çWþò çÆ³çlçcç~ haste and repent at leisure. ath1 ditam t1 brõ:thà 1 yitam. Lend me your hand, and come in front of me (to my rescue). To seek a DçvçòJçòçÆvç ]pçívçòJçòçÆvç, jçÆvç nòbçÆo cçovççí helping hand and support. Lç@kçw³çdcçòçÆlç uçÓçÆmçcçòçÆlç, cçççÆpç nòbçÆo iççôyçjçí an1v1ni ze:n1v1ni, rani h1ndi madno: DçLçò oç©vç içJç Hççvç kçÀòvçávç~ th@k’m1ti lu:sim1ti, ma:ji h1ndi gobro: ath1 da:run gav pa:n k1nun. One is dear to one’s wife as long as one earns and brings it home, but when To spread one’s hand in front of someone is to sell oneself (tohim/her). To one is tired and weary, one is dear to one’s mother only. beg is to degrade oneself. DççÆvçcçò vçò ÞçHççvç lçò vççÇpçvç iççôiçpçvç Dçç@mç oçjçvç~ DçLçò H³çJç lçò yç´ç@³ç& K³çJç~ anim1 n1 šrapa:n t1 ni:jan gOgjan @:s da:ra:n. ath1 pev t1 br@:r’ kh’av. One who cannot digest even rice water, opens one’s mouth for uncooked It just fell down from the hand, and was eaten up by a cat. turnips. No sooner something is dropped, and someone else grabs it. To be over ambitious without knowing one’s worth.

DçLçò®çvç HççB®çvç DççWiçpçvç Dçboj çÆkçÀmç uJçkçÀòì, cççônj s cçíuççvç çÆkçÀçÆmç³ç ~ Dçvçblçvççiçò KçôçÆ³ç Tbìvç kçÀHçmç lçò JçjcçáçÆuç ]®ç@ìòKç oÓçÆvçmç vçmç~ ath1can pã:tsan õgjan andar kis lOk1t, mohar cha me:la:n kisiy. anatna:g1 kheyi u:tàan kapas t1 varmuli ts@tà1kh du:nis nas. The little finger is the smallest of the five fingers in hand, and yet that is A camel grazed cotton at Anantnag, and the nose of a carder was chopped where the signet ring is worn. off at Bararnulla. One commits an offense, and someone else gets punished Small things have their own value. for it.

DçLçòJççmç sá cççônjò mççmç~ Dçvçlçcç lçò nçJçòvç³ç~ ath1va:s chu mohr1 sa:s. antam t1 ha:v1nay Unity is equal to a thousand golden coins. Bring him to me and I will show him to you.

Dçvç HççíçÆMç lçôçÆuç ³çôçÆuç Jçvç HççíçÆMç~ DçHçá]pç sá lçáuçòkçÀ³çáj lçò Hççô]pç sá DçKçlççyç~ an po:ši teli yeli van po:ši. apuz chu tul1katur t1 poz chu akhta:b. Food will last as long as the forests. (It is a quote attributed to Sheikh Noor- The lie is like ice, and the truth is like sun. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 15 16 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A lie is short lived like frozen water, and remains only as long as truth is Dçuçò kçáÀçÆuçmç ®ççíyç lçáuçò kçáÀçÆuçmç lçcyçò~ hidden. al1 kulis cob tul1 kulis tamb1. To beat a pumpkin plant (and) to frighten a mulberry tree. DçHççÆ]pçmç kçÀçôþîç kçÀçÆlç~ To express anger on someone actually meant for someone else. apzis kotàh’ kati. The lie doesn’t have knees to stand on. Dçuçò ©JççÆvç Jççbiçvç kçÀ[òv³çd~ A lie doesn’t last for long. al1 ruv1ni vã:gan kad1n’. To sow pumpkins, and get brinjals. Dçyç çÆlç ìçíþ lçò yçyç çÆlç ìçíþ~ To obtain unexpected results. ab ti to:à thà t1 bab ti to: th.à He loves only himself and his father. Dçuçò kçáÀçÆuçmç lçáuçò kçáÀuç yçvççJçávç~ A selfish person doesn’t think beyond himself. al1kulis tul1kul bana:vun. To make a mulberry tree out of a pumpkin plant. Dçcççvçlçmç Kç³ççvçLç~ To make a mountain out of a mole hill. ama:natas khaya:nath To embezzle a deposit. To defile a trust/pledge. Breach of trust. Dçuçò yçç@uçmç vç Dçkçwuç lçò vç cççíLç~ al1b@:las na ak1l t1 na mo:th. DçcççÇ ]pçôçÆJç kç@ÀçÆuçcçò lçò DçcççÇ ]pçôçÆJç jçcç jçcç~ A yoked-bull (an odd person) has neither brains, nor does he die. ami: zevi k@lim1 t1 ami: zevi ra:m ra:m Recitation of qalma (prayer of Muslims) and of Ram Ram (prayer of Hindus) Dçuçvç HçÀuç lçò v³çbovç oççÆvç~ by the same tongue. alan phal t1 nendan da:ni. To change one’s words at a fast pace. He tells you what you want to hear. The plough bears fruit, pruning brings more paddy. It pays to work hard. DçcççÇ HçwJçkçÀò sá o]pççvç ]®ççWiç, lçò DçcççÇ HçwJçkçÀò sá içæsçvç æsd³çlçò~ ami: phOk1 chu daza:n tsõ:g, t1 ami: phOk1 chu gatsha:n tshet1. Dçuçvç nòbçÆo oççÆo Jççbiçòvçvç mçiç~ With a puff of breath the lamp is lighted, and with the same puff it is put out. alan h1ndi da:di vã:gnan sag. Blessing or curse from the same mouth. When pumpkins are watered, brinjals also get watered. He blesses as easily as he curses. Some small people are often benefited when the benefit is given to the big ones. Dç³ç ]pçj çÆ³ç KJçMç çÆ³ççÆ³ç³ç çÆlç kçÀj~ ay zar yi khOš yiyiy ti kar. DçuççÇ kçÀçkçÀòv³çd oçboò nçíj, DçKç vçò Dç]®ççvç içjò, lçò y³ççKç vçò vçíjçvç yçjò~ O money, do whatever you want to do. ali: ka:k1n’ dã:d1 havar, akh n1 atsa:n gar1, t1 b’a:kh n1 ne:ra:n bar1. One can do whatever one wants to do if one has money. Ali’s yoke of oxen: one won’t come in, and the other won’t go out. A poor Money makes the mare go. Money is power. man’s unmanageable family. Opposite nature.

Dçuç kçÀMcççÇj cJçjoò Hçmçbo~ DçMçjHçÀ içJç mçá³ç ³çmç DçMçjHçÀò Dççmçvç~ al kašmi:r mOrd1 pasand. ašraph gav suy yas ašraph1 a:san. The Kashmiris are fond of the dead. The man with gold is a gentleman. Never speak evil of the dead. The rich person is considered noble. Money is power. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 17 18 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS The rich can do no wrong. Dççb®ççj vççôì Dç@çÆkçÀmç Kççôlç lçò yçôçÆ³çmç nçôlç~ ã:ca:r not à @kis khot à t1 beyis hot. Dçmçuççcç DçuçÌkçáÀcç, iççmçò i³ç@[ç çÆo³çlçJç~ One person’s pot of pickles turns good, and another’s rottens. The same job asla:m alaikum, ga:s1 g’@da: diytav. may turn out profitable for one, but unprofitable for another. One man’s Aslam-Alaikum (Greetings, to you), give me a bundle of grass. To be very meat is another man’s poison. selfish. To greet someone only for a favour. Dççocç yççÆmlç Dçboj sá çÆmçj~ DçmçJç vçlçò uçmçJç çÆkçÀLçò Hçç@þîç? a:dam basti: andar chu sir. asav nat1 lasav kith1 p@:tàh’? A secret is (concealed) under the skin of a person. Only humans can keep a If we don’t laugh, how can we live? secret. Man is a mysterious creation. He who laughs lives longer. Dççyçò lçuçò ÞççKç~ Dçmçcççvçmç mçól³çd yçá]p³çd yçá]p³çd içç[ò KçôçÆvç~ a:b1 tal1 šra:kh. asma:nas s1:th’ buz’ buz’ ga:d1 kheni. A dagger hidden in the water. A traitor in the group. To roast fish on sky and to eat them. Dççyçò vç@çÆìmç cçb]pç HçÀìávç~ To talk big. To think too much of oneself. a:b1 n@tisà manz phatun.à To be drowned in a pitcher of water. DççKç n³ç lçò DççôvçLçcç kçw³çç? çÆ³çcçòn³ç lçò K³ççJçònç@cç kçw³çç? To get engrossed in trifles. a:kh hay t1 ontham k’a:? yim1hay t1 kh’a:v1h@:m k’a:? You have come what have you brought for me, and what will you give me if Dççyçmç Dçboj ¬çBÀ[~ I visit you? To be very selfish. a:bas andar kr@nd. A basket in the water. (A basket remains filled with water as long as it is in Dççiçò kçÀjçvç vçíLçòj lçò Hçjpçávç vçò cççvççvç~ the stream. It is empty the moment it is taken out). a:g1 kara:n ne:th1r t1 parzun n1 ma:na:n. To thrive under patronage. The master gets married, but the servant does not accept it. How does it matter if reality is ignored? Dççcçmç mçól³çd nj iç@çÆ³ç, Kççcçmç mçól³çd içjò kçÀ©vç~ a:mas s1:t’ har g@yi, kha:mas s1:t’ gar1 karun. Dççiçò yççô[ Hç@njmç, vççíkçÀj yççô[ Jç@njmç~ To quarrel with a commoner is to live with an inexperienced person. It is a:g1 bod p@hras, no:kar bod v@hras. foolish to pick up a quarrel with someone lower in status. The master is great for a while, but the servant is great for the whole year. The bosses come and go; the subordinates stay on. Dççc³çvç ìçkçw³çvç lççÇuç çÆHçÀ©vç~ a:men tàa:ken ti:l phirun. Dççiçj Kççvç ]®çç³ççJç içiçj JçççÆpç, lççÆlç cçípçmç vçò kçÀçôcç ³çççÆpç~ To pour oil in raw clay pots. To waste one’s efforts on a naive person. a:gar kha:n tsa:ya:v gagar va:ji, tati me:jas n1 kom ya:ji. Agar Khan entered into a rat hole, but he didn’t get even bran cakes there. Dççcçòv³çákçÀ ìçôì~ A rich person may not get everything on asking everywhere. Even the rich a:m1n’uk toà t.à cannot get everything everywhere. A pony of Amun. The story is about a horse which belonged to the village Amun. It is said that whenever a person would ride it, it would run towards a steep slope. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 19 20 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Afraid of the fall, the rider would jump off the horseback and let the horse If it comes, it is golden; if it doesn’t, it was made of grass. Welcome an free. One day a professional rider was called. He rode the horse and the opportunity as it comes; call it a trifle if it doesn’t. Neutral attitude. horse took him to the same slope as usual. The rider did not jump off the horse. Instead lashed it hard. The horse stopped and did not jump on the Dçç uççÆJç Hçb]®ççn lçò vçç uççÆJç uçs~ slope. From that day onwards, the horse did not play this trick.) “a:” lavi pantsa:h, t1 “na” lavi lach. One who makes false excuses. A shirker. ‘Yes’ is worth Rs.50/- and ‘no’ is worth a lakh. Sometimes ‘no’ or refusal of some person is more valid than ‘yes’. Someone’s refusal is more valuable Dçç³çmç vçò Dçç³çámç, MçôçÆ³ç jôl³çd H³çç³çmç, $çô jd³çLç Dç@çÆvçcç çÆkçÀHçÀç³çLç~ than acceptance. Better ‘no’ than “yes’. JçáçÆsJç yçç uçÓkçÀJç Mçcç&oçj êç³çmç, lççíçÆlç çÆscç kçÀjçvç çÆMçkçÀç³çLç~ a:yas n1 a:yus, šeyi ret’ p’a:yas, tre reth @nim kipha:yath. vuchiv ba: lu:kav DççJçuçvçmç cçb]pç ¿çvçò ³çávç~ šar1mda:r dra:yas, to:ti chim kara:n šika:yath. a:vlanas manz hen1 yun. I came (to my in-laws), gave birth to a child just six months after my marriage, To be caught in a whirlpool. To be surrounded by worries all around. and, saved three months. Listen to me, how nice 1 proved to be, even then my in-laws complain against me! To be adamant, and justify one’s misdeeds. Dççmçávç içJç Dçç@jKç, yçáçÆLç H³çþ³ç sá vçvççvç~ a:sun gav @:rakh, buthi pe thay chu nana:n. DçççÆ³ç Jçç@çÆvçmç lçò iç@çÆ³ç kçÀçboçÆjmç~ If one possesses something or is equipped with certain qualities, it is re- a:yi v@:nis t1 g@yi kã:dris. flected from his face just like perspiration on the face. The face is the index Came to visit a shopkeeper, but went to a baker’s shop (instead).(The story of mind. is about Lal Ded, a Kashmiri saint, who wanted to bless a shopkeeper, but blessed a baker instead). Dççmçávç sá nôçÆsvççJççvç, vç Dççmçávç sá cçboòsçJççvç~ To give benefit to someone in place of someone else. a:sun chu hechina:va:n, na a:sun chu mand1cha:va:n. Prosperity teaches one, and poverty puts one to shame. Dççjòc³çd kç@À[ vçò cçápç lçò Hç@ÀkçÀçÇjvç oçí©mç nuçcç~ Prosperity improves one’s personality, adversity cripples it. a:r1m’ k@d n1 muj t1 pheki:ran do:rus halam. The gardener had not yet dug out the radish, when the beggar held the Dççmçcççvçò H³çJç lçò ]pç@cççÇçÆvç uççôiçámç oyç~ alms-bowl in front of him. To ask for the chicken before it is hatched. a:sma:n1 pev t1 z@mi:ni logus dab. One who fell down from the sky, came crashing on the earth. The higher the DçççÆuç çÆo]®ççíJç lçççÆuç i³çJç, ]pççôçÆJç kçÀçô©mç u³çJç lçò u³çJç~ fall the greater the crash. Out of the frying pan into the fire. a:li ditso:v ta:li g’av, zOvi korus 1’av t1 1’av. Ali greased her head with ghee (clarified butter), but the lice licked it up. A Dççmçcççvçò Jç@æs yçuçç³ç lçò Kççvçò iç@jçÇyç kçáÀpçmlç~ futile exercise. Money in the hands of a spendthrift. a:sma:n1 v@tsh bala:y t1 kha:n1 g@ri:b kujast Misfortune descended from the heavens and sought a poor man’s hut. Poor DççJç lçò pççJç sá yçjçyçj~ people suffer even in natural calamaties. a:v t1 ja:v chu bara:bar. When coming or going are alike. A carefree person who bothers neither for Dççb®ççj vççôì, Dç@çÆkçÀmç Kççôlç lçò yçôçÆ³çmç nçôlç~ gain nor loss. ã:ca:r notà @kis khot t1 beyis hot. A pitcher of pickle turns out good for one, and rotten for the other. One DççJç lçò mJçvçòmçábo lçò içJç lçò iççmçáJç~ person loses and another gains in the same business. a:v t1 sOn1sund t1 gav t1 ga:suv. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 21 22 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Dççncç n³ç DççôvçLçcç kçw³çç, çÆ³çcç³ç n³ç çÆoncç kçw³çç? A banglow (is constructed) upon an inch of ground. A baseless matter a:ham hay ontham k’a:, yimay hay dih@:m k’a:? which does not last for long. To build castles in the air. Since you have come, what have you brought for me? If 1 visit your place, what would you give me? A selfish person. DççíKçávç mçç@yç yçç@içjçJççvç ]®ççìò Mçá³ç&vç nòb]pçò ]®JççÆ®ç~ o:khun s@:b b@:gra:va:n tsa:tà1 šuren h1nz1 tsOci. G u The Mulla is distributing the loves of bread brought by his students. To be generous at someone else’s cost. GlççÆvç yçuçççÆ³ç lçálç~ ut1ni bala:yi tut. Dççíj cçò içæs lçò ³çÓ³ç& Jjçuçò~ 1 1 O 1 One innocent person is punished in place of someone else. o:r m gatsh, t yu:r’ v l . One pays for someone else’s fault. Justice miscarried. Don’t go there, and come over here. A mother’s bowl yearns towards her own child. To be selfish. Dççô o kçÀ k Dççôvç kçw³çç ]pçççÆvç Òççívç yçlçò~ on k’a: za:ni pron bat1. çÆkçÀçÆpç H³çþ kçÀçpçJçþ, çÆJççÆuçbçÆpç H³çþ JJçKçáuç~ 1 à 1 à à O A blind person doesn’t know what the white rice looks like. k ji peth ka:j vath, vilinji peth v khul. A blind man is no judge of colours. A stupid person doesn’t know what is A pestle upon a peg, and a mortar upon a clothes line. good or bad. Unorganized system. Impossible things.

Dççôvç KççíçÆ]®ç vçò DççÆvç iççÆì, kçÀçÆvç HçÀçÆì vçò J³çojò ]pççbn~ kçÀò]®³ççícçálç nÓvç ªo o@çÆj³ççJçmç cçb]pç yJççÆ[ Hççvçò, nÓçÆvçmç Dç@çÆ[pç jçíçÆì vçò nçÆì, vççÇkçÀçÇ kç@ÀçÆjLç jççÆJç vçò ]pççbn~ Kççôlç yççôþ lçò yç@çÆjvç uçÓKç~ on kho:tsi n1 anigati,à kani phatià n1 vedr1 zã:h. k1ts’o:mut hu:n ru:d d@riya:vas manz bOdi pa:n1, hu:nis @d?ij ro:tài n1 hati,à ni:ki: k@rith ra:vi n1 zã:h. khot bothà t1 b@rin lu:kh. A blind man will not fear the darkness. A stone will never be broken by ice. If a wet dog remains in river it will drown. If it comes out on the bank, it will A bone will not stick in a dog’s throat. A good deed will never be lost. fling water on the people. A person who doesn’t do good either for himself or for others. Dççôvç oçbo jçJçòjçJççvç mççmçvç oçbovç JçLç~ on dã:d ra:v1ra:va:n sa:san dã:dan vath. kçÀóçÆjmç mçól³çd içjò çÆkçÀLçòkç@Àv³çd kçÀçô©Lç? One blind ox will lead a thousand oxen astray. One fool misleads many çÆ³ç³ç lç@c³çd oçôHçòvçcç çÆlç³ç kçÀçô©cç~ people. “k1:ris s1:t’ gar1 kith1k1n’ koruth ?” “yiy t@m’ dopnum tiy korum.” Dççôj ]pçáJç oçôj kçÀçôþ iç@çÆ³ç yç@[ oçÌuçLç~ “How did you get along with a crooked person?” “Whatever he said, I did.” or zuv dor kotàh g@yi b@d davlath. The only way to live peacefully with a sullen person, is to do as he wants Health is wealth. you to do.

Dççôbiçòuççmç H³çþ yçBiçuçò~ kçÀ@cççÇvçmç Kç@ocçLç çÆs ]pç@cççÇvçmç ®ççíyç~ õglas pethà b@ngl1. k@mi:nas kh1dmath chi z@mi:nas co:b. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 23 24 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS To serve a mean person, is to beat the earth. To serve a mean person is an The work is like a bitch, command it to go away, and it will. unprofitable task. Strong self-determination results in the accomplishment of a job. The work cannot be accomplished if the worker is scolded. kçÀ@u³çd mçábo yççíuç yççíMç ]pççvççvç kç@Àu³çd mçòbÐçd cççíuç cçç@pç~ A workman is afraid to take up a job in the presence of the master, who is k@l’ sund bo:lbo:š za:nan k@l’ s1nd’ mo:1 m@:j. likely to nag him. Only parents understand a dumb person’s speech. kçÀç@çÆnuççí, ]®ççBçÆiçmç çÆo HçwJçKç~ kçÀ@çÆuçmç cçBçÆ[mç KJçoç jç@]p³çd~ Dç@s ìáçÆJçJç, ]®ççWiç içæçÆs æsd³çlçò Hççvç³ç~ k@lis m@ndis khOda: r@:z’. “k@hilo: ts@~:gis di phOkh.” God is pleased with the dumb and the simpleton. God helps a simple hearted “@ch tuviv,à tsõ:g gatshi tshet1 pa:nay.” person. “O lazy fellow, put off the lamp.” “Close your eyes, the lamp will be extinguished of its own.” Laziness is a kçÀ@MççÇçÆj kçÀnç³ç içjò~ curse. k@ši:ri kaha:y gar1. There are only eleven households in Kashmir. A limited option. kçÀlçjò kçÀlçjò sá o@çÆj³ççJç mçcççvç~ katr1 katr1 chu d@riya:v sama:n. kçÀ@MççÇçÆj cçl³ççíJç ÐçJç, Jçáþ ]pçò lçò ]p³çJç~ The river is made up drop by drop. One can save enough, by saving little by k@ši:ri mat’o:và dev, vuthà z1 t1 zev. little regularly. Light gains make a heavy purse. A demon in the form of two lips and a tongue have attacked Kashmir. Ru- mors cause instability (in Kashmir). Gossip is a dominant pastime in Kash- kçÀLç s³ç Dçç@mçmç cçb]pç uççuç, v³çyçj êççÆ³ç lçò iç@çÆ³ç LJçKç~ mir. kath chay @:sas manz la:l, nebar dra:yi t1 g@yi thOkh. The word is a diamond in one’s mouth, the moment it comes out, it becomes kçÀç@çÆ]pçmç lçò uççbæsmç c³çáuç kçw³çç? spittle. Think before you speak. Keep a secret. k@:zis t1 lã:tshas m’ul k’a:? A qazi (a judge who performs marriages) and an eunuch have nothing in kiqa kaoC, vait pkòvaònya common. An uneven association. kathi kotsh, vati pak1v1n’. Bribe for a word, and road toll for the walking. Corruption and maladminis- kçÀç@v³çd Dç@s JçáçÆ]pç kçw³çç vçôboçÆj~ tration. k@:n’ @ch vuzi k’a: nendri. How can a blind eye awake from the sleep? A futile exercise. What cannot kçÀçÆLç mçól³çd nçBçÆþ Üo Jççuçávç~ be cured must be endured. kathi s1:th’ h@~:thià dOd va:lun. To cause milk to flow from the breasts of a barren woman by a word. The kçÀçBçÆmç sç yçáçÆLçmç H³çþ kçÀçv³çJç oHççvç~ power of a word at the command of a cunning person. To achieve something k@:nis cha: buthis pethà ka:n’av dapa:n? impossible merely by the magic of words. Does anyone call a cipher ‘a cipher’ at his face? A stupid person is not called a stupid at his/her face. kçÀçÆvç kçÀHçmç kçÀ[òv³çd~ kani kapas kad1n’. kçÀç@cç iç@çÆ³ç nÓv³çd, oòjò kçÀ©mç lçò iç@çÆ³ç~ To obtain cotton from the stone. An impossible task. k@:m g@yi hu:n’, “d1r1” karus t1 g@yi. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 25 26 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS kçÀvçmç yçlçò uçoávç~ kçÀcçmç sá kçÀcççuç lçò ]pç@çÆjmç sá ]pçJççuç~ kanas bat1 ladun. kamas chu kama:l, t1 ts@ris chu zava:l. To stuff the ear with food. To overfeed someone. Advice to a stupid person The less is good, and the more has a fall. is wasted. Better to be content with less than to aspire for more. kçÀçÆvç içjò yç©vç yç©vç pççvç lçò Jççbiçòpç içjò vçò~ kçÀuçò Hçôþîç mçç@uççyç~ kani gar1 barun ja:n t1 vã:g1j gar1 n1. kal1 peth’ s@:la:b. Better to fill one’s house with stones than to let it out. Tenants do not take A flood over one’s head. Deep in trouble. care of the house. kçÀuçmç çÆlç j]pç lçò vçuçmç çÆlç j]pç~ kçÀçÆvç vçKçò kç@Àv³çd lçò cçô vçKçò vçò kçÀçbn~ kalas ti raz t1 nalas ti raz. kani nakh1 k@n’, t1 me nakh1 n1 kã:h A rope for the head, and a rope for the legs. One stone lies close to another, but there is nobody near to me. To be lonely. A strict watch over someone. Helplessness. kçÀçÆvç HçÀçôuç lçò vçÓvçò HçÀçôuç içJç o@çÆj³ççJçmç~ kçÀçÆvç Hç@Àu³çd oçôHç, yçò iççôuçámç~ kçÀuçmç H³çþ içç@j HçáÀìjç@çÆJçLç Kçôv³çd~ vçÓvçò Hç@Àu³çd Jççôvç, ³çámçá³ç iççôuç lçò mçá³ç iççôuç~ kalas pe th g@:r’ phu t1r@:vith khen’. kani phol t1 nu:n1 phol gav d@rya:vas. kani ph@l’ dop, “b1 golus”. nu:n1 Breaking water nuts on someone’s head and eating them. ph@l’ von, “yusuy gol t1 suy gol”. To make living with difficulty. “ A pebble and a piece of salt fell into the river. The pebble said, “I am To keep the wolf off the door with difficulty. dissolving”. The piece of salt replied; “The one which has (actually) dis- solved has perished.” False complaints. kçÀçÆuç vçÓvç çÆ]pç vçÓvçá³ç, kçÀçÆuç m³ççôvç çÆ]pç m³ççôvçá³ç~ No use to complain as long as others are worse off. kali nu:n zi nu:nuy, kali s’on zi s’onuy. “O dumb one, is it salted?” “Yes it is.” kçÀçÆvç uçi³çç vççj çÆ]pç ]pçç@çÆvçmç çÆ³ççÆ³ç Dççj~ “O dumb one, is it not salted?” “No, it isn’t.” kani lag’a: na:r, zi z@:ni.s yiyi a:r. When no distinction is made. Will the stone burn that the acquaintance should have mercy? Save me from my friends. kçÀçnvç içjçvç kçáÀçÆvç³ç lçç@Jç~ ka:han garan kuniy t@:v. kçÀbomç lçò cçáçÆpç kçáÀvçá³ç mJçço~ Eleven households share one frying pan. kandas t1 muji kunuy sO:d. Acute scarcity. Hard times. The sugar-candy and the raddish taste alike. Sometimes good and bad persons are not distinguished. kçÀçkçáÀvç nçHçálç, cçô $ççJ³ççJç, lç@c³çd $ççíJçámç vçò~ ka:kun ha:put me tra:ya:v t@m’ tro:vus n1. kçÀcç içæçÆs K³ççôvç lçò içcç içæçÆs vçò ¿ççôvç~ Father’s bear. I left him but he did not let me free. To pick up a quarrel with kam gatshi kh’on t1 gam gatshi n1 kh’on. someone and not be able to come out of it. Better to eat less than to worry. Comtentment is bliss. kçÀççÆvç Dç@s mJçjcçò lçò uçbçÆpç ]pçbçÆiç Hçç@pççcçò~ ka:ni @ch sOrm1 t1 lanji zangi p@:ja:m1. Antimony for the blind eye and trousers for the lame leg. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 27 28 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS kçÀççÆvç kçÀçíçÆj kçÀçô©Kç ªvç, lçò Mççôbiçvçmç kçw³çálç iççímç kçáÀþ kçÀçcçòv³çd~ kçÀçJçvç nôsd³ççJç kçÀkçÀòJ³çd mçábo HçkçáÀvç, Hçvçòvçá³ç HçkçáÀvç cççôþámç~ ka:ni ko:ri korukh ru:n, t1 šõgnas k’uth go:s kuthà ka:m1n’ ka:van hecha:v kak1v’ sund pakun, pan1nuy pakun mothus.à The one eyed girl was married, but she could not get a room to sleep in (with A crow learnt to walk like a partridge and forgot its own style of walking. her husband). Misfortune doesn’t go away easily. Solve a problem and Useless imitation. others are born. kçÀçbn vçò kçÀç@cç lçò kçwJçuçòiççícç~ kçÀç³çáj vççj lçò Hç©o ³ççj, çÆ³çcç ÜMçòJç³ç çÆsvçò JJçHçÀçoçj~ kã:h n1 k@:m t1 kOl1go:m. ka:yur na:r t1 parud ya:r, yim dOš1vay chin1 vOpha:da:r. No work in hand still a visit to Kulgam (a town). A pinewood fire and a strange-friend, these two do not last for long. To while away the time. kçÀççÆj KJçoç ]pçççÆvç Kjçoç~ kçÀçnvç kçÀçn Jçlçò~ ka:ri khOda:h za:ni khOda:h. ka:han ka:h vat1. Only God knows His own deeds. Eleven persons take eleven paths. Pulling in diverse directions. Disunity. kçÀçuç sávçò kçÀ[çvç Hç=æsd³ç Hç=æsd³ç Òççvç~ ka:l chun1 kada:n pr1tsh’ pr1tsh’ pra:n. kçÀçnvç kçáÀvçá³ç Mçílççvç~ The death doesn’t kill after seeking permission. ka:han kunuy še:ta:n. Death keeps no calendar. One wicked person is enough for eleven persons. One evil person can spoil many people. kçÀçJç spççíKç mççÆlç mççyççÆvç, lçmç ]®ççôuç vçò Hçvçávç ¬çÀônv³ççj~ ka:v chajo:k sati sa:bni tas tsol n1 panun krehn’a:r kçÀçnvç içjvç kçáÀçÆvç³ç lçç@Jç, ¿çcçLç jç@Jç lçò JçvçJç kçÀmç~ A crow was washed with soap several times, but its own black colour did ka:han garan kuni: t@:v, hemath r@:v t1 vanav kas? not go. It is no use to provide advice to a stupid person. Eleven households share one frying pan. When courage is lost, to whom should one complain to? Time of great disorder and distress. kçÀçJç sá iççìáuç lçò HçvçòvççÇ lççWçÆlç mçól³çd K³çJççvç içòmç~ ka:v chu ga:tàul t1 pan1ni: tõ:ti s1:t’ kheva:n g1s. kçÀçnvç iççJç jç@Jçcçò]®ç~ The crow is wise, but it eats shit with its own beak. ka:han ga:v r@:vm1ts. A wise person also commits errors. Eleven persons have lost their cow. Too many masters cannot manage a simple thing. Disunity in a household. Too many cooks spoil the broth. kçÀçJçò kçÀçJçò kçÀçJçò nLç~ ka:v1 ka:v1 ka:v1 hath. kçÀçnvç oçÇkçÀ®çvç mç³ç, Dç@çÆkçÀmç vçò æsávççvç Jç³ç~ Crow by crow, a hundred crows gather. When there is a quarrel between two ka:han di:kcan say, @kis n1 tshuna:n vay. persons, people gather in no time. One promises to cook eleven pots, but does not put rice even in one. Great promises but little deeds. kçÀçJçò ³çôçÆvçJççíuç~ ka:v1 yenivo:l. kçÀçnvç cçç@u³çd Hç@$çvç kçáÀvçá³ç Þççvçò Hçþ~ A crows wedding party. A bad wedding arrangement. Noise. ka:han m@:l’p@tran kunuy šra:n1path.à One loin cloth for eleven members of a family. Utter distress and poverty. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 29 30 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS kçÀWçÆkçÀ sá oçvç kçÀç@çÆvççÆ³ç H³çþ, $çô cçvç jvççvç lçò Mçô cçvç L³çkçÀçvç~ kçÀávçá³ç ìbiç HççôHç pççvç, HçÀçôlç yç@çÆjLç Kççcç vçò~ ke~:ki chu da:n k@:niyi peth,à tre man rana:n, t1 še man theka:n. içjò Dçbojò®ç mJçvç pççvç, iççcçò DçBojò®ç ]pççcç vçò~ Kehki has her hearth at the top floor; she cooks three kilograms and boasts JJçHçjò mçòb]pç u³çKç pççvç, çÆHçlçò³ç& mçòb]pç Hççcç vçò~ of six. One who shows off. kunuy tangà pop ja:n, phot b@rith kha:m n1. gar1 @ndr1c sOn ja:n, ga:m1 @ndr1c za:m n1. kçÀôbn cçlçò çÆolçcç, kçÀvçò lçuçò çÆvçlçcç~ vOpr1 s1nz lekh ja:n, pit1r’ s1nz pa:m n1. ke~h mat1 ditam kan1 tal1 nitam. A single ripe pear is better than a basket-full of unripe ones. A co-wife in the Don’t give me anything, but lend me your ear. house is better than a husband’s sister living in the same village. A stranger’s One desires that someone should listen to him/her. abuse is better than a cousin’s reproach. kçÀWkçÀò uççÆ®ç sá H³çJççvç [ççÆ³ç iç@³ç& ³çço~ kçÀáj kçáÀj kç@ÀçÆjvç HçvçòçÆvç iççÆj, lçò þÓuç $çç@çÆJçvç uçÓkçÀò nòbçÆo iççÆj~ ke~:klaci chu peva:n da:yi gari ya:d. kur kur k@rin pan1ni gari, t1 thu:là tr@:vin lu:k1 h1ndi gari. A lizard remembers an hour afterwards. Crying ‘kur kur’ (crowing) in one’s own house, and laying eggs in stranger’s One who misses an opportunity. A forgetful person. house. One who helps others and not his own relations. kçÀáv³çd n@j svçò iççÆpç çÆlç o]pççvç~ kçÀáçÆuçmç Kçç@çÆjLç iJç[ò jyç~ kun’ h@r chan1 gaji ti daza:n. kulis kh@:rith gOd1 rab. A single log of wood does not burn even in an oven (fireplace). A single To make someone climb a tree and smear mud on the trunk to make it slip- person cannot do much. It is curs to be alone. pery. To engage someone for some task and then back out. kçÀáçÆvç iççÆyç cçáþîç uçôpç~ kçÀáuç cçáuç sá MçÓyççvç uçbiçJç uçbpçJç mççvç~ kuni gabi muth’à lej. Dççocç sá MçÓyççvç Mçá³ç&Jç cçá³ç&Jç mççvç~ A vessel full of soyabeans for a single sheep. Too much to eat for a single kulmul chu šu:ba:n langav lanjav sa:n person. One who does not share his resources with others. A pampered a:dam chu šu:ba:n šurev mur’av sa:n. child. A tree looks good with its branches and foliage, and a man looks good with his family. kçÀáçÆvç³ç iççÆyç Mççuç~ kuniy gabi ša:l. kçÓÀj iç@çÆ³ç uççíçÆj jçômç H³ççoò~ A lone sheep is always taken away (or killed) by a jackal. ku:r g@yi lo:ri ros p’a:d1. A single person is always in trouble. A daughter is like a runner (herald) without a stick. The runners make demands while showing stick. A daughter makes de- kçÀáçÆvçmç HççíMççvç mçç@jçÇ, kçáÀvç vçò HççíMççvç kçÀçBçÆmç~ mands with no stick in hand. kunis po:ša:n s@:ri:, kun n1 po:ša:n k@~:si. Everyone takes an advantage of a single person, but the single person kçÓÀj s Dççmçvçmç sôvçòjçJççvç lçò vç Dççmçvçmç cçboòsçJççvç~ cannot face anyone. ku:r cha a:snas chen1ra:va:n t1 na a:snas mand1cha:va:n. A daughter decreases the wealth of the rich, and is a cause of shame to the poor. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 31 32 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS kçÓÀj yç[vçmç lçò ]®çíj HçHçvçmç sávçò kçôÀn çÆlç uçiççvç~ Where a mountain is the police officer, and the pine tree the regional head. ku:r badnas t1 tse:r pap1nas chun1 ke~h ti laga:n. Maladministration or misrule. It doesn’t take much time in the growing up of a girl and ripening of an apricot. kçÀçíçÆj u³çKç iç@çÆ³ç lççíçÆj oyç~ kçÓÀjçÇ Jççôvçòcç³ç, vççôMççÇ ]®çò yççí]pç~ ko:ri lekh g@yi to:ri dab. ku:ri: von1may, noši: ts1 bo:z. An abuse to one’s daughter is like a blow from an adz. O daughter, I’m telling you. O daughter-in-law, listen to it. It hurls a lot when one’s daughter is abused. To communicate indirectly. Message communicated to one is meant for someone else. kçÀçíçÆj nábo yçlçò içJç içç@Jç nábo içán~ ko:ri hund bat1 gav g@:v hund guh. kçÀçô[çÆjmç mçól³çd Ün çÆkçÀLçò kçÀçô[áLç~ The food eaten at one’s daughter’s place, is like eating cow dung. çÆ³ç³ç oçôHçvçcç çÆlç³ç kçÀçô©cç~ “kodris s1:t’ dOh kith1 koduth” kçwJçkçÀòj kçÀçÆjní vçç cççvç cçiçj HçÓl³çvç kçw³ççn kçÀçÆj~ “yiy dopnam tiy korum.” kOk1r karihe: na: ma:n, magar pu:ten k’a: kari? “How did you manage to spend the day with the odd person?” The hen would have competed, but would she do to her chicken. One is “Whatever he told me to do, I did.” pulled down by one’s own obligations and compulsions. kçÀçôlçá³ç içæsKç çÆiççÆuç³çí? yçíçÆj yçíçÆj Kççn~ kçwJçkçÀòj lçsçvç lçò HçÓl³çd nôsçvç~ kçÀôní kçÀjçÆvç çÆiççÆuç³çí? þÓuçvç çÆoçÆvç HçÀçn~ kOk1r tacha:n t1 pu:t’ hecha:n. The hen scratches and the chicken learn. The young ones imitate elders. kçÀç@l³ççn çÆs³ç çÆiççÆuç³çí? kçÀçn çÆkçÀvçò yççn~ DçKççn çÆolçò çÆiççÆuç³çí, Hççô$çò cçç]pç n³ç kçÀçbn~ kçwJçkçÀòj oHççvç cçô kçw³çç jçn, yçlçKç þÓuçvç Ðçálçácç HçÀçn~ kçÀôní iççíKç çÆiççÆuç³çí? KJçoç³çvç uççôoáKç jçn~ kOk1r dapa:n me k’a: ra:h, batakh thu:lanà d’utum pha:h. kotuy gatshakh giliye:? be:ri be:ri kha:h. The hen asks,”What is my fault I have just hatched duck’s eggs?” Some- kehe:y karni giliye:? thu:lanà dini pha:h. times one suffers by doing good to others. k@:t’a: chiy giliye:? ka:h kin1 ba:h. akha: dit1 giliye:, pOtr1 ma:z hay kã:h. kçwJç kçÀLç vç³ç lçò kç@Àv³çd kçÀLç kçw³ççn? O kehe:y go:kh giliye:? kh da:yan lodukh ra:h. kOkath nay t1 k@n’ kath k’a:? Where are you going,O water fowl? Along the path to the field. If it is not a gossip, why to say it in someone’s ear (or whisper)? Secrets are What are you going for, O water fowl? To hatch on my eggs. not narrated loudly. How many have you, O water fowl? Eleven or twelve. Give one to me, O water fowl. By my son’s life, I have none. What happened to them, O water fowl? God has held them guilty kçwJçkçÀjvç cJçKlçò skçáÀvç~ kOkran mOkht1 chakun. To scatter pearls for the cocks. To waste good advice on the foolish. kçÀçôçÆyçmç uçLç oJççn~ kobis lath dava:. A kick works as a treatment to a hunch backed person. kçwJçkçÀjmç kçáÀçÆvç³ç ]pçbiç~ kOkras kuni: zang. There is only one leg to the cock. An adamant person. kçÀçôn kçÀçílçJççuç lçò ³çç@j mççíyçòoçj~ koh ko:tva:l, t1 y@:r so:b1 da:r. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 33 34 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS kçwJçkçÀáj içæsd³çç yççn $çKç~ kçwJççÆuç æsòvçávç sá Dççmççvç, lçò Kçç©vç cçáçÆMkçÀuç~ kOkur gatsh’a: ba:h trakh? kOli tshunun chu a:sa:n, t1 kha:run muškil. Will a cock ever weigh sixty kilograms? Can a mean person ever become It is easy to throw anything into the river, but difficult to take it out again. It great? Impossible things. is easier to lose relationships than to build them. kçwJçkçáÀj ³çÓlç J³çþçvç sá, l³çÓlç sá kçÀjçvç çÆvç®ç jd³çKç~ ¬çbÀpççÆuç ¬çbÀpççÆuç Hççív³çd mçç©vç~ kOkur yu:t vetha:nà chu, t’u:t chu kara:n nic rekh. kranjili kranjili po:n’ sa:run. The more a cock fattens, the size of its droppings become smaller. One who To carry water in baskets. A futile exercise. To waste energy. gets richer, becomes more miser. ¬çÀçcç sç Hççcç çÆ]pç ]®çKç çÆ³ççÆ³ç~ kçwJçkçáÀj n³ç KçôçÆ³ç Kççj, lççíçÆlç mçHççÆo vçò Kççj~ kra:m cha: pa:m zi tsakh yiyi. kOkur hay kheyi kha:r, to:ti sapdi n1 kha:r. Is surname a reproach that one should get annoyed? If a cock eats a kharwar (about eighty kilograms), it would not become a kharwar in weight. A person doesn’t become great just by eating a lot. ¬çÀçuçòmçò³ç sá Kççôb[ yççvçò Dççmççvç~ kra:l1s1y chu khõd ba:n1 a:sa:n. kçwJçkçáÀj n³ç Lçç@J³ç]p³çvç cJçKlçò [íjmç, lççÆlç çÆlç nôçÆ³ç lçsávç~ A potter has a broken vessel for his own use. An unusual thing. kOkur hay th@:vizen mOkht1 de:ras, tati ti heyi tachun. If a cock is kept on a heap of pearls, it will start scratching there also. One ¬çÀánávç Dççôyçáj içjò içjò kçÀjí, sçôlç Dççôyçáj ojí vçò ]pççbn~ does not give up one’s habit so easily. kruhun obur gar1 gar1 kare:, chot obur dare: n1 zã:h. The black cloud will only thunder, the white cloud will never stop raining. kçwJçkçÀçÆj nòbçÆ]pç uççÆlç çÆsvçò HçÓl³çd cçjçvç~ The black clouds do not bring rain. kOkri h1nzi lati chin1 pu:t’ mara:n. Chickens do not die by the hen’s kick. Children don’t die by the mother’s ¬çÀánávç yçìò, sçôlç [Ócç, lçò JJç]pçáuç cçámçuçcççvç~ curses. Mother’s curse is a blessing. kruhun batà1, chot du:m, t1 vOzul musalma:n. A black complexioned Hindu, a fair complexioned cobbler, and a brown kçwJççÆuç kçÀçpçJçþ KççÆmç vçò nçôKç~ Muslim are deceitful characters. kOli ka:jvathà khasi n1 hokh. The pestle will not come dry out of the river. Kç kh kçwJççÆuç Kççôlçò kçwJçuç mço&~ KçòocçLç s Dç]pçcçLç~ kOli khOt1 kOl sard1y. kh1dmath cha azmath. Rivers are colder one after the other. One who attains bad experiences one Service is greatness. after the other. KçBoîç uçomç Kççôbo Hçlç³ç~ kçwJçuççÇ ûç]pççvç kçÀJç³ç sKç? Dççiçáj JçáçÆsLç~ kh@~d’ ladas khõd patay. kOli: graza:n kavay chakh? a:gur vuchith. A hurt person is hurt over and over again. The misfortunes do not come “O river, why are you roaring? “On seeing my source.” alone. The importance of background. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 35 36 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Kç@çÆjmç jçpç [ç³çvç iç³ç&vç~ Kçj K³çvç³ç Kçj KççJç~ kh@ris ra:j da:yen garen. khar khenay khar kha:v. A wicked man’s reign lasts for an hour. One is called an ass eater, without having eaten ass flesh. A false charge or blame. A false accusation. Kçç@jò vçò yççíiç lçò Mçjò~ kh@:r1 n1 bo:g t1 šar1. Kçj HçÓçÆlçmç içá³ç& HçÓlç Hçôþîç Jçç@v³çd~ No share in the good, but in the evil. A good friend. khar pu:tis gur’ pu:t peth’và @:n’. Asking a colt as a gift for buying a foal. Kçç@jmç lçç@çÆpçuç lçò v³çç³çmç lçç@lççÇuç~ kh@:ras t@:jil t1 n’a:yas t@:ti:l. Kçjò yJço ]®ç@çÆuçvç³ç lçò JççÇoò yJço uç@çÆiçvç³ç~ Be quick to do good, but slow to quarrel. khar1 bOd ts@linay, t1 ve:d1 bOd l@ginay. May bad knowledge (an ass’s understanding) flee from you, and the Vedic Kçç@jçlçmç sá yçpçj~ knowledge (good knowledge) come to you! A blessing for the child about kh@:ra:tas chu bajar. to start education. The greatness is in giving away alms (or helping the poor). Kçjmç vççj lçò vçjmç Kçj~ Kçç@©kçÀ iççícç lçmçuççÇn ®çççÆvç, Mçjò çÆvççÆMç jslçcç KJçoççÆ³ç~ kharas nar t1 naras khar. kh@:ruk go:m tasleh ca:ni, šar1 niši rachtam khOda:yi. An ass for a human being and a human being for an ass. I do not ask for blessings or good, but O God! save me from wickedness. An uneven couple. Marriage of inconvenience.

Kçç@çÆMç ]pçvç H³çþò kçÀçÆvç, Kçç@çÆMç cço& mçj iço&vç~ Kçjmç Kçmçvçò vçò cçbosçvç, Kçjmç Kçj Kçj kçÀjvçmç cçbosçvç~ kh@:ši zan petàh1kani, kh@:ši mar1d sar garden. kharas khasn1 n1 mandchun, kharas khar khar karn1 mandchun. A woman’s relations are respected, but not of a man’s. Not to feel ashamed of riding a donkey, and to feel ashamed in scratching it. Not to feel shy in using a particular item, but to feel shy in maintaing it. KççÆcç ní içáj lçò Kçcççvç s içávçò~ khamihe: gur t1 khama:n cha gun1. Kçjmç Kç@çÆmçLç lçò yçáLç HçLç kçáÀvç kç@ÀçÆjLç, It could be genuine for horses to complaint, but (instead of horses) com- kçÀçuçò®çvç cççôbiçòvçKç Kçjòn@vç HçÀçÇçÆjLç~ plaints are made by the load sacks (or saddle bags). kharas kh@sith t1 buth path kun k@rith, ka:lcan mongnakh khar1han phi:rith. Kçj kçw³ççn ]pçççÆvç ]pççHçÀjçvçò®ç kçÀoòj~ One rides the ass with his face towards the tail. And in the evening asks for khar k’a: za:ni za:phra:n1c kad1r? an ass from them. A shameless fellow. An ass does not know the importance of saffron. A stupid person does not know the importance of quality. Kçjmç Kçjò Kçj~ò kharas khar1 khar1. Kçj çÆkçÀjççÆ³ç Dçç@Mçvçç³ççÇ kçw³ççn? A comb for the donkey. To honour or praise one not worthy of. khar kira:yi @:š1n@:yi: k’a:? While paying the hiring charges of an ass, one’s relations should not come Kçjmç iççíj DççHç©vç~ in. One shouldn’t be hesitant in claiming labour charges for work done for kharas go:r a:prun. relations or somebody else for that matter. To feed jaggery to an ass. To give advice to a stupid person. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 37 38 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Kçjmç iççíj ³çççÆpç~ it. kharas go:r ya:ji. A jaggery-bread for the donkey. A good advice to a stupid. K³çvçò K³çJççvç lçò J³çvçò [ç@u³çd [ç@u³çd~ khen1 kheva:n t1 ven1 d@:l’ d@:l’. Kççvçòcçç@çÆuçmç vçò kçÀçípç lçò Hçj]pçvçmç çÆcçcçá]pç~ Someone is eating his meals, as though picking vena (a kind of green) plant. kha:n1m@:lis n1 ko:j t1 parzanas mimuz. To pretend disinterest while eating. No breakfast for the dear son, but a luncheon for the stranger. To show superficial disinterest in getting favours.

Kççvçò cççpçvç lççvçò yççiç³ç~ Kçôv³çd c³ç@ì, vçç@u³çd ]pç@ì iç@çÆ³ç yç@[ oçÌuçLç~ kha:n1 ma:jen ta:n1 ba:gay. khen’ met,à n@:l’ z@t,à g@yi b@d davlath. A pampered girl (who is brought up with a lot of care and affection), may not Something to eat and something to wear is a big wealth. get a husband of her choice. K³çvçò cçb]pçò JJçkçáÀmç~ Kççvçò cççu³çvç s Dççvçò cççvç³ç içæsçvç~ khen1 manz vOkus. kha:n1 ma:len cha a:n1 ma:nay gatsha:n. Unnecessary conflict in eating (together). An unnecessary quarrel in the The children brought up with a lot of care and affection, (often) face acute family. problems. K³çvçò Jççíuçá³ç KçôçÆ³ç lçò K³çççÆJç~ Kççvçò cççu³çvç vçò kçÀçípç lçò HçjÐçvç mççuç~ vç K³çvçò Jççíuç kçw³çç KçôçÆ³ç lçò K³çççÆJç? kha:n1 ma:len n1 ko:j t1 parden sa:l. khen1vo:luy kheyi t1 kh’a:vi. There is not enough food for one’s own children, outsiders are invited over na khen1vo:l k’a: kheyi t1 kh’a:vi? a feast. One who knows how to eat, will eat and also feed others. The one who doesn’t know how to eat, will neither eat himself nor can feed others. Kççvçòoçj içJç Lççvçòoçj~ kha:n1da:r gav tha:n1da:r. K³çvçò c³çÓþ lçò nçí©vç ìîççôþ~ The head of the family is like a police officer. khen1 m’u:thà t1 ho:run t’oà th.à It is the responsibility of the head of the family to take care of everyone. Sweet to the taste, but bitter to pay for.

K³ççJçávç sávçò jçJççvç~ K³çcçmç Kççj lçò nçíjmç vçò nçj~ kh’a:vun chun1 ra:va:n. khemas kha:r t1 ho:ras n1 ha:r. Feeding someone does not go waste. I will usurp his kharwar and will not pay a penny. A selfish person. K³çlçç cçuçç kçWÀæsç, DççT]pç çÆyçuçç. çÆolçç cçuçç kçWÀæsç, vççT]pç çÆyçuçç~ Kçí Kçí iççícçálç içç@m³çd, cççílçò®ç smç vçò Kçyçj~ kheta: mala: ke~:tsha:, a:u:z bila:. khey khey go:mut g@:s, mo:t1c chas n1 khabar. dita: mala: ke~:tsha:, nau:z bila:. One who has become lustful only by keeping on eating, and is not aware “O Mulla, eat something.” “Let me pray to God.’ about the death. “O Mulla, give me something.” “God defend us.” A selfish person who is ready to accept hospitality, but hesitant in offering A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 39 40 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Kçô içç@Jç iççmçò, ojcçòçÆkçÀ Hççmçò~ “Who are you afraid of?”’My mohalladar (head of the mohalla or locality).” khey g@:v ga:s1, darm1ki pa:s1. One is afraid of one’s own people. O cow, eat grass for the sake of dharma. KJçpçò sá KçáMççÇ kçÀjçvç çÆ]pç vçô®çáJç sácç iççìáuç~ K³çJççvç Hççvçmç lçò L³çkçÀçvç pçnçvçmç~ vçô®çáJç sámç Hççcçò çÆoJççvç çÆ]pç cççíuç sácç yçíkçÀòuç~ kheva:n pa:nas t1 theka:n jaha:nas. khOj1 chu khoši: kara:n zi necuv chum ga:tul.à Eating to oneself, and boasting to the world. necuv chus pa:m1 divan zi mo:l chum be:k1l. A selfish person. The khwaja is happy thinking that his son is wise. And the son reproaches his father for the latter’s foolishness. KçáçÆjmç JçççÆlç cççônv³çáJç lçò MçáçÆjmç vçò~ khuris va:ti m@hn’uv t1 šuris n1. KJçpçò sá HçLçò³ç, lçò ìçJç JççôLç yç´çWþá³ç~ One can solve a knotty problem, but not the problems of a child. It is not khOj1 chu path1y, t1 ta:và voth brõ:thuy.à easy to handle a child. The khwaja is much behind, but the news of his arrival has reached ahead. News about highly placed persons travels fast. News beforehand. KçÓbçÆlçmç H³çþ KçÓblç~ khu:tis pethà khu:t. KJçpçç ]®çò çÆlç çÆ³çKç vçò, yçò çÆlç mçcçKç³ç vçò ]pççbn~ Injury after an injury. Misfortunes never come alone. khOja: ts1 ti yikhn1, b1 ti samkhay n1 zã:h. O khwaja, neither you will come, nor shall I see you again. K³ççôvç içæçÆs l³çálçá³ç ³çáLç yçôçÆ³çmç KJçMç çÆ³ççÆ³ç~ To part company once for all. kh’on gatshi t’utuy yuth beyis khOš yiyi. One must eat only as much as is pleasing to others. KJçpçò çÆlç cçÓo, lçò ]®ççmç çÆlç yçuçíçÆ³ç~ khOji ti mu:d, t1 tsa:s ti bale:yi. K³ççôvç ®ççôvç sá Hççvçmç Hççvçmç, Hççcç s yçç@iççÆjLç~ The khwaja died, and his cough was cured. Death puts an end to all the kh’on con chu pa:nas pa:nas, pa:m cha b@:grith. ailments. Death ends all the ailments. When it comes to eating, everyone is separate and when it is to share a blame, all become partners. KJçpçò y³çÓþ Jççvç lçò uçôpçJç mççvç~ People eat as individuals and unite in sharing blames. khOj1 b’u:tàh va:n t1 lejav sa:n The khwala (shopkeeper) opened a shop along with all his earthen vessels. K³ççôvç Ðçávç HJçuççJç, lçò DçLçò suçávç içç@Jç cçòLçòj~ A bad business. kh’on d’un pola:v, t1 ath1 chalun g@:v m1thr1. Giving pula:v (a special dish) to eat, and offering cow urine for washing KJçpçò cJçcçòv³çd þÓuç, kçÀçn nôv³çd lçò yççn kçÀòvçòv³çd~ hands. To wash away the good done by an abuse or a misdeed. khOj1 mOm1n’ thu:l,à ka:h hen’ t1 ba:h k1n1n’. Khwaja Mohammad’s eggs, buying at the rate of cleven and selling at the Kççôj n³ç DçççÆmç çÆyçuçkçáÀuç mççHçÀ, lççíçÆlç Dççmçvçmç nLç Hçw³çHçÀj~ rate of twelve. A business at loss. A bad business. khor hay a:si bilkul sa:ph, to:ti a:snas hath phephar. If a scabby head is clean, still there will be hundred pimples. KJçpçò mçç@yçç, iççcç v³çÓnçí³ç~ DççÆmç $ççíJç Hççvç³ç~ “khOj1 s@:ba:, ga:m n’uho:v.” “asi tro:v pa:nay.” KççíHçÀ kç@Àc³çd mçábo sá³ç? HçvçòçÆvçmç cç@nuçòoçjò mçábo~ “O khwaja, your village has been taken away from you.” “kho:ph k@m’ sund chuy?” “pan1nis mohl1da:r1 sund.” “I have given it up on my own.” To reconcile with the loss. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 41 42 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS KJçpçç çÆomçç@ yçlçò~ mçá lçáuççvç Hççvçò Hç@Lçjò~ The cow has said, “Give me by the throat (feed me), and I’ll give you by the “khOja: dis@: bat1.” su tula:n pa:n1 p@thr1. tail (i.e. I will supply milk).” “O khwaja, give me food.” He himself picks it up from the ground. To ask for Feed a cow well, and it will give you milk. The more you feed a cow the more help from someone who needs it himself. To seek help from a helpless per- milk you will get. son. içç@Jç cççj yççí]pççvç mçç@jçÇ, oçboò cççj vçò yççí]pççvç kçÀçbn~ KJçoç sá þÓuçmç ]pçáJç çÆoJççvç~ g@:v ma:r bo:za:n s@:ri:, dã:d1 ma:r n1 boza:n kã:h. khOda: chu thu:lasà zuv diva:n. Strike a cow and everyone will sympathize with it, but strike an ox and God puts life in an egg. God gives life to a lifeless thing. nobody will say a word. A woman gets sympathy more easily than a man. KJçoççÆ³ç mçòb]pç Kç@j lçò vçç@çÆ³çoò mçòb]pç ]®³çHçÀ~ khOda:yi s1nz kh@r t1 n@:yd1 s1nz tseph. iççBþ kçw³çç ]pçççÆvç Hçç@]pçò mçábo çÆMçkçÀçj~ God has given the scab, and the barber causes a wound (in it). One misery g@~:thà k’a: za:ni p@:z1 sund šika:r. followed by another. Calamity followed by catastrophe. Misfortunes never What does a kite know of the prey of a hawk? come alone. iççBþ kçw³çç ]pçççÆvç yç®çò oçío, lçò nçBþ kçw³çç ]pçççÆvç HJç$çò oçío~ KJçjvç vçò ¸ççJç lçò Hçocççvç vççJç~ g@~:thà k’a: za:ni baci do:d, t1 h@~:tàh k’a: za:ni pOtr1 do:d. khOran n1 khra:v t1 padma:n na:v. What does a kite know about the pain of its prey (i.e. chicken)? What does Not even wooden shoes to wear for her feet, yet she is called Padmani (a a barren woman know the pangs of child’s birth? queen). A false prestige. iççBþ vçò kçáÀçÆvç lçò iççBçÆì Dççíuç~ iç g g@~:thà n1 kuni t1 g@~:tà1 o:l. The kite is nowhere, but there is a kite’s nest. Building a stable, before obtaining a horse. içç@v³çd yçáçÆ[ lçò ³çBoòj kçÀçÆlç~ g@:n’ budi t1 yend1r kati. When a prostitute becomes old, she spins the wheel. içiçáj Kççí]®ççvç yç´ç@çÆjmç, yç´çíj Kççí]®ççvç nÓçÆvçmç~ @ An appropriate profession at an appropriate time. gagur kho:tsa:n br :ris, bro:r kho:tsa:n hu:nis. A mouse is afraid of a cat, and a cat is afraid of a dog. No one is fearless. Everyone has someone superior above him. içç{ s o@çÆj³ççJçmç Dçboj $çíçÆMç yççHçLç cçjçvç~ g@:d cha d@rya:vas andar tre:ši ba:path mara:n. The fish dies of thirst in the water. içiçáj sá kçÀjçvç yç´ç@çÆjmç uççj~ gagur chu kara:n br@:ris la:r. The mouse is chasing away the cat. Something unusual. içç@Jç ]pççJç Jççôæs, mçá³ç cçô iççôæs~ g@:v za:v votsh, suy me gotsh. The cow bore a calf, which I would like to have. içiçáj ]®ççJç uç@kçÀçÆj yççÆvç, ¿çLç kçw³çç ]®ççJç çÆ]pç K³çLç êçJç~ @ To be greedy. gagur tsa:v l kri bani, heth k’a: tsa:v zi kheth dra:v. A rat entered a pile of wood. What did it take with it, and what did it eat and came out with? Nothing. An attempt in futility. içç@Jç sá Jççôvçcçálç, nçÆì çÆkçÀv³çd çÆolçcç lçò uççÆì çÆkçÀv³çd çÆocç³ç~ g@:v chu vonmut à hatià kin’ ditam t1 latià kin’ dimay. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 43 44 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS içiçáj JççôLç yç´ç@çÆjmç KçôçÆvç~ To run a household demands continuous hard work. gagur voth br@:ris kheni. A mouse attacks a cat. When a weak person attacks a strong one. A knight içjò içáb[ò~ attacked by a wreck. gar1 gu~d1. The bully in the house. One who cannot achieve much out of his house. A içá³ç&vç vçò HççíMççvç, u³ç@]pç yçv³çvç ®ççíyç~ boastful person. gur’an n1 po:ša:n, l’@z banen co:b. One who is not able to restrain horses, beats the dunghill. içj]pç cçbo sá oíJççvçò~ One who cannot argue with the strong persons, shows anger on the weaker garzmand chu de:va:n1. ones. A selfish person is mad. içiçáj nôçÆkçÀ vçò DççÆ]®çLç HçvçòçÆvç JçççÆpç, Hçlçò ¿çLç cçççÆpç~ içjò Jçbo³ç içjò mççmçç, yçjò v³çyçj vçíj³ç vçò ]pççbn~ gagur heki n1 @tsith pan1ni va:ji, pat1 heth ma:ji. gar1 vanday gar1 sa:sa: , bar1 nebar ne:ray n1 zã:h. The rat cannot itself enter into its hole, still it takes its mother along with. O home, I would sacrifice a thousand houses on you, and would never step Hardly enough for one, and yet two or more want to share it. out of the door. No place like home. East or West, home is the best. içiçjç³çvç sávçò ªo~ gagra:yan chun1 ru:d. içjmç cçb]pç içbiçç~ The thundering does not cause rain. garas manz gangs:. Barking dogs seldom bite. Empty vessels make much noise. Ganges in one’s own house. Everything available at home. iççÆpç mçÓj kçÀçô[ácç, HççÆpç mçÓj uççôoácç lçò $ççíJçácç, iç@³çcç $çô kçÀççÆcç~ uççuçò Jçá]pçòvççíJçácç, Üoò oçcç ®ççíJçácç lçò Hçlçò yçôçÆ³ç mççíJçácç, iç@³çcç Mçô kçÀççÆcç~ iççÆj içìò lçò cç@MççÇçÆo ]®ççWiç~ à1 1 @ gaji su:r kodum, paji su:r lodum t1 tro:vum, g@yam tre ka:mi. gari gat t m ši:di tsõ:g. la:l1 vuz1no:vum, dOd1 da:m co:vum t1 pat1 beyi so:vum, g@yam še ka:mi. Darkness in the home, but a light in the mosque. I took out ashes from the fireplace, put them in a basket, and then threw Darkness in the hearth and light in the church. them away: I have done three things. I woke up the baby, gave him a little milk, and then put him to sleep again. I have performed six jobs. iççÆj Ðçávç lçò ]pçç@çÆcçvç vçò Dç]®çávç~ 1 @ 1 To pretend to be busy. As busy as a hen with one chicken. gari d’un t z :min n atsun. It is better to give something from one’s own than to stand surety to anyone. iççÆyç yçáçÆLç jçcçò nÓvç~ gabi buthi ra:m1 hu:n. iççÆj Hçôþîç ]pççcçlçáj, yçjò H³çþò nÓvç~ A sheep in appearance, but a wolf at heart. gari petàh1 za:mtur, bar1 pethà 1 hu:n. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. A son-in-law who lives with his in-laws is like a dog at the door. içjò içJç ]®çkçÀò vççJç, okçÀò çÆo³ç çÆo³ç HçkçÀòvççJç~ iççÆj vçÓvç lççÇuç Dççmçávç~ gar1 gav tsak1 na:v dak1 diy diy pak1na:v. gari nu:n ti:l a:sun. The home is like a turf-boat, which is driven ahead by constant roving and To have salt and oil at home. pushing. Availability of bare necessities at home. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 45 46 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS iççÆj JççÆj oiççÆvç~ I should not have come out of my house. gari vari dagni. When one doesn’t get better food at other’s place. To pound spices in the house. A coward. One who is afraid to come out of the house. içjò Jçbo³ç içjò mççmçç, yçjò vçíj³ç vçò ]pççbn~ vçlçò kçÀj³ç [áyçò [çmçç, HçÀçÇçÆjLç çÆ³çcç³ç vçò ]pççbn~ i³çJç K³çJççvç lçò içjoçÆvç kçáÀvç DçLçò uççiççvç~ gar1 vanday gar1 sa:sa:, bar1 ne:ray n1 zã:h. 1 1 g’av kheva:n t gardani kun ath la:ga:n. nat1 karay dub 1 da:sa:, phi:rith yimay n1 zã:h While eating ghee, feeling the neck with hand (to see if he is getting fat). My home! 1 may sacrifice a thousand homes on you, and would not come One who is very impatient to know the effect of the treatment which has just out of your door. Or, I would destroy you totally, and would never retum to begun. you. Two extremes of the like and dislike for the home.. i³çJçò nç lçò i³çJç K³çJç yç´ç@³ç&~ The home is sweet as long as it provides comfort. g’av1 ha: t1 g’av khyev br@:r’. I would sing but the cat has eaten my ghee. (The word g’av means ‘to sing’ as well as ‘clarified butter’.) To make a lame i³çJç K³çvç³ç svçò içjovç cJçìçvç~ excuse for one’s incompetence. g’av khenay chan1 gardan mOta:n.à A bad worksman quarrels with his tools. One’s neck doesn’t get fat without eating ghee (clarified butter). A person who takes bribes. iççìò sç vççìò, yçç]pçjò nôçq]pç cç@u³çd~ ga:tà1 cha: na:tà1, ba:zr1 hezi m@l’. içççÆvç jçíJç ªvç, kçÀçÆcç Mççn©kçÀ~ The wisdom is not like mutton, which can be bought from the market. Wis- ga:ni ro:v ru:n, kami ša:hruk. dom cannot be purchased. A prostitute lost her husband. Who knows of which city? When whereabouts are not easily traced. içççÆ[ sá Dççyçò cçb]pçò³ç $çíçÆMç nábo lçcççn~ ga:di chu a:b1 manz1y tre:ši hund tama:h. iççJç çÆlç ®ççJçávç lçò Jççôæs çÆlç jb]pçòvççJçávç~ A fish craves for water in the river itself. ga:v ti ca:vun t1 votsh ti ranz1na:vun. Milk the cow, and also keep the calf satisfied. iççcç sá Kççcç~ To enjoy and let others also enjoy. ga:m chu kha:m. The village is raw (not a place to get all what one would like to have). Rural iççJç çÆoçÆ³ç vçò lçò Jççôæs ®çôçÆ³ç vçò~ life is full of hardships. ga:v diyin1 t1 votsh ceyi n1. The cow will not give (milk), and the calf will not suck it. iç@jçÇyçmç iççôyçáj ]pççJç, Dççôvçávç kçÀçÆlç~ g@ri:bas gobur za:v. onun kati? A son was born to a poor man. People asked, “Where from did he bring içáj yççÆ[ mççívç, oçvçò KçôçÆ³ç ®ççívç~ 1 him.” A poor man’s happiness in not relished. gur badi so:n, da:n kheyi co:n. A pauper’s prosperity puzzles all. Our horse will grow big, and will eat your grain. To derive benefit at other’s cost. iççÆj çÆlç nçKç, HççÆj çÆlç nçKç, vççnkçÀ³ç ]pçáJçò iççÆj êçKç~ gari ti ha:kh, pari ti ha:kh, na:hkay zuva: gari: dra:kh. içá³ç&vç vçò HççíMççvç, u³ç]pç yçv³çvç ®ççíyç~ The same swede (a green vegetable) at my own house, the same in another’s. guren n1 po:ša:n lez banen co:b. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 47 48 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS When one cannot control the horses, one beats the dung hill. To take the brought for it) behind one’s back. revenge of the strong from the weak. Someone who is shy in asking for a favour. içáj Kç@çÆmçLç, ]®ççoj cçBçÆ[Lç lçò iççJç Òç@çÆmçLç~ içá³ç& sá oçôHçcçálç, KçmçòJçòçÆvçmç KççjLç, JçmçòJçòçÆvçmç Jççuçlçcç~ gur kh@sith, tsa:dar m@~dith, t1 ga:v pr@sith. gur’ chu dopmut à khasv1nis kha:rath, vas1v1nis va:ltam. The horse can be assessed after riding it, the quality of the blanket can be The horse has said, “I will help you to go up the steep, but you lead me assessed after shrinking it by washing, and the cow can be assessed after it down the slope”. has given birth to a calf. It is easier for the horse to climb uphill than to go downhill. Gold is tested in fire; man’s courage is tested in misery; and horse is tested by riding. içá³ç&vç uçç@çÆiçKç vççuç lçò Kçj iç@çÆ³ç Hç[j oç@çÆjLç~ guren l@:gikh na:l t1 khar g@yi padar d@:rith. içáj sávçò K³çJççvç Hçô]®ç, ³çôçÆuç smç yJççÆs uçiççvç, lçôçÆuç sá K³çJççvç cçô]®ç~ Iron shoes were fixed on horses, and donkeys also lifted their hoofs for it. gur chun1 kheva:n pets, yeli chas bOchi laga:n, teli chu kheva:n mets. When a weak person considers himself/herself at par with strong person. The horse does not eat the bulrush, but at the time of hunger it will eat clay. The hunger doesn’t wait for tasty food. Hungry stomach needs no dainties. içÓj oH³çç çÆ]pç c³ççívç Üo sá ]®ççôkçÀ~ gu:r dap’a: zi m’o:n dOd chu tsok. içáj, ]pçvççvçò lçò MçcçMççÇj, çÆ³çcç $çôvçòJç³ç çÆs yçíJçHçÀç~ Will the milkman ever say that his milk is sour? gur, zana:n t1 šamši:r, yim tren1vay chi bevapha: Everyone speaks high of himself. Self praise is no recommendation. A horse, a woman, and a sword, all the three are not loyal. içÓ³ç& iççÆj sç Jççôæs jçJççvç~ içáj J³çþçvç ®ççívç, oçvçò K³çJççvç c³ççívç~ gu:r’ gari cha: votsh ra:va:n? gur vetha:nà co:n, da:n1 kheva:n m’o:n. Is a calf ever lost in a milk vendor’s house? Your horse is becoming fat by eating my grain. To live on other’s expense. içÓ³ç& JççônJçvçò sç Jççôæs cçjçvç~ içáçÆj mçJçç@³ç& lçò Kçj®çò DçlçòiçLç~ gu:r’ vohvn1 cha: votsh mara:n? guri sav@:r’ t1 kha:rci at1gath. Does a calf die as a result of milk vendor’s curse. Mare for riding, useless run for the foal. (Mare is used for a ride and unnecessary expenses are to be incurred on the foal). The foal runs along with the iççôì vç³ç DçççÆmç, iççMç kçÀmç yçççÆmç~ mare for nothing. got à nay a:si, ga:š kas ba:si. If there is no darkness, how will one feel the light? içáçÆjmç vçò Hç@l³çd, cJçkçÀocçmç vçò yç´Óbþîç, lçò mçò]®çmç vçò o@çÆsv³çd~ guris n1 p@t’, mOkdamas n1 bru:tàh’, t1 s1tsas n1 d@chin’. ûçóm³çd sá Jççôvçcçálç, cçô iç@æsd³ç Dççmçòv³çd ]pçò KJçoç, Dç@çÆkçÀmç Jçvçònç@ Hççô]pç lçò No one should go behind the horse (it might kick him), in front of the village yçôçÆ³çmç DçHçá]pç~ headman (who might ask him to do some work for him), and on the right gr1:s’ chu vonmut à me g@tsh’ a:s1n’ z1 khOda:, hand side of a tailor (whose needle may prick him). @kis van1h@: poz, t1 beyis apuz. The peasant has said, “I wish I had two Gods, so that I would tell truth to içájmçmç cçç@uç, ]®ççô[ ¿çLç Hçlçò kçÀçÆvç~ one, and lie to other.” gursas m@:l, tsod heth pat1 kani. One wants to have buttermilk, but has hidden the pot (which has been A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 49 50 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS iJç[ò içJç Hççvçmç, Hçlçò içç@j ]pççvçmç~ iççôyçj sç uJçyçj çÆ]pç iç@çÆ³ç içÓçÆjmç çÆvççÆMç lçò Dç@v³çd~ gOd1 gav pa:nas, pat1 g@:rza:nas. gObar cha: lObar zi g@yi gu:ris niši t1 @n’. First for self, then for the stranger. Charity begins at home. Sons are not (like) cow dung cakes, which can be brought from the cowherd. Sons are not so easily obtained. Sons are precious. iJç[ò uççíçÆjnôvç, Hçlçò kçÀçíçÆjnôvç~ gOd1 lo:riha:n t1 pat1 ko:riha:n. ûçóm³çd kçÀçj içJç çÆpçvçò kçÀçj~ First one asks for your walking stick, and then asks for your daughter. To gr1:s’ ka:r gav jin1 ka:r. make new demands after the old ones are met. A peasant’s work is like devil’s work. A peasant’s profession is very difficult. iJç[ò ³ç[ Dçoò Lçj~ gOd1 yad ad1 thar. ûçóm³çd sô çÆo]®çcçò]®ç Mçílççvçmç yçç@]p³çd~ First food for the stomach, and then clothes for the body. gr1:s’ cha ditsm1ts še:ta:nas b@:z’. A peasant has deceived even the satan. iJç[òçÆvç®ç kçwJçuç³ç s³ç jóv³çd cç@]®çò³ç, oçôçÆ³çcç kçwJçuç³ç s³ç lççíçÆlç kçWÀæsç, $çôçÆ³çcç A peasant is very cunning. kçwJçuç³ç s³ç lçççÆuç cçkçÀ]®çò³ç~ gOd1nic kOlay chay r1:n’ m@ts1y, doyim kOlay chay to:ti ke~:tsha:, treyim ûçóm³çdçÆlçmç vç³ç HçÀçjmççÇ lççôiç, cçç©vç Jççílç vçò~ kOlay chay ta:li makts1y. gr1:s’tis nay pha:rsi: tog, ma:run vo:t n1. The first wife is mad for her husband. The second wife, has something good If a peasant doesn’t know Persian, he is not liable to be killed for it. Every- in her, but the third wife is like an axe on the head. one has his limitations. Perfection is an attribution to God alone. iJç[çÆvç®ç kçwJçuç³ç s³ç nçÇ lç³ç ]pççÇ, oçôçÆ³çcç kçwJçuç³ç s³ç iççÆj iççÆj êò³ç, $çôçÆ³çcç kçwJçuç³ç ]®çìçvç mçácçò lçò kç@Àoòuç, ]®çÓçÆjçÆcç yçouç uççÆiç vçò kçÀçbn~ ®ç c gOd1nic kOlay chay hi: tay zi:, doyim kOlay chay gari gari dr1y. treyim kOlay tsata:nà sum1 t1 kad1l, tsu:rimi badal lagi n1 kã:h. ®çç@çÆvçmç nçkçÀmç sávçò HççKç çÆovçákçÀ nçpçLç~ The first wife is a jasmine and income. The second wife swears often by c@:nis ha:kas chun1 pa:kh dinuk ha:jath. your name. The third wife cuts bridges and bunds. There is no match for the There is no need to cook your swedes. A perfect worker. fourth wife (she is a real disaster). ®çç³ç kçÀcç ³çç ]p³ççoò, cçiçj lç@]®ç~ iJç[òçÆvç®ç uççvçLç, oçôçÆ³çcç v³ççcçLç s³ç yçjçyçj~ ca:y kam ya: z’a:d1 , magar t@ts. gOd1nic la:nath doyim n’a:math chay bara:bar. It doesn’t matter whether tea is less or more, but it must be hot. The first curse and the second blessing are alike. The first wife is valued more than the second. The devil we know is better than the devil we do not ®çççÆ³ç lçò uçççÆ³ç içæçÆs Dççôiçávç Dççmçávç~ know. ca:yi t1 la:yi gatshi ogun a:sun. Flame is necessary for preparing tea and for cornflakes. iJç[òv³çákçÀ mççíoç içæçÆs vçò jçJçò©vç~ gOd1n’uk soda: gatshi n1 ra:v1run. ®ççívç vçò mçòLçòj lçò c³çç@v³çd vçò kçÀlçòJçòv³çd~ One must not lose the first deal. Never refuse the first offer. co:n n1 s1th1r, t1 me:n’ n1 kat1v1n’. Neither you have got cotton, nor do I get the charges for spinning it. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 51 52 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ®ççívç cJçbiçò $çKç, mççívç m³çávç DçKç~ sçvçò çÆkçÀpç~ co:n mong1 trakh, so:n s’un akh. cha:n1 k1j. Your five kilograms of green gram is consumed in our single meal. The The carpenter’s wooden wedge. consumption is more, when a family is large. It is believed that a carpenter keeps some lacuna or a fault (say a missing nail here and there) in the construction of a house etc., so that he is recalled to s ch do the job and earn his livelihood. To keep some lacuna in the work. s@l³çd lçò ¬çÀònòv³çd ]®ççjòv³çd~ sçvçò þáKç sávçò yççÆmlç jçí]pççvç~ ch@t’ t1 kr1h1n’ tsa:r1n’. cha:n1 thà Okh chun1 basti ro:za:n. To look for black and white. To look for false excuses. The sound of the (tools of) carpenter does not remain a secret. Truth cannot be hidden. s@v³çd cç@ì sô Jç]pççvç~ ch@n’ m@tà cha vaza:n. sçvçò þákçÀmç sá jmç lç³ççj~ Empty vessels make much noise. cha:n1 tàOkas chu ras taya:r. Soup is ready at the sound of the carpenter. A skilled worker is honoured s@u³çd s@u³çd ]p³çávç ]pççuçávç~ always. A skilled worker does not die of hunger. ch@l’ ch@l’ z’un za:lun. To burn wood after washing it. To be over careful. sçvçmç lççíçÆj sHçÀ Hççvçmç kçáÀvç~ cha:nas to:ri chaph pa:nas kun. s@çÆuçLç Lç@çÆJçnÓvç lçò Jç@çÆuçLç çÆvçcççívç~ The showings of timber cut by the carpenter with his adz go towards him. It ch@l’th th@vihu:n t1 v@lith nimo:n. is natural for every one to think in terms of one’s own benefit. Man is selfish Keep her bathed, and we will take her wrapped (in clothes). by nature. Where no dowry is demanded. sçvçmç vçò ®ççW®çò, Kççjmç vçò ¬çÀçôæs~ scç çÆsþ lçò s cçç kçÀçBçÆmç~ cha:nas n1 cõ:c1, kha:ras n1 krotsh cham chitàh t1 cha ma: k@:si. A carpenter does not have a (wooden) ladle (for his own use), and a black- I have a printed cloth, which no one else has. smith doesn’t have a poker (used for taking out burning charcoals from the To show off. A dandy. A snob. fireplace). There is a scarcity of items which should have been readily available with persons who make them. suçvçò cçuç sç Dç]®ççvç çÆkçÀvçò vçíjçvç~ chaln1 mal cha: atsa:n kin1 ne:ra:n? Does the washing make clothes dirty or clean? sçvçmç, yçç@]p³çiççjmç lçò MççnmçJççjmç s Dç@[ò³ç Jçácçòj~ @ 1 @ 1 1 It helps to discuss the problems for reaching a solution. cha:nas, b :z’ garas, t sha:hsava:ras cha d y um r. Discussion resolves the matter. A carpenter, juggler and a horse rider live only half their lives. A risky job. suçvçò cçuç sá vçíjçvçò³ç, Dç]®ççvç sávçò~ sçJç çÆ³çLç yçlçò lçò oçJç çÆ³çLç kçÀLçò~ 1 1 1 chaln1 mal chu ne:ra:n1y, atsa:n chun1. cha:v yith bat , t da:v yith kath . The washing removes the dirt and does not make it more dirty. It helps to Rice tastes good when it is properly cooked, and talking is good when discuss problems in order to find solutions. opportunity is ripe. Strike when the iron is hot. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 53 54 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS sácç lçò kçÀjmç kçw³çç? pçcççLç iç@çÆ³ç kçÀjçcçLç~ chum t1 karas k’a:? jama:th g@yi kara:ma:th. I have (enough) what should I do to it? Unity among people is as good as a miracle. To show off one’s wealth. Too much of everything is bad. Many things are accomplished by unity. sdJçkçÀmç vçÓvç $ççJçávç~ pçJççvçmç vçò jçí]pçiççj, uJçkçÀçÆìmç cçç@pç cçjòv³çd, lçò yçá[mç DççMçôv³çd cçjòv³çd, chOkas nu:n tra:vun. çÆ³çcçò $çôvçòJç³ç kçÀLçò sô cçámççÇyçLç~ To rub salt on the wound. To hurt a person who is already hurt. To add insult java:nas n1 ro:zga:r, lOktàis m@:j mar1n’, t1 budas ašen’ mar1n’, yim1 to injury. tren1vay kath1 cha musi:bath. Unemployment for a young man, death of the mother for a kid, and death of sdJçv³çç ìdJçv³çç kçÀ©vç~ the wife for an old man, are the three terrible misfortunes. chOn’a: tàOn’a: karun. To enjoy at any cost. To spend lavishly and not to think about future. pççvç kçáÀmç sá? Hçvçávç Hççvç~ ja:n kus chu? panun pa:n. pç j Who is good? your own self. If one is good, one will find everybody else good. pçççÆnuç yçìvç sá þçíkçáÀj ]®çuçòvççíJçcçálç~ j@:hil batanà chu tàho:kur tsal1no:vmut. pççvç içJç mçá ³çámç pççvç kçÀçÆj~ An irate Hindu has chased away an idol of god from his house. Anger is ja:n gav su, yus ja:n kari. harmful. Good is one, who does good to others. pçì Hçþ çÆ]pç KJçoççÆ³ç jþ~ pççvç sá Hçvçávç Hççvç~ jat à patàh zi khOda:yi rath.à ja:n chu panun pa:n. Act quickly and leave (the result) to God. Good is one’s own self. Those who do not bother about the consequences. One who is good, will find everyone good. pçbiçmç cçb]pç s³ç þçÇu³çd çÆlç lçò içÓu³çd çÆlç~ pççvçò çÆolçò omçlççj, Hççvçò jçí]pçlçò JJç[ò vççôvç~ jangas manz chay tàhi:l’ ti t1 gu:l’ ti. ja:n1 dit1 dasta:r, pa:n1 ro:zt1 vOd1non. In war one may get a purse, or a bullet. My friend, give me your turban, and remain bareheaded yourself. To be One may win or lose a battle. In a battle there are losses and gains. very selfish. pçboòvçò³ç sô ]pJçJçò Dççmççvç~ çÆpçiçjò³ç sá kçÀjçvç kçÀçj~ jand1n1y cha zOv1 a:sa:n. jigr1y chu kara:n ka:r. Lice flourish in rags. It is the heart (courage), which helps to achieve (and not the wealth). The brave deserve the fair. pçbomç Hçç@³ç& ³çLç kç@À³ç&çÆ]pç Jçbomç jçnLç~ jandas p@:r’ yath k@rizi vandas ra:hath. Blessed be the ragged garments, which provide warmth during winter. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 55 56 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ]®ç ts ®ççÆj sá kçBÀ[îç LççÆj H³çþ jçnlç~ tsari chu k@nd’ thari petàh ra:hat. ]®çò oHçÀ yçôçÆvç, yçò oHç³ç yçççÆ³ç, Hçvçòv³çd kçÀLç s³ç HçvçòçÆvç pçççÆ³ç~ The sparrow feels comfortable upon the thorn bush. ts1 daph “beni”, b1 dapay “ba:yi”, pan1n’ kath cha pan1ni: ja:yi. Everyone feels comfortable at his or her own place, no matter how small or You call me ‘sister’, and I will call you ‘brother’. The real fact (of our relation- bad it is. ship) will remain a secret with us. The relationship is mutual understanding and not a public matter. ]®ççÆj nábo Jççbþò³ç kçw³çç sá? tsari hund vã:thà 1y k’a: chu? How big could be the heart of a sparrow? ]®ç@çÆìLç ¿çboòJ³çbo, lçò ]®çòçÆnLç mççíoç~ A little person cannot be very bold. ts@tàith hend1vend, t1 ts1hith so:da:. Watermelon (should be purchased) after cutting it, and groceries after tast- ing (sucking). ]®çuçòJçòv³çvç Hçlçò, lçò uççjòJçòv³çvç yç´çôbn~ tsal1v1nen pat1, t1 la:r1v1nen brõh. Following the people who are running away, and in front of the people, ]®ç@j sô DççÆkçÀ HçÀçÆuç yççHçLç nç@jçvç~ who are chasing. @ @ ts r cha aki phali ba.path h :ra:n. A clever person, who takes benefit in every situation. A sparrow is wandering for a single grain. Everyone is in need of something no matter how little it is. ]®çuçòJçòv³çvç yç´çôbn lçò uççjòJçòv³çvç Hçlçò~ tsal1v1nen brõh t1 la:r1v1nen pat1. ]®ç@çÆjmç iççìmç sá ]®ççôj Kçáj~ Leading those who are running away, but the last of those who pursue. A @ à ts ris ga:tas chu tsor khur. coward. The wiser the man, the more in trouble. çÆ]®çLçòj n³ç ÜçÆMç, Jç@njmç HççíçÆMç, ]®ççBçÆiçmç lçuç sô içìò~ ts@~:gis tal cha gatà1. Jç@njç@]®ç n³ç ÜçÆMç, lçò Hç@njmç HççíçÆMç vçò~ 1 O @ There is darkness under the lamp. tsith r hay d ši, v hras po:ši, @ @ O 1 @ 1 Nearer the church farther from God. v hr :ts hay d ši, t p hras po:ši n . Should it rains in Chet (March-April), there will be enough water for the whole year, but if it rains in the rainy season (July-August), it would not ]®çcç lçò vçcç Jç@çÆmçLç jdJçKmçLç~ last even for a few hours. tsam t1 nam v@sith rOkhsath. After wearing out (losing) one’s skin and nails in hard work, one is dismissed (from service). ]®çô çÆnçÆMç iççÆyç sç v³çÓj Kçmççvç? tse hiši gabi cha: n’u:r khasa:n? Can ewes like you, climb a meadow? ]®ççÆj kçÀMçvçò sá jLç çÆ³çJççvç~ Contempt for other’s weakness. To belittle someone. tsari kašn1 chu rath yiva:n. Blood comes out from excessive scratching. A miser creates more miseries for himself. ]®çÓj iç@çÆ³ç vçbiçò, nbiçò lçò cçbiçò~ @ 1 1 1 1 A meticulous person often comes to harm. tsu:r g yi nang , hang t mang . Someone’s theft (or bad deed) is revealed all of a sudden. Bad deeds do not remain hidden for long. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 57 58 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Every secret shall be told. ]®çÓjmç HçáÀì KJçj lçò HççÇjmç cççí©Kç cçájçÇo~ tsu:ras phut à khOr t1 pi:ras mo:rukh muri:d. ]®çÓj sô HçÀKç~ A thief broke his foot, and the priest’s disciple was killed (for it). The inno- tsu:r cha phakh. cent is punished and the guilty is acquitted. Theft is like a bad odour (which cannot be hidden). ]®çÓjJç çÆvççÆ³ç ]pçvççvçò, lçò þiçJç K³çJç cJçKlçò nçj~ ]®çÓj sá yçívçÓj~ tsu:rav niyi zana:n, t1 thagavà khev mOkht1 ha:r. tsu:r chu be:nu:r. Thieves took away the woman, and the robbers took away the necklace. The thief is without grace (unattractive person). When thieves are also robbed.

]®çÓj cçò kçÀj lçò kçÀçBçÆmç cçò Kççí]®ç~ ]®çÓbþ sá ]®çÓbçÆþmç JçáçÆsLç jbiç jìçvç~ tsu:r m1 kar t1 k@:si m1 kho:ts. tsu:thà chu tsu:tàhis vuchith rang rata:n.à Don’t steal, and be afraid of none. An apple gets colour on seeing another apple. One who does not commit a bad deed should not be afraid of anyone. A person is influenced by the company he/she keeps.

]®çÓjò kçwJçkçáÀj~ ]®ççôì iç@çÆ³ç kçwJççÆuç lçò jççÆn Kjçoç~ tsu:r1 kOkur. tsot à g@yi kO1i t1 ra:hi khOda:. A stolen cock. A forbidden work. The bread fell into the river, and he said ‘for the sake of God.’ When lost things are given in charity. ]®çÓjmç sô yJçK®çmç kçáÀvçá³ç kçÀuç~ tsu:ras cha bOkhcas kunuy kal. ]®ççôì sô yçvççvç Ü³çJç DçLçJç~ The thief always thinks about his luggage (or booty). tsot à cha bana:n dOyav athav. A bread is made by two hands. ]®çÓjmç ]®çÓj HçÀjçvç~ Unity is strength. It takes two to make a row. tsu:ras tsu:r phara:n. Thieves steal things owned by thieves. ]®ççôj Dç³ççuç sá yççô[ pçbpççuç~ Ill begotten money does not last long. tsor aya:l chu bod janja:l. A large family is a complex problem. ]®çÓjmç lçò jç@çÆsmç yçç@pçJçþ~ tsu:ras t1 r@:chis b@:jvatàh. ]®ççôj içJç çÆ]pç Kççôj içJç~ A partnership between the thief and the watchman. tsor gav zi khor gav. Where everyone is dishonest. Too much is not liked by anyone. Too much of everything is bad. ]®çÓjmç vç³ç cçÓj DçççÆmç, mçvç çÆkçÀLçò Hçç@þîç ÞçH³çmç~ tsu:ras nay mu:r a:si, san kith1 p@:th’à šrapes? ]®JççÆ®ç JççÆj DçBojò vçí³çç& DçBpç~ If the thief is not beaten with stick, how would he digest the proceeds of tsOci vari @ndr1 ne:r’a: @z? theft? Would a goose come out of a cake? A thief is accustomed to thrashing. (A typical reply given by a bakeman when he was told that a lice was found in a cake made by him). A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 59 60 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Small things can hide smaller items. æsçôHçá³ç içáHçávç içáoç@c³çd KççJç~ tshopuy gupun gud@:m’ kha:v. s tsh The silent animal eats its tether. One must be afraid of the person, who keeps quiet all the time. s@jò³ç cç@ì sô Jç]pççvç~ tsh@r1y m@t à cha vaza:n. æsçôj DçLçò sávçò Dç]®ççvç Dçç@mçmç çÆlç~ Empty vessels make much noise. tshor ath1 chun1 atsa:n @:sas ti. An empty hand does not even enter the mouth. æs@u³çd vçlçò yç@u³çd, H³çþò vçlçò lç@u³çd~ Poverty is a curse. tsh@l’ nat1 b@l’, pethà 1 nat1 t@l’. Either with deceit or by force; either from the top, or from the bottom. By æsdJçHçò s³ç jdJçHçò mçòb]pç~ hook or crook. tshOp1 chay rOp1 s1nz. The silence is silvery (as good as silver). æsuçmç lçuç sá nçômç çÆlç yçbo~ tshalas tal chu hos ti band. pç z Even an elephant is caught in the trap. Anyone can be trapped. pçò içç[ò svçò DçLçmç cçb]pç çÆ³çJççvç~ z1 ga:d1 chan1 athas manz yiva:n. æsòvç Hçç@pççcçò Kçmç uççÆj H³çþ, æsòvç Hçç@]pççjò lçò kçÀj þmç þmç~ It is not possible to hold two fish in one hand. tshun p@:ja:m1 khas lari petàh, tshun p@:za:r1 t1 kar thasà thas.à To take up two jobs at the same time. To ride on two horses at the same time. Put on trousers, and climb the roof of the house. Put on the shoes, and tap the floor. A person who shows off. Said for a snob. ]pçò lçò ]pçò iç@çÆ³ç ]®ççíj~ z1 t1 z1 g@yi tso:r. æsd³ççôì n³ç K³çcçò, kçÀçÆcç uçÓyçò? Two and two make four. tsh’ot à hay khem1, kami lu:b1? If I eat the leftovers (remnants) of food, there should be some attraction. ]pçò Lç]pçò lçò içç[ò o]pçò~ One can do anything for some profit. z1 thaz1 t1 ga:d1 daz1. When both women (working in the kitchen) consider themselves superior æsçôìá³ç sá cççôì~ to each other, the fish are burnt (as no one would attend to the job). tshotuyà chu mot.à If a job is to be done, somebody must bend. Mutual understanding is needed A little is good. Small is beautiful. in a joint venture.

æsçôHç iççJç sô içáoç@c³çd KççJç~ ]pç@cççÇvç s³ç o@i³çd o@i³çd mJçvç~ tshop ga:v cha gud@:m’ kha:v. z@mi:n chay d@g’ d@g’ sOn. A quiet (looking) cow eats the tether. Land is like beaten gold. Land is precious. A calm and quiet person could be very dangerous. Dumb dogs and deep waters are dangerous. ]pç@³ç& yçèpç yççÆn Jçònò³ç& çÆ]pç yç[Mççn cçÓo~ z@r’ bu:z bahi v1h1r’ zi badša:h mu:d. A deaf person heard after twelve years that Badshah was dead. (Badshah A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 61 62 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS was a famous king of Kashmir during the fifteenth century.) A man who is ]pçvçççÆvç nábo Hççôæs, iççÆj iççÆj iççôæs, not aware about what is going on around him. cçjoò mçábo Hççôæs uçç@i³çdlççímç ¬çÀçôæs~ zana:ni hund potsh gari gari gotsh, ]pçç@çÆvçLç lçò cçç@çÆvçLç kçÀ©vç~ mard1 sund potsh l@:g’to:s krotsh. z@:nith t1 m@:nith karun. The guest who is related to one’s wife is always welcome, and the one To do something knowingly and on purpose. related to the husband is not liked at all (by the wife).

]pçç@çÆjmç JççôvçáKç, cçç@pç nç cJççÆ³ç³ç, oçôHçòvçKç, ³çHçç@³ç& Dç@v³çlççívç~ ]pçvçççÆvç nábo ³ççJçávç içb[ávç lçò sçJçávç, JçôçÆLç nábo ³ççJçávç JJçyçòuççJçávç, @ @ O @ @ z :ris vonukh, “m :j ha: m yiy.” dopnakh, “yap :r’ n’to:n.” JççÇçÆj nábo ³ççJçávç ìKç ÐççJçávç, cço&ò mçábo ³ççJçávç ovçò~ A gambler was told, “your mother has died.” He replied. “Bring her (dead zana:ni hund ya:vun gan dun t1 cha:vun, body) towards this direction.” vethi hund ya:vun vObla:vun. A gambler does not bother about anything except gambling. vi:ri hund ya:vun takhà d’a:vun, mard1 sund ya:vun dan1. ]pçç@çÆuçcçò mçábo ]pçç@çÆuçcç sá KJçoç³ç~ A woman’s beauty is her dress and jewelry, the Vitasta derives its beauty z@:lim1 sund z@:lim chu khOda:y. from the waves, the willow gets its beauty from getting its branches cut, and God shows cruelty on the cruel person. God punishes the cruel. the man’s beauty is his wealth.

]pçKcçvç vçÓvç skçáÀvç~ ]p³çJç sô MçcçMççÇj~ zakhman nu:n chakun. za’v cha šamši:r. To sprinkle salt on wounds. To add fuel to fire. The tongue is a sword. One has to be careful in talking.

]pç®çvç HççÆ®ç Hçw³çáj~ ]p³ççoò Dçmçávç içJç Kçjmç Kçmçávç~ zacan paci ph’ur. z’a:d1 asun gav kharas khasun. To turn and mend old clothes. To economize expenditure. To laugh immoderately, is like riding a donkey. An immoderate laugh ends in a sigh. ]pçvççvçò sô Òçmçvçò çÆJççÆ]pç lççíyçò kçÀjçvç, Òç@çÆmçLç sô yçôçÆ³ç Jççlççvç lççôlçá³ç~ zana:n cha prasn1 vizi to:ba kara:n, pr@sith cha beyi va:ta:n totuy. ]p³ççoò kçÀLçvç vçò mçÓo~ A woman repents in the hour of travail, but after she has delivered, she z’a:d1 kathan n1 su:d. arrives at the same state. It does not pay to talk a lot. Brevity is the soul of wit.

]pçvçççÆvç Dç@çÆkçÀmç ÒçáæsáKç, jò]®çj sá³çç? ]p³ççoò kçÀMçvçmç sá ]p³ççoò jLç çÆ³çJççvç~ OçôHçvçK~ kçÀôbn vçò, MçáçÆjmç Dççcç kçÀçôþ~ z’a:d1 kašnas chu z’a:d1 rath yiva:n. za:na:ni @kis pr1tshuk, “r1tsar chuya:?” Too much scratching draws more blood. dopnakh, “ke~h n1, šuris a:m koth.”à Too many precautions cause more problems. A woman was asked, “Are you OK?” She replied,”No, not at all. My child has started to walk.” ]p³ççoò içiçjç³çvç vçò ªo lçò æs³ç&vç kçÀLçvç vçò mçÓo~ z’a:d1 gagra:yan n1 ru:d t1 tsharen kathan n1 su:d. The loud thunder does not cause rain, and there is no profit in talking much. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 63 64 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS

]pççíj sá mç@nuççyç~ ]pççÇ sô nçÇ~ zo:r chu s@hla:b. zi: cha hi:. Power is like a flood. A powerful person can achieve anything. The income is like jasmine. Money makes the mare go.

]p³ççoò ]pçvççvçvç Hççív³çd kçÀçcçòv³çd , lçò ]®ç³ç&vç cçjovç yçlçò kçÀçcçòv³çd~ ]p³çJç çÆHçÀjòv³çd sç kçÀçôn çÆHçÀ©vç? z’a:d1 zana:nan po:n’ ka:m1n’, t1 tsaren mardan bat1 ka:m1n’. zev phir1n’ cha: koh phir1n’? Where there are many women, there is scarcity of water, and where there are To change one’s statement is not (as difficult as) turning mountains. many men, there is scarcity of food. (As per tradition, it is women in the house, who bring water from the river, and it is men who earn livelihood i.e. ]pçôçÆJç sç Dç@çÆ[pç~ food for the family). zevi cha: @dij. A tongue has no a bone. One can twist one’s tongue or change the state- ]p³ççoò lçcçònmç ]p³ççoò yçuçç³ç~ ment anytime very easily. z’a:d1 tam1has z’a:d1 bala:y. The more greedy one is, the more problems one will face. ]pçíþîçvç vç³ç&vç cço~ Greed leads to disaster. ze:then naren mad. Respect is showered on the long sleeves. ]pççcç n³ç DçççÆmç iççcç, lççÆlç³ç H³çþò uççÆo Hççcç~ Where a dress or outfit is more valued than the person. za:may a:si ga:m, tatiy petàh1 ladi pa:m. If the sister-in-law (husband’s sister) is in a village, she will send reproaches ]pçívçávç içæçÆs Kçjò mçòbÐç Hçç@þîç, lçò K³ççôvç içæçÆs vçjò mçòbÐç Hçç@þîç~ from there. ze:nun gatshi khar1 s1nd’ p@:th’, t1 kh’on gatshi nar1 s1nd’ p@:th’ ]pççvç sô pçnçvç~ One must earn (or work hard) like an ass, but eat his meals like a man. Work za:n cha jaha:n. like a coolie and enjoy like a prince. Acquaintance is the world. Good connections pay. ]pçáJç Dççôj lçò pçnçvç Dççôj~ ]pççcçlçáj n³ç nbiçmç cçb]pç jsçívç lççíçÆlç cçbosççÆJç jbiçmç cçb]pç~ zuv or t1 jaha:n or. za:mtur hay hangas manz racho:n to:ti mandcha:vi rangas manz. If one is healthy, the world is healthy. Health is wealth. If a son-in-law is treated in the best possible way, still he will put you to shame in the assembly. ]p³çÓþ içJç ¬çÓÀþ~ z’u:th gav kru:th. ]pççcçlçáj içJç Hççcçlçáj~ If a matter is prolonged, it becomes complicated. za:mtur gav pa:mtur. A son-in-law is (best known as) giver of reproaches. ]pJçJçòçÆuç nábo içæçÆs K³ççôvç lçò ]pçôçÆJççÆuç nábo vçò~ zOvli hund gatshi kh’on t1 zevili hund n1. çÆ]pçboò vçò mçÓj lçò cç@çÆjLç Dç@lçuççmç~ It is better to eat food served by a woman with a lot of lice on her head, rather zind1 n1 su:r t1 m@rith @tla:s. than by a talkative woman. While alive not even ashes were given, but when dead, satin is provided to cover the body. ]pJççÆJç nòbçÆ]pç ìdJççÆHç sç ]pç@ì vççuçò kçÀ[çvç~ zOvi h1nzi tOpi cha: z@ t na:l1 kada:n. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 65 66 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS One does not put off one’s clothes on being bitten by a louse. Minor inci- [biçò mçòn~ dents should not cause worry. dang 1 s1h. A tiger tied in the stable. A tyrant in the house. ì t [îçkçÀmç H³çþ [Óv³çd HçáÀìjçJçòv³çd~ ìôçÆþmç uçç@jmç kçÀuçò ]®çìávç~ dekas peth du:n’ phutra:v 1n’. tet his l@:ras kal1 tsatun. To break walnuts on someone’s forehead. To cut someone’s head like cutting the bitter end of the cucumber. The head To browbeat someone. of a bitter cucumber is cut off. [íçÆ[ lçuçò³ç ®çjòmç o]pççvç~ ìÓH³çd içæçÆs $ççJçòv³çd lçmç KJçjvç lçuç ³çámç vçò $ççJçvçò çÆoçÆ³ç~ de:d i tal1y caras daza:n. tu:p’ gatshi tra:v1n’ tas khOran tal yus n1 tra:vn1 diyi. The marijuana is smoked at the king’s gate. One should bow in front-of someone, who does not let one to do it. One A situation of misrule and shame. should respect the person who also respects you. One may beseech a con- siderate person. [WçÆpç lç@u³çd Hçvç lçò Hçvçò lç@u³çd [îçÓbiç~ de~:ji t@l’ pan t1 pan1 t@l’ d’u:g. ìçíþ cç@çÆjLç kçÓÀì lç³ççj~ The thread under the role of thread, and the role of the thread, under the to:t h m@rith, ku:t taya:r. thread. To provide a poor justification for one’s deeds. Justifications which The dear one dies, and the gallows are ready. are not convincing.

þ th lç t

þÓuçò ]®çÓjò³ç sá yçvççvç cçÓuçò ]®çÓj~ lç@çÆlçmçò³ç kçÀuçmç JççÆmç cçòmçuçò~ thu:l 1 tsu:ruy chu bana:n mu:l1 tsu:r. t@t’s1y kalas vasi m1sl1. One who starts off by stealing eggs ends up as a professional thief. Evil The skin comes off from the warm head (of a sheep). means have evil ends. Everything has a proper time. Strike while the iron is hot.

þÓuçò yç@çÆkçÀmç yçouçò ]pçòuçò yççôkçÀ~ lç]®çj sá cç]®çj~ thu:l 1 b@kis badl1 z1l1 bok. tatsar chu matsar. To receive scratches in return of (a gift of) eggs. Anger is madness. It is not proper to be angry. Not a fear deal. To get hate in return of love. lç@n@j kçÀòcçJç KçôçÆ³ç? HçjÐçJç nç? cçô oçôHç Hçvçòv³çJç cçç! d [ t@har k1mav kheyi? pard’ava:? me dop pan1nev ma:. Who has eaten the yellow rice? The strangers? I thought lest it be our own [BçÆyçv³çvç kçwJçbiç~ people! d@mbinen kO~g. One who is happy in entertaining strangers and not one’s own kith and kin. To put saffron in cooking sheep’s paunch. A wastage of resources or talent. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 67 68 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS lçboÓjmç vçKçò kçwJçb[uç~ ing is too small to be neglected. tandu:ras nakh1 kO~dal. A little earthen pot by the side of the oven. lçíMçuç iç@çÆ³çKç³ç HçMçícççvç, c³ççv³çJç Dç@sJç [WMçícççvç~ A little man in the company of the great. te:šal g@ykhay paše:ma:n, m’a:nev @chav de~:šema:n. You proud woman, you will regret and my eyes will see it. lçuçJçççÆj nòbçÆ]pç oççÆj H³çþ HçkçáÀvç~ A curse for one who is proud. Pride has a fall. tal1va:ri h1nzi da:ri peth pakun. To walk on the edge of the sword. lçáuç Kçôv³çd nçív³çvç mçól³çd~ To be very careful. To take a great risk. tul khen’ ho:n’an s1:t’. To eat mulberries in the company of dogs. T lççyçmç sá uççyç~ o do nothing useful. ta:bas chu la:b. The patience pays. Slow and steady wins the race. lçáuç HçuçJç JççôLç ]®çuçJç~ tul palav vOth tsalav. lççuçJçmç o@n uççíçÆj lçò pçbiçò çÆJççÆ]pç vçò DçkçÀ çÆlç~ Pick up (your) clothes and let us run away. ta:lvas d@h lo:ri, t1 jang1 vizi n1 akh ti. A wandering life. There are ten sticks in the roof, but not a single one is available at the time of fighting. lççôlç K³çvçò sá i³çiçò³ç o]pççvç~ Not to get right things at the right time. tot khen1 chu geg1y daza:n. One burns one’s throat by eating hot food. çÆlçcçò iççíçÆj iç@çÆ³ç Üo kçÀòçÆvçLç~ One should not hurry. Work done in hurry is harmful. tim1 go:ri g@yi dOd k1nith. Those milkmaids sold their milk and went away. lççôcçuçò mçíjmç ³çôçÆuç çÆMçkçÀcçmç Dçboj yçlçò ÞçôçÆHç, kçÀLç JçôçÆHç vçç? The easy days have passed. toml1 se:ras yeli šikmas andar bat1 šrepi, kath vepi na:? When a ser (about a kilogram ) of cooked rice is digested in the stomach, lçôçÆuç lççíMç ³çôçÆuç vJçMç içjò JçççÆlç~ why doesn’t a matter (secret) remain? One must contain the secret. teli to:š yeli nOš gar1 va:ti. Be glad only when the bride reaches home. lJçnmç Üiç çÆov³çd lçò Hççív³çd cçboávç~ There is a slip between the cup and the lip. tOhas dOg din’ t1 po:n’ mandun. Don’t count your chicken before they are hatched. To pound chaff (husk) and churn water. Futile efforts. Much ado about nothing. lçíuç HçÀçôuç sá K³ççícçálç mçlçJç yççjòv³çJç~ te:l phol chu kh’o:mut satav ba:rnev. $çòn çÆ]pç mçòn, ]®çlçpççÇ çÆ]pç HçlçpççÇ, Mçíþ çÆ]pç yç´íþ~ Seven brothers have shared a sesame seed. It is possible to share small tr1h zi s1h, tsatji: zi patji:, še:th zi br@:th. things. A person at thirty is like a lion, at forty like a grass mat, and at sixty a stupid. lçíuçò DçBojò sá lççÇuç vçíjçvç~ $çòn içJç çÆ]pç mçòn içJç~ te:l1 @ndr1 chu ti:l ne:ra:n. tr1h gav zi s1h gav. Oil is obtained from the sesame seed. Small things too are significant. Noth- At the age of thirty, one is just like a lion (full in strength). A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 69 70 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS $çç@Jçcçò]®ç LJçKç v³çbiçòuççJçòv³çd~ o d tr@:vm1ts thOkh neng1la:v1n’ . To swallow one’s spittle. o@çÆsçÆvç DçLçò K³ççôvç lçò KççíJççÆj DçLçò JçiçáJç ]®çìávç~ Taking back a divorced spouse or dismissed servant. d@chini ath1 kh’on t1 kho:vri ath1 vaguv tsatun. To eat (at someone’s place) with right hand, and to slash his mat with the left $ççcçò Hç@çÆìmç H³çþ uççÇçÆKçLç Ðçávç~ hand. To be ungrateful. tra:m1 p@tis peth li:khith d’un. To give in writing on the copper plate. o@sávç DçLçò sá suççvç KççíJçòçÆjmç, lçò KççíJçáj DçLçò sá suççvç o@çÆsçÆvçmç~ To provide a firm bond or assurance. d@chun ath1 chu chala:n kho:vris, t1 kho:vur ath1 chu chala:n d@chinis. The right hand washes the left one, and the left hand washes the right one. $ççcçòJ³çvç yççvçvç ]®ççôkçÀ ³çávç~ Interdependence. Give and take in mutual relations. tra:m1ven ba:nan tsok yun. The copper vessels with worn out bottoms. Misery all over. o@sávç DçLçò sá Hçuç]pççvç KççíJçòçÆjmç DçLçmç~ d@chun ath1 chu palza:n kho:vris athas. $çô ®ççÇ]pç çÆsvçò ³ç@]®çkçÀçuç lççv³çd kçÀç@çÆ³çcç jçí]pççvç: Dç@çÆuçcç yçí yçnmç, The right hand helps the left one. Mutual cooperation. cççuç yçí çÆlçpççjLç lçò cçáuçòKç yçí çÆmç³ççmçLç~ tre ci:z chin1 yetska:l ta:n’ k@:yim ro:za:n: @lim be bahas, o@n iç]pç ¿ççôj kçw³çç lçò o@n iç]pç yJçvç kçw³çç? ma:l be:tija:rath t1 mulukh be siya:sath. d@h gaz h’or k’a: t1 d@h gaz bOn k’a:? Three things do not last for long: Knowledge without argument (or discus- There is no difference; whether it is ten yards up or ten yards down. (The sion), wealth without business, and a country without politics. story of saving a person by taking him out of the well using a ten yard rope, and killing another by pulling him down from the tree using the same rope). $çáçÆkçÀmç kçÀLçç, cçÓ[mç uççíçÆj nLçç~ Not understanding a crucial difference. trukis katha:, mu:das lo:ri hatha:. A word to a wise, and hundred lashes to the stupid (or dull). o@n ®çbomç, o@n Jçbomç, o@n Mççbomç~ d@h candas, d@h v@ndas, d@h šã:das. Lç th Ten in the pocket, ten in heart, and ten in the pillow. When it is difficult to find out the exact opinion of someone. A disorganised person or event. LççÆj HççíMç çÆsvçò JççÆj içæsçvç~ thari po:š chin1 vari gatsha:n. All the buds upon the bush do not blossom. o@n yçç@]®ç kçÀçÆn ]pçç@]®ç~ @ @ @ Do not count your chicken before they are hatched. d h b :ts kahi z :ts. Ten members of a family and (who are) of eleven different types. Where tastes and interests do not match. LJçkçÀò vçô®çáJç cJçkçÀocç~ thOk1 necuv mOkdam. A stammering son (becomes) a (village) headman. o@nvç LçJççvç mç³ç lçò Dç@çÆkçÀmç vçò æsòvççvç Jç³ç~ @ 1 @ 1 A person not fit for the position he holds. d han thava:n say, t kis n tshuna:n vay. To give promises to ten, and not to cook food for one. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 71 72 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS o@nvç o@n cçvçòìîç içæsvç vçò, lçò kçáÀçÆvçmç cçvçáì HççíçÆMç vçò~ olçò³ç& kçáÀçÆuçmç mçiç Ðçávç~ d@han d@h man1 t’ gatshan n1, t1 kunis manut po:ši n1. dat1r’ kulis sag d’un. Ten manut (a manut is equal to three pounds) are not required for ten To water a plant of thorn-apple. persons, but one manut is not sufficient for a single person. One or two To help a person who is harmful. more in a large family does not make any difference in the over all expenses. oboçvç cJç³ççíJç, lçò oçôHçáKç Dçmççvç sá~ oçÆn Jçònò³ç& oMçònçj~ danda:n mOyo:v, t1 dopukh asa:n chu. d@hi v1h1r’ daš1ha:r. A man with buck teeth was about to die, and the people thought that he was (The festival of) Dashhar after ten years. laughing. A deceptive look. Appearances are deceptive. Long awaited happiness in a family. Once in a blue moon. oHçòn@mç³ç Dççyçmç içæs, içæçÆs KJçMçkçÀmç~ oçÆiç jçômç oçío içJç yçí cççvçí~ oHçòn@mç³ç KJçMçkçÀmç içæs, içæçÆs Dççyçmç~ dagi ru:s do:d gav be:ma:ne:. dap1hasay a:bas gatsh, gatshi khOškas. A disease without pain is meaningless. dap1hasay khOškas gatsh, gatshi a:bas. A disease is always accompanied by pain. If he is told to go to the water, he will go to the land. If he is told to go to the land, he will go to the water. os kçÀòcçJç KçôçÆ³ç? HçjÐçJç nç? cçô oçôHç Hçvçòv³çJç cçç! A person who works contrary to the instructions. dach k1mav kheyi? pardeva:? me dop pan1nev ma:! A person with negative attitude. Who ate the grapes? Strangers? O, I thought it were our own people! One who doesn’t help his own relations, and is all for helping strangers. oyç sávçò kçÀçBçÆmç nábo yçyç~ dab chun1 k@~:si hund bab. os n³ç KçôçÆ]pç lçò DçHç³çcççvç, kçÀs n³ç KçôçÆ]pç lçò ]p³çáj~ The fall (or a slip) is nobody’s father. dach hay khezi t1 apayma:n, kach hay khezi t1 z’ur. Anyone can fall or slip at any moment. If one has to eat grapes, he should eat without count (and of good quality), and if one has to eat grass, he should eat cumin seed. oyç uççôiç jçÆyç H³çþ, çÆouç uççôiç çÆnçÆuç H³çþ~ dab log rabi peth, dil log hili peth. o]pçòJçòçÆvç vççjò iççÆpç n³ç çÆo]p³çvç oç@çÆjLç, lççÆlç çÆlç çÆ³ççÆ³ç Hççôlç HçÀçÇçÆjLç~ One may tumble into the mud, ones’ heart may set upon (be attracted to) daz1v1ni na:r1 gaji hay dizen d@:rith, tati ti yiyi pot phi:rith. water-weeds. If he is pushed into the burning fireplce, he will return from there too. A There is no control either on falling in mud, or falling in love. A person may faithful servant or a good worker. fall in love with an ugly person. o]pçvçmç oçío~ oyç nç uççôiçá³ç~ Hççbæs kçÀocç DçççÆ³ç vçHçÀònò³ç~ daznas do:d “dab ha: loguy. “pã:tsh kadam a:yi naph1h1y.” There is pain if burnt. It is painful to lose anything. “O you had a fall.” “I have saved five steps.” To console oneself in misery. oçÆ]pç Jçç]pçmç lçò JçáçÆ]®ç Jçç]pçmç~ dazi va:zas t1 vutsi va:zas. ocçmç mçól³çd sá vçcçmçkçÀçj~ If it (food) burns or goes rot it is the responsibility of the cook. Where the dams s1:t’ chu namaska:r. responsibility is laid on someone else. To shirk responsibility. As long as one is rich, one commands. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 73 74 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS “Good day” to rich (or honourable) person. omçlççj çÆs içb[çvç ³ç]pçlçò Kçç@lçjò, JçáMçòvçíjò Kçç@lçjò vçò ~ dasta:r chi ganda:n yazt1 kh@:tr1, vuš1ne:r1 kh@:tr1 n1. oçÆ³ç mçábo HççJçáj, ³çôc³çd ³çôçÆlç DççJçáj~ Men put on turbans for the sake of honour not for warmth. dayi sund pa:vur, yem’ yeti a:vur. Wherever is the place of God and whosoever takes its possession, is the omçlççj uççìò uççìò Jçuçávç~ owner. dasta:r la:t1 la:t1 va:lun. Posessions of house and land are sacred. To remove (someone’s) turban wrap by wrap. To cause gross insult. o³ç n³ç çÆoçÆ³ç, yçjò vçíjòJçávçá³ç~ o³ç vç³ç çÆoçÆ³ç, ¬çáÀn yç@Ðç ]®ç@çÆìLç kçw³çç? omçlççjò yçouçò smç kçÀuçmç H³çþ j]pç~ day hay diyi bar1 ne:r1vunuy. dasta:r1 badl1 chas kalas peth raz. day nay diyi, kruh b@d’ tsh@tith k’a: ? One who has a rope in place of turban on his head. A person with no If God gives, one can get it at one’s own doorstep. reputation. If God doesn’t give, no use of running around scores of miles for it. omçlççjvç sávçò cJçuç, ojyççjvç sá~ oo& sô iço&~ dasta:ran chu n1 mOl, darba:ran chu. dard cha gar1d. No value is attached to turbans, but to high professions. Pain (or love) is like dust (i.e. it cannot be hidden). Not what a person looks but what he actually is. ojyççj iççÆj n³ç lççÇuç cçíçÆuç, lçò nuçcç içæçÆs oç©vç~ oçvçò y³ççôvç lçò Hççvçò y³ççôvç~ darba:r gari hay ti:l me:li, t1 halam gatshi da:run. da:n1 b’on t1 pa:n1 b’on. If oil is given from the master’s house, one must hold up the cloth for Once the kitchen is separate, the inmates are separate. receiving it. One must be humble in receiving help or charity from one’s superiors. oçvçç oáMcçvç sá vççoçvç oçímlçò mçòbçÆo KJçlçò pççvç~ da:na: dušman chu na:da:n do:st1 s1ndi khOt1 ja:n. o@çÆj³ççJçòkçw³çd cçuçKç içB]pçjòv³çd~ A wise enemy is better than a foolish friend. darya:v1k’ malakh g@nzr1n’. To count the waves of the river. To attempt an impossible task. To waste oçbovç KçôçÆ³ç Hçlçòpç, Hçvçòv³çd Kçô³çvç cçboòpç~ time in futile pursuits. dã:dan kheyi pat1j, pan1n’ kheyan mand1j. The ox who ate the matting, ate its rump (and got beating for it). oçÌuçLç pçcçç kçÀjòv³çd sô ]pçuçLç~ nç@j nÓv³çd sç kçÀçBçÆmç nòb]pç? davlath jama: kar1n’ cha zalath. h@:r hu:n’ cha: k@:si h1nz? oçboç HçÓbÀkçÀçvç kçw³ççônçíçÆ]pç sáKç? cço sácç~ Amassing riches is humiliation. It is like a piebald bitch, which is not faithful to anyone. Money doesn’t last for ever. sçíj kçw³ççônçíçÆ]pç sá³ç? KççíHçÀ sácç~ “dã:da: phu:ka:n kiho:zi chukh?” “mad chum.” “cho:r kiho:zi chuy?” “kho:ph chum.” omçlççj Kççvçò®ç Dç@çÆ[pç Dç]®çòv³çd~ “O bull, why are you bellowing?” “I am proud .” 1 @ 1 dastar kha:n c dij ats n’. “O bull, why have you diarrhea?” “I am afraid.” To get a taste of the bone of the feasts. To be fond of feasts A coward. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 75 76 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS oçbomç sç ¿çbiç iJçyççvç? Present is more important than the past. What one possesses now is impor- dã:das cha: heng gOba:n? tant. Are the horns too heavy for the bullock? Horns do not weigh heavy on a bull. onçvçmç içáuççyç Dççmçòv³çd~ No matter how large the family is, the parents would not part with any of da:hnas gula:b a:s1n’ . their children. To have roses to one’s mouth. When auspicious remarks are made or something good is said. oçbomç uççíJç lçò Jç@çÆæsmç i³ç@[~ dã:das lo:v, t1 v@tshis g’@d. çqoKç vçç lçò Hçç@]pççj K³çLç~ A sheaf of grass for the bullock, but six sheaves for the calf. Injustice. dikh na: t1 p@:za:r kheth. Unjust distribution. You will give, I know, but after getting a shoe beating. One who yields only after being thrashed or scolded. Ðççjò Jççíuç sávçò yççô[, yçlçò Jççíuç sá yççô[~ d’a:r1vo:l chun1 bod bat1vo:l chu bod. çÆoKç vçç lçò cçvçòìîç oyç K³çLç~ It is not the rich man who is great but the man who gives food. dikh na: t1 man1 t’ dab kheth. Won’t you give? (Of course, you will) after getting good thrashing. oççÆj çÆkçÀv³çd vçí©vç lçò yçjò çÆkçÀv³çd Dç]®çávç~ da:ri kin’ ne:run t1 bar1 kin’ atsun. çÆoçÆ]pç yçíçÆj ³çôl³çLç HçíÀçÆj~ To come out of the window, and to enter (again) from the door. When a dizi be:ri yeteth phe:ri. person, though dishonoured, refuses to give up. One should plant a tree at the edge of the field, where it will grow. Proper planning is necessary. oçuç cççÇþ yçìmç, cçáþ c³çÓþ kçÀìmç, vçôboòj cççÇþ çÆMçkçÀmç kçÀìmç ~ da:l mi:th batas, muth m’u:th katas, ne~d1r mi:th šikas katas. çÆolçáLç vçç cçiçj ]pçbiçò HçáÀìjç@çÆJçLç~ Lentils are dear to the Hindu, soyabeans are dear to sheep, and sleep is dear dituth na: magar zang1 phut1r@:vith. to the lazy person. You have given (to me, I know) but only after breaking (my) legs. (You have given only after I made many visits to your place.) Not to lend money or give oçuç svçò ]pççbn mççÇkçÀmç Kçmççvç~ favor easily. da:l chan1 zã:h si:kas khasa:n. Lentils (a liquid) never stands straight on a rod. çÆo LçHçÀ lçò çÆvç omçlççj~ A weak person cannot do a big deed. di thaph t1 ni dasta:r. Catch him, and take his turban. oçJççoçjmç kçÓÀjç ]pçççÆ³ç, cçáo³çoçjmç yççiçòv³çd DçççÆ³ç~ da:va:da:ras ku:ra: za:yi. mudayda:ras ba:g1n’ a:yi. çÆovçò Jççíuçá³ç çÆoçÆ³ç, vç çÆovçò Jççíuç kçw³çç çÆoçÆ³ç? A daughter was born to a plaintiff, and was married to a defendant. An din1 vo:luy diyi, dinal (na din1 vo:1) k’a: diyi? unlikely coincidence. Only the generous person will give, the one who is not generous will not. oçMçlçcç oçMçlçcç sávçò yçkçÀçj, oçjcç oçjcç sá yçkçÀçj~ çÆouç sá MççÇMçò, ³çáLç Jçásònmç l³çáLç JçáçÆs³ç~ da:štam da:štam chun1 baka:r, da:ram da:ram chu baka:r. dil chu ši:š1 yuth vuch1has t’uth vuchiy. What I had is not required, but what I have is important. The heart is just like a mirror, the way you look at it, it will reflect the same A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 77 78 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS image. Do well and have well. çÆoJçlççnvç çÆlç çÆs jç#çmç ]p³çJççvç~ devta:han ti chi ra:khes zeva:n. çÆouç HçáÀìávç sá kçáÀuç HçáÀìávç~ Demons are born to gods as well. dil phutun chu kul phutun. A bad child born to well reputed parents. To break one’s heart is just like breaking a tree. oíiç s lçíiç~ çÆouçò vçlçò çÆkçÀuçò çÆo³ç çÆo³ç~ de:g cha te:g. dil1 nat1 kil1 diy diy. The (cooking) pot is (like) a sword (i.e. cuts down one’s income). Not willingly, but by force. No work can be done nicely, if it is done by force and not by interest. oá ]pççôbiç Kçmççvç ]®çá ]pççôbçÆiçmç~ duzõg khasa:n tsuz@~gis. çÆouçmç içæçÆs Dççmçòv³çd HçáÀuç³ç, kçáÀçÆuç®ç HçáÀuç³ç kçw³çç çÆ³ççÆ³ç yçkçÀçj~ A two-legged (human being) mounting a four legged (animal). dilas gatshi a:s1n’ phulay, kulic phulay k’a: yiyi baka:r. The heart must blossom, the blossoming of the trees is of no use. oáçÆvç³çç sávçò DççÆkçÀ³ç [bçÆpç jçí]pççvç, Hççbæs Ün mJçKç lçò Hççbæs Ün ÜKç~ duniya: chun1 akiy danji ro:za:n, pã:tsh doh sOkh t1 pã:tsh dOh dOkh. Ðço çÆlç iç@çÆ³ç yçpçççÆ³ç Jçç@çÆuço³ç~ The world doesn’t continue in the same manner, there are five day of happi- ded ti g@yi baja:yi v@:liday. ness, and five days of sorrow. The ded (the term for mother) is also as good as v@:lid1 (other term for mother). oáçÆvç³çç lçò Ðççj~ 1 When two descriptions/things are similar. duniya: t d’a:r. The world and wealth (go together). oôoçÇ kçw³çççÆ]pç çÆo]®çLçmç vççoçvçmç? lççÆcç KJçlçò çÆoçÆ]pçnôcç Jçç]pçò iççvçmç, oáMcçvç l³ç³ç DçççÆmç kçÀvç içæsd³çmç LççJçávç~ DççÆvçnôcç [içò [içò K³çcçònç@ Hççvçmç, [áuçiçB[îç çÆocçònç@ cçb]pç cçç@oçvçmç~ dušman tey a:si kan gatshes tha:vun. dedi: k’a:zi ditsthas na:da:nas? Lend your ears even to your enemy. Listen to everyone. tami khOt1 dizihe:m va:z1 ga:nas anihe:m dag 1 dag 1 khem1h@: pa:nas dul 1g@nd’ dim1h@: manz m@:da:nas. oáMcçvç vç³ç sá³ç, çÆHçlçáj çÆlç sá³ç vçç? O mother, why did you marry me off to a foolish man? It would have been dušman nay chuy pitur ti chuyna:. better if I were married to a prostitute’s cook. He would have brought me If you don’t have an enemy, don’t you have a cousin? food. I would have eaten and would have rolled the whole day in a ground. The cousin is the first enemy. It is a big curse to be married to a stupid person. oáMcçvçò mçòbçÆo uççÆiç vçò kçÀçÆvç ]®çbçÆpç, oçímlçò mçòbçÆo uççÆiç HççíMçò ]®çbçÆpç~ dušman1 s1ndi lagi n1 kani tsanji, do:st1 s1ndi lagi po:š1 tsanji. ÐçJçmç lçò lçmç©HçÀmç çÆoçÆ]pç lççÇuç lçò lç@n@j, Dççoòc³çd mçòbçÆ]pç yço vç]pççÆj vçò kçÀôbn~ The hard blow from an enemy’s stone will not hurt but mere touch even with 1 1 @ @ 1 1 1 e~ devas t tasruphas dizi ti:l t t h r, a:d m’ s nzi bad nazri n k h. a flower from an angry friend will hurt. Oil and yellow rice can be given to (appease the anger of) demons and ghosts, but nothing can save us from the evil eye of a human being. oÓçÆj oÓçÆj sá cç]®ç& cçíþçvç, vçKçò vçKçò sá vççyço ìîçþçvç~ du:ri du:ri chu mar1ts me:tha:n, nakh1 nakh1 chu na:bad te tha:n. From a distance, even black pepper becomes sweet, near at hand sugar A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 79 80 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS becomes bitter. Distance lends enchantment, and familiarity breeds con- It takes two to make a quarrel. tempt. Üvç yçç@]®çvç nòb]pç nj iç@çÆ³ç Jç@njç@]®ç nábo ªo~ oçôiç çÆoLç çÆlç yççjJç, oçôiç ¿çLç çÆlç yççjJç~ dOn b@:tsan h1nz har g@yi v@hr@:ts hund ru:d. dog dith ti ba:rav, dog heth ti ba:rav. The quarrel between a husband and a wife is like the monsoon rain (which Whether he strikes another, or is himself struck; he cries. does not last long). Not to be contended. Üvç mçuççn, $çôvç JççnJçíuçç~ oçôHç MçáçÆjmç lçò Kççôlç içáçÆjmç~ dOn sala:h tren va:hvela:. dop šuris t1 khot guris. Agreement with two people, lamentation with three. Tell a child and he mounts the horse. To be very impatient. Two are a company, and three are not. Two make a company, three make a row. oçôy³çd mçábo suçávç vççÆvç ³ççÇ]pç Ün~ dob’ sund chalun nani yi:z doh. ÜçÆ³ç DçLçò sô ]®ç@j Jç]pççvç~ The (quality of) washerman’s washing can be seen on the day of Id. The dOyi ath1 cha ts@r vaza:n. result of work is known at appropriate time. Clapping of hands is possible with two hands. It takes two to make a quarrel. oçôuç o]pçávç~ dol dazun. Ümçò Jçæs³ç lçò yçjv³çvç lçç@³ç&~ The burning of the border of the garment. dOs1 vatshay t1 barnen t@:r’. Extreme jealousy. The walls are open (or have fallen) and the gates are bolted.

Ün sá çÆoJççvç æsdJçn, Ün sá K³ççJççvç iJçn~ Ün uçÓçÆmçLç oççÆvç lççHçmç~ dOh chu diva:n tshOh, dOh chu kh’a:va:n gOh. dOh lu:sith da:ni ta:pas. One day brightens (provides happiness) and another day feeds dung. All To keep paddy for drying (in sun) after the sun set. days are not same. Fortune keeps on changing. To take action after the opportunity is lost.

ÜnçÆuç Kççí]®ççvç lçò jçílççÆuç cçbosçvç~ êçBl³çd vççìò~ dOhli kho:tsa:n t1 ro:tali mandcha:n. dr@:t’ na:t1. Fearing by day and being ashamed during night. Cutting meat with a sickle. A stupid worker.

Üomç kçBÀ[îç ]®ççjòv³çd~ êçiç ]®ççÆuç lçò oçiç ]®ççÆuç vçò~ dOdas k@~d’ tsa:r1n’. dra:g tsali t1 da:g tsali n1. Searching thorns in the milk. The famine will disappear, but not the stigma. To criticize without justification. êçuçò »vçj sô y³ççKçò³ç~ Üvç Dççôbiçpçvç sá vçíjçvç ìçmç~ dra:l1 hOnar cha b’a:kh1y. dOn õgjan chu ne:ra:n ta:s. An agent’s (middleman’s) art is of different kind/nature. One snaps with two fingers (not with one). A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 81 82 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS vç n vçç@j çÆ]pççÆvç lçò vçoáj çÆmççÆvç yçouçò~ n@:r zini t1 nadur sini badl1. vç@ìîç çÆs HçáÀìçvç lçò ³ççjyçuç jçí]pççvç Dç@l³çd~ Reed in place of firewood, and the lotus root in place of vegetable (or meat). n@t’ chi phu ta:n t1 ya:r1bal ro:za:n @th’. A bad arrangement. The water pails are broken, and the river banks stay for ever. People come and go, but their dwelling places remain in tact. vçç@u³çd iççícç lçò vççuç Jççôuçvçcç~ n@:l’ go:m t1 na:l volnam. vç@çÆvçmç lçój ]®çççÆ³ç lçò êççÆ³ç, Dç@cççÇjmç lçój Jçuçvçò DçççÆ³ç~ The person coiled round me like a serpent. n@nis t1:r tsa:yi t1 dra:yi, @mi:ras t1:r valn1 a:yi. A troublesome encounter. To the naked, cold comes and goes, but to the rich (well dressed person) it gets stuck in. vçç@u³çd vçò ]pç@ì lçò cçç@u³çd vççJç~ n@:l’ n1 z@ t t1 m@:l’ na:v. vç@çÆvçmç oçôyç kçw³çç sçÆuç? Not a rag over the body, yet her name is ‘Mal’ (which means wealth). n@nis dob k’a: chali? What shall the washerman wash for the naked man? vç kçÀjvçmç $çô kçÀjòv³çd~ na karnas tre kar1n’. vç@çÆvçmç Jçá©vç sá mççôoáj Hçá©vç~ Not doing a thing means to do several things uselessly. n@nis vurun chu sodur purun. An idle person ends up in doing several useless tasks. To provide clothes to a naked person is like trying to fill the ocean. vç Kçj jç@]p³çd lçò vç Kçj Jççíuç~ vç@Jç kçÀLç sô vçJçvç Ünvç~ na khar r@:z’ t1 na khar1vo:l. n@v kath cha navan dOhan. Neither the donkey is satisfied, nor is the owner of the donkey. Neither the A new matter lasts only for nine days. employer is happy nor the employee. Things are forgotten fast. vç Kçç@j lçò vç yçjkçÀLç~ vç@mççÇyçò sá nçHçálç~ na kh@:r t1 na barkath. n@si:b1 chu ha:put. Neither well-being, nor blessings. The fortune is (like) a bear. Impossible tasks are accomplished by good luck. vç içæsd³çcç cççs lçò vç içæsd³çcç ìdJçHçÀ~ na gatshem ma:ch t1 na gatshem tOph. vç@mççÇyçò ³çôçÆuç [çÆuç, Dççcçò]®ç kçwJçkçÀòj sô Hç@l³çd içæsçvç~ Neither I want honey, nor the sting (of the bee). n@si:b yeli dali, a:m1ts kOk1r cha p@t’ gatsha:n. A person who does not want to get married for fear of shouldering a respon- In misfortune, the hen about to lay eggs becomes barren. In misfortune the sibility. work which is about to be accomplished is aborted. vç sô iç@jçÇyççÇ jçí]pççvç Ün³ç, vç sô jçí]pççvç Dç@cççÇjçÇ Ün³ç~ vç@mççÇyçò Jçç@çÆuçmç sá Hçvçávç vç@mççÇyçò mçól³çd mçól³çd Dççmççvç~ na cha g@ri:bi: ro:za:n dOhay, na cha ro:za:n @mi:ri dOhay. n@si:b1 v@:lis chu panun n@si:b1 s1:t’ s1:t’ a:sa:n. Neither the poverty remains for ever, nor the prosperity (or riches). One’s fortune is always with one. (Wherever he goes, his fortune travels with him). A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 83 84 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS vç sá jçí]pççvç Ün³ç mJçKç, vç sá jçí]pççvç Ün³ç ÜKç~ vçvçòJççíj HçkçáÀvç pççvç, Hçç@]pççj vçò lçbiç~ na chu ro:za:n dOhay sOkh, na chu ro:za:n dOhay dOkh. nan1vo:r pakun ja:n, p@:za:r n1 tang. Neither the happiness nor the sorrows stay of ever. Better to go bare footed than to wear shoes that are too tight. vç]®çò nç@ lçò Dççbiçávç sácç æsçôì~ vçbiçmç vçôboòj Òçbiçmç H³çþ, mçç@çÆJçmç vçôboòj Hçç@çÆJçmç H³çþ~ i³çJçò nç@ lçò i³çJç K³çJç yç´ç³ç&Jç~ nangas nend1r prangas peth, s@:vis nend1r p@:vis peth. Jçvçò nç@ lçò Jçvç sácç oÓçÆj~ The poor man sleeps upon a bed (without worry), but the rich man sleeps on nats1h@: t1 ã:gun chum tshot. the stairs (for fear of thieves). g’ av1h@: t1 g’av kh’av bra:rev. van1h@: t1 van chum du:ri. vççÆì®ç çÆocç³ç vçò $çíMç, nìîçákçÀ Jçbo³ç jLç~ I would dance, but the courtyard is small. natic dimay n1 tre:š, hat’uk vanday rath. I would sing, but the ghee has been eaten by the cats. I will not give you drinking water from the pitcher (to quench your thirst), I would speak, but the jungle is far away. (The terms g’av ‘sing’ and g’av but will offer my throat’s blood. ‘ghee’ are homophonus but unrelated, so are the terms van ‘say’ and van ‘a False promises. jungle.’) To make lame excuses. vçHçÀò]®ç sá mçvç ÐççJççvç, lçò ]®çÓjò kçÀjòvççJççvç~ naph1ts chu san d’a:va:n, t1 tsu:r1 kar1na:va:n. vç]®ççvç çÆlç Hççvç³ç lçò Jçç³ççvç çÆlç Hççvç³ç~ The stomach causes a person to break into a house and steal. natsa:n ti pa:nay t1 va:ya:n ti pa:nay. He himself dances and plays his own instrument. vçcçvç cçô]®ç kçÀcçvç çÆkçÀ]®ç~ A person who laughs at his own remarks. naman mets kaman kitsh. For whom is there dirt in the nails? (Said about a person who saves money vçlçò kçÀmç sávçò Hç³ç, ÞççvçòHçìmç lçuç kçw³çç sá? or works hard and doesn’t have a family) nat1 kas chun1 pay, šra:n1patas tal k’a: chu? Who doesn’t know what is (hidden) under the loin cloth? vçcçí oçvçcç sá³ç jçnçÆlç-pççvçcç~ When the facts are well known, and an attempt is made to hide them. An name: da:nam chuy r@hti-ja:nam. open secret. Ignorance is the peace of life. vç $çôvç cçb]pç, vç $çáJçònçvç cçb]pç~ vçcçªomç ¿çÓ ocç çÆoJççvç~ na tren manz, na truv1ha:n manz. namru:das h’uh dam di:va:n. Neither in three, nor in the thirteen. To boast like Namrud. One who doesn’t have any importance. vçcç n³ç JJççÆLç lçò cçç]pçmç oiç, cçç]pç n³ç JJççÆLç lçò vçcçmç oiç~ vç ]pçç³çmç vç H³çç³çmç, vççnkçÀ³ç j@ìòmç ná³ç& jç]pçvç~ nam hay vOthi, t1 ma:zas dag, ma:z hay vOthi, t1 namas dag. na za:yas na p’a:yas, na:hkay r@t1s hur’ ra:zan. If the nail comes out, there is pain in the flesh. If the flesh is cut, there is pain Neither I was born, nor gave birth to someone, but I was wrongly caught by to the nail. The flesh and nail are inseparable things.(Close friends are re- the curse of births. ferred as nail and flesh.) To be unnecessarily involved in problems. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 85 86 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS vçuçò jç]pçávç HçuçJç~ A child without a grandmother, is like paddy without water. nal1 ra:zun palav. The king Nala’s piece of cloth. vççHç@Àncç içJç mçá³ç ³çmç vççHç@Àncçmç mçól³çd kçÀç@cç içæçÆs~ The climax of distress. na:ph@ham gav suy, yas na:ph@hmas s1:t’ k@:m gatshi. The unintelligent is one, who keeps the company of an unintelligent per- vççÆJç nòbÐç çÆiçboçvç oámçò oMçvç, ÒçççÆvç nòbÐç HçMççvç HçMçvç lçuç~ son. navi h1nd’ ginda:n dus1 dašan, pra:ni h1nd’ paša:n pašan tal. The children of the new (wife) are playing with the frill of (their father’s) vççj sç LçJççvç mççj~ shawl, while the children of the old (wife) are full of sorrow under the roof. na:r cha: thava:n sa:r. The new one is loved and the old one forgotten. When there is fire, one loses one’s wits. vççiçò içç[ò, JçásçÆvç nuççuç lçò KçôçÆvç njçcç~ vççj sá cççj~ na:g1 ga:d1, vuchini hala:l, t1 kheni hara:m. na:r chu ma:r. The fish in the spring, are lawful to look at, but unlawful to eat. One can look The fire is destruction. (If one’s property is burnt in fire, it is very difficult at the beauty at a distance but cannot enjoy it. to make up the loss). vççìò içB]pççÆjLç lçò jmç cççÇçÆvçLç~ vççjò êçJç mJçvç ¿çán~ na:t1 g@nzrith t1 ras mi:nith. na:r1 dra:v sOn h’uh. The pieces of mutton are counted, and the soup is measured. Where there is Like gold which has come out of the fire. no scope for flexibility. Well tested proposition. vçççÆì HçÀçôuç sá vçHçÀ]®çákçÀ yçícçò~ vççjò çÆJççÆ]pç ¬çÓÀj Kçvçávç~ na:t1phol chu naphtsuk be:m1. na:r1 vizi kru:r khanun. A piece of meat is the brother-in-law of one’s stomach. To dig a well at the time of fire. The mutton is considered very dear to the stomach. To make a futile effort at the eleventh hour. One relishes to eat mutton. vççjò³ç sá pçvçLç lçò vççjò³ç sá pçnvçcç~ vççoçvç n³ç ]pçççÆvç çÆ]pç vççoçvç sámç, Dçoò sávçò vççoçvç~ na:r1y chu janath t1 na:r1y chu ja:hnam. na:da:n hay za:ni zi na:da:n chus, ad1 chun1 na:da:n. The fire is heaven, and the fire is hell. The fire provides warmth in cold, and If the ignorant person realizes that he is ignorant, then he is not ignorant it is unbearable in summer. any more. vççJç sá jçí]pççvç lçò yççJç sávçò jçí]pççvç~ vççoçvçmç vç@mççÇ³çLç kçÀjòv³çd iççí³çç çÆkçÀ Hçb]p³çvç vçÓvç Ðçávç~ na:v chu ro:za:n, t1 ba:v chun1 ro:za:n. na:da:nas n@siyath kar1n’ go:ya: ki panzen nu:n d’un. The name remains (or lasts), but not the price. Giving advice to a stupid person, is like feeding salt to monkeys. Good If one helps someone during the period of distress, his name is remem- advice is lost on stupid persons. bered. The hard times and high prices do not last for ever. vçççÆvç jçômç Mçáj içJç HçççÆvç jçômç oççÆvç~ na:ni rus šur, gav pa:ni rus da:ni. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 87 88 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS vççJç Lççôo lçò vççÆmlç ]pççôo~ vçôyçjò vçáboòyççívç lçò DçBojò æsdJç]®çòkçÀçívç~ na:v thod t1 nasti zod. nebr1 nund1bo:n t1 @ndr1 tshOts1ko:n. The name is high, but the person has a hole in the nose. Outwardly one may be beautifully dressed, but from within one may be like The weakness of someone who is considered great. an empty walnut. A deceptive personality. vççJç uçiçávç içJç vççj uçiçávç~ vçôyçò³ç& JJçMç lçò DçBoò³ç& KJçMç~ na:v lagun gav na:r lagun. neb1r’ vOš, t1 @nd1r’ khOš. To earn a name is just like to be on fire. Crying outwardly, but happy within. One may pretend grief outwardly, but actually rejoices at heart. çÆvçvçò Jçç@çÆuçmç DçkçáÀ³ç iJçvççn, jçJçvç Jçç@çÆuçmç mççmç iJçvççn~ nin1v@:lis akuy gOna:h, ra:vanv@:lis sa:s gOna:h. vçíkçÀvç sá KJçoç KJçMç~ The thief commits only one sin, but the person whose things are stolen ne:kan chu khOda:h khOš. commits thousand sins (by suspecting different people). God is pleased with honest people. Honesty pays in the ling run. çÆvç³çlçmç cçÓpçáyç çÆoçÆ³ç lçmç KJçoç~ niytas mu:ju:b diyi tas khOda:h. vçíkçÀçí vççÇkçÀçÇ kçÀj, yço uççÆyç Hççvç³ç~ God will gives a person according to his intentions. ne:ko: ni:ki: kar, bad labi pa:nay. O good man, do good; the wicked will receive his own due. vççÇcç n@kçÀçÇcç Kçlçj³ç pççvç~ Be good and do good. ni:m h@ki:m khatray ja:n. A semiskilled doctor is a danger to life. vçíkçÀvçç@cççÇ sô yç@[ oçÌuçLç~ A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. ne:kn@:mi: cha b@d davlath. A good name is great wealth. vçô®çáJçç Jççbiçvçmç mçácyç, ³ç[ smç Dççbiçvçmç mçácyç~ necuva: vã:gnas sumb, yad chas ã:gnas sumb. vçíkçÀvççcç sá içæsçvç ³ç@]®çkçÀç@u³çd, lçò yçovççcç sá içæsçvç pçuo~ A son is about the size of a brinjal, but has a stomach of the size of a ne:kna:m chu gatsha:n y@tsk@:l’, t1 badna:m chu gatsha:n jal1d. courtyard. A glutton. A good name comes after a long while, but a bad name is obtained quickly. v³çLçòvççÆvç yçç³çJç, JJççÆ[ vç@v³çd yçôçÆvç uç@çÆpç³çJç~ vçíkçÀ çÆvç³çLç sô yç@[ oçÌuçLç~ neth1nani ba:yav vOd1n@n’ beni l@jiyav. ne:kh niyath cha b@d davlath. O naked brother, may (your) bareheaded sister sacrifice herself on you. To Honesty is great wealth. extend a helping hand by someone who is as miserable as the person concerned. Useless sympathy. v³çákçÀ sá Dççmççvç $çákçÀ~ n’uk chu a:sa:n truk. vçôboòj s³ç cççílçòv³çd yçôçÆvç~ A slim (lean) person is always clever. nend1r chay mo:t1n’ beni. The sleep is the sister of the death. vçávçò vçççÆvç nábo ]®çòçÆvç Dçç@MçvççJç~ One is totally unaware of what happens during sleep. nun1 na:ni hund ts1ni @:šna:v. A distant (supposed to be) grandmother’s charcoal relation. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 89 90 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A very distant relation. An unwelcome relative. A daughter-in-law is not worth a penny, and kill a ram over her feet (to ward off evil). To waste the sacrifice of a ram for the good of a worthless daugh- vçÓvçmç cçÓvç~ ter-in-law. nu:nas mu:n. To waste money on a worthless person/matter. Money is not wasted when it is invested. vJçMç yççÆvç vçò kçÓÀj, nMç yççÆvç vçò cçç@pç~ vçÓvç vççyço, lççÇuç Hç@ÀçÆuçuçò, ]p³çávç ]®çboávç, lçò yçlçò cJçKlçò~ nOš bani n1 ku:r, haš bani n1 m@:j. nu:n na:bad, ti:l ph@lil1, z’un tsandun, t1 bat1 mOkht1. The daughter-in-law will never become a daughter, and the mother-in-law Salt is (as scarce as) sugar, and oil is (as scarce as) scent, and firewood is (as will never become a mother. scarce as) sandalwood, and food is (as scarce as) pearls. Scarcity. Hard There is a difference between a daughter-in-law and a daughter; as there is times. difference between a mother-in-law and a mother. Blood is thicker than water. vçÓjò yçáçÆLçmç sá içæsçvç mçÓjò yçáLç ³çlççÇcçmç~ nu:r1 buthis chu gatsha:n su:r1 buth yati:mas. vJçMççÇ çÆo]®çcç³ç HçáÀnòj~ nMççÇ çÆocç³ç yçáçÆ[Lç~ The bright face becomes ashen when a child becomes an orphan. May God “nOši: ditsmay phuh1r”. “haši: dimay budith.” protect the orphan! “O daughter-in-law, I’ve given you a burnt crest of cooked rice (to eat).” “I’ll (also) give it to you, when you’ll grow old.” vçÓjò ®çççÆvç lçój ]®çuççvç~ Everyone has his or her day. As you sow, so shall you reap. nu:r1 ca:ni t1:r tsala:n (At the very sight of) your graceful face, cold runs away. vJççÆMç oçôHç nçÆMç kçáÀvç, Jçmçlç³ç yJçvç~ (Cited in praise of God or a pious person). HçÀçÇçÆjLç oçôHçvçmç, ]pçvç çÆsncç mJçvç~ nOši dop haši kun, “vastay bon.” vççôì lçò ncççcç~ phirith dopnas,”zan chiham sOn”. not t1 hama:m. The daughter-in-law said to her mother-in-law, “(Please) come down”. The Just a water-pot (pitcher) and a bath. mother-in-law replied, “As if you are my co-wife.” Nothing left in the house. To misinterpret even very simple things. vççôJç vççôì ¿çán~ vJçMççÇ uççpççíLç cççu³çávç cççu³çávç, cççu³çávç ®ççívç n³ç [îçÓbþ~ nov not h’uh. Dçoò uççpççíLç Dççíì Dççíì, yçmlç³ç Hç@ÀçÆìLç yççÇþîç~ Like a new (earthen) pitcher. New and fresh. Evergreen. nOši la:jo:th “ma:l’un ma:l’un, ma:l’un co:n hay d’u:t h. @d1 la:jo:th “o:t o:t”, bastay phatith bi:th’”. vJçMç DçççÆ³ç jôl³çd ,]pçvç Dçç@mç ³çôl³çd~ “O daughter-in-law, you boasted of your parental house, and we have seen nOš a:yi ret’, zan @:s yeth’. it. Then you said about bringing flour, but (it appears) that the skin-sacks The daughter-in-law came (from her father’s house) after a month; and as if (of flour) have burst.” she was here (all the time). Boasting and false promises do not lead anywhere. When someone’s absence is not felt at all. vJççÆMç nòbÐç çÆlç Ün HççBæs, lçò nçÆMç nòbÐç çÆlç Ün HççBæs~ vJçMç uççÆJç vçò nçj, lçò KJçjmç H³çþ cçç@³ç&lççímç nçôb[~ nOši h1nd’ ti dOh pã:tsh, t1 haši h1nd’ ti dOh pã:tsh. nOš lavi n1 ha:r, t1 khOras peth m@:r’to:s hond. The daughter-in-law has a few days, and the mother-in-law also has a few. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 91 92 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Things keep on changing and nothing is constant. passed, one day has passed as if (surmounting) a mountain. A fortnight has passed and (the debt) is forgotten, and the month passed the amount of Hç p debt is digested (the amount is totally forgotten).

Hç@æsd³ç K³çJç kçwJçkçáÀj, HçvçòçÆvç K³ççívç cç³ç&ákçÀ~ HççBmçò içJç Hçç©o lçò c³çkçÀjç]pç, ³çLç H³çþ Lç@çÆJç]p³çvç lçLç ]®ççÆì~ p@tsh’ khev kOkur, pan1ni kh’o:n mar’uk. p@~:s1 gav pa:rud t1 mekra:z, yath peth th@vizen tath tsati. The guest ate a chicken which actually belonged to him. Money ‘is like quicksilver and (a pair of) scissors, place it upon anything and it will cut it (do its work). Hç@çÆæsmç Kçjçvç Hççôæs, Kççvçòoçjmç ÜMçJç³ç, lçò KççvçòoççÆjçÆvç $çôMçJç³ç~ p@tshis khara:n potsh, kha:nda:ras dOšvay, t1 kha:nda:rni trešvay. HççBmçò çÆvççÆMç sá HççBmçò HçÀìçvç~ A guest does not like another guest (in the same family), the host detests p@~:s1 niši chu p@~:s1 phata:n. both of them, and the hostess does not like all the three (two guests and her Money makes more money (or money begets money). husband, who invites the guests). HççBmç³ç Lç@çÆJççÆ]pç cJçjomç H³çþ, mçá çÆlç içæçÆs Lççôo Jç@çÆLçLç~ Hç@]pç kçÀLç sô cçççÆpç u³çKç~ p@~:say th@vizi mOrdas peth, su ti gatshi thod v@thith. p@z kath cha ma:ji lekh. If money is placed upon a dead body, it will rise up. The truth is an abuse. Truth is bitter. Money may bring back the dead person to life.

Hç@çÆlçcç iç@j sô mçKç~ HçkçáÀvçç Hçç@]pç, içb[ávçç iççômççív³çd, K³çvçç yçáuçyçáuç~ p@tim g@r cha sakh. pakuna: p@:z, gãduna: goso:n’ , khena: bulbul. The last hour is a hard time (be it the last hour of child birth, or of life, or of In walking like a hawk, in clothing like a Sadhu, and in eating like a nightin- any work). gale. A desire to have a servant who would work fast, put on scanty clothes, Death’s day is doom’s day. and eat very little.

Hç@çÆomç lçuç l³ççôbiçáuç~ HçkçÀòvçmç içæçÆs Dççmçávç ìkçáÀvç~ p@dis tal tengul. paknas gatshi a:sun takun. A live charcoal under the sole. For walking it is important to have something to eat. Experience of hardship and pain in some endeavour. Those who eat well (and are healthy) can take up physical work. Hçlçò yç@çÆ[mç sô vç]pçj yç@[~ HçBçÆ]pçmç oH³çç y³ççKç Hççôb]pç çÆ]pç ]®çkçÀòpç s³ç JJç]pçòpç? pat1 b@dis cha nazar b@d. @ 1 O 1 p nzis dap’a: b’a:kh ponz zi tsak j chay v z j? The one whose family background is good, has a broad vision. Will a monkey tell another monkey that his buttocks are red? Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others. Hçvçò mççvç KçôçÆ³ç yçÓv³çd lçò pç@]®ç mççvç KçôçÆ³ç nÓv³ç~ pan1 sa:n kheyi bu:n’ t1 j@ts sa:n kheyi hu:n’. Hç@nj içJç, Jç@nj içJç; Ün içJç, kçÀçôn içJç; He/she will swallow a maple tree together with its leaves, and will eat the Hçs içJç, Jçs içJç; jd³çLç içJç, K³çLç içJç~ dog along with its fur. One who eats a lot indiscrimnately. A glutton. p@har gav, v@har gav; dOh gav, kOh gav; pach gav, vach gav; reth gav, kheth gav. About three hours have passed, as if a whole year is A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 93 94 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Hçvçòv³çd DçLçò çÆs Hçuç]pççvç~ HçvçòçÆvç yççÆs n³ç DççÆvçcçò DçççÆmç, kçÀç@]®ççn cççÆs içæsvç Hçç@oò~ pan1n’ ath1 chi palza:n. pan1ni bachi hay anim1 a:si, k@:tsa:h machi gatshan p@:d1. One’s own hands help one. One who has done good to others is always If there is rice-water glued to one’s fire-place, many flies will appear. A rich helped by them. person doesn’t have dearth of friends. In prosperity many friends make their appearance. Hçvçòv³çd kçwJçkçÀòj vç³ç yço DçççÆmç, uçÓkçÀò nòbçÆo iççÆj kçw³çççÆ]pç $çççÆJç þÓuç~ pan1n’ kOk1r nay bad a:si, luk1h1ndi gari k’a:zi tra:vi thu:l. HçvçòçÆvç yçôçÆyç cçáMkçÀ ¿ççôvç~ If one’s own hen is not bad, why should it lay her eggs in other’s house. pan1ni bebi mush1k h’on. Ungrateful offspring. Foolish people who help others at the cost of them- To smell one’s own bosom. To find out one’s own faults. Self introspection. selves. HçvçòçÆvç nçÆ®ç yççn $ççÆ®ç~ Hçvçòv³çd Hççcç yçôçÆ³çmç çÆov³çd~ pan1ni haci ba:h treci. pan1n’ pa:m beyis din’. One’s own husk (harvest of paddy mixed with husk) is as good as a good To pass on one’s reproach to another. To pass on the buck. produce. One must be satisfied with what one has.

Hçvçòv³çd vçcç çÆs Hçvçòv³çd Lç@j kçÀMççvç~ HçvçòçÆvç nççÆ]®ç cJçkçÀuçJç, Hçj nççÆ]®ç vçò~ pan1n’ nam chi pan1ni th@r kaša:n. pan1ni ha:tsi mOklav, par ha:tsi n1. One’s own nails scratch one’s own back. Self reliance. One may be saved from one’s blame, but cannot be from another’s (blame).

Hçvçòv³çd JçoòvççJçòv³ç lçò HçjòÐç DçmçòvççJçòv³çd~ HçvçòçÆvçmç oyçmç Kçyçjoçj~ pan1n’ vad1na:v1n’ t1 par1d’ as1na:v1n’. pan1nis dabas khabarda:r. To make one’s own (friends, relatives etc.) weep, and make strangers laugh. To be aware or alert about one’s profit or loss. To be selfish. Not to help one’s own people. HçvçòçÆvç JJççÆ[ sávçò kçÀçBçÆmç cçmç kçÀçímçcçálç~ HçvçòçÆvç DçLçò jçJçòjçJçávç lçò yçôçÆ³ç mçòbçÆo j@æs©vç sá yçjçyçj~ pan1ni vOdi chun1 k@~:si mas ko:smut. pan1ni ath1 ra:v1run t1 beyi s1ndi r@tshrun chu bara:bar. No one has shaved off his own head himself. Sometimes it is not possible to To lose anything by one’s own hand is as good as to save anything through solve one’s own problems (though the person may be able to solve others’ another. problems).

HçvçòçÆvç iççÆj nçKç Jçáiçjò, yçôçÆ³ç mçòbçÆo iççÆj HJçuççJç~ Hçvçòv³çJç KJçlçò çÆs HçjoçÇ pççvç~ pan1ni gari ha:kh vugr1, beyi s1ndi gari pOla:v. pan1nev khOt1 chi pardi: ja:n. Simple vegetables and rice at one’s own home is as good as a delicious dish The outsiders (or strangers) are better than the close relatives. at someone else’s place. Hçvçòv³çJç sávçò HçÌiçcyçj cççívçcçálç~ HçvçòçÆvç HçvçòçÆvç pçççÆ³ç çÆs mçç@jçÇ KJçpç³ç~ pan1nev chun1 paygambar mo:nmut. pan1ni pan1ni ja:yi chi s@:ri: khOjay. A Prophet was not acceptable to one’s own people. Everyone is a khwaja in his own place. Recognition doesn’t come easily from one’s close relations. Every cock fights well at its dung hill. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 95 96 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Hçvçòvçá³ç ]pççiççvç kçáÀuçHçÀmç lçò lçç@çÆjmç, Hçvçòvçá³ç kçáÀmçlççv³çd mçvç ¿çLç êçJç~ If one’s own (relation or a friend) kills, he will leave (the body) at a cool pan1nuy za:ga:n kulphas t1 t@:ris, pan1nuy kusta:n’ san heth dra:v. place, but if a stranger kills, he will kill and go away. One’s own relation lies in wait for lock and bolt. It is one’s relation who steals. In the money matters not even own relations can be trusted. Hçb]çÆ]pç nábo HçÓlç, ³çámçá³ç ìçíþ sámç Dççmççvç, lç@m³çd sô ]pççíjò Jçsmç lçuç jìçvç, mçá³ç sá cçjçvç~ Hçvçòvçá³ç Hççôvç sá Hç@çÆvçmç HçÀçìòvççJççvç~ panzi hund pu:t, yusuy to:t h chus a:sa:n, t@s’ cha zo:r1 pan1nuy pon chu p@nis pha:t1na:va:n. vachas tal rata:n, suy chu mara:n. A log is broken with the wedge of its own make. One should be afraid of The young monkey is so dear to its mother that she keeps it always pressed one’s own people. to her breast (even while climbing the trees etc.), and it is the one who dies. A favourite child is often spoiled. Hçvçòvçá³ç jLç Hççvçòmçò³ç cçLç~ pan1nuy rath pa:n1s1y math. Hçj içiçáj ]®ççvççvç içj içiçjmç uççj~ To rub one’s own blood on oneself. To do any work for the benefit of one’s par gagur tsa:na:n gar gagras la:r. own self. The alien mouse chases away the native one. An outsider or a foreigner chases away or scares away the native (or original resident). Hçvçávç K³çJççvç Hççb]pçáJç lçò yçôçÆ³ç mçábo kçÀjçvç ouçJççb]pçáJç~ panun kheva:n pã:zuv t1 beyi sund kara:n dalvã:zu:. Hçjmç oçío HçççÆvç KJçlçò Mçánáuç~ Eating one’s own food, and yet interfering in other’s matters. To poke one’s paras do:d pa:ni khOt1 šuhul. nose in other’s matters. The pain of another person is more soothing than the water. To derive pleasure from the suffering of others. Hçvçávç Hçç@]pççj, yçyçò mçábo oámçò~ panun p@:za:r, bab1 sund dus1. HçuçJçvç sá Jççôvçcçálç, lççn kçÀ©cç lçò Mççn kçÀjLç~ One’s own shoes and father’s shawl. (A story about a person who cleaned palvan chu vonmut, “ta:h karum, t1 ša:h karath”. the shoes bought by him from his own earnings, with the shawl bought by A garment has said. “Keep me well folded, and I will make you look like a his father.) One attaches more importance to one’s own earnings than the king”. Clothes must be kept in good trim. earnings of others. H³çJç vçò H³çJç çÆ]pç ³çcçvç K³çJç~ Hçvçávç cçáçÆncç sá nçJççvç Hççvç³ç JçLç~ pa’v n1 p’av, zi yaman khev. panun muhim chu ha:va:n pa:nay vath. Immediately after he fell (ill), he was eaten up by the angel of death. A quick Each problem is solved in its own way. Whenever there is a problem there is or sudden death. a way out. HçMçò H³çþò MççÇvç $ççJçávç~ Hçvçávç ³ç]pçLç sá Hççvçmç DççÆLç~ paš1 peth 1 ši:n tra:vun. panun yazath chu pa:nas athi. To clear snow off the roof (quickly). One’s honour is in one’s own hand. One can oneself earn and maintain Any work done in haste and carelesly. one’s respect. HçMçcççÇvçmç sô vçjcççÇ~ Hçvçávç n³ç cçççÆj MççÇnçÆuçmç $çççÆJç, Hç©o n³ç cçççÆj lçò cçç@çÆjLçò³ç içæçÆs ~ pašmi:nas cha narmi: panun hay ma:ri ši:hlis tra:vi, parud hay ma:ri t1 m@:rith1y gatshi. The pashmina is soft. Good people are gentle. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 97 98 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS HççKçò³ç sá HççKç~ If there are no cousins, wouldn’t even the dogs bark? pa:kh1y chu pa:kh. All people have enemies in one form or the other. Only the pure one (God) is pure. çÆHçlçjôv³çd iç@çÆ³ç cçj]®çò çÆHççÆHçv³çd, vç]®çvçò yçiçç@j jçíçÆ]pç vçò~ HççoMççnmç Hççmçyçç@vççÇ~ çÆHçlçáj içJç çÆcç]®çò³ç& kçÀçôb[, Dç]®çvçò yçiçç@j HççÆ]®ç vçò~ pa:dša:has pa:sb@:ni:. pitren’ g@yi marts1 pipan’, natsn1 bag@:r patsi n1. To 1eave the work of the watch and ward to the king. pitur gav mits1r’kond, atsn1 bag@:r patsi n1. A (female) cousin is like a top (a dancing doll), it would keep on spinning (at HççoMççn mçç@yçòçÆvçmç oíJççvç Kççvçmç, lççÇuçòJ³çd ]®ççBi³çd o]pççvç çÆs~ your cost). A (male) cousin is like a bramble, which may always run into you. A cousin is considered unsympathetic. mçç@jçÇ içæsçvç Hççvçmç Hççvçmç, kçáÀvçá³ç ]pççôvçç jçí]pççvç sá~ pa:dša:h s@:bnis de:va:n kha:nas, ti:l1v’ ts@:g’ daza:n chi. s@:ri: gatsha:n pa:nas pa:nas, kunuy zona: ro:za:n chu. çÆHçu³çJç vçò lçò ]®ççôkçÀçÇ içç@mç~ 1 @ In the king’s palace; oil lamps are illuminated. All will leave for their own pilev na t tsoki: g :s. places, only one person remains. One couldn’t reach the fruit, and, therefore he said that they were sour. The A riddle. The answer of it is sun and moon. grapes are sour.

Hççvçmç Kçô³çlçvç cçiçj oçvçmç HçôJ³çdlçvç~ çÆHçMç kç@À³ç& iJçvççn, JçiççÆJçmç ®ççíyç~ @ O pa:nas kheytan magar da:nas pev’tan. piš k r’ g na:h, vagvis co:b. Let him eat himself, but let him keep his fire place aglow. The flea sinned, but the reed-mat got the beating. A blessing. One person commits a crime, and another gets punishment for it.

Hççboò sdJçKç, vJçMçvç mJçKç lçò kçÀçí³ç&vç ÜKç~ HççÇj vçò yççô[, ³çkçÀçÇvç yççô[~ 1 pa:nd1 chOkh, nOšan sOkh t1 ko:ren dOkh. pi:r n bod yaki:n bod. Pandachokh – a place of comfort for the daughter-in-laws, but trouble for The pir (a saint) is not great, faith is great. the daughters. (It is a curse uttered by a saint called Sheikh Noor-ul-Din Faith moves the mountains. about the village Pandachnkh located in the outskirts of Srinagar. HççÇj JJçmlçço~ pi:r vOsta:d. H³ççJçuç ]p³çJç~ To call a saint a teacher. p’a:val z’av. To impose one relationship on the other. An inventive (or imaginative) tongue. HççÇjJç cçç³ççxJç oçbo, cçô kçw³çç jçJ³ççíJç çÆ]pç yçò Jçvçò kçÀçBçÆmç~ Hççb]®ççuçmç jçí]p³çç Ün³ç JççJç~ pi:rav ma:r’o:v dã:d. me k’a: ra:v’o:v zi b1 van1 k@:si. O pã:tsa:las ro:z’a: d hay va:v. The Pirs killed an ox. What have I lost that I should tell anyone? To report a The wind storm on Pir Panjal will not last for ever. matter and deny it. No business of mine. The bad days certainly pass. Adversity passes away sooner or later. Hçôþîç cçvçáì içæsávç~ çÆHçlçò³ç& vç³ç Dççmçvç lçò nÓv³çd çÆlç Jççíjçvç vçç? peth’ manut gatshun. pit1r’ nay a:san t1 hu:n’ ti vo:ran na:? To get more than one’s expectations. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 99 100 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS HçáçÆpçmç ÒçáæsáKç, Dç@çÆ[pç kçÀçívçò Hç@çÆ®ç³ç Dç]pç? Hççô]pç Jçvçávç sá Dç@s kçÀ[òv³çd~ oçôHçvçKç, Hçvçávç Dççcç vçò kçÀçbn~ poz vanun chu @ch kad1n’. pujis prutshukh, “@dij ko:n1 p@ciy az?” To tell a truth is just like to gouge out someone’s eye. dopnakh, “panun a:m n1 kã:h”. A butcher was asked “Why couldn’t you sell bones today?” He replied, Hççôì cçBçÆ[Lç, ìçôì Kç@çÆmçLç, iççJç Òç@çÆmçLç, kçÀçôì Hç@çÆjLç, “None of my relations/friends came (to buy meat today).” ¿çboòJçboò ]®ç@çÆìLç lçò çÆ³çvçmççvç HçáÀçÆìLç~ It is easier to deceive one’s own elatives or trusted friends. pot m@~dith, tot kh@sith, ga:v pr@sith, kot p@rith, hend1vend1 ts@tith, t1 yinsa:n phutith. HçÓlç, mJçHçÓlç, lçò kçwJçHçÓlç~ The right time for testing the woolen cloth is after shrinking it by washing, pu:t, sOpu:t, t1 kOpu:t. pony after riding it, cow after it has given birth to a calf, son after schooling, A son like his father, a son better than his father, and a son not as good as a watermelon after slicing it„ and a human being after he is broken (i.e. after his father. Three kinds of sons. sufferings).

HçÓçÆjmç sá HçÓ³ç&j, sdJçv³çj içJç Dçv³çj~ Hççô$çò oççÆo cçá³ç& cççbiç³ç~ pu:ris chu pu:rer, chOner gav aner. potr1 da:di mur’ mã:gay. The full weight (or completeness) lasts, the less weight (or incompleteness) To hold one’s arms to beg for a son. is like blindness ( i.e. it cannot be helped). Hççô$çò yJççÆs, nÓvç kçwJççÆs~ HçÓMçáKç çÆlç vç³ç ]®ççôuçáKç çÆlç vçç? potr1 bOchi, hu:n kOchi. pu:šukh ti nay tsolukh ti na:? To crave for a child, and to hold a dog to one’s lap. If you couldn’t win, why didn’t you run away (or escape)? If one cannot face a situation, one should give it up. Hççô$çç Kçj nç ]®ççôuç~ yçyçç, Hççvçò jìávç lçò Kç@çÆmçLç Dçvçávç~ “potra: khar ha: tsol”. “ba:ba: pa:n1 ratun t1 kh@sith anun”. Hççôæs sá MçÓyççvç $çôvç Ünvç~ “O son, the ass has run away,” “Father, catch him yourself, and ride him potsh chu šu:ba:n tren dOhan. back.” Disobedience. An advice to one’s father. The guest looks good only for three days. The guest who overstays loses hospitality. Hççôb]pç n³ç HçôçÆ³ç MçíçÆþ iç]pçò, lççíçÆlç çÆs Hççôb]pçá³ç~ An unwelcome guest. ponz hay peyi še:thi gaz1, to:ti chu ponzuy. If a monkey falls from sixty yards, still it remains a monkey. Change of a Hççô]pç sá ìîççôþ~ position doesn’t change a person. poz chu t’ot h. Truth is bitter. Hççôjcçálç sá iççôjcçálç~ pormut chu gormut. Hççô]pç Jçvçòvçò Hççvç ]pçvç vçìçvç, DçHç]ápç Jçvçòvçò uçiççvç jmç~ An educated person is (like) a nicely cut (stone). poz van1n1 pa:n zan nata:n, apuz van1n1 laga:n ras. An educated person is well groomed. While telling the truth, the body trembles, and while telling a lie, one feels good. It is hard to tell the truth. Hççônçôuç sá oHççvç uçÓkçÀvç, DçKç K³çJç mçònvç, y³ççKç K³çJç Mççuçvç~ pohol chu dapa:n lu:kan, “akh khev s1han, b’a:kh khev ša:lan”. The shepherd tells people, “One (sheep) was eaten by the lion, and another A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 101 102 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS by a jackal.” False excuses. Something beyond one’s reach.

Òç³ççiçò®ç yçÓv³çd, vç Lçoçvç lçò vç yç[çvç~ HçÀuç kçáÀuçá³ç sá vçôçÆcçLç~ praya:g1c bu:n’ , na thada:n t1 na bada:n. phal kuluy chu nemith. The chinar of Prayag, neither does it become tall nor big. The tree laden with fruit always bows low. A child who doesn’t grow. A great person is always polite.

HçÀ ph HçÀçlçò sç@v³çd, içjç ®çç@v³çd lçò içjç c³çç@v³çd~ pha:t1 ch@:n’ gara: c@:n’ t1 gara: me:n’ . Hç@ÀçÆuçmç ¿ççôuç lçò nôçÆuçmç Kççj çÆoçÆ³çvç³ç KJçoç~ Fata, the carpenter’s wife, is sometimes with you and sometimes with me. ph@lis h’ol t1 helis kha:r diyinay khOda: An unfaithful woman. A turn coat. May God turn your every seed into a sheaf; and every sheaf to a kharwar (bushel, about 80 kilograms). A blessing to a farmer. çqHçÀçÆjLç Hçw³çjvç æsòvçávç~ phirith pheran tshunun. HçÀ@kçÀçÇj ]®ççJç Dççbiçvç lçò nÓçÆvçmç JççôLç oçío~ To put on a pheran (A Kashmiri loose dress) inside out. phaki:r tsa:v ã:gan t1 hu:nis voth do:d. To blame someone else for one’s own fault. A beggar entered the courtyard, and the dog felt restless. The guilty blaming the accuser. An old servant detests the new one. HçwJçkçÀò Dççmçávç iç@çÆ³ç DçKç kçÀLç, ìdJçkçÀò Dççmçávç iç@çÆ³ç y³ççKç~ HçÀìávç pççvç lçò nìávç vçò pççvç~ phOk1 a:sun g@yi akh kath, tOk1 a:sun g@yi b’a:kh. phatun ja:n t1 hatun n1 ja:n. It is one thing to be inflated with but quite another to be strongly built. Better to burst (by overeating) than io give up. Someone who overeats. Sarcasm on gluttony. yç b

HçÀçÆj ]®çÓjmç sá oççÆj kçÀçôb[ uççíj~ yç@[ Ðço iç@çÆ³ç mJç, ³Jçmçò yç@[ uJçKçòj K³çççÆJç~ phari tsu:ras chu da:ri kond lo:r. b@d ded g@yi sO yOs b@d lOkh1r kh’a:vi. A thorn is stuck in the beard of one who stole a dried fish. The grandma is one who gives grandly to eat. A thief carries marks of detection along with him. The one who does a favour is considered great. A thief has guilty conscience. yç@çÆ[mç KJçjmç lçuç cç©vç pççvç, lçò uJçkçÀçÆìmç vçò Mççbomç H³çþ~ HçÀçÆj nçB]pçvç yçá]pçíçÆ³ç cçç@pç, uçÓkçÀJç oçôHçámç içç[ò sá yçá]pççvç~ b@dis khOras tal marun ja:n, t1 lOktis n1 šã:das peth. phari h@~:zan buza:yi m@:j, lu:kav dopus, ga:d1 chu buza:n. It is better to die near the foot of a grand person, than near the head of a A dry fish vendor roasted his mother; and the people thought, that he was person of small stature. roasting fish. Blemishes of a profession stick. yç@çÆ[mç sô yç@[ò³ç vç]pçj~ b@dis cha b@d1y nazar. HçÀçÆj nçB]pç sç içáçÆjmç Kçmççvç? A great person can see great. A great person has great foresight. phari h@~:z cha: guris khasa:n? Does a dry fish vendor ride a horse? A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 103 104 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS yçç@]®çvç çÆ³ç]pçç lçò HJçlçu³çvç HçÓ]pçç~ yççÆpç kçÀçÆvç lçuçò³ç sô uJçkçÀòì kç@Àv³çd J³çHççvç~ b@:tsan yi:za: t1 pOtlen pu:za: baji kani tal1y cha lOk1 t k@n’ vepa:n. The members of the family are in distress, but the idols are worshipped. To A small stone can be hidden under a big one. ignore one’s family and to worship stone idols. yççÆpç kçÀçíçÆj nòb]pç æsdJçHç³ç sô DççbkçÀçj~ yçç@]p³çd çÆlç kç@ÀçÆjJç, ]pçáJç çÆlç yç®çç@çÆJçJç~ baji ko:ri h1nz tshOpay cha ã:ka:r. b@:z’ ti k@riv zuv ti bac@:viv. A grown up girl’s silence means her willingness. Play tricks but save yourself. Face the ordeal but safeguard yourself as well. To play safe. yççÆpç cç@MççÇçÆo ]®çu³çç kçÓbÀpç vççÇçÆjLç~ baji m@ši:di tsal’a: ku:j ni:rith. yçç@]p³çd içjmç sô yçç@]p³çd içjmç~ Will the corner stone of the big mosque slip out? b@:z’ garas cha b@:z’ garas. It makes no difference. One who deceives others is deceived himself. One who digs a pit for others falls himself into it. yçìò çÆcçmçkçÀçÇvç, vç oáçÆvç³çç lçò vç oçÇvç~ bat1 miski:n, na duniya: t1 na di:n. yççBçÆiçmç sô yççbiç çÆov³çd~ The destitute Pandit (Hindu) has neither the world nor the religion. b@~:gis chi bã:g din’. It is the duty of the Mulla to call people for prayers. A Mulla can only give a call for prayers, but he cannot force them to pray. We can take a horse to yççÆpç cç@MççÇçÆo nòbÐçJç LçcçJç, ³ççôlç çÆkçÀLçJç Hçç@þîç Jçç@çÆlçJçò? water but cannot make it drink. HçvçòçÆvç m³ç]pçjò~ “baji m@ši:di h1nda’v thamav, yot kithav p@:th’ v@:tiv1?” yç®çò oçío çÆs uççÆs oçío~ “pan1ni sezr1.” bac1 do:d chu lachi do:d. “O pillalrs of the big mosque, how did you get here?” The distress of one’s child is felt hundred thousand fold more. “Due to our being straight.” One reaches a top position due to one’s qualities. çÆyççÆsmç ÒçòæsáKç, Jçbomç kçÀçívçò sáKç v³çyçj vçíjçvç? yçìò içJç ûçìò~ oçôHçvçKç, jd³çlçòkçÀççÆuç kçw³çç kçÀçô©cç nç@çÆmçuç~ bat1 gav grat1. 1 1 bichis pr tshukh, “vandas ko:n chukh nebar ne:ra:n?” The (Kashmiri) Pandit is a quern. 1 @ dopnakh, “ret ka:li k’a: korum h :sil.” A Kashmiri Pandit works hard like a mill. A scorpion was asked, “Why don’t you come out in the winter?” It replied, “What did I achieve in the summer?” All the seasons are of equal curse to me. To be miserable in every situation. yçìò cçÓo MçWçÆkçÀ~ bat1 mu:d še~:ki. The Pandit dies of superstition. Hindus are superstitious or cynics. yççÆpç kçÀçÆvç sô uJçkçÀòì kç@Àv³çd [Kç~ baji kani cha 1Ok1t k@n’ dakh. The small stone supports the big one. The big ones too depend on the yçìò ³çôçÆuç yçáçÆ[ lçò cçíþçvç, cçámçuçcççvç yçáçÆ[ lçò ìîçþçvç~ small. bat1 yeli budi t1 me:tha:n, musalma:n budi t1 tet ha:n. An old age brings sweetness to a Pandit but bitterness to a Muslim. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 105 106 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS yçìmç ]®³ç[, cçámçuçcççvçmç ³ç[, lçò jç@çÆHçÀ]pçmç »[~ yçlçò uçôçÆuçmç çÆs H³çþ³ç kçÀçÆvç Jçásçvç~ batas tsed, musalma:nas yad, t1 r@:phizas hOd. bat1 lelis chi pethay kani vucha:n. Endurance to the Hindu, stomach to the Muslim and cry to a Shia. A Hindu One tests the cooked rice at the top of it (in order to find out if the rice is endures, a Muslim fills the belly and a Shia mourns or resists. properly cooked or not). People are judged by their appearance. Face is the index of mind. yçìmç yççô[ Ün lçò HçÀçkçÀò, cçámçuçcççvçmç yççô[ Ün lçò ÞççkçÀò, jç@çÆHçwpçmç yççô[ Ün lçò yççkçÀò~ yçlçò HçççÆJç lçuç sô Dççyçò Kççj J³çHççvç~ batas bod dOh t1 pha:k1. musalma:nas bod dOh t1 šra:k1. bat1 pa:vi tal cha @:b1 kha:r vepa:n. r@:fizas bod, dOh t1 ba:k1. A lot of bad deeds can be hidden under little food. One’s bad deeds can be A Hindu fasts on his auspicious day. A Muslim feasts on his auspicious covered by feeding someone who matters. day. A Shia weeps on his auspicious day. yçlç³ç DçççÆmç lçò kçÀç@l³çç içjò içæsvç Hçç@oò~ yçlçò iço&vç iç@çÆ³ç yç@[ iço&vç~ batay a:si t1 k@:t’a: gar1 gatshan p@:d1. bat1 gardan g@yi b@d gardan. If one has food (to eat), so many households will come up. In prosperity, To oblige someone by feeding him with food is a great investment. The path there is no dearth of friends. to heart lies through one’s stomach. yçlçmç cçb]pç ìçíþ kçw³çç? lç@nj~ yçlçò vçí©vç içJç jlçò vçí©vç~ Dçç@çÆMçvççJçvç cçb]pç ìçíþ kçw³çç? n@nj~ bat1 ne:run gav rat1 ne:run. batas manz to:t h k’a:? t@har. To be separated from the common kitchen is to be separated in blood also. @:šina:van manz to:t h k’a:? h@har. Which is the favourite among the dishes? Cooked yellow rice. Who is the yçlçò vçlçò yçlççmç, çÆsþ vçlçò Dçlçuççmç~ favourite among the relatives? Wife’s brother. bat1 nat1 bata:s, chith’ nat1 atla:s. No food in the house and desire for sugar lumps; not even the print cloth to yçyç Dçç@m³çdlçvç, jo Dçç@m³çdlçvç, çÆ³çvçmççvç kçÀçÆlç yççÆvç~ wear but desire for satin. A poor man with rich desires. If wishes were bad @:s’tan, rad @:s’tan, yinsa:n kati bani. horses beggars would ride. Whether bad or quallelsome, human life is precious. Human life is of utmost value. yçlçò yç[îççímç ®çççÆvç, lçò içjò ]pççvç³ç vçò JçLç~ bat1 bad’o:s ca:ni, t1 gar1 za:nay n1 vath. yço yçoçÇ, KJço çÆiççÆjHçÀlçç@jçÇ~ I have grown up eating your food but I don’t know the way to your house. bad badi: khOd giripht@:ri: When a person pretends not to know someone with whom he has been very If one wishes evil for others, one oneself suffers. One who digs a pit for intimate. others, falls himself into it.

yçlçò yçlçò lçò H³ççoò Hçlçò~ yçomç çÆmçj yççJçávç sá yçôçÆyç Dçboj mç©HçÀ jsávç~ “bat1 bat1” t1 p’a:d1 pat1. badas sir ba:vun chu, bebi andar saruph rachun. Having no food to eat, but having a peon to attend. A person who doesn’t To divulge a secret to a wicked person is to rare a snake in one’s own bosom. have enough resources, but pretends to be rich. It also means that someone does not have even food to eat, still he is chased by peons (for tax collec- yçbçÆiç cçb]pç vç]®çávç~ tion). Starvation and official oppression. bangi manz natsun. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 107 108 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS To dance in hemp. To do something which is of no use to anyone. To yçmlçò æsòçÆvçLç vçç@u³çd KçKçjççÆ³ç cçbosávç~ engage in a useless persuit. bast1 tshunith n@:l’ khakhra:yi mandchun. To wear a sheep-skin and be ashamed of its rustling. yçboò sá yçMçj~ band1 chu bašar. yççÆmlç cçb]pç kçÀçpçJçþ~ To err is human. basti manz ka:jvath. A stone in a sheep-skin. To cause trouble to someone without letting him yçbo³ç sá yçímçyçòj~ know. band1y chu be:sab1r. A human being is quite impatient. yçççÆiç yççíiç lçò vçççÆvç ìçíkçÀ~ ba:gi bo:g t1 na:ni to:k. yçboò yçbomç cçbçÆiç, Dççiçò yçôoçj lçò vççíkçÀj éçbçÆiç~ After eating to his full, he asks for a dish for his grand mother too. band1 bandas mangi, a:g1 beda:r t1 no:kar šõgi. To ask a favour from someone, is as if a master is awake whilst the servant is yççvçò nlçmç çÆoçÆ]pç þçvçò nLç, lçò Dçç@mçò nlçmç kçw³ççn kç@ÀçÆjçÆ]pç~ asleep. ba:n1 hatas dizi tha:n 1 hath, t1 @:s1 hatas k’a: k@rizi. A hundred lids for a hundred vessels, but nothing can cover a hundred yçboò vç³ç iJçvççn kçÀçÆj, KJçoçn kçw³çç yçKMçmç~ mouths. There is no way to stop gossip. band1 nay gOna:h kari khOda:h k’a: bakhšes. If a human being doesn’t commit sin, what will God have to pardon him? A yççboJç kçáÀmç? ]pçò ®çboò~ human being commits sins, and God forgives. To err is human, to forgive ba:ndav kus? z1 cand1. divine. Who is your kin? (Your) two pockets. Money is a good friend. yçyçò vçíLçòj, lçò DçLçmç H³çþ~ yççyçò Dççocçmç Dçç@m³çd ]pçò içyçj, Dç@kçw³çd j@ì DççJçjôv³çd Dç@kçw³çd kçÀyçj~ bab1 ne:th1r, t1 athas peth. ba:b1 a:dmas @:s’ z1 gabar, @k’ r@ t a:vren’ @k’ kabar. Father, I want to get married, here and now! Impatience. Father Adam had two sons. One chose a pyre and the other grave (i.e. one became Hindu and another became a Muslim or a Christian). yçyçò yçá[lçcç lçò Kç@ocçLçç kçÀjlçcç~ bab1 budtam t1 kh1dmatha: kartam. yççyçò cçl³ççíJç lçò Ðço çÆlç~ O father, grow old and serve me. When youngsters expect their elders to ba:b1 mat’o:v t1 ded ti. serve them. The father was mad with anger and so was the mother. When everyone in the house is angry. yçj çÆoLç Kçj vç]®ççvç~ bar dith khar natsa:n. yççuçòvçò³ç çÆs uççuç vçíjçvç~ The ass dances with doors shut. A riddle meaning a quern. ba:l1n1y chi la:l ne:ra:n. The. diamonds are found in mountains. Good things are often found in yçuçç³ç oÓj lçò Kçç@j kçÀçôyçÓuç~ worst possible places. Some good persons are born to ordinary parents. bala:y du:r t1 kh@:r kobu:l. May the misfortunes be warded off and good prevail. A blessing. yççn HçB]p³çd çÆlç iç@çÆ³ç Mçíþò³ç~ ba:h p@~z’ ti g@yi še:th 1y. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 109 110 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Twelve fives are also equal to sixty. An object can be described in different ram did not become fat as it was afraid that it would be killed with it any ways. moment. Another version of the story is that instead of a sword kept hanging nearby, a lion was shown to the ram daily and the ram did not become fat çÆyççÆnLç Jççôv³çd Hççív³çd lççíu³çç? for fear of its life.) One cannot relax or enjoy, when one is kept under bihit vo:n’ po:n’ to:l’a:? constant threat. Will an idle grocer weigh water? One who has to earn a living must not sit idle. yççÇçÆþmç iççmçò Ðççj~ bi:this ga:s1 d’a:r. yççÇKç cçbiççvç lçò Hççôì jbiççvç~ Money paid to an idle person for (cutting) grass. To pay wages for no useful bi:kh manga:n t1 pot ranga:n. work. Begging for alms while dying the woolens. y³çkçÀçj içJç y³çcççj~ beka:r gav bema:r. yççÇcçò jçômç Mçáj içJç uççkçÀçÆcç jçômç içáj~ An unemployed or idle person is as good as a sick person. Idleness causes bi:m1 ros šur gav la:kmi ros gur. sickness. Rest is rust. The child who is not afraid of anyone is like a horse without a bridle. An uncontrolled child can go stray like a horse who is not controlled. Spare the y³çkçÀçjmç çÆs $çô kçÀçj~ rod and spoil the child. beka:ras chi tre ka:r. An idle person has three tasks: (sleeping, eating and quarreling). yççÇjyçuçòçÆvç kçÀçíçÆj Òçáæs DçkçÀyçj HççoMççnvç, kçw³çç cççônv³çáJç sç Òçmççvç? OçôHçòvçmç, oçbo sç Üo çÆoJççvç? yçísçvç lçò içáçÆjmç Kç@çÆmçLç~ bi:rbalni ko:ri prutsh akbar pa:dša:han, “k’a: mohn’uv cha: becha:n t1 guris kh@sith. prasa:n?”dopnas. “dã:d cha: dOd diva:n?” One is begging while riding a horse. One who doesn’t give up pride even in The king Akbar asked Birbal’s daughter, “Does a man give birth to a child ? distress or poverty. She replied, “Does an ox give milk’?” To answer a funny question with a similar one. Tit for tat. yçísò yçlçmç lçò Hçç@³ç&]pççvç çÆkçÀæs? bechi batas t1 p@:r’za:n kitsh? yççÇjyçuçmç Òçáæs DçkçÀyçjmç, pçbiçò çÆJççÆ]pç kçw³çç çÆmçuççn? One who has to beg for food, doesn’t need an acquaintance. oçôHçòvçmç, çÆ³ç yç´çWþò çÆ³ççÆ³ç~ bi:rbalan prutsh akbars,” jang1 vizi k’a: sila:h? yççôçÆsmç nÓv³çd cçç]pç nuçnçuç~ dopnas,”yi brõ:th1 yiyi” bochis hu:n’ ma:z halha:l. Birbal asked Akbar, “Which is the best weapon in a war?” It is lawful for a hungry person to eat the flesh of a dog. He replied, “Anything that comes handy.” yçísòvçmç yççvçò kçÀçcçòv³çd~ yççÇjyçuçávç kçÀþ~ bech1nas ba:n1 ka:m1n’. bi:rbalun kath. A beggar doesn’t even have a begging bowel. To be in absolute distress. Birbal’s ram. (It is said that a ram was tied to a peg and fed well, but a sword was kept hanging close by. On seeing the sword continuously hanging, the A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 111 112 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS yçôçÆyç Dçboj HçÀçBm³çd lçò DçLçmç kçw³çLç lçmçyççÇ~ yçômççôcç sá oHççvç cçô mççôcç sávçò kçÀçbn~ bebi andar ph@:s’ t1 athas keth tasbi: besom chu dapa:n me som chu n1 kã:h. The noose under the arm, and the rosary in the hand. A serpent under the A crooked (or ugly) person believes that there is no other person as straight flower. forward (or beautiful) as he is. A person full of flaws thinks that he is flaw- less and on one excels him. yçílççyçmç DççÆvççÆìmç kçw³çLç, lççyçoçjmç Lççuçmç kçw³çLç~ be:ta:bas anitis keth, ta:bda:ras tha:las keth. yçín³ççnmç çÆs mçLç yçáL³çd ®çbomç~ An impatient person gets meals in an earthen lid, and the one who has behaya:has chi sath buth’ candas. patience gets it in a proper plate. One who is impatient doesn’t get a proper A shameless person has seven faces in his pocket. A shameless person treatment. changes colours. yçícçç@uçmç Dçç@uçò~ yçônJççuçò mçòb]pç kçÀLç kçÀçÆj oíJççjmç $ççmç~ bem@:las @:l1. behva:l s1nz kath kari de:va:ras tra:s. To offer cardamoms to a person who is not hungry. A person who is not An idle person’s words can crack even a wall. An idle person often turns out hungry does not relish even rich food. to be a notorious talkative. An idle person excels in his arguments.

y³çcççjJç Dçç@mç kçw³çáLç sá³ç? vç ]®ççôkçÀ lçò vç cççôoáj~ yçíkçÀòuç vçò kçÀçbn, lçò içjò Hçlçò kçÀçn~ 1 1 1 1 1 “bema:rav @:s k’uth chuy?” “na tsok t1 na modur.” be:k l n kã:h, t gar pat ka:h. “0 sick person, how is your mouth?” “Neither sour nor sweet.” Is there no stupid person? There are eleven in every family. A sick person cannot distinguish the taste of food. The world is full of stupid people. yçôçÆlç mçòb]pç ³çámç KççÆvç içbiç, Hçvçòv³çd mçôÐçmç ]pçbiç~ yçíHççÇjmç içìòkçÀçj, yççHççÇj sá iççMçòoçj~ 1 1 beyi s1nz yus khani gang, pan1n’ sedes zang. be:pi:ras gat ka:r, ba:pi:r chu ga:š da:r. One who digs a pit for others, himself falls into it. One without a guide is in the dark.The one who has a guide can see things clearly. yçôçÆ³ç mçábo DçcççvçLç sá Kççjò JççvçákçÀ vççjò l³ççôbiçáuç ¿çán~ beyi sund ama:nath chu kha:r1 va:nuk na:r1 tehgul h’uh. yçícçò n@njJç sá mçòn cççíjcçálç~ 1 @ 1 Any other person’s belongings in your charge are like the live charcoal from be:m h hrav chu s h mo:rmut. the blacksmith’s furnace. One must guard other’s trust with more care and Two brothers-in-law (sister’s husband and wife’s brother) have killed a lion responsibility. together. Union is strength. yçôçÆ³ç mçábo oçío sá³ç yçícççvçí~ ³çmç Dç@çÆkçÀmç yç@çÆvçLç DççJç mçá³ç ]pçççÆvç~ yçí ³ççÇcççvçmç kçw³çç çÆvççÆ³ç Mçílççvç? beyi sund do:d chuy be:ma:ne:, yas @kis b@nith a:v suy za:ni. be:yi:ma:nas k’a: niyi še:ta:n? Another’s pain is meaningless. He only knows who suffers. Only the wearer The satan cannot take away anything from the dishonest person. Shame is knows where the shoe pinches. far from a shameless person. yçôjyçoò mçJççòyç KJçlçò içJç Mç@kçÀçÇuç iJçvçònò³ç yçônlçj~ yçáçÆpç içJç ]®çòn, lçmç DççJç nçÇLç~ 1 berabd1 sava:b1 khOt1 gav šaki:l gOn1h1y behtar. buji gav ts h, tas a:v hi:th. A beautiful sin is better than an awkward good deed. An old woman tumbled down and she got an excuse. A peraon who is on A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 113 114 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS the look out for excuses. To pick holes in another’s garment. “What made you old?” “The work”. An experienced person.

yçáçÆpç lçò yç´ççÆj ]®çáJ³çççÆ³ç nj lçò Jçvçòkçw³çvç nçHçlçvç ]®çççÆ³ç Lçj~ yçá[ò çÆlç cçÓo lçò ]®ççmç çÆlç yçuçíçÆ³ç~ buji t1 bra:ri tsuv’a:yi har t1 van1ken ha:ptan tsa:yi thar. bud1 ti mu:d t1 tsa:s ti bale:yi. An old woman and a cat quarreled, and the bears of the jungle were scared. The old man died and his cough also was cured. The final solution to a misery comes by death. yçáçÆpç v³çÓKç yçj, mJç iç@çÆ³ç cç@MççÇçÆo~ buji n’u:kh bar, sO g@yi m@ši:di. yçá[ò lçò Mçáj çÆs yçjçyçj~ The door of the house of an old woman was stolen; she went to the mosque bud1 t1 šur chi bara:bar. (to steal its door). An old person and a child are alike. yçáçÆpç yçáçÆLçmç kçÀvçò JçççÆpç~ yçá[vç lçò uJçkçÀìîçvç nòb]pç Kç@ocçLç içæçÆs vçò kçÀjòv³çd~ buji buthis kan1va:ji. yçá[ò sá cçjçvç lçò uJçkçÀòçÆìmç sávçò ³çço jçí]pççvç~ Ear rings adoring the face of an old woman. Something not appropriate. budan t1 lOkten h1nz kh1dmath gatshi n1 kar1n’. Square peg in a round hole. bud1 chu mara:n, t1 lOktis chun1 ya:d ro:za:n. Do not serve either the old or the young. The old man/woman dies soon, and the young one does not remember when he grows up. yçáçÆpç uçy³ççíJç kçáÀçÆpç lçuç ]®çÓbþ, Hçlçò iç@³çççÆ³ç mJç Hç@pç ¿çLç~ buji lab’o:v kuji tal tsu:th, pat1 g@ya:yi sO p@j heth. yçá[ávç lçò Jçoávç, yçá[ávç lçò cçMçávç, yçá[ávç lçò cç©vç~ An old woman found an apple under the tree and afterwards she went (to budun t1 vadun, budun t1 mašun, budun t1 marun. the tree) with a basket (for collecting apples). Give once, they always expect To become old and to cry; to become old and to forget; to become old and more. to die (All are quite natural things). yçá]pçávç yç´çíj kçÀçcçòv³çd~ yçáLç JçáçÆsLç yççíiç lçò ]®çkçÀòpç JçáçÆsLç ]®ççBçÆiçpç~ 1 buzun bro:r ka:m n’ . buth vuchith bo:g t1 tsak1j vuchith ts@:gij. Not even a cat available for roasting. Acute scarcity. Hard times. Food is served according to one’s face, and the matting is laid according to the ass. To provide hospitality appropriate to one’s status. yçá]p³ç yçá]p³ç içç[ò KçôçÆvç~ buz’ buz’ ga:d1 kheni asma:nas s1:t’. yçÓçÆ]pçLç ]pççôj lçò [çbÇçÆMçLç Dççôvç~ To roast fish in the sun and cat them. To be very proud and not to listen to bu:zith zor t1 di:šith on. anyone. To pretend to be deaf on hearing, and blind on seeing. Hear no evil, see no evil. yçá[ò DççMçKç cççônçÆj cçáMçáKç~ bud1 a:šakh mOhri mušukh. An old man’s love is worth a pinch of guinea (a golden coin). An old man’s yççôs içæçÆs vçò v³çávç Jçç]pçòJççvç, lçò vççôvç içæçÆs vçò v³çávç yç]pçççÆ]pç Jççvç~ 1 1 1 1 love is valued. boch gatshi n n’un va:z va:n, t non gatshi n n’un baza:zi va:n. The hungry should not be taken to a feast, and a naked person should not be taken to a cloth shop. It is difficult to control desire of someone who is in yçá[ò kç@Àc³çd kçÀçô©Kç? kçÀçjvç~ great need. “bud1 k@m’ korukh ?” “ka:ran”. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 115 116 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS yççô[ kç@Àc³çd kçÀçô©Kç? cççílçJç~ yççô³ç içJç kç@Àv³çd, yçôçÆvç iç@çÆ³ç Lç@v³çd~ “bod k@m’ korukh ?” “mo:tav.” bo:y gav k@n’, beni g@yi th@n’. “Who made you elderly ?” “The deaths”. One who becomes head of the A brother is (as hard as) a stone, and a sister is (as soft as) butter. A brother household as a result of the death of other elders in the family. The term bod, is considered a stone hearted person, and a sister is considered very com- also means ‘rich’. Thus, “Who made you rich?” “The deaths.” One who passionate. becomes rich as a result of the inheritance of property of the dead. yççíj sá pçnvçcçákçÀ Hççíj~ yççô[ içJç mçá³ç ³çmç yç@[ yJço DçççÆmç~ bo:r chu jahnamuk po:r. bod, gav suy, yas b@d, bOd a:si. A burden is a storey of the house of hell. The big is he who has big brains (or who can think big). yJççÆs HçÀçôçÆj lçò vçôboçÆj Hç@Lçòj~ yççô[ yççÆ[ lçò pçç@iççÇj kçÀçÆ[, DççôHç yççÆ[ lçò ìçôHç kçÀçÆ[~ bOchi phohri t1 nendri p@th1r. bod badi t1 j@:gir kadi, op badi t1 top kadi. The burnt rice for the hungry, and the bare ground for the sleepy. Appetite If a good person becomes great, he distributes pensions in land to the is the best food, and sleepiness the best bed. people, but if an ignoble person becomes great, he pulls out the hair of their heads. yç´ç@³ç& çÆvççÆ³ç cçç]pç o@pç, ]®çô lçò cçô nj ]®ç@pç~ br@:r’ niyi ma:z d@j, tse t1 me har ts@j. yççô[ c³ççôb[ içæçÆs K³ççôvç, lçò Dç@[ kçÀç@cç içæçÆs vçò kçÀjòv³çd~ The cat took away the pouch full of mutton, and the quarrel between you bod m’ond gatshi kh’on, t1 @d k@:m gatshi n1 kar1n’. and me is thus over. The bone of contention is removed. You should eat a big mouthful, but shouldn’t do much work. One who only eats and doesn’t work at all. yç´ç@³ç& mçòbçÆo i³çJç K³çvçò sávçò uçiççvç l³çáLç, ³çáLç lç@c³çdmçòbçÆo uç@ì çÆiçuçvççJçvçò~ br@:r’ s1ndi g’av khen1 chun1 laga:n t’uth, yuth t@m’s1ndi l@t gilna:vn1. yççô[ n³ç DçççÆmç Dççô[á³ç, lççíçÆlç sá yççô[á³ç~ One. is not so angry at the cat having eaten ghee (clarified butter), as one is bod hay a:si oduy to:ti chu boduy. for its wagging its tail (after eating it). Even if a great man is half in stature (weak or crippled) still he is great. The greatness of a person cannot be underestimated by the physical character- yç´ç@çÆjmç vçò çÆyçMçlçò, lçò nÓçÆvçmç vçò oòjò, l³çáLç sá vçíkçÀ~ istics. br@:ris n1 bišt1, t1 hu:nis n1 d1r1, t’uth chu ne:kh. One is so good that he does not even say bišt1 to the cat or d1r1 to the dog. yJçvç kçáÀvç JçáçÆsLç, ]®Jçvç kçáÀvç vç]pçj~ (These terms are used for driving away cats and dogs respectively). A O O b n kun vuchith, ts n kun nazar. pious and a harmless person. While looking to the ground, (actually) seeing in every dirrection. A careful person keeps his eyes always open. yç´ç@çÆjmç n³ç HçKçò çÆ³çn@vç, mçjvç jçíçÆ]pçní vçò Hç@çÆsvç~ br@:ris hay pakh1 yih@:n saran rozihe n1 p@chin. yççôniçvçmç çÆs yççn iJçvç~ If the cats grew wings, the water fowls would not live in ponds. Nature O bohgnas chi ba:h g n. prevents a cruel person from doing harm. The bohgun (a vessel) has twelve attributes. (It has many uses). (The term bohgon also means one with many qualities.) A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 117 118 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS yç´içmç oçôHçáKç, lççWLç s³ç n@pç~ ordinary person would not appreciate the sacrifice made by someone in oçôHçvçKç, vçlçò kçw³çç sácç m³ççôo? love. bragas dopukh “tõ:th chay h@j”, dopnakh, “nat1 k’a: chum so’d?” c³ç@]®ç n³ç lçáuçKç, yççÆ[ yçvçò~ They said to the heron, “Your bill is crooked.” It replied, “Which of my other m’@ts hay tulakh, badi ban1. organs is straight?” A person full of deformities or flaws. If you want to take clay, take it from a big mound. If one wants to serve, one must serve at a big place. yç´ç@³ç& ]pçÓvç~ bra:ri zu:n. c³ç@]®ç n³ç lçáuçKç, mJçvç iç@æçÆsvç³ç~ The cat’s moon. (It is believed that a cat is excited in the moonlight and does m’@ts hay tulakh, sOn g@tshinay! not sleep properly.) When a person wakes up early in the morning, it is said If you pick up clay, may it turn into gold (for you)! A blessing. that he has experienced the ‘cat’s moon’. cç@oòj c³çkçÀjç]pç~ yç´çíj cçç©vç~ m@d1r mekra:z. bro:r ma:run. Sweet scissors. (One who appears very sweet outwardly, may prove very To kill a cat. (It is said that a bridegroom was advised to kill a cat on the first harmful in reality.) day of his marriage in the presence of his bride, so that the bride remains scared of him throughout her life.) To exhibit one’s strength or anger. cç@çÆjLç cçjlçyçò~ m@rith martab1. yç´çíj JçáçÆsLç içæçÆs çÆyçMçlçò HçÀçí©vç~ The dead are (always) praised. bro:r vuchith gatshi bišt1 pho:run. On seeing a cat, one should be able to utter bišt1 (for driving it away). One cç@u³çd ¿çLç kçwJççÆuç æsòvçávç~ must be courageous enough to show displeasure in the presence of the m@l’ heth kOli tshunun. person concerned, and not in his absence. After buying a thing, to throw it into water. To waste something precious. yç´çWþò scyç lçò Hçlçò uççj~ cçç@pç kç@ÀçÆjvç MçáçÆj MçáçÆj, Mçáj cçò kç@ÀçÆjvç cçç@pç cçç@pç~ brõ:th 1 chamb t1 pat1 la:r. m@:j k@rin “šuri šuri”, šur m1 k@rin “m@:j m@:j.” A mountain ahead to cross and someone chasing from behind. A person Let a mother cry for a child, but may a child not cry for the mother! A child caught in a difficult situation. Between the devil and the deep sea. shouldn’t lose one’s mother. A motherless child is more miserable than a childless mother. yJçs³ç sô cççÇþ~ bOchay cha mi:th. cçç@pç kçÀjçvç kçÓÀ³ç& kçÓÀ³ç&, kçÓÀj kçÀjçvç jç@çÆvç jç@çÆvç~ The hunger itself is sweet. When one is hungry the food tastes good. m@:j kara:n “ku:r’ ku:r’”’, ku:r kara:n “r@:ni r@:ni”. The mother keeps on caring for her daughter, while the daughter keeps on cç m craving for her husband. A mother is always anxious about her daughter even after the daughter’s marriage, and the daughter is not as anxious for cç@s kçw³çç ]pçççÆvç HççícHçjò mçòb]pç içLç~ her mother as she is for her husband. m@ch k’a: za:ni po:mpr1 s1nz gath. The fly would not understand the moth’s dancing around the light. An A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 119 120 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS cçç@pç ]®çò LçJçácç kçÀçbiçòj HçáÀçÆkçÀLç, yçò çÆ³çcç³ç JJçmçlçmç Ün þáçÆkçÀLç~ cçpçuçÓvçmç oH³ççíKç, uçç@uç s³ç kç=Ànòv³çd~ oçôHçvçKç, c³ççv³çJç Dç@sJç Jçáslççívç~ m@:j ts1 thavum kã:g1r phukith, b1 yimay vOstas dOh thukith. majlu:nas dap’o:kh, “l@:l chay kr1h1n’,” O rnother, blow the (charcoal in ) ka:ngri: (a typical Kashmiri fire pot used dopnakh, “m’a:nev @chav vuchto:n.” to keep one warm) and keep it ready for me. I’ll come after reporting to the Majnu was told, “Laila has black complexion.” He replied, “See her through master for the day. One who doesn’t work in the office for long and rests at my eyes.” Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. home at the cost of office time. A shirker’s daily chore. cç]pççj yçuç lççcç n]pççj yçuçççÆ³ç~ cçç@pç çÆlç yç[íçÆ³ç, Lçç@u³çd çÆlç yç[íçÆ³ç~ maza:r bal ta:m haza:r bala:yi. @ @ m :j bade:yi, th :l’ ti bade:yi. There are thousands of hardships unto the time of death. Hardships are part The mother grew bigger, so did the pots. Increase in expenses with the of life. growth of the family. cçl³çvç nábo oçôHç sá³ç yçuçç³çvç LççôHç~ cçç@pç cççcç n³ç DççJç~ Hççô$çò c³ççívç içJç yççí³ç~ maten hund dop chuy bala:yan thop. @ 1 “m :j, ma:m hay a:v”. “potr m’o:n gav bo:y”. A divine’s speech averts misfortune. “O mother, my uncle has come.” “O son, he is my brother.” To tell someone about something which he/she already knows better. cçl³çJç Dç@v³çd vJçMç, mJç çÆlç êççÆ³ç cç@]®çò³ç~ cçç@pç JççônJççvç sácç vçò kçÀçbn~ Hççô$çò JççÆlç H³çþ yçôn~ matev @n’ nOš sOti dra:yi m@tsly. “m@:j, vohva:n chum n1 kã:h. “potr1 vati peth beh.” The family of madmen brought a daughter-in-law, she also turned out to be “O mother, no one abuses me.” “Go and sit on the roadside son (and you mad. People of the same category come together. Birds of the same feather will get abuses in abundance).” Ask for problems and you will get them. flock together.

cçç@pççÇ, JJç©o kçw³çáLç? yçísvçò KJçlçò m³çþçn ©lç~ cçlçòvçmç cçMkçÀò~ “m@:ji, vOrud k’uth? ““bechn1 khOt1 setha: rut.” mat1nas mašk1. “O mother, how do you like your second husband?” Practising madness. “It is much better than begging.” cçlçuçyç sá ]®çìçvç Hççôlç uçyç~ cçç@çÆuçmç jçpç lçò cJçnlççpç, yçç@çÆ³çmç jçpç lçò cJçnlççpç, jóçÆvçmç jçpç lçò MçíçÆj matlab chu tsata:n potlab. lççpç~ The selfishness breaks the back wall of the house. m@:lis ra:j t1 mOhta:j, b@:yis ra:j t1 mOhta:j,r1:nis ra:j t1 še:ri ta:j. One stoops too low to accomplish one’s purpose. If my father has a crown, I’d be in need, if my brother has it, I’d be in need, and if my husbard has a crown, I’ll wear it. One has more right over the cçbiçòJçávç n³ç Lç@J³çd]pçvç ìbiçòJççÆvç Dçboj, lççÆlç çÆlç kçÀçÆj cçbiç cçbiç~ earnings of one’s husband than that offather’s or brother’s. mang1vun hay th@v’zen tangvani andar tati ti kari mang mang. If a beggar is placed in the midst of a grove of pear trees, he will beg there cçkçÀò cçíçÆuç cçiçj vçKçò cçíçÆuç vçò~ too. It is hard to give up one’s habits. mak1 me:li magar nakh1 me:li n1. One can meet in Mecca, but not in the neighbourhood. One who cannot be cçbiçávç içJç cç©vç~ easily seen in neighbourhood but at a distant place. mangun gav marun. To ask (a favour) is to die. To beg is to die. It is not easy for all to ask for a A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 121 122 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS favour. cç]pç& iççÆuç Jçç@oòJççvç, DççoLç kçÀçÆlç iççÆuç~ mar1z gali v@:d1va:n, a:dath kati gali? cçb]pç Dç]®çávç sá kçbÀ]pç Dç]®çávç~ The disease will be cured at the doctor’s clinic, but where can the habit be manz atsun chu kanz atsun. cured? Habits die very hard. To go in between (or to act as a surety or a go between) is to put one’s head into a mortar. A great risk. cçjònç cçiçj iççÆj kçáÀmç LçJçvç? mar1ha: magar gari kus tha:van? cçb]pç iççcçò pçMvç, n@m³çd uççôbiç nç iççÆj~ I would like to die but whom would I entrust with my home? A wishful manzga:m1 jaš1n, h@s’ long ha: gari. thinking of a person who is alone to shoulder the responsibility of the There is a carnival celebration at Manzgam, and Hasa Long is still at home. family. (A story about one person called Hassan who was lame but wouldn’t miss any carnival wherever it was held.) It is cited for a person, though physically cçuçò iç@³ççJç kçwJççÆuç, lççÆlç $ççíJçávç Hçuçò $Jç³çvç DçLçò~ crippled, who is always seen on his toes and moving all over. mal1 g@ya:v kOli, tati tro:vun pal1 trOyen ath1. A Mulla fell into a river, he put his hands between crevices (for catching cçvççÆìçÆvç uçôçÆpç Hççb]pçáJç~ fish). A greedy person. mantini leji pã:zuv. To cook six pounds (of rice) in a pot which has capacity for three Misman- cçuçò içJç Hçuçò H³çþò Hççív³çd [ç@çÆuçLç~ agement. mal1 gav pal1 peth 1 po:n’ d@:lith. The Mulla is like water which trickles down the rock. A Mulla cannot be cçb]pçu³çákçÀ sç cçb]pçuççÇ jçí]pççvç~ trusted for long. manzl’uk cha: manzli: ro:za:n? A child in a cradle doesn’t always remain in the cradle. Children grow very cçuçò nj iç@çÆ³ç Hçuçò nj~ fast. Small things/problems grow big with the passage of time. mal1 har g@yi pal1 har. A Mulla’s fight is a fight of boulders (which is useless). One must not enter cçboòs@nvç uççBæs, çÆlçcç K³çJççvç vç@]®³çd vç@]®³çd~ into an argument with a Mulla. mand1cha:n l@?:tsh, tim kheva:n n@ts’ n@ts’. The eunuchs ought to be ashamed of themselves, but they dance and eat. A cçuçmç ìòKç cç@MççÇçÆo lççcç~ shameless person. malas t1kh m@ši:di ta:m. A Mulla can run only up to the mosque. (A Mulla’s province is up to the cçbÐçv³çvç Mççcç içæsávç~ mosque.) Everyone has his own limitations. mandn’an šam gatshun. To turn the afternoon into an evening. To be caught in a complex problem. A cçuçò [îçÓbþácç Dçcçuç kçÀjçvç, nçkçÀmç oHççvç kçÀs, hard blow. iççcçò®ç K³çJççvç Dçuçç³ç yçuçç³ç, cçámçççÆHçÀjmç oHççvç cç@MççÇçÆo sá³ç ³çs~ mal1 d’u:t hum amal kara:n, ha:kas dapa:n kach. cç³ç çÆlç ³çôlççÇ lçò cç³çKççvçò çÆlç ³çôlççÇ~ ga:m1c kheva:n ala:ybala:y, mus@:phiras dapa:n m@ši:di chuy yach. may ti yeti: t1 maykha:n1 ti yeti:. I saw a Mulla (Muslim priest) performing his duty and saying the swede was Wine is here and the bar (wine shop) is also here. Everything is at hand. grass; eating all kinds of food in the village and telling a traveler that there is a goblin in the mosque (so that he may not sleep there). A selfish and cunning person. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 123 124 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS cçmç H³çJç cçmç yççvçò, ³çmç H³çJç mçá³ç ]pçççÆvç~ cçççÆpç çÆvççÆMç iç@çÆ³ç kçÓÀjò³ç yç@[~ mas p’av mas ba:n1, yas p’av suy za:ni. ma:ji niši g@yi ku:r1y b@d. The wine has spilled from the vessel (containing wine). Only that person The daughter is bigger than her mother. Sometimes a daughter has more knows who has lost it. authority than her mother. cççnjç]pçò mçòbÐç çÆlç Ün lççjò, cççnçÆjçÆvç nòbÐç çÆlç Ün lççjò~ cçççÆpç, cçççÆmç, kçÀçíçÆj kçáÀmç kçÀççÆmç? ma:hra:z1 s1nd’ ti dOh ta:r1, ma:hrini h1nd’ ti dOh ta:r1. ma:ji, ma:si, ko:ri kus ka:si? The bridegroom has his own few days, and the bride too has a few days (of If a particular habit has been a part of mother or her sister, how can the supremacy). New things do not last long. daughter escape it? One inbibes certain habits from elders. cççiçò MççÇvç kçÀòvçávç~ cçççÆpç u³çKç, yçôçÆvç u³çKç, kçÀçíçÆj u³çKç, lçò kçwJçuçòçÆ³ç vçò u³çKç~ ma:g1 ši:n k1nun. ma:ji lekh, beni lekh, ko:ri lekh, t1 kOl1yi n1 lekh. To sell snow in the month of Magh (January-February). A business out of Abuse his mother, abuse his sister, or abuse his daughter, but don’t abuse season. his wife. Someone who considers his wife dearer than other relatives. cçççÆpç kç@Àj oboò lçápç lçò Mçá³ç& K³çJç iççmçò náj~ cçççÆpç nábo Üo ³çço H³ççôvç~ ma:ji k@r dand1 t1j t1 šur’ kh’av ga:s1hur. ma:ji hund dOd ya:d p’on. The mother used a tooth pick, but the child ate a bundle of grass. One who To remember the milk of one’s mother. To be in real trouble. imitates foolishly. cçççÆpç nábo vçò yççí³ç, kçÀçíçÆj nábo cççcç~ cçççÆpç KJçlçò kçÓÀj yç@[~ ma:ji hund n1 bo:y, ko:ri hund ma:m. ma:ji khOt1 ku:r b@d. If one is not mother’s brother, how can he be the daughter’s (maternal) uncle? Relations are to be maintained and not just imposed. Strained rela- The daughter is bigger than the mother. When the case becomes bigger tions. than the original quarrel. cççvç ³çç vçò cççvç, yçò sámç³ç ®ççívç cçôncççvç~ cçççÆpç vçò cçç]pççvç, kçÀçíçÆj içJç cççlççcççuç~ ma:n ya: n1 ma:n, b1 chusay co:n mehma:n. ma:ji n1 ma:za:n, ko:ri gav ma:ta:ma:l. Whether you agree or not, I am your guest. To impose oneself on someone. The mother is not respected in her parent’s house, and her daughter treats An uninvited guest. that house as her maternal house. Relations are to be maintained. cçççÆpç vçò uçkçÀ®çò lçò mçílççjmç çÆiçuççHçÀ~ cççcç LççÆJç³ç ³ç]pçLç lçò iççcç çÆlç LççÆJç³ç ³ç]pçLç~ ma:ji n1 lakc1, t1 se:ta:ras gila:ph. ma:m thaviy yezath t1 ga:m ti thaviy yazath. The mother hasn’t a piece of (proper)cloth to put on, but the sitar has a If an (maternal) uncle honours you, the whole village will honour you. One covering. Inappropriate expenditure. who is respected by one’s own people, is respected by others. cçççÆpç vç³ç yçlçò cçbiçJç, mJç çÆlç çÆoçÆ³ç vçò Hççvç³ç~ cççuç çÆHçÀlçvçò ³çç DççÌuçço çÆHçÀlçvçò~ ma:ji nay bat1 mangav, sO ti diyi n1 pa:nay. ma:l phitn1 ya: avla:d phitn1. If we won’t demand food from mother, she wouldn’t give it of her own. One Either trouble about one’s money or trouble about one’s children. There are must ask for one’s needs. two prominent reasons for a dispute, one is money, the other is children. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 125 126 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS cççuç cçmç lçò nçuç cçmç mçòbçÆo KJçlçò sá³ç vçbiçò cçmç yçí HçjJççn~ cçá[vç nòb]pçò cçççÆpç vç³ç Òçmçvç, $çákçw³çvç nòbÐç içjò çÆkçÀLçò Kçmçvç~ ma:l mas t1 ha:l mas s1ndi khOt1 chuy nang1 mas be:parva:h. mudan h1nz1 ma:ji nay prasan, truken h1nd’ gar1 kith1 khasan. A naked man is more carefree than a wealthy man or a high placed person. If the mothers of the stupid (illiterate) people do not give birth to children, Much coin, much care; little goods, little care. how will the clever or cunning people become prosperous? A cunning person makes a living at the cost of the stupid people. cççuç JçáçÆsLç ]pçkçÀçLç~ ma:l vuchith zaka:th. cçÓ[mç uççíçÆj nLç lçò $çáçÆkçÀmç kçáÀv³çd kçÀLç~ Give alms keeping in view the property. mu:das lo:ri hath, t1 trukis kun’ kath. A hundred lashes to a stupid, but a word to a wise man. A word to the wise. cççuçmç sá cJçuç~ ma:las chu mOl. cçáHçÀlçákçÀ Mçjçyç sá kçÀç]p³çJç ®ççícçálç~ Price is according the quality of goods. Good item, good price. muphtuk šara:b chu ka:zev co:mut. The free liquor has been taken even by religious judges. Free things, good cçççÆuç cçáHçáÀlç lçò çÆoçÆuç yçí j@ncç~ or bad, are accepted by all. ma:li muphut t1 dili be:r@ham. Property by gift and a heart without mercy. One does not value items re- cçá©vç n³ç lçò cçç©vç kçw³ççn? jLç n³ç ®ççôvç lçò JJçþ çÆov³çd kçw³ççn? ceived free or in gift. “murun hay t1 ma:run k’a: ? “rath hay con t1 vOth din’ k’a:?” “If you can crush, why to kill?” “If you can suck blood, why do you jump?” (A dialogue between a flea and a human being. It is observed that a flea after cççmçlçòçÆj içç@Jç nábo çÆHçlçáj uççôì~ sucking someone’s blood jumps and is caught by the person concerned, ma:st1ri g@:v hund pitur lot. who often crushes and kills it.) A distant cow’s cousin tail. A distant relative. cçámçuçcççvç cççÆj êçiçò, yçìò cççÆj cççiçò~ cççnjôçÆvç cçççÆpç Hçlçò kçÀçÆvç çÆHçlçáj yççí³ç~ musalma:n mari dra:g1, bat1 mari ma:g1. ma:hreni ma:ji pat1 kani pitur bo:y. A Muslim will die of famine, the Hindu will die of (the cold of) Magh. (A Behind the bride is her cousin. religious Hindu fasts during the whole month of Magh, and takes bath in There is always an enemy present wherever you are. The walls have ears. the cold water, which could be the cause of his death.) There is a thorn with a rose. c³çÓþ iççcçmç lçò kçÀªþ HçvçòçÆvçmç Hççvçmç~ cççÇþ Hççôbo lçò ]pççÇþ Gcçòj~ m’u:th ga:mas t1 kru:th pan1nis pa:nas. mi:th pond t1 zi:th um1r. Sweet to the village, but rough (hard) to oneself. One who does good to A pleasant sneeze and long life. (When a youngster sneezes, an elder per- others at his own cost. son gives his/her blessings.) cçÓ[mç %ççvç içJç Kçjmç iççíj Ðçávç~ cçô$ççí Mç@Lçòj cçÓoá³ç~ cçô$çmç çÆlç sá cç©vç~ mu:das g’a:n gav kharas go:r d’un. “metro: š@th1r mu:duy.” “metras ti chu marun.” To teach a stupid person is to feed sugar to an ass. “O friend, your enemy is dead.” “The friend will also die.” An enemy or a friend do not last for ever. Man is mortal. cçÓuççvç êçílç lçò Hç@$çvç mçiç~ mu:lan dro:t t1 p@tran sag. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 127 128 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A sickle for the roots, and water for the leaves. To cause harm and be polite On seeing a Mughal, one should be able to speak in Persian. One should be outwardly. able to do things in the presence of an expert. cççôlç ]®ççôuç Hççôlç oççÆj, kçwJçuç³ç ¿çLç DçìòyçççÆj~ cJçbçÆpç ÞçççÆkçÀ KçMç kçÀ©vç~ mot tsol pot da:ri, kOlay heth at1ba:ri. mOnji šra:ki khaš karun. The madman ran away from the back window carrying his wife on his back. To kill someone with a blunt knife. To make someone’s life quite painful or miserable. To torture someone. cççílçmç lçò kçÀyççÆj sá çÆnmççyç~ mo:tas t1 kabri chu hisa:b. cJçb[vç çÆvçMç sç jóv³çd cççbiç³ç kçÀjçvç~ The account is to be settled between the corpse and the grave. mO?dan niš cha: r1:n’ mã:gay kara:n. One doesn’t go to widows asking for their husbands. cççôoáj oç@vç ]®JççÆkçÀ vçò, lçò ]®ççôkçÀ oç@vç cç@oçÆj vçò~ modur d@:n tsOki n1, t1 tsok d@:n m@dri n1. cJçjomç çÆs Jçoçvç çÆyççÆnLç, yçlçmç çÆs Jçoçvç JJçoòvççÇ~ A sweet pomegranate will not become sour, and a sour one will not become mOrdas chi vada:n bihith, batas chi vada:n vOdni:. sweet. One’s nature cannot change. People cry for the dead while sitting down, but they cry for food standing up. (People have to struggle hard to get food to eat.) c³ççívç Dçç@çÆmçLç ®ççívç içJç~ m’o:n @:sith co:n gav. cJçjomç sá cç@çÆjLç cçjlçyçò Kçmççvç~ It was mine, and became yours. To lend something to someone, and to give mOrdas chu m@rith martab1 khasa:n. up the hope of getting it back. After death a person is honoured. A person is respected after death. (No one talks evil about the dead.) cççíuç cçç@pç içJç kçÀç@]p³çd, Dç@çÆkçÀmç jç@]p³çd lçò yçôçÆ³çmç yçç@]p³çd~ mo:l m@:j gav k@:z’,, @kis r@:z’ t1 beyis b@:z’. ³ç y Parents are like judges; they are pleased with one (child), and deceive the other. ³ç@[ sávçò Jçásçvç kçÀçbn, lçò lççÆvç sá Jçásçvç ÒçLç kçÀçbn~ y@d chun1 vucha:n kã:h, t1 tani chu vucha:n prath kã:h. cççíuç iççôæsácç Jççíjò, cçç@pç iç@æsòcç mçKç~ K³çcçònmç $çKç, kçÀç@cç kçÀjònmç vçò DçKç~ No one sees (what is inside) the stomach, but everybody sees (what is put mo:l gotshum vo:r1, m@:j g@tsh1m sakh. on) the body. Dress is more important than what you eat. khem1has trakh, k@:m kar1has n1 akh. I would like to have a step father, but my own mother. (So that) I could eat ³ç@[ oiç sô yç@[ oiç~ a lot, and would not do any work. One can count on one’s own mother for y@d dag cha b@d dag. comforts, and not on one’s father. The stomach pain is a great pain. The pain of hunger is most severe. cJçkçÀòocç içJç lçò HçwJçkçÀòocç DççJç~ ³ç@[ çÆvççÆMç sá kçÀçôþ oÓ©³ç~ mOkdam gav t1 phOk1dam a:v. y@d niši chu koth du:r1y. One cruel person is replaced by another cruel one. The knee is far from the belly. A distant relative is far from the close one. One makes a distinction between the close and distant relative in obliging or cJçiçáuç [çÇçÆMçLç içæçÆs HçÀçjmççÇ Kçmçávç~ giving favors. Blood is thicker than water. mOgul di:šith gatshi pha:rsi: khasun. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 129 130 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ³ç@[ mçól³çd ]®ççôHç ¿ççôvç~ ³çLç iççcçmç vçò içæsávç DçççÆmç, lççÆcç iççcçákçÀ vççJçò³ç kçw³çç ¿ççôvç? y@ d s1:th’ tsop h’on. yath ga:mas n1 gatshun a:si, tami ga:muk na:v1y k’a: h’on? To bite someone with belly. To put someone in trouble without letting him It is useless to ask the name of the village, where one doesn’t have to go. To know. Crafty person. make useless enquiries.

³ç@[uç sá yçí ³ççÇcççvç~ ³çLç vçcç DççÆ]®ç, lçLç Mç@mlçòj kçw³çç uççiçávç? y@dal chu be:yima:n. yath nam atsi, tath š@st1r k’a: la:gun? A glutton is dishonest. One who eats a lot, gets it by dishonest means. That which can be pierced by a finger nail, there is no need to use iron. When a work can be done easily, it is useless to cry for it? ³çôm³çd uççôiç oyç, lç@m³çd uçççÆj jyç~ y@s’ log dab t@s’ la: ri rab. ³çLç uçsmç çÆlç ®çjmçò³ç~ The mud is stuck to the person who falls down (and to no one else). yath lachas ti cars1y. The blame lies on one who commits something wrong. Let us have hashish for this Lakh as well. A spendthrift does not have a second thought while spending money. ³çkçáÀj cçç@çÆjLç DçLçvç HçÀKç~ yakur m@:rith athan phakh. ³çcçò çÆ³çlçcç lçò çÆvçlçcç~ After killing a yakur (a kind of bird), hands will stink. A bad deed leaves a yam1 yitam t1 nitam. bad taste. O angel of death, come and take me. A person in distress craving for death.

³ç]pçLç sá HçvçòçÆvçmç Dçç@mçmç Dçboj~ ³çmç kçÀçíçÆj vçíLçòj, mJç kçÓÀj uJçyçjvç~ yazath chu pan1nis @:sas andar. yas ko:ri neth1r sO ku:r lObran. Honour is inside your mouth. Think before you speak. The girt who is to be married has gone to collect cow dung cakes. A person who is not doing right thing at the right time. ³ç]pçlçò®ç nçj lçò yçí ³ç]pçlçò®ç Kççj sô yçjçyçj~ yazt1c ha:r t1 be:yezt1c kha:r cha bara:bar. ³çmç KJçoç çÆoçÆ³ç, lçmç kçáÀmç çÆvççÆ³ç? A penny earned with honour and a kharwar (bushel, about 80 kilograms of yas khOda: diyi tas kus niyi? grain) obtained with dishonour are equal in value. Honesty brings respect. If God gives to one, none can take it away from him.

³çlççÇcç cçÓoò³ççí KJçoç³ççí, ncçmçççÆ³ç Jçboò³ççí içjçí~ ³çmç Ðçávç lççÆiç, lçmç lççÆiç ¿ççôvç çÆlç~ yati:m mu:d1yo: khOda:yo:, hamsa:yi vand1yo: garo: yas d’un tagi, tas tagi h’on ti. O God! an orphan has died. May I sacrifice my neighbour on my home! The man who can give knows how to take it back. A selfish person. One who doesn’t care about neighbours. ³çmç vçò Jç@æs vç@j, lçmç iç@çÆ³ç içjòmçò³ç Dçboj Hç@Àj~ ³çLç kçÀuçmç vçò içç@jLç, mJç iç@çÆ³ç Dçuç~ yasn1 v@tsh n@r tas g@yi gar1s1y andar ph@r. yath kalas n1 g@:rath, sO g@yi al. One whose arm is not raised (in work) he is just like a dried fish in his home. The head which has no courage, is like a pumpkin. A coward is a useless person. ³çmç cç@nçÆvççÆJçmç yçôçÆ³çmçábo yço çÆ³ççÆ³ç, lçmç içæçÆs Hçvçávç kçÀçcçòv³çd~ yas m@hnivis beyi sund bad yiyi, tas gatshi panun ka:m1n’. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 131 132 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS He who wishes ill of others, will suffer himself. Either flee or suffer. He who digs a pit for others, falls himself into it. ³çç HçÓj vçlçò oÓj~ ³çmç çÆ³ç kçÀ©vç mçá çÆlç kçÀjçvç, vççnkçÀ³ç cççjçvç JçákçáÀj Hççvç~ ya: pu:r nat1 du:r. yas yi karun su ti kara:n, na:hkay ma:ra:n vukur pa:n. Either (to get) complete or maintain a distance.Either whole or nothing. Whatever one wants to do, one does. The lethargic or stupid is unnecessarily killing himself (or beating his breast). ³çç cççuç çÆHçÀlçvçò ³çç DççÌuçço çÆHçÀlçvçò~ ya: ma:l phitn1 ya: avla:d phitn1. ³çmç uççôiç kçÀjò kçÀjò, mçá kçÀçÆj, ³çmç uççôiç cçjò cçjò, mçá cççÆj~ Either the dispute over wealth or over children. Two prominent reasons for yas log kar1 kar1 su kari, yas log mar1 mar1 su mari. dispute. He who says, “I’ll do’”, will do. He who says, “I’ll die”, shall die. Where there is will, there is a way. ³ççj kçw³çç uççÆJç? ]pçò ]®ççÆj yç®çò~ ya:r k’a: layi? z1 tsari bac1. ³çmç Jç@æs vç@j, lç@c³çd KçôçÆ³ç uçÓkçÀò nòb]pç uç@j~ What is a friend worth? Just two chicks of sparrows? yas v@tsh n@r, t@m’ kheyi lu:k1h1nz l@r. When a minor request is refused by a friend. One who lifts an arm, does grab someone else’s house. ³ççj ]pççiççvç æsuçmç, lçcçç@kçw³çd çÆ®ççÆuçcç ®çôçÆ³ç lçò ]®çu³çmç~ ³çmç JçLç jççÆJç, lçmç nçJççvç o@n, ³çmç kçÀLç jççÆJç, lçmç nççÆJç vçò kçÀçbn~ ya:r za:ga:n tshalas, tam@:k’ cilim ceyi t1 tsales. yas vath ra:vi, tas ha:va:n d@h; yas kath ra:vi, tas ha:vi n1 kã:h. The friend looks out for deceit, after smoking the hubble-bubble (the pipe), One who loses his way, ten persons may guide him.One who loses his word, he will escape. A selfish friend. none can help him. One must be careful in the choice of words in speaking. Think before you speak. ³ççjmç cçç@pç cJççÆ³ç lçò uçákçÀò mççmçç, ³ççj cçÓo lçò kçáÀçÆvç vçò kçÀçbn~ ya:ras m@:j mOyi t1 luk1 sa:sa:, ya:r mu:d t1 kuni n1 kã:h. ³çç kçÀ©vç vçlçò cç©vç~ If a friend’s mother dies, a thousand people gather to mourn, but if the friend ya: karun nat1 marun. is dead, there is nobody around. Either do or die. çÆ³ç sá y³çás, ³çÓlç j@s]p³çvç l³çÓlç çÆoçÆ³ç ìdJçHçÀ~ ³çç içæçÆs yçvçávç, vçlçò kçw³çç Jçvçávç? yi chu b’uch yu:t r@chzen t’u:t diyi tOph. ya: gatshi banun, nat1 k’a: vanun? This is a scorpion, the more you fondle it, the more it will sting. An ungrate- Either one should get (what one wants), otherwise it is useless talking about ful person. it? çÆ³ç sá nÓv³çd JçáMçkçÀò, ³ççíj vçò JçJççvç, lçÓ³ç& yJçJççvç~ ³çç içæçÆs J³çHçávç, vçlçò kçw³çç oHçávç? yi chu hu:n’ v1šk1 yo:r n1 vava:n tu:r’ bOva:n. ya: gatshi vepun, nat1 k’a: dapun? This is like dog-barley, it grows at the places where it is not sown. A useless Either the person should listen to your advice, otherwise what is the use of crop. giving it. Give advice to one who listens to it. çÆ³ç sá cçç@çÆMç içán, vç uçiççvç çÆuçJçvçmç lçò vç ]pççuçvçmç~ ³çç ]®çuçávç vçlçò ]®ççuçávç~ yi chu m@:ši guh, na laga:n livnas t1 na za:lnas. ya: tsalun nat1 tsa:lun. It is like buffalo dung, which can neither be used for mopping the floor or for A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 133 134 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS fuel. A worthless item or fellow. çÆ³çvçmççvçmç lçò çÆ³çvçmççvçmç sô lççÇ]®ç lçHçÀçJçlç, ³ççÇ]®ç KJçoç³çmç lçò yçbomç sô~ yinsa:nas t1 yinsa:nas cha ti:ts tapha:vat, yi:ts khOda:yas t1 bandas cha. çÆ³ç ]®çô sá³ç JJçbomç, çÆlç sá³ç vçò ®çbomç~ There is so much a difference between man and man, as there is between yi tse chuy vOndas, ti chuy n1 candas. God and man. No two persons are alike. Whatever is in your heart, it is not in your pocket. One may be generous at heart, but may not afford it. çÆ³çvçmççvç vç³ç DçççÆmç, Ümçvç mçól³çd içæçÆs cçMçJçjò kçÀ©vç~ yinsa:n nay a:si dOsan s1:t’ gatshi mašvar1 karun. çÆ³ç ]pççuç Jçásçvç sá, çÆlç³ç nçB]pçJç Jçás~ If there is no human being around, one must consult walls. yi za:l vucha:n chu, tiy h@~:zav vuch. It is important to take advice from others in important matters. Whatever a net sees (catches), that is seen by the fishermen. çÆ³çcçvç iççôyçj, çÆlçcçvç vçò yçlçò, çÆ³çcçvç yçlçò çÆlçcçvç vçò iççôyçj~ çÆ³ç ]pçôçÆJç ]pçôçÆJç kç@À³ç&çÆ]pç, çÆlç kçÀçívçò kç@À³ç&çÆ]pç ]pçbçÆiç ]pçbçÆiç? yiman gobar timan n1 bat1, yiman bat1 timan n1 gobar. yi zevi zevi k@r’zi ti ko:n1 k@rizi zangi zangi. Those who have children have no food to eat; those who don’t have chil- What you do with your tongue, why not do it with your legs? It is better to dren, have everything in plenty. work than merely to talk about it. çÆ³ç cçuçò JççÆvç çÆlç içæçÆs kçÀ©vç~ çÆ³ç cçuçò kçÀçÆj çÆlç içæçÆs vçò kçÀ©vç~ çÆ³ç cçô sácç kçÀ©vç çÆlç yçò kçÀjò, ]®çò Jçvçlçcç yçò kçw³çç kçÀjò? yi mal1 vani ti gatshi karun. yi ma1 kari ti gatshi n1 karun. yi me chum karun ti b1 kar1, ts1 vantam b1 k’a: kar1? What the Mulla (a Muslim priest) says, one must do. What the Mulla him- Whatever I have to do, I shall do. Tell me what should I do? Where one does self does, one must not do. what one wants to do, but asks for an advice of others just for the sake of it. çÆ³çjòòJçòv³çd vççJç~ yir1v1n’ na:v çÆ³çLçá³ç HççÇj, çÆlçLçá³ç cçájçÇo~ A boat adrift. Disaster all around. yithuy pi:r tithuy muri:d. Like saint, like disciple. çÆ³ç uççÇçÆKçLç içJç çÆlç nçôçÆKçLç içJç~ yi li:khith gav ti hOkhith gav. çÆ³ç vçò yççvçmç uçççÆj, çÆlç uçç³çç& Hççvçmç~ Whatever is written (in ink) is dried up. Written agreements last. One’s fate yin1 ba:nas la:ri, ti la:r’a: pa:nas. cannot be changed. What doesn’t stick to the pot, won’t stick to the body. When a thin soup or watery dish is served. çÆ³çJçòJçòv³çd oçÌuçLç, H³çJçòJçávç MççÇvç, ]®çuçòJçòv³çd oçÌuçLç, içuçòJçávç MççÇvç~ yiv1v1n’ davlath, pev1vun ši:n; tsal1v1n’ davlath, gal1vun ši:n. çÆ³çvçmççvç sá HççíMçò KJçlçò Dçç@J³çáuç, lçò kçÀçÆvç KJçlçò mçKç~ Wealth comes like the falling snow (i.e. slowly), wealth goes away like the yinsa:n chu po:š1 khOt1 @:v’ul t1 kani khOt1 sakh. melting snow (i.e. quickly). A human being is more delicate than a flower, and yet harder than a stone. çÆ³ç JççôLç nçÆì çÆlç Kççôlç cççÆì~ çÆ³çvçmççvçmç içæçÆs Dççmçòv³çd KJç³ç, HççíMçmç içæçÆs Dççmçòv³çd yJç³ç~ yi voth hati ti khot mati. yinsa:nas gatshi a:s1n’ khOy, po:šas gatshi a:s1n’ bOy. What has gone down the throat, has become one’s liability. One has to Politeness is necessary for a human being, and sweet fragrance is neces- abide by one’s belief/faith. sary for a flower. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 135 136 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS

çÆ³ç Mçnjò®ç mçç@Jçôv³çd KçôçÆ³ç, çÆlç KçôçÆ³ç iççcçò®ç içç@Jç~ cooked rice) do? Where fools rush in angels fear to tread. yi ša:hrlc s@:ven’ (@mi:r zana:n) kheyi, ti kheyi ga:m1c ga:v. What a rich urban woman does eat, is eaten by a rural cow. ³çôçÆlç Hç@nçÆuçmç K³ççôuç, lççÆlç mçònmç iJçHçÀ~ yeti p@hlis kh’ol, tati s1has gOph. çÆ³ç n@kçÀçÇcçmç çÆoçÆ]pç, çÆlç kçÀçívçò çÆoçÆ]pç y³çcççjmç? Where there is a shepherd’s flock, there is the leopard’s cave. Wherever there is a rich man, there is a thief. yi h@ki:mas dizi, ti ko:n1 dizi bema:ras? Why can’t that (amount) be given to the sick, which is to be given to the doctor? It would be better to spend money on the good or nutritious food ³çôçÆlç n³ç DçççÆmç c³çbiçávç, mçá çÆlç nôçÆ³ç ]®³çbiçávç~ for the sick, and not on the doctor. yeti hay a:si mengun, su ti heyi tsengun. If there were a small boy (lit. sheep’s or goat’s ordure, which is very small), he also would be dancing (with mirth). Everyone, no matter how small he is, çÆ³çnáboá³ç jLç çÆ³çcçvçò³ç cçLç~ has a say. yihunduy rath yimn1y math. Rub their own blood upon their bodies. Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. ³çôc³çd kçÀçôj Dççj, mçá içJç Kççj~ yem’ kor a:r su gav kha:r. ³ççÇl³çd ]®ççBi³çd l³çÓlç iççMç~ The one who showed compassion was ruined. yi:t’ ts@~:g’ t’u:t ga:š. As many lamps, as much illumination. The more the merrier. ³çôc³çd kçÀçôj uçJçò nLç mçá çÆlç lççôlçá³ç, ³çôc³çd ]pççíuç uçJçò nLç mçá çÆlç lççôlçá³ç~ ³çôv³çd vçò kçáÀçÆvç, Jççívçávç vçò kçáÀçÆvç, lçò kç@À]®ç iç]pç ³çíjJç~ yem’ kor lav1 hath su ti totuy, yem’ zo:l 1av1 hath su ti totuy. He who made a hundred bundles of hay, got the same treatment as the one yi:n’ n1 kuni, vo:nun n1 kuni, t1 k@ts gaz ye:rav? who burnt the hundred bundles of hay. When the gain or loss is not valued. Neither warp nor the woof is available, and (we are planning) how many When merit is not recognized. yards shall we weave? A good job but not all requisites for fulfilling it.

³ç@]®ç içJç çÆ]pç c³ç@]®ç içJç~ ³çôc³çd Kç@v³çd içbiç, lçmç iç@çÆ³ç lç@L³çd Dçboj Hçvçòv³çd ]pçbiç~ yem’ kh@n’ gang, tas g@yi t@th’ andar pan1n’ zang. yets gav zi mets gav. He who dug a pit (for others) got his own leg into it. He who digs a pit for More than enough is like clay (which is of no value). Everything is valued to others himself falls into it. a certain limit.

³çôçÆlç lççHçÀ lççÆlç Mçánáuç~ ³çôc³çd jçôs Hççvç, lç@c³çd jçôs pçnçvç~ yem’ roch pa:n, t@m’ roch jaha:n. yeti ta:ph tati šuhul. He who protects himself, can protect the world. Self protection is the best Where there is sunshine, there is shade too. protection. ³çôL³çd kçÀçôj lççíyçò, çÆlç³ç DççJç jçíyçò~ ³çôc³çd uçÓkçÀò nòb]pçvç cçô®çvç lçò ìákçÀjvç H³çþ vç]pçj Lç@Jç, mçá içJç Jçç@jçvç~ yeth’ kor to:b1, tiy a:v ro:b1. h1nzan mecan t1 tukran peth nazar th@v, su gav v@:ra:n. Whatever one didn’t want to do, one is forced to do the same. One who keeps one’s eyes on the crumbs of others gets ruined (ultimately). One must live on his/her own earnings. ³çôçÆlç vçò yçuçòJççÇj, lççÆlç Jçáiçjò ìçÇj~ yeti n1 bal1vi:r, tati vugr1 ti:r . Where the brave cannot succeed, what will a weakling (lit. handful of half A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 137 138 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ³çôc³çd Jçás vç@çÆjmç lçò o@çÆuçmç mçá içJç Kççj~ ³çôc³çákçÀ oçj lçò lççÆcçkçáÀ³ç Hççôvç~ ³çôc³çd æsávç Dç@çÆkçÀmç KJçjmç Hçáuçònçíj, yçôçÆ³çmç Hçç@]pççj, mçá sá yçjKçájoçj~ yem’uk da:r t1 tamikuy pon. yem’ vuch n@ris t1 d@lis su gav kha:r. The wedge and the timber log are made of the same tree. yem’ tshun @kis khOras pul1ho:r, beyis p@:za:r, su chu barkhurda:r. Chips of the same block. He who bothers much about the sleevc and the border (of his garments) is ruined.One who wears a grass shoe on one foot, and a leather shoe on the ³çuçççÆpç KJçlçò sá Hçjní]pçò³ç pççvç~ other, is faithful. One who wants to succeed must not bother about small yela:ji khOt1 chu parhe:z1y ja:n. details. Simplicity pays. Prevention is better than cure.

³çôc³çd Jççôvç Hççô]pç, lçmç kç@À[òKç Dç@s~ ³çôçÆuç Dççímçácç uJçkçÀò®ççj, lçôçÆuç Dççímçácç vçò cJçkçÀòpççj~ yem’ von poz, tas k@d1kh @ch. yeli o:sum lOkca:r, teli o:sum n1 mOkja:r. He who spoke the truth, his eye was gouged out. When I was a young, I had no leisure. When there is opportunity to enjoy, Truth is bitter. one has no time for it.

³çôc³çd Mççuçvç çÆs Jçáscçòl³çd ³ççÇl³çd kçÀç@l³çç ªo~ ³çôçÆuç ]®çò DççmçKç HççoMççn, lçôçÆuç Dççmçò yçò Jç@]pççÇj~ yem’ ša:lan chi vuchim1t’ yi:t’ k@:t’a: ru:d. yeli ts1 a:sakh pa:dša:h, teli a:s1 b1 v@zi:r. This jackal has seen plenty of rainfalls like this. When you become the king, I shall be the minister. I will grow when you An experienced person. grow.

³çôc³çd mçççÆnyçvç Dçç@mç çÆolçámç, mçá çÆo³çmç vçç Kççímç çÆlç K³ççôvç kçw³çálç? ³çôçÆuç o³ç çÆoJççvç, lçôçÆuç kçÀìmç vçÓvç ]pçvç~ ³çôçÆuç o³ç çÆvçJççvç, lçôçÆuç kçÀìmç cçÓvç yem’ sa:hiban @:s ditus, su diyas na: kho:s ti kh’on k’uth? God who gave a mouth (to him) will provide a pot (full of food) to eat. A ]pçvç~ person who is born, will get something to eat. yeli day diva:n, teli katas nu:n zan, yeli day niva:n, teli katas mu:n zan. When God gives, it is like salt for the sheep; when God takes away, it is like ³çôc³çd ¿ççôlç, mçá nçôlç~ taking away of wool from the sheep. Prosperity and poverty are at the will of yem’ h’ot su hot. God. The one who worries a lot, rottens. If you weep, your troubles heap. ³çôçÆuç HççÇjvç çÆnmççyç cçbiçvç, kçÀòìò HççÇjvç vçþ DççÆ]®ç ]pçbiçvç~ ³çôc³çd nçíJç lç@c³çd v³ççíJç, ³çôc³çd Kççôì lç@c³çd jçôì~ yeli pi:ran hisa:b mangan, kut1 pi:ran nath atsi zangan. @ @ yemi ho:v, t m’ n’o:v; yem’ khot, t m’ rot. When the pirs (Muslim priests) will be asked to give account (of their deeds), He who showed the thing, it was taken away from him; one who concealed quacks will be (all) in trouble. A test for good and bad. A test reveals the it, preserved it. truth.

³çôçÆcçmç vçvçòJçç@³ç& vççJç êçJç, lçmç ]®ççÆuç vçò ]pççbn~ ³çôçÆuç [uç ojJçç]pçò JççôLç sá içæsçvç, lçôçÆuç sávçò kçÀçBçÆmç nábo yççí]pççvç~ 1 @ 1 yemis nan v :r’ na:v dra:v tas tsali n zã:h. yeli dal darva:z1 voth chu gatsha:n teli chun1 k@~:si hund bo:za:n. If a person got nick named as “bare-footed”, the name will stick to him for When the flood gates of the Dal lake open, they do not listen to anyone. ever. (Even if he is not bare footed anymore.) A bad name cannot be wished When a clamity or misfortune comes, it cannot be wished away. away. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 139 140 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ³çôçÆuç çÆ³ç MçÓçÆyç, lçôçÆuç çÆlç kçÀj~ ³çámç vçò HçvçòçÆvçmç ]pçáJçmç KççíçÆ]®ç, mçá kçÀçÆlç KççíçÆ]®ç yçôçÆ³ç mçòbçÆomç ]pçáJçmç~ yeli yi šu:bi teli ti kar. yus n1 pan1nis zuvas kho:tsi, su kati kho:tsi beyi s1ndis zuvas. Do whatever is proper. There is appropriate time for everything.Look before One, who does not care for his own life, will not care for the life of others. you leap; think before you speak. ³çámç ³çmç ]pçççÆvç mçá³ç lçmç cçççÆvç~ ³çôçÆuç mJçvç lçôçÆuç vçò kçÀvç, ³çôçÆuç kçÀvç lçôçÆuç vçò mJçvç~ yus yas za:ni, suy tas ma:ni. yeli sOn teli n1 kan, yeli kan teli n1 sOn. One obeys the person, one is familiar with. When there is gold (for the ear ring), there is no ear, and when there is an ear, there is no gold. ³çámç ³çmç oççÆj, mçá³ç lçmç nçíçÆj~ yus yas da:ri, su tas ho:ri. ³çáLç Jçásòncç, l³çáLç Jçás³ç~ The one who owes (to someone), will have to pay it back. yuth vuch1ham, t’uth vuchay. As you treat me, so will I reciprocate. A good turn deserves another. ³çámç çÆ³çnábo içjò ]®ççJç, mçá lçnBçÆ]pç cçççÆpç ]pççJç yus yihund gar1 tsa:v, su tehnzi ma:ji za:v. ³çáLç JJçmçlçço, l³çáLç ]®ççþ~ A person who lives in someone’s family, must consider himself as the one yuth vOsta:d t’uth tsa:th. born to their mother. As is the teacher, so will be his student (disciple). ³çámç ³çáLç DçççÆmç, lçmç l³çáLç yçççÆmç~ ³çáçÆHçmç MçáHç [Kçò~ yus yuth a:.si, tas t’uth ba:si. yupis šup dakh 1. Everything appears of the same type as one would like it to be. If you are Trying to stop the water of the flood with a winnowing basket. Large ex- good, everyone else is good; if you are bad, everyone else will be bad. penses and limited income. A futile attempt to face a challenge. ³çámç ³çáLç kçÀçÆj, mçá l³çáLç mJççÆj~ ³çámç KçôçÆ³ç m³ççôvç J³ççôvç, mçá³ç yççÆvç mçíçÆj ]®³çÓvç; yus yuth kari, su t’uth sOri. ³çámç KçôçÆ³ç kç@Àm³çd kç@Àm³çd, mçá³ç HçôçÆ³ç Jç@m³çd Jç@m³çd~ As one does, so will one receive. As you sow so shall you you reap. yus kheyi s’on v’on, suy bani se:ri ts’u:n; yus kheyi k@s’ k@s’, suy peyi v@s’ v@ s’. ³çámç ³çáLç JççÆJç, mçá l³çáLç uççíçÆvç~ One who cats without salt (simple food), becomes as strong as a pillar. One yus yuth vavi, su t’uth lo:ni. who eats fried (rich)food, will lose his vigour/health. As you sow, so shall you reap.

³çámç HçÀçôuç mçá HçÀçôuç iJç[³ç~ ³çámç mçHç&vç yçás, mçá sá iççmçò lçáu³çvç/j]pçvç çÆlç Kççí]®ççvç~ yus phol su phol gOday. yus sarpan buch, su chu ga:s1 tul’an/razan ti kho:tsa:n. Whatever has bloomed, has bloomed from the very bud. One who has been bitten by a snake, is afraid of even straws of grass/ropes. Those who succeed from the very beginning. A burnt child dreads tile fire.

³çámç cç]pçò osò Hç@ÀçÆuçmç, mçá³ç cç]pçò osò içáçÆjmç~ ³çámç noò [çôuç, mçSá jçíJç~ yus maz1 dach1 ph@lis, suy maz1 dach1 guris. yus had1 dol, suy ro:v. A single grape tastes as good as a bunch of grapes. A sample is good The person who has crossed the limits is lost. enough. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 141 142 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ³çámçá³ç KçôçÆ³ç mçíj, mçá³ç mçHççÆo mçíj~ Where there is flame, the pot is placed over there. Money attracts every- yusuy kheyi se:r, suy sapdi se:r. thing. To take advantage of an opportunity. One who eats a ser (i.e. about 2 lb.) will be satisfied. One who is fed well, remains satisfied. The person who makes money is satisfied with his job. ³ççôlç lççHçÀ lççôlç Mçánáuç~ yot ta:ph tot šuhul. ³çámçá³ç ]pçnj KçôçÆ³ç, mçá³ç cççÆj~ Wherever there is sunshine, there is shade. Things do not remain the same vusuy zahar kheyi, suy mari. for ever. There are ups and sdowns in life. The one who consumes poison, will die. One who commits an offense is penalized. ³ççôlç lççv³çd æsçôì çÆHçuçvç kçÀçÆj, lççôlç lççv³çd ]p³çÓþ ³ç[ yççÆj~ yot ta:n’ tshot pilan kari, tot ta:n’ z’u:th yad bari. ³çámçá³ç ]pçíçÆvç mçá³ç nççÆj, ³çámçá³ç nççÆj mçá³ç ]pçíçÆvç~ Till the dwarf tries to reach the fruit, the tall person fills his stomach. yusuy ze:ni suy ha:ri, yusuy ha:ri suy ze:ni. One who earns will lose. One who loses will win. ³ççôlç lççv³çd ]p³çÓþ pçç³ç æsçbçÆ[, lççôlç lççv³çd æsçôì vçôboòj kçÀçÆj~ yot ta:n’ z’u:th ja:y tshã:di, tot ta:n’ tshot nend1r kari. ³çámçá³ç jçôsácç lç@m³çd çÆvçMç jslçcç KJçoç³ççí~ While the tall person looks for a place for rest, the dwarf gets sleep. yusuy rochum t@s’ niš rachtam khOda:yo: May God save me from the one, whom I saved (or brought up). ³ççôlç lççcç ocç, lççôlç lççcç içcç~ yot ta:m dam, tot to:m gam. ³çÓkçáÀvç uçÓKç, lçÓkçáÀvç KJçoç³ç~ Worries last as long as life lasts. Life is not free from worries. yu:kun lu:kh, tu:kun khOda:y. The God sides with the people. Voice of people is the voice of God. ³ççôlç lççcç Hççô]pç HççÆ]pç, lççôlç lççcç Dççuçcç oçÆ]pç~ yot ta:m poz pazi, tot ta:m a:lam dazi. ³çÓlç kçÀçôj lç@c³çd cçô, l³çÓlç kçÀjmç yçò çÆlç~ Until the truth is known, the world will have burnt. yu:t kor t@m’ me, t’u:t karas b1 ti. As he did to me, so shall I do to him. Tit for tat. ³ççíjò cJçv³çd, Dççíjò kç@Àv³çd~ yo:r1 mOn’, o:r1 k@n’. ³çÓlç vçò yç´ç@³ç& mçòbçÆo i³çJç K³çvçò içæsçvç sá, l³çÓlç sá içæsçvç lç@c³çd mçòbçÆo uççôì To show affection to someone by kissing, and to be hit by a stone in return. çÆiçuçòvççJçvçò~ yu:t n1 br@:r’ s1ndi gev khen1 gatsha:n chu, t’u:t chu gatsha:n t@m’s1ndi ³Jçmçò iççJç Üo çÆoçÆ³ç, lç@c³çd mçòb]pç uçLç lçáuçòv³çd içæçÆs ]®ççuçòv³çd~ 1 1 lot gil na:vn . yOs ga:v dOd diyi, t@m’s1nz lath tul1n’ gatshi tsa:l1n’. One does not get as much annoyed by the eating of ghee (clarified butter) One must bear the kick of the cow, that gives milk. by a cat, as one gets hurt by the wagging of its tail (on eating it). j r ³çÓlç JççÇçÆj ìKç çÆoKç, l³çÓlç sámç ³ççJçávç çÆ³çJççvç~ yu:t vi:ri takh dikh, t’u:t chus ya:vun yiva:n. The more a willow tree is chopped, the more stronger it grows. j@noçj içáçÆjmç çÆs HçvçòvççÇ kçÀçôþîç HçáÀìçvç~ r@hda:r guris chi pan1ni: koth’ phuta:n. The horse who runs fast, breaks its own knees. The person who works fast ³çÓ³ç& kçáÀvç jôn, lçÓ³ç& kçáÀvç ìîçkçÀòj~ has to suffer sometimes. yu:r’ kun reh, tu:r’ kun tek 1r. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 143 144 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS jç@çÆsmç Ün lçò ]®çÓjmç iç@j~ Hold my kangri (a Kashmiri fire-pot), and watch my run. To exhibit one’s r@:chis dOh t1 tsu:ras g@r. readiness. The watchman has to watch all the day, but just a moment is enough for a thief to steal. jJçò ]pç@ì LçJçò kçÀçÆlç? rav1 z@t thav1 kati? jç@]®ç Jççlççvç içbiçòyçuç, Hçiççn vçò ³ççjòyçuç~ Where shall I keep the torn rag? A poor person (who doesn’t have even r@:ts va:ta:n gang1bal, t1 paga:h n1 ya:r1bal. place to keep his/her rags). At night one reaches (in thoughts) Gangabal, but the next day he doesn’t even get to the river bank side (near to his house). One who only plans, but jmç cççÇçÆvçLç lçò vççìò içB]pççÆjLç~ does not act. ras mi:nith t1 na:t1 g@nzrith. When the soup is measured, and the pieces of mutton are counted. Every- jç@v³çç Kçç@çÆlçj sá³ç, yçôçÆvç s³ç jçBìmç, j@v³çd s³ç çÆn³ç ~ thing within limit. r@:n’a: kh@:tir chuy, beni chay rã:tas, r@n’ chay hiy. O husband ! you will command respect (as long as you consider) your sister jmç uç@çÆiçvçcç lçò omç ]®ç@çÆuçvçcç~ as an ogre, and your wife as jasmine. ras l@ginam t1 das ts@linam. May I enjoy (the work), and be free from laziness. A self-blessing. j]pç o@]pç lçò Jçáþòv³çd smç Dç@lççÇ~ raz d@z t1 vuth 1ni chas @ti: jmçò jámç yçlçò içJç þmçò jámç sçvç~ The rope is burnt but the twists are still there. A crook remains a crook. ras1 rus bat1 gav thas 1 rus cha:n. Habits die very hard. Rice without gravy (soup), is like a carpenter without (making a) sound. Something unbelievable. jLç Jçbo³ç lçò Hçápç JççvçákçÀ~ rath vanday t1 puj va:nuk. jçlçmç Jççôvçòvçmç uçç@uç cç@pçvçÓvç, lçò Hçiççn Òçáæsvçmç, uçç@uç kçw³çç JçççÆlç cçpçvçÓvçmç? I will offer you the blood but of the butcher’s shop. To be kind at another’s ra:tas von1nas l@:l m@jnu:n, t1 paga:h prutsh1nas, “l@:l k’a: va:ti expense. majnu:nas?” The story of Laila - Majnu was narrated for the whole night, and the next day jbiçò³ç& JççvçákçÀ Kçácç, Dç@çÆkçÀmç Kççôlç lçò yçôçÆ³çmç JççôLç~ he asked, “What relation Laila was of Majnu?” A forgetful or unattentive rang1r’ va:nuk khum, @kis khot t1 beyis hot. person. The dyer’s trough (of colour combination) was a success to one, and a failure to another. Someone’s efforts bear fruit and other’s do not. jd³çlçò kçÀççÆuç iççôæsácç Hççíæs lçò Jçbomç iççôæsácç uççís~ ret1ka:li gotshum po:tsh t1 vandas gotshum lo:ch. jbiçò³ç& JJçmç&ò~ In summer I need a potsh (a loose cotton garment), and in winter I need a rang1r’ vOrs1. woolen pheran (a loose garment). Everything appropriate to season. A dyers’ festival. A false excuse which the dyers’ tend to make if they are not able to dye the jôçÆ³ç sá Mçyçvçcç lçÓHçÀçvç~ clothes in time or properly. reyi chu šabnam tu:pha:n. The dew is like a flood to an ant. jþ c³çç@v³çd kçÀçbiçòj lçò Jçás c³çç@v³çd oJç~ rath me:n’ kã:g1r t1 vuch me:n’ t1kh. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 145 146 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS jçí]pçòJçávç sá lçmçábo vççJç~ A Rishi went to another country with the hope of getting rid of his name ro:z1vun chu tasund na:v. ‘Rishi’, but he ran into more problems. O Rishi, you left your home for Nothing lasts for ever save the name of God. nothing.

jçíJçcçálç içáj sá Mçíþ cççônjò~ jdJçHççÆ³ç nlçmç kçÀçbiçòj yçbo~ ro:vmut gur chu še:th mOhr1. rOpyi hatas kã:g1r band. A lost horse is valued at 60 golden coins. Anything lost is valued high. A kangri is kept as a security for Rs.100/-. A negligible surety for debt. jÓo vç³ç HçôçÆ³ç lçò jyç kçÀçÆlç JJççÆLç? uç l ru:d nay peyi t1 rab kati vOthi? If it doesn’t rain, where will the mud come from? There is a reason behind all uç@j uçÓçÆjLç lçò kçáÀþ~ that happens. l@r lu:rith t1 kuth. To pull down a house for a room. jÓo H³çvç³ç sç jyç JJçLççvç? ru:d penay cha: rab vOtha:n? uçç@³ç& çÆkçÀv³çd uççínÓj~ There is no mud, unless it has rained. There is always a reason behind every l@:r’ kin’ lo:hu:r. dispute. No fire, no smoke. To go to Lahore via Lor. To adopt an indirect and complex approach. jÓo HçôçÆ³ç kçÀHçmç yJççÆJç, Jççíjò cçççÆpç kçÀjò kçÀçíjò Hççíæs~ uçç@j kçÀòcçJç KçôçÆ³ç? HçjÐçJç; cçô oçôHç Hçvçòv³çJç cçç! ru:d peyi kapas bOvi, vo:r1 ma:ji kar1 ko:r1 po:tsh. l@:r k1mav kheyi? par1dev; me dop pan1nev ma:? If it rains, and cotton grows. I shall make a new cotton dress for my step- Who has eaten cucumbers? Outsiders. I thought lest it was by our own mother. A conditional promise. people. One who favors strangers and not his own relatives. jÓþòcçálç cçvçç@çÆJç]p³çvç vçò ]pççbn, kç@Àçv³çd içæsd³çmç kçÀçþ, Hççvç³ç kçÀçÆj Dçç@nçÇ Hççþ~ uçç@j K³çJççvç Hççvçmç lçò [çkçáÀj $ççJççvç yçôçÆ³çmç~ ru:th 1mut man@:vizen n1 zã:h, k@:n’ gatshes ka:th, pa:nay kari @:hi pa:th. l@:r kheva:n pa:nas t1 da:kar tra:va:n beyis. Do not calm down an angry person (one who is annoyed). In a little while, he One cats cucumber (himself), and belches at the face of the other person. A will be tired stiff, and give (you) blessings. An angry person cannot keep selfish person. his anger for ever. uçç@Jç yJço iç@çÆ³ç mçç@Jç~ jçôscçKççí uççÆs lçò ]®ççôìcçKççí kçÀçÆs~ l@:v bOd g@yi s@:v. rochmakho: lachi t1 tsotmakho: kachi. A young intellect is fertile. I brought you up (or trained you) at an expense of a lakh of rupees, but moved you down like grass. Loosing a good servant or an employee over uçlçvç nábo cçç]pç Jçlçvç uçç©vç~ some trifle or lame excuse. latan hund ma:z vatan la:run. To stick the flesh of one’s feet to roads. To wander around and to work very jd³ççôMç iç@³ççíJç Hçjoímç ÐçJçò ]®çu³çcç jôMç vççJç, lççÆlç kçáÀþîççímç lççÆcç çÆvççÆMç~ hard. vççnkçÀ³ç jôçÆMç iççÆj êçKç~ r’oš g@yo:v parde:s dev1 tsalem reš na:v, tati kuth’o:s tami niši. na:hkay uçoòJçòv³çd Jçácçòj JçoòJçòv³çd içæsòv³çd~ reši gari: dra:kh. lad1v1n’ vum1r vad1v1n’ gatsh1n’. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 147 148 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS The growing age becoming tiresome for someone. When the life becomes uçÓkçÀò nábo kç@ÀçÆlçLç v³çLçòvççôvç Hççvç, uçÓkçÀò nòbÐç j@çÆsLç v³çHççôlçáj Hççvç~ unbearable or full of miseries. luk1 hund k@tith neth1non pa:n, luk1 h1nd’ r@chith, nepotur pa:n. He who spins for others, remains naked. One who brings up other’s chil- uç³ç&vç yçç@]®ç lçò yçç@]®çvç uççÆj~ dren, remains childless himself. laren b@:ts t1 b@:tsan lari. A family (is needed) for the house, and food (is needed) for the family. An uçÓkçÀò nòbçÆ]pç cçç@pççÇ Hççô$çò oiç HçôçÆ³ç³çí~ empty house, and poverty stricken family is not good. lu:k1 h1nzi m@:ji: pOtr1 dag peyiye. O mother of strangers! May you see the death of your children. To wish uççHçÀ iç@æsd³çvçcç cççHçÀ~ others bad. la:ph g@tsh’nam ma:ph. May God forgive my boasting. uçÓçÆmçcçòçÆlçmç uçç³çávç~ lu:sim1tis la:yun. uççuç çÆMçvççmçò³ç ]pçççÆvç uççuçò®ç kçÀoòj~ To beat a tired person. la:l šina:s1y za:ni la:l1c kad1r. Only a ruby dealer (expert) knows the worth of a ruby. uççôiç vçlçò pççôiç DççJç Hççôlç HçÀçÇçÆjLç~ log nat1 jog a:v pot phi:rith. uççuçvç cJçuçò³ç cJçuç~ The stupid fellow could not do the work and returned empty handed. la:lan mOl1y mOl. Rubies are always expensive. Precius items are always expensive. uççíçÆj kçÓÀçÆìmç omçlççj içb[ávç~ lo:ri ku:tis dasta:r ga?dun. uççBæsmç cççuç nçÆì lçò vççuç~ To adorn a stick with a turban. To respect a worthless fellow. l@~:tshas ma:l hati t1 na:l. An eunuch’s property is what he wears round his neck, and his embroidered uççíçÆj Hçôþîç mç©HçÀ çÆHçuçòJçávç/çÆHçuçòvççJçávç~ piece of garment. lo:ri peth’ saruph pil1vun/pil1na:vun. To pass a snake (towards someone) over a stick. A mean trick played by a uçôpç çÆlç ]®çÓjò³ç lçò iç@pç çÆlç ]®çÓjò³ç~ friend. To cause damage through someone. lej ti tsu:r1y t1 g@j ti tsu:r1y. Where even the cooking pot is a thief, and the fireplace also is a thief. uççWçÆ®ç uçcçávç~ Where everyone from top to bottom is dishonest. lõ:ci lamun. To pull the edge of the garment. To beseech someone for a favour. uçôçÆpç vçò Jç³ç, Hçjiçvçmç mç³ç~ leji n1 vay, parganas say. uJçkçáÀì vç³ç DçççÆmç, yççô[ kçÀçÆlç içæçÆs Hçç@oò~ One doesn’t have enough rice to put in the pot (for cooking) for one self, lOkut nay a:si bod kati gatshi p@:d1. but invites the whole community to feast. To spend money beyond one’s If there were no children, how would the old people appear? Child is the means. father of man. uçôçÆpç çÆcçuçòJçvç~ uJçkçÀò®ççj sá³ç DçbokçÀçj~ 1 leji mil van. 1Okca:r chuy and1ka:r. Sharing of the cooking pot. Close friendship. Childhood is darkness. Youth is blind. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 149 150 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS uJçkçÀò®ççj sá³ç cJçkçÀòpççj~ Jç@njmç Jççbiçòpç, Hç@njmç Hççôæs~ 1Okca:r chuy mOk1ja:r. v@hras vã:g1j, p@hras potsh. Childhood is freedom. A person is a guest if he stays for a short period. He is a tenant if he stays for a year (a longer duration). A guest is respected for a short period only. ukçÀçÆ®ç nçÆvç³ç yç@[ nvç yçvççvç~ 1Okci haniy b@d han bana:n. Jçç@v³çd ®çJç Mçjçyç lçò mçá içJç Mçjcçboò, çÆlçuçòJçç@v³çd ®çJç kçÀçB]pç lçò lçmç uççôiç cço~ Big matters are born out of the little ones. Mountains are made of mole hills. v@:n’ cav šara:b t1 su gav šarmand1, til1v@:n’ cav k@~:z t1 tas log mad. A pimple grows in an ulcer. A shopkeeper drank liquor and was ashamed. The oilman drank some rice water, and he became intoxicated with pride. uJççÆlç KJçlçò uççôlç sá³ç vçvçòJççí©³ç~ 1Oti khOt1 lot chu nan1vo:ruy. Jçç@çÆvçmç çÆs ûççKç JççÆvç~ The lightest is to be bare footed. One doesn’t have worries, if one doesn’t v@:nis chi gra:kh vani. have possessions.No property, no worries. The customers are known to the shopkeeper.

Jç v JççBçÆìmç [ÓçÆvçmç KçôçÆ]pç kçÀôbn, lçò æsçôçÆ]®çmç kçw³çç KçôçÆ]pç? v@~:tis du:nis khezi ke~:h, t1 tshotsis k’a: khezi? Jç@æçÆsmç uçç@çÆiçLç Hç@æçÆsmç~ One can get something from the walnut with a hard shell (where the kernel is v@tshis l@:gith p@tshis. taken out with difficulty), but what can one get from a walnut which doesn’t A message communicated to a calf, is actually meant for the guest. An have a kernel. One may be benefited from a person who is intelligent but stiff indirect way of communication. necked, but what can one get from the person who has nothing (to offer)?

Jç@æçÆsmç i³ç@[ lçò oçbomç uççíJç, çÆ³çvçmççHçÀ jçíJç lçò JçvçJç kçÀmç? JçKlçmç vçò J³ç]®ççvç cJççÆs, lçò JçKlçmç vçò J³ç]®ççvç kçwJççÆs~ vakhtas n1 vetsa:n mOchi, t1 vakhtas n1 vetsa:n kOchi. kçÀçnvç içjvç kçáÀçÆvç³ç lçç@Jç, ¿çcçLç jç@Jç lçò JçvçJç kçÀmç? Sometimes it is not contained in hand, and sometimes it is not contained in @ @ 1 1 v tshis g’ d t dã:das lo:v, (y)insa:ph ro:v t vanav ka.s? bosom. The fickle mindedness of a person. ka:han garan kuni: t@:v, hemath r@:v t1 vanav kas? Six wisps of grass to the calf, and only one to the ox. There is no justice, to JçKlçákçÀ kçÀçj içJç lçKlçákçÀ HççoMççn~ whom should we complain? There is only one frying dpan for eleven house- vakhtuk ka:r gav takhtuk pa:dša:h. holds. The courage is lost, and to whom shall we complain? The administra- Work done at the proper time is like a king’s throne. tion of injustice. Miscarriage of justice. Jçsmç n³ç kçáÀuçáHçÀ DçççÆmç, uçsmç HççÆkçÀ okçÀò çÆoLç~ Jç@çÆLçJç kçwJçþîçJç çÆyççÆnJç kçwJçþîçJç, KçôçÆ³çJç çÆMçkçÀçj cçç]pç~ vachas hay kuluph a:si, lachas paki dak1 dith. Jç@çÆLçJç vç³ç çÆyççÆnJç vç³ç, lçò KçôçÆ³çJç Hçvçávç cçç]pç~ If a woman is strong in character, she can brush aside lakhs of men without v@thiv kOthev bihiv kOthev, kheyiv šika:r ma:z. being harmed. v@thiv nay bihiv nay, t1 kheyiv panun ma:z. O knees! Get up and sit down, and eat the flesh of the prey. Jçlçvç nábo cçç]pç uçlçvç, lçò uçlçvç nábo cçç]pç Jçlçvç~ If you won’t move, you will have to eat your own flesh. vatan hund ma:z latan, t1 latan hund ma:z vatan. Work is health and life. Trust your own deeds. Rest is rust. The flesh of the road to the feet, and the flesh of the feet to the road. A person who works very hard to earn his livelihood. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 151 152 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS JççÆlç JççÆlç sá Dççyç HçkçÀçvç~ If there were no ax for the twisted log (it would not break), if there were not vati vati chu a:b paka:n. a mother-in-law and a sister-in-law for a daughter-in-law (she wouldn’t care The water flows straight in its regular course. for anyone), if there were no officer to control a village headman, he would It is natural to favour one’s own people. uproot the whole village before the sun sets.

Jçovçmç KJçMç, lçò Dçmçvçmç JJçMç~ Jçlçò Jçç@jçvç lçò pççíjò pçáoç@³ç~ vadnas khOš, t1 asnas vOš. vat1 v@:ra:n t1 jo:r1 jud@:y. One who expresses happiness on someone’s cry, and sighs on someone’s Be misled and separated from your spouse. A curse. laughter. A very jealous person. JçJç yçç JçJç, lçò uççívç yçç uççívç~ Jçvçvç JçççÆuç ]®çô vç³ç s³ç Dçkçwuç, lçò yççí]pçvç JçççÆuç ]®çô çÆlç s³ç vçç? vav ba: vav, t1 lo:n ba: lo:n. vananva:li tse nay chay ak1l, t1 bo:zanva:li tse ti chay na:? As you sow, so shall you reap. O speaker, if you don’t have wisdom, o listener, haven’t you either? Never listen to useless talk. Jçç]pç içJç uçÓkçÀvç kçw³çáLç~ va:z gav lu:kan k’uth. Jçvçò Jçç@çÆuçLç JçôçÆLç, Jç@njmç j@çÆsLç, Jççuçòvçò çÆJççÆ]pç oyç~ Religious sermons are meant for other people (not for oneself). One who van1 v@:lith vethi, v@hras r@chith, va:l1n1 vizi dab. only preaches and does not act. After bringing it (timber) from the forest through the river, preserving it for a year, and fnally knocking it on the ground. To obtain something after hard Jççlçuç yçìòJççj~ work and to lose it all of a sudden. va:tal bat1va:r. A cobbler’s Saturday. (It is believed that a cobbler does not keep a promise.) Jçvçò®çvç ³çç³ç&vç KJçoççÆ³ç mçábo mçiç~ . When the date of promise is not kept. van1can ya:ren khOda:yi sund sag. God waters the pines of the jungle. Jççlçuçmç çÆo]®ççíKç [ç³çvç iç³ç&vç jçpç, lç@c³çd kçÀçô[ oçuçáJç ]pçyç&~ God takes care of the people who need it. va:tlas ditso:kh da:yan garen ra:j, t@m’ kod, da:luv zar1b. A cobbler was given a kingdom for an hour (short period of time), he issued Jçbomç sá pçbomç Hççn~ the leather currency. vandas chu jandas pa:h. In winter, an old patched up garment provides warmth. Jççv³çç cçìmç vç³ç sá³ç lçò Jçáþmç çÆlç sá³ç vçç? va:n’a: matas nay chuy t1 vuthas ti chuy na:? Jçvçòvçò³ç ³ççílç lçò jvççvç vçò kçôbÀn~ O shopkeeper, if you have nothing in your pot (to offer), don’t you even van1n1y yo:t t1 rana:n n1 k?h. have it on your lips (can’t you show courtesy by using soft words). When Keeps on saying only, but doesn’t cook. a person does not help, and does not even express sympathy. One who only talks and doesn’t act. JçççÆpç mççvç DçLçò LçJçávç~ Jçj nçÆj cJçb[çÆj Hçj vç³ç DçççÆmç, vJççÆMç vç³ç DçççÆmç nMç lçò ]pççcç, va:ji sa:n ath1 thavun. cJçkçÀòocçmç Hçlçò vç³ç HçwJçkçÀòocç DçççÆmç, iççcçmç lçáçÆuç Mççcçmç lççcç~ To place a hand wearing a ring, upon another’s shoulder. var hari mO~dri par nay a:si, nOši nay a:si haš t1 za:m, To oblige someone without doing anything. mOkdamas pat1 nay phOk1dam a:si, ga:mas tuli ša:mas ta:m. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 153 154 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS JçççÆjçÆvç çÆvççÆMç Mçáj LçJçávç Kç@çÆìLç~ It is one’s background which makes one boast. va:rini niši šur thavun kh@tith. To hide the child from the midwife. JçôçÆLç vççyço HçÀçôuç~ When it is impossible to keep a secret. vethi na:bad phol. A sugar candy for the river Vitasta. JççJç JçáçÆsLç içæçÆs vççJç $ççJçòv³çd~ A little income and large expenses. va:v vuchith gatshi na:v tra:v1n’. One should float the boat (in water) after seeing the direction of the wind. JçáçÆsLç Dççôvç lçò yçÓçÆ]pçLç ]pççôj~ Think before you act. vuchith on t1 bu:zith zor. To feign blind on seeing and to pretend to be a deaf on hearing. See all, hear JççJçmç vççJçò mçç@uç~ all, but say nothing. va:vas na:v1 s@:1. To go out boating when a strong wind is blowing. Jçásávç içJç DçKç lçò yççí]pçávç içJç y³ççKç~ An unsuitable time for any work. vuchun gav akh t1 bo:zun gav b’a:kh. It is one thing to see (with one’s own eyes), and quite another to listen to JççbiçòpçJç içjò nçí oçôoá³ç~ JçiçáJç sámç Jçìçvç~ others. Trust your own eyes. “vã:g1jav gar1 ho: doduy”. “vaguv chus vata:n”. “O tenant, the house is on fire.” “I’m packing my mat.” Jçáæsmç ]®çíj, ]®çíjmç Jçáæs~ To be selfish. vutshas tse:r, tse:ras vutsh. If you hurry, you will be late; and if you are late, you will hurry. Haste makes çÆJççÆuçbçÆpç H³çþ JJçKçáuç~ waste. vilinji peth vOkhul. A mortar upon the clothes line. An impossible task. JçáHçÀòJçòv³çd jìòv³çd~ vuph1v1n’ rat1n’ To catch things (or birds) while they fly. J³çLç æsôv³çç çÆ]pç Hçvçávç æsôçÆvç~ Not to be practical. veth tshen’a: zi panun tsheni. Will the Vitasta (name of a river) break apart, that one’s own relation sepa- Jçá©vç JçáçÆsLçò³ç içæsvç KJçj JççnjçJçòv³çd~ rates. Blood is thicker than water. vurun vuchith1y gatshan khOr va:hra:v1n’. One should spread one’s legs according to the capacity or length of the J³çLç HççíçÆMç vçò DçLçò suçvçmç~ quilt. Spend according to one’s income. Cut your coat according to your veth po:ši n1 ath1 chalnas. cloth. The water of Vitasta would not be enough for washing one’s hands. An extravagant person. JçáçÆMçv³çd yçôvççÇ, ³çÓ³ç& Jçuçò; lçòjòv³çd yçôvççÇ, T³ç& içæs~ vušin’ beni:, yu:r’ val1; t1r1n’ beni:, u:r’ gatsh. JçôLççÇ kçÀçÆlç sKç ûç]pççvç? Dççiçj³ç~ O warm (affectionate or rich) sister come over here. O cold (unaffectionate “vethi: kati chakh graza:n?” “a:gray.” or poor) sister, go over there. Rich or affectionate relations are always wel- “O Vitasta, at what place do you roar?” come, and poor or unaffectionate ones are repelled. “At the very source.” A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 155 156 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS JçÓbìò vç]®çávç lçò Kçj Dççnbiç çÆs cç@nMçÓj~ “Get-up youngster and eat meals.” “Where is my big bowl.” vu:t1 natsun t1 khar a:hang chi mašu:r. A camel’s dance, and an ass’s braying are well known. JJçLç vççôMç kçáÀþ Kçmç~ Dççcçò]®ç kçw³çç kçÀjçÆvç smç? A work which is out of tune, and out of place. “vOth noš kuth khas.” “a:m1ts k’a: karni chas?” “Get up, o daughter-in-law and go to your bed room. JçÓbþ yçá[îççíJç lçò cçòLçòj kçÀ©vç nôsávç vçò~ “What else have I come for?” vu:th bud’o:v t1 muthur karun hechun n1. Everyone has his or her duty to perform. The camel grew old, and it did not learn how to urinate. Even at an advanced age someone behaves like a fool/child. JJç]pçòu³çd çÆkçÀv³çd ]®ççôHç kçÀ[ávç~ Habits die very hard. vOz1l’kin’ tsop kadun. To take a bite on the red side (of an apple). To take the giant share in Jççív³çd içJç mçá³ç ³çámç Hçç@çÆvçmç yççíçÆ]pç çÆnmççyç~ partnership. Heads I win tails you lose. vo:n’ gav suy yus p@:nis bo:zi hisa:b. The shopkeeper is one, who keeps an account even of water. A person who JJçHçj cç@nuçákçÀ içJç kçwJçkçÀj ]®çÓj~ is very careful in keeping accurate accounts. vOpar m@hluk gav kOkar tsu:r. A man of another dwelling is a thief of chicken. A stranger is always doubted. Jççív³çd içJç mçá³ç ³çámç cç@s ]®çòçÆn~ vo:n’ gav suy yus m@ch ts1hi. Mç š The shopkeeper is one who will suck a fly (if it falls in his cup of tea or milk). A miser who doesn’t let any thing go waste. Mç@ðçmç sá Mç@ðçò³ç ]®çìçvç~ š@staras chu šaštar1y tsata:n. Jççív³çd sá³ç Hççív³çd kçÀômççÆj lçuçò, nççÆj n@çÆmlçmç ¿çJççvç cç@u³çd~ The iron is cut only by iron. Diamond cuts diamond. vo:n’ chuy po:n’ kesri tal1, ha:ri h@s’tis heva:n m@l’. The shopkeeper is like water under the husk. He buys an elephant for a Mçç@u³çd lççjKç nçJçòv³çd~ penny. A shopkeeper know the tricks of the trade. š@:l’ta:rakh ha:v1n’. To show (colourful) stars to someone. Try to tell palpable stories and give Jççíjò iççôyçj çÆs mççíjò K³ççôuç, Jççíjò cçç@çÆuçmç lççíçÆj oyç ]pçbçÆiç, Jççíjò cçç@çÆuçmç false hopes. Kççíjò jçôì~ vo:r1 gobar chi so:r1 kh’ol, vo:r1 m@:lis to:ri dab zangi, vo:r1 m@:lis MçkçÀj n³ç sá³ç c³ç@]®ç iç@æsd³çvç³ç, c³ç@]®ç n³ç s³ç MçkçÀj iç@æsd³çvç³ç~ kho:r1 rot. šakar hay chuy mets g@tsh’nay, mets hay chay šakar g@tsh’nay. Step-sons are like a herd of swine; a stroke of chisel on the leg of the step- If you have sugar then may it turn into clay for you. It you have clay, may it father; a chain for the feet of the step-father. The step-children are not turn into sugar for you. (Cited to a person who lies in order to escape to give considered faithful. something.)

JJçLç çÆvçkçÀò kçÀç@cç kçÀj~ çÆvçkçÀò sámç lçò kçÀjò kçw³çç? MççÆkçwuç sç u³çJç Ðçávç, Dçkçwuç içæçÆs Dççmçòv³çd~ JJçLç çÆvçkçÀò yçlçò Kçô~ [áuç c³ççívç kçÀçÆlç sá? šakli cha: lev d’un, ak1l gatshi a:s1n’. “vOth nik1 k@:m kar.” “nik1 chus t1 kar1 k’a:?” Does one lick the beauty of a person; it is only the wisdom which matters. “vOth nik1 bat1 khe.” “dul m’o:n kati chu?” Wisdom is more valued than beauty. “Get-up youngster and work.” “I am weak and I can’t.” A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 157 158 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS çÆMç³çmç mçól³çd çÆMççÆ³ç, lçò çÆcç³çmç mçól³çd çÆcççÆ³ç~ ša:h b’u:th vuškari, yas yi khOš kari su ti kari. šiyas s1:th’ šiyi, t1 miyas (s1:t’) miy1. The king settled in Wushkar, and everyone is free to do whatever he wants. Shia with a Shia, and Miya with a Miya. When the cat is away, the mice will play. Birds of the same feather flock together. Mççnmç HçLç sô içç@yçLç~ MçbkçÀjòv³çd cçkçÀò]®ç, vç HçÀuççvç lçò vç içuççvç~ ša:has path cha g@:bath. šankar1n’ mak1ts, na phala:n t1 na gala:n. People talk ill of the king behind his back. Shanker’s ax, neither wears away, nor does it melt. To be very adamant. çÆMçkçÀmçòçÆvç JççJçò çÆs JJçKçuç HçáÀìçvç~ Mçjònmç Mçjcçò³ç kçw³çç? šiks1ni va:v1 chi vOkhal phuta:n. šar1has šarm1y k’a:? Even the mortars are broken by the evil winds. Misfortune creates a lot of There is no shame in law. There is no escape from law. problems. Misfortune never comes alone.

Mççcçò ]®ççôlçáj, lçò cçbçÆov³çd y³çnJççuç~ MççÇvçò Mçlç&~ ša:m1 tsotur, t1 mandin’ behva:l. ši:n1 šarat. Sharp in the evening, but lazy at noon. One who is alert in the evening A bet on snow. A childish game. (doing nothing), but very lazy at work. MççÇvçò H³çlççí H³çlççí, yçççÆ³ç çÆ³çlççí çÆ³çlççí~ Mççuç içJç kçwJççÆuç çÆ]pç Dççuçcç içJç kçwJççÆuç~ ši:n1 peto: peto:, ba:yi yito: yito:. ša:l gav kOli zi a:lam gav kOli. I wish snow falls! I wish my brother arrives. During the snowfall, one re- A jackal fell into the river, as if the whole world fell into the river. One person joices the company of one’s close relatives. who has died, for him the whole world has died. Death’s day is doom’s day. Mçô, $çô, vçJç lçò kçÀçn~ Mççuç ]®ç@çÆuçLç yçþîçvç ®ççíyç~ še, tre, nav t1 ka:h. ša:l ts@lith bath’an co:b. Six, three, nine and eleven. To narrate unrelated events or stories. To beat hedges after the jackal has run away. Crying over spilt milk. Mççuç Mççuç y³ççôvç y³ççôvç, ìábbçÆiç çÆJççÆ]pç kçáÀçÆvç³ç~ MçôjkçÀçlçò®ç uçôpç çÆs Kçícçò]®ç nçív³çJç~ 1 1 ša:l ša:l b’on b’on, tungi vizi kuniy. šerka:t c lej cha khem ts ho:n’av. The jackals live separately, but at the time of howling they unite. The pot of meals cooked in partnership is eaten by dogs. In the partnerships, no one feels totally responsible. Mççuçmç ³çôçÆuç cççíLç sá çÆ³çJççvç, mçá sá ]®çuççvç iççcçmç kçáÀvç~ ša:las yeli mo:th chu yiva:n, su chu tsala:n ga:mas kun. Mçô³çJç HççÇjJç KJçlçò sá yçí HççÇjò³ç pççvç~ O 1 1 When a jackal is to die, it runs towards a village. šeyav pi:rav kh t chu be:pi:r y ja:n. Better to follow no saint than to follow six saints. A person cannot serve many masters at the same time. Mççuçò mçòb]pç ìábiç~ šal1 s1nz tung. The howling of a jackal. To make unnecessary noise. Mçôðçò mçól³çd sá Mçôðç HçÀìçvç~ šeštar1 s1:th’ chu šešt1r phata:n. Iron is cut by iron. Diamond cuts diamond. Mççn y³çÓþ JçáMçkçÀçÆj, ³çmç çÆ³ç KJçMç kçÀçÆj mçá çÆlç kçÀçÆj~ A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 159 160 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS MçíKçò jdJççÆ³ç Mçílççvç~ Mçá³ç& sçôj kçÀçôçÆþmç, Mçáj cççjçívçç çÆkçÀvçò kçÀçôþ ]®çìçívç? še:kh1 rOyi še:ta:n. šur’ chor kothis, šur ma:ro:na: kin1 koth tsato:n? A Sheikh (a saint) in appearance, but a devil in truth. Deceptive appearance. The child wetted the knee. Should the child be killed or the knee be cut off? Wolf under the lamb’s clothing. Extreme choices can be avoided.

Mçíþ içJç lçò yç´íþ içJç~ Mçáj v³çáJç Hçç@]pçvç lçò Mçôðç K³çJç içiçjvç~ še:th gav t1 br@:th gav. šur n’uv pa:zan t1 š@št1r kh’av gagran. A person becomes stupid at the age of sixty. Age has its effect. The hawk took away the child and iron was eaten by rats. (A story about two friends, in which before proceeding on a business tour, one friend kept Mçíþò Jçánáj kçÀçJç lçò MççÇlçò Jçánáj kçÀçJçò HçÓlç~ a huge shaft of iron with a friend. On his return, he was told that the iron was še:th 1 vuhur ka:v t1 ši:t1 vuhur ka:v1pu:t. eaten by rats. Annoyed on it, he decides to teach him a lesson. He asked his A crow is sixty years old, and its young crow (the off-spring) is of eighty friend to send his son with him to his house, so that he could send some years (in wisdom). A matter of wisdom and not the age.Foolish father, wise presents to him, which he had brought for him from the business tour. After son. hiding his son in his house, he informed him that his son had been taken away by a hawk.) Mçílççvç mçòbÐç kçÀvç ]pç@³ç&~ Impossible things to happen. Tit for tat. še:ta:n s1nd’ kan z@r’. The ears of a satan are deaf. A stupid does not listen to good advice. It is Mçá³ç& Jççíuç Kçô³çç Hçvçávç çÆn³ç&Jççíuç~ also said to avoid evil eye. šur’vo:l kheya: panun hir’vo:l. Will a person with children, eat his own throat? MçákçáÀj ]pçççÆlç HççkçÀç, vç Dçç³çcç ³ç[ lçò vç uççôiçácç HçÀçkçÀò~ A person has to feed his family and kids first. šukur za:ti pa:ka:, na a:yam yad t1 na logum pha:k1. Thanks, my lord ! Neither was my stomach filled, nor had I to starve. To live MçÓMçmç çÆlç HçáMçò~ from hand to mouth. šušas ti puš1. Not enough even for a lung. Limited resources. A little income. MçáH³çd kçÀççÆvç Jçsmç ]pç@jçÇ vçç@u³çd~ šupi ka:ni vachas, z@ri: n@:l’. MççôbçÆiçLç yççbiç çÆov³çd~ A golden bordered garment over a bony breast. A thin and lean person šõ gith bã:g din’. wrapped in beautiful garments. To call for prayers while asleep or lying down. A lazy person.

Mçáj kçÀçÆlç, Mçáj kçÀçÆlç? cçççÆpç vçKçmç H³çþ~ MJçbiçávç içæçÆs ]®ççbçÆiç, JJçLçávç içæçÆs yççbçÆiç~ šur kati, šur kati? ma:ji nakhas peth. šõgun gatshi tsã:gi, vOthun gatshi bã:gi. Where is the child? On the shoulder of the mother. To look out for things One should sleep early (when the lamps are lit), and get up early (when the which are very close to you. call for prayers is sounded). Early to bed and early to rise.

Mçáj içJç yç´çíj, JJçuçò JJçuçò kçÀ©mç lçò çÆ³ççÆ³ç~ Mçjçkç@À]®ç nòb]pç oíiç sô Kçícçò]®ç nçív³çJç~ šur gav bro:r, vOl1 vOl1 karus t1 yiyi. šara:k@ts h1nz de:g cha khem1ts ho:n’av. A child is (like) a cat, call it to you, and it will come. Children are fond of The dogs have eaten the food cooked in partnership. Nobody takes the affection. responsibility in partnership. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 161 162 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS mç s mçblç iç@çÆ³ç çÆlçcç, çÆ³çcç HçççÆvç mçól³çd $ççcçmç yçvççJçvç mJçvç~ sant g@yi tim, yim pa:ni s1:t’ tra:mas bana:van sOn. mçò]®çvç oHççvç Hçvçò oççÆJç, mçç@jçÇ çÆs içç@cçòl³çd DçkçÀçÇ vçççÆJç~ Real saints are those, who can turn copper into gold by water. s1tsan dapa:n pan1da:vi, “s@:ri: chi g@:m1t’ aki: na:vi”. The needle tells a piece of thread, “We are all in the same boat.” (We are mçblççíMçò y³çççÆuç yççÆJç Dççvçbo HçÀuç~ fastened together.) To be in the same boat. santo:š1 b’a:li bavi a:nand phal. A harvest of peace is produced from the seed of contentment. Contentment mçò]®çòçÆvç Hçç@J³çd Dç]®çávç, n@m³çd yçjçÆvç vçí©vç~ is happiness. s1ts1ni p@:v’ atsun h@s’ barni ne:run. Entering by the eye of a needle, and coming out by the elephant’s stable mçHçÀj sá kçÀçHçÀj~ door. Humble at first and proud later. saphar chu ka:phar. The journey (or travel) is like an infidel. A journey is always hard and trouble- mçBçÆoçÆpç çÆoJççvç ]pçç@u³çd lçò ¿çboòJ³çbo ]®çuççvç vççÇçÆjLç~ some. s@ndiji diva:n z@:l’ t1 hend1vend1 tsala:n ni:rith. Saving mustard seeds in hand, and a watermelon escapes. mçyçòj sá³ç mJçvçò mçábo ìÓj~ A great loss a miser may undergo.A penny wise and pound foolish. sab1r chuy sOn1 sund tu:r Patience is like a dish of gold. One who patiently bears hardships is like a mç@nuç ®ççÇ]pçmç H³çþ pçnçuç~ bowl of gold. s@hal ci:zas peth jaha:l. To be angry on a small thing. mçcçLç iç@çÆ³ç ¿çcçLç~ samath g@yi hemath. mçç@jçÇ v³çç³ç çÆs mç@nuç, uçç@v³çd v³çç³ç sá cçnçuç~ The unity (among people) is courage. The unity is strength. s@:ri: n’a:y chi s@hal, l@:n’ n’a:y chu maha:l. All disputes are easier in comparison to the dispute of one’s fate. mçcçboj sá mççôvç, uççuç pçJçç@çÆnj çÆsmç J³çHççvç~ samandar chu son, la:l jav@:hir chis vepa:n. mçç@uççyç sá Dççôvç~ The sea is deep, therefore, diamonds and pearls are contained in it. One s@:la:b chu on. must not be shallow minded person. One who has depth (of thought etc.) is The flood is blind. precious. mçlçòl³çd mçòb]pç ¿ç[j ³çì~ mçcçbojmç cçb]pç ³ççÇjò iç@çÆæsLç iççmçò lçáu³çvç LçHçÀ kçÀjòv³çd~ 1 1 1 sat1t’ s1nz hedar y@t. samandaras manz yi:r gatshith ga:s tul’an thaph kar n’. The hoops’ basket full of mushrooms. The accumulation of wealth as a To catch the pieces of straw, while having fallen into the sea. To seek help result of hard work. from any kind of source while in distress. A drowning man catches at a straw. mçLç yçáL³çd ®çbomç cçb]pç~ sath buth’ candas manz. mçjçHçÀ içB]pçjçvç Ðççj, lçò DçlçjçHçÀ jçJçòjçJççvç Ün~ @ 1 1 To have seven faces in one’s pocket. One who is not consistent, and changes sara:ph g nzra:n d’a:r, t atra:ph ra:v ra:va:n doh. a lot. Deceptive appearance. The banker or money lender counts his money, and the idle man wastes his day (in watching him). One works and another just watches him. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 163 164 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS mçjmç mçjHççíMç~ mçççÆnyç sá kçÀçÆvç lçuçò çÆkçÀmç kçÀôçÆcçmç lçò ¬çÀóuçmç jçÇçÆ]pçKç JççlçòvççJççvç~ saras sarpo:š. sa:hib chu kanital1kis kemis t1 kr1:las ri:zikh va:t1na:va:n. A basket cover for a pond. More demand than available resources. God provides food even for the worms and insects living under the stone. mç©HçÀ sá HçkçÀçvç nçôuç nçôuç, JçççÆpç lçuç Jçç@çÆlçLç m³ççôo~ mçççÆnyç sá yçKMçvçnçj~ saruph chu paka:n hol hol, v@:j tal v@:tith s’od. sa:hib chu bakšanha:r. The snake moves in a zigzag motion, but it gets straight on reaching its hole. God forgives. A person who behaves indifferently out of doors in dealing with people, but is very careful in doing his work at his own place. A selfish or careful çÆmçj iççJç HçÀçMç, kçÀçÆLç êçJç JççMç~ person. sir gav pha:š, kathi dra:v va:š. The secret is revealed, and the (complex) matter is straightened (resolved). mçHç&ò mçòb]pçò mçLç ]p³çJçò~ To find solution to a problem with the revelation of a secret. sarp1 s1nz1 sath zev1. Seven tongues of a snake. A person who says different things at the same mççÇjò mççvç HççÇjò cçnjç]pçò DççJç~ time. A deceitful person. si:r1 sa:n pi:r1 mahra:z1 a.v. A bridegroom of pirs (saints) came gracefully and secretly. Knowledgeable mççHçÀò KJçlçò mççHçÀ kçw³çç? [îçkçÀò~ people do not believe in pomp and show. ]pçç@çÆJççÆuç KJçlçò ]pçç@J³çáuç kçw³çç? yçuçç³ç~ sa:ph1 khOt1 sa:ph k’a: ? dek 1. mçôçÆkçÀ lççÇuç, lçò J³çLçòjçÆvç mççyçvç~ z@:vili khOt1 z@:v’ul k’a:? bala:y. seki ti:l, t1 veth1rani sa:ban. What is cleaner than the clean? The forehead/fortune. Oil to the sand, and soap to the grass-sack. Waste of labour. Futile efforts. What is finer than the fine? Misfortune. mçôçÆ]pç DççôbiççÆpç sávçò i³çJç Kçmççvç~ mçjç [îçÓbþácç mçjç [îçÓbþácç, mçjvç KJçlçò çÆlç yççô[, lçíuç HçÀçôuç Jççl³çmç vçò Dççô[~ sezi õgji chun1 g’av khasa:n. sara: d’u:t hum, sara: d’u:t hum, sarav khOt1 ti bod, te:l phol va:tes n1 od. The ghee (clarified butter) cannot be taken out (of a pot) with a straight I saw a pool, larger than other pools, but it would not contain half of the finger. Certain things cannot be achieved unless force is used. Crookedness sesame seed. A fat man with no brain. (A riddle. The answer of which is a also pays sometimes. nipple or an udder). mçíj içJç mççÇjoçvç, Dç[mçíj içJç içá]pçjçvç, HççJç çÆs HççJççvç~ mççmçvç [çmç lçò JçLç©vç vçò JçiçáJç~ se:r gav si:rdan, adse:r gav guzra:n, pa:v chi pa:va:n. sa:san da:s t1 vathrun n1 vaguv. One ser (about a kilogram) is enough, half a ser is sufficient for a person’s To spend thousands (on useless things), and not to have even a straw mat subsistence, but a quarter of a ser throws a person down. to spread. A spendthrift does not plan his expenditure. One who doesn’t get minimum necessities prostrates easily. mççmçvç mJçvç çÆHçìçjmç, ]®ççBçÆiçmç vçò lççÇuç jçlçmç~ mçáoçcçávç mççôlç HçÀçôuç~ sa:san sOn pita:ras, ts@~:gis n1 ti:l ra:tas. suda:mun sot phol. Gold worth thousands of rupees stored in chiffonier (at home), and no oil in Sudhama’s handful of ground rice. A little from a poor is as good as thou- the lamp for the night. A rich miser, who doesn’t spend money even on bare sands from a rich person. necessities. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 165 166 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS mçáyçnò®ç cççnjôv³çd, çÆoiçjò®ç uççímçò, lççíçÆlç iççímç iççímçò, ]®ççÇ³ç& H³çç³çmç~ mççíHçÓ³ç& cçç]pçjLç~ sub1h1c ma:hren’, digr1c lo:s; to:ti go:s go:s1, tsi:r’ p’a:yas. so:pu:r’ ma:zrath. A bride of the morning becomes a mother in the afternoon. Still she has Hospitality of a person who belongs to Sopore. (It is believed that a person complains that she has given birth to a child very late. To be very impatient belonging to Sopore is not a good host. He extends invitation outwardly in getting the result of the efforts made. and does not prove to be a good host.) Inhospitality. mçáJçávç lçò i³çJçávç lççÆiç ÒçLç kçÀçBçÆmç, cçiçj mçáJçávç sá mçáJçòvçá³ç, lçò i³çJçávç sá mççíjò mçòbçÆ]pç JJççÆ[ cççíjò mçábo lççpç~ i³çJçòvçá³ç~ so:r1 s1nzi vOdi mo:r1 sund ta:j. suvun t1 gevun tagi prath k@:si, magar suvun chu suv1nuy, t1 gevun chu A peacock’s crown on a pig’s head. An improper appearance or an uneven gev1nuy. companionship. Everybody can sew and sing, but sewing and and singing are the arts in which everyone cannot be perfect. One must make a right choice in select- mççíjò jiç cçíçÆuç lçò Jççíjò jiç cçíçÆuç vçò~ ing a tailor and a singer. so:r1 rag me:li t1 vo:r1 rag me:li n1. There may be a vein of affection in a pig, but not in a step-child. (There may mçÓj cç@çÆuçLç ]®çÓjò pçcççLç~ be an identity in the veins of pigs but not in that of a step child.) There su:r m@lith tsu:r1 jama:th. cannot be an affection for a step-child. A gang of thieves in the garb of saints (who rub ashes over their body). A fake saint. A quack. mççíjá³ç sá oÓj, lçò cç©vç sá vç@]pçoçÇKç~ so:ruy chu du:r, t1 marun chu nazdi:kh. mçÓjò HçÀçÆuç yçuçç³ç oÓj~ All things are far off, but death is at hand. su:r1 phali bala:y du:r. The misfortune goes away by a speck of ashes. mççí©³ç sá cç@u³çd, kçÀLç sô cçáHçáÀlç~ An ordinary medicine may cure a severe disease. so:ruy chu m@l’, kath cha muphuth. Everything is at a price, except the talk. It is easy to talk as it does not cost mçÓjò yççÆvç JççôLç vçò kçÀçJç~ anything, everything else has a price. su:r1 bani voth n1 ka:v. Even a crow didn’t rise from the heap of ashes. When no one bothers at all. mççWlçò mçáçÆuç lçò njoò yç´çWn~ sõ:t1 suli t1 hard1 brõ:h. m³ççôo mççoò sá cççnjç]pçò~ Before spring, and earlier to autumn.(To sow seeds before spring and reap s’od sa:d1 chu ma:hra:z1. before the harvest.) Not to follow an appropriate time. A plain and simple person is (like) a bridegroom/prince. Simplicity has its own value. mJçkçÀçj kçwJçkçÀçj Hççvçmç yçkçÀçj~ sOka:r kOka:r pa:nas baka:r. mççôçÆcçmç mççôcç v³ççcçLç, yçômççôcç kçÀ³ççcçLç~ One is paid for one’s good or bad deeds. Do unto others as you would like somis som n’a:math, besom kaya:math. others to do for you. The association among equals is good and the associaton among unequals is a misery/curse. mJç]®çuç kç@Àc³çd j@v³çd? DççÆcç ®çççÆvç ÒçççÆvç~ cç@oòj sô içç@cçò]®ç~ DççÆcç KçuççÆvç c³çççÆvç~ “sOtsal k@m’ r@n’? “ami ca:ni pra:ni”. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 167 168 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS “m@d1r cha g@:m1ts”. “ami khalni m’a:ni.” dead. A decisive fight. “Who has cooked the vegetable?” “Your old wife.” “It tastes sweet (or good).” “Because I stirred it.” mçÏçôiç sá êçôiç lçò êçôiç sá mçÏçôiç~ To thrust blame on others, and take credit for good things. srog chu drog t1 droguy chu srog The cheap items become expensive, and the expensive ones become cheap. mJç]pçvç yççíçÆ]pç FMççjò mçóçÆlç³ç, kçwJç]pçvç yççíçÆ]pç ocçççÆuç mçóçÆlç³ç~ The cheap things do not last for long, whereas expensive ones do. sOzan bo:zi iša:r1 s1:tiy, kOzan bo:zi dama:1i s1:tiy. A hint to a wise person, and shouting for a stupid is necessary. A word to n h wise. n@kçÀçÇcçmç lçò nç@çÆkçÀcçmç çÆvççÆMç jslçcç KJçoç³ççí~ mJçvçò mçòb]pç ÞççKç, vç Jççj LçJçvçmç lçò vç Jççj $ççJçvçmç~ h@ki:mas t1 h@:kimas niši rachtam khOda:yo:. sOn1 s1nz šra:kh, na va:r thavnas t1 na va:r tra:vnas. O God, save me from the doctor and the ruler/officer. A golden dagger can neither be kept, nor be thrown away. n@çÆìmç KçMç lçò »biççÆvç cççÇþîç~ mJçvçmç iç@³çcç mçlç&uç, kçÀvçmç smç vçò yçlçò uçoçvç~ h@ tis khaš t1 hOngni mi:th’. sOnas g@yam sartal, kanas chas n1 bat1 lada:n. Cutting the throat and kissing the chin. A traitor. A hidden enemy. My gold has become brass. I do not stuff my ears with food. I have under- gone a loss. I am not a stupid that I don’t understand it. The position has n@çÆìmç ]®çòçÆvç jòKç kç@ÀçÆjLç vçí©vç~ changed, and I am aware about it. h@tis ts1ni r1kh k@rith ne:run. To set off after encircling the throat with a charcoal line. mJçvçmç cJçuç kçÀvçmç lçuç~ To take a great risk. sOnas mOl kanas tal. The gold (an ornament made of gold) is precious when it is worn in the ear. n@j HçáÀçÆì cçiçj i³ç@[ vçò~ h@r phuti magar g’@d n1. mJçvçáj vç³ç mJçvçò ]®çÓj kçÀçÆj, lçò kçÀç@]®ç içæsd³çmç~ One log of wood can easily break, but not the bundle of logs put together. sOnur nay sOn1 tsu:r kari, t1 k@:ts gatshes. (A single piece can break easily but not. a bundle of pieces put together.) If a goldsmith does not steal gold (i.e. mix some other metal with gold), he Unity is strength. would die from inside (or run a great loss). A goldsmith is not considered honest in his deal. n@çÆuçmç kç@ÀçÆuçmç KJçoç jç@]p³çd~ h@lis k@lis khOda: r@:z’.. mJçjvç³ç içæçÆs JçççÆ³çv³çd, iç@u³çd içæsvç vçò Kççjòv³çd~ The simple minded persons are liked by God (if not by people). Simplicity is sOrnay gatshi va:yin’ g@l’ gatshan n1 kha:r1n’. a blessing. One should play on a flute, but one’s cheeks need not be blown out. Do good, but do not show off. n@m³çd ojíçÆ³ç vçò JççJçmç, lçò yçáçÆpç kç@À[ kçÀHçmç~ h@s’ dare:yi n1 va:vas, t1 buji k@d kapas. mçÏb[ò mçÏb[ò ]®çáJççvç nj, ³ççôlççv³çd vçò DçKç sá cçjçvç, lççôlççv³çd çÆsvçò HçLç jçí]pççvç~ The elephants couldn’t stand the storm, but the old wornan gathered cot- srand1 srand1 tsuva:n har, yota:n’ n1 akh chu mara:n, tota:n’ chin1 path ton from the plants. A poor or weak person can sometimes accomplish a ro:za:n. task, which a rich or brave person fails to do. If two bulls quarrel among themselves, the fight continues till one of them is A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 169 170 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS n@m³çd ³ç@[ iççmçò i³ç@[~ nçB]pçmç ³çôçÆuç sá o@³çç&Jçmç Dçboj JççJç çÆ³çJççvç, HçLç vçcçò sá yç´çôbn vçcç kçÀjçvç lçò h@s’ y@d ga:s1 g’@d. yç´çôbn vçcçò sá HçLç vçcç kçÀjçvç~ A bundle of grass for an elephant’s stomach. Not adequate food for one h@~:zas yeli chu d@rya:vas andar va:v yiva:n, path nam1 chu brõh nam who is very hungry or a glutton kara:n, t1 brõh nam1 chu path nam kara:n. When the boatmam is caught in a storm, he rushes from the for-part to the nç@çÆ]pçjmç yççíiç, vçç@çÆ]pçjmç ®ççíyç~ hinder-part of the boat, and from the hinder-part to the for-part. A man in h@:ziras bo:g, n@:ziras co:b. trouble is confused, and does not know what to do. The share of food to one who is present but a beating for the cook. nyçòMççn ìdJçv³çd, lçôçÆuç vçò JJçv³çd~ nç@uç içæsòv³çd sô Hçç@uç içæsòv³çd~ hab1ša:h tOn’, teli n1 vOn’. h@:l gatsh1n’ cha p@:l gatsh1n’. O Habba Shah, (you have) a cyst. It was then (long back) and not now (the To form habits is to invite pain. Habit formation is like pus formation. appropriate time for removing it). Not proper time to remove physical defor- mity. nç@j K³çJççvç içòmç cçiçj kçÀç@j Lç@]pç kç@ÀçÆjLç~ h@:r kheva:n g1s, magar k@:r th@z k@rith. nKç vçò HççLççvç, lçò ³çvççcçò~ The starling eats shit but keeping its neck upright (in style). hakh n1 pa:tha:n, t1 yena:m1. A person who shows off even in great distress. One doesn’t get one’s due, and (not to speak of) a reward. Where rights are denied. nçB]pçJç nôs ]pççuç lçò içç[Jç nôçÆs JJçìò~ h@:zav hech za:1 t1 ga:dav hechi vOt1. nçÆ®ççÆJçmç içáçÆjmç ]pççÆ®çJç ]pççÇvç~ lçmç kçáÀmç KççÆmç? cç@nçÇoçÇvç~ The fishermen. learnt to use the net (for catching fish), and the fish learnt hacivis guris zacuv zi:n, tas kus khasi? m@hi:di:n. how to jump out (of them). A saddle of rags on a wooden horse. Who will mount it? Mohi-ul-Din. Only a fool can do foolish things. nçBþ iç@çÆ³ç yçjmç iççBì çÆoLç~ h@~:th g@yi baras g@~:t dith. nçÆpç kçÀçÆpç [îçkçÀò yççÆpç~ The barren woman bolted her door and left. One who does not leave a heir haji kaji dek 1 baji. to look after the property. The simple minded women are fortunate (they get all the comforts). nçBçÆþ ]pçç³ççíJç iççôyçáj, çÆMçlçuçò yçáçÆpç oçí©mç Dçç@mç~ nìîçákçÀ Jçbo³ç jLç, vççÆì®ç çÆocç³ç vçò $çíMç~ h@~:thi za:yo:v gobur, šit1l’ buji do:rus @:s. ha tuk vanday rath, natic dimay n1 tre:š. A barren woman had a son, and the (goddess of) small pox opened its I will offer the blood of my throat to you, (but) will not give you the water mouth. To lose the only precious thing. from my pitcher (to drink). A lip service. nçB]pçmç iJçyçíçÆ³ç uJççÆuç, çÆo]®çòvç oç@çÆjLç kçwJççÆuç~ nlçmç kçÀLçmç kçáÀvççÇ kçÀLç~ h@~:zas gObe:yi 1Oli, dits1n d@:rith kO1i. hatas kathas kuni: kath. The boatman felt the weight (of his daughter) in his lap, and threw her into One word for hundred words. To give a brief and firm decision after hearing the river. To marry off one’s daughter at a very young age. To get rid of the a lot. burden in a very simple way. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 171 172 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS nçÆì KçMç lçò »biççÆvç cççÇþîç~ njçcçákçÀ cççuç njçcççÆ®ç JççÆlç~ hati khaš t1 hO~gni mi:th’. hara:muk ma:l hara:mci vati. To cut someone’s throat and kiss his/her chin. III begotten wealth is wasted. To show affection outwardly and to harm when an opportunity arises. no&ò içá©mç cçô$çmç, lçò mççWlçò içá©mç Mçô$çmç~ nbiçò vçò lçò jbiçò vçò, ]pçbiçò ]pçíçÆs nçÆMç³çí, hard1 gurus metras, t1 sõ:t1 gurus šetras. oçío vçò oiç vçò, kçÀJçò çÆ³ç³çcç DççôçÆMç³çí~ Give buttermilk in autumn to a friend, and that of spring to the enemy. The hang1 n1 t1 rang1 n1, zang1 ze:chi hašiye:, buttermilk is good for health during autumn and not during spring. do:d n1 dag n1, kav1 yiyem ošiye:. O lmy long legged mother-in-law, I’m independent of you. There is neither njHçÀmç içJççn lçò cçôbçÆ[mç Mç@jçÇKç~ pain nor agony to me, why should I cry? harphas gava:h, me~dis š@ri:kh. One who doesn’t have any regard for an elder person. Witness to every word, and partner to every morsel of food. To be very close to friends or partners. To watch somebody constantly. nvç nvç iç@çÆpç³ççí, Hçvçòv³çd nçvç vç ]®ç@çÆpç³ççí~ han han g@jiyo:, pan1n’ ha:n na ts@jiyo:. nuçnçuçmç çÆnmççyç lçò njçcçmç Dç]pççyç~ Though one has reduced to nothing, but the habits have not changed at all. hal1ha:las hisa:b t1 hara:mas aza:b. An adamant person. An account for things which are lawful, and punishment for things illegal/ unlawful. ncççcç kçÀçÆj jç]pçò lçò lççJ³çmç iç@jçÇyç~ yçáKçç@³ç& kçÀçÆj iç@jçÇyç lçò lççJ³çmç jç]pçò~ nçÆuç içb[òv³çd uçç³çKç ]p³çJç Dççmçòv³ç~ hama:m kari ra:z1, t1 ta:ves g@ri:b. hali gand1n’ la:yakh zev a:s1n’. bukh@:r’ kari g@ri:b, t1 ta:ves ra:z1. To have long tongue which can be tied around waist. A rich man will build a hama:m (a kind of hot bath), and a poor man will make To be very talkative and cunning person. Gift of gab. it hot. A poor man will build a fireplace, and a rich man will light it. nu³çvç yççvçvç JçákçÀò³ç& þçvçò, çÆnJ³çvç çÆnçÆJç³ç mçcçKççvç~ ncçmçççÆ³ç Jçboò³ççí içjçí~ halen ba:nan vuk1r’ tha:n, hiven hiviy samkha:n. hamsa:yi vand1yo: garo:. Twisted (or dented) covers for twisted (or dented) vessels. I would sacrifice my neighbour for my home. One may do anything in keep- Like minded persons meet the like minded ones. Likes cross each other’s ing one’s house. path. nj kçÀj nj kçÀj, nçÆj çÆJççÆ]pç mJçj kçÀj~ njçcçákçÀ cççuç njçcççÆ®ç JççÆlç, vç KçôçÆ³ç Hççvçmç lçò vç çÆoçÆ³ç kçÀçBçÆmç~ har kar, har kar , hari vizi sOr kar. hara:muk ma:l hara:mci vati, na kheyi pa:nas t1 na diyi k@:si. One should remain in his wits at the time of quarreling with someone. Don’t Ill gotten wealth is wasted. The one who gets it neither uses it himself nor lose your wits at the time of a quarrel. gives it to anyone. Ill got ill spent. njçcçmç Dççjçcç kçÀçÆlç? njkçÀLç kçÀj lçò yçjkçÀLç kçÀçÆj³ç~ hara:mas a:ra:m kati? harkath kar t1 barkath kariy. Ill begotten wealth doesn’t provide any comfort. Be up and doing, and God will help you. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 173 174 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS nJçç@çÆuç³çLç n³ç DçççÆmç, Jçvçòkçw³çd nçHçLç çÆlç oçjvç~ What is the need to give a name to a multicoloured cow (which already has nJçç@çÆuç³çLç vç³ç DçççÆmç, içjòkçw³çd yçç@]®ç çÆlç jçJçvç~ one)? hav@:liyath hay a:si van1k’ ha:path ti da:ran. hav@:liyath nay a:si, gar1k’ b@:ts ti ra:van. nççÆj ìbiç lçò ]pçòuçvç³ç, cççônçÆj ]®çÓbþ lçò ]pçòçÆuçLç~ If you are fortunate, even the bears of the forest will help you. If you are not ha:ri tang t1 z1lnay, mohri tsu:th t1 z1lith. fortunate, even the members of your own family run away from you. If the pear costs only a penny, it should not be peeled before eating, but if the apple costs a gold coin, it should be peeled before eating. nMç çÆlç Lç@]pçò³ç, vJçMç çÆlç Lç@]pçò³ç; oíiç o@]pçò³ç JçççÆuç kçáÀmç~ haš ti th@z1y, nOš ti th@z1y; deg d@z1y va:li kus? nççÆj mççíoç lçò yçç]pçjmç Kçuçyç@u³çd~ The mother-in-law is great so is the daughter-in-law. The pot burns on the ha:ri so:da: t1 ba:zras khalb@l’. fire-place, who will bring it down from it? One has only a penny to spend, but makes the whole market stir. A person When no one takes the responsibility (of work). who creates noise for nothing. Great cry little wool. nMç iç@çÆ³ç lçò vJççÆMç kçÀçôj Dççjçcç~ haš g@yi t1 nOši kor a:ra:m. nççÆj n³ç JçÓbþ kçÀòvçávç DçççÆmç, lçò nçj vç³ç DçççÆmç lçò kç@ÀçÆjçÆ]pç kçw³çç? The mother-in-law died and the daughter-in-law relaxed. ha:ri hay vu:th k1nun a:si, t1 ha:r nay a:si t1 k@rizi k’a:? If a camel is sold for a penny, and if you don’t have the penny, what can one nçkçÀò ]®çÓjmç iççÆuç ®çHççLç~ do? Money makes the mare go. ha:k1 tsu:ras gali capa:th. A slap on the cheek of a thief of swedes. Wrong doings are punished. nçuçJç içuçvç vçç lçò oçv³çmç oçn kç@ÀçÆjLç~ ha:lav galan na: t1 da:nes da:h k@rith. nçHçlçmç n³ç Dççíì DçççÆmçní, lçò mçá kçÀçÆjní vçç ]®JççÆ®ç~ The locusts will certainly die (or.go away) but after destroying the paddy. ha:ptas hay o:t a:sihe:, t1 su karihe: na: tsOci. If the bear had flour, he would also make loaves of bread. Availability of çÆnmççyç nççÆj lçò yçKçMççÇMç Kçç@jJççoò~ resources is the condition for living comfortably. A. poor man with extrava- hisa:b ha:ri t1 bakhši:š kh@:rva:d1. gant ideas. Account for a penny, but to give away money by quintals. Penny wise and pound foolish. nçHçLç ³ççjòpç~ ha:path ya:r@z. nô HççBæ®ç lçò çÆo HççBæ®ç yçjçyçj~ A bear’s friendship. A stupid friend who causes more harm than good. he pã:ts t1 di pã:ts bara:bar. To take five or give five all the same for one. A person who can beat others nçjò®ç iJçiçòpç lçò uççjò®ç içávçmç çÆs yçjçyçj~ can also be beaten. ha:r1c gOg1j t1 la:r1c gunas chi bara:bar. A turnip of the month of Ashad (June-July), and a serpent (gunas refers to nôsávç sá Dççmççvç kçÀyççÆj Jçmçvçmç lççcç~ a short thick round headed serpent which is poisonous) of Lar are alike. hechun chu a:sa:n kabri vasnas ta:m. Turnips taste bitter during the month of Ashad. One has to learn till one enters one’s grave (i.e. till one is dead). Learning is a life long process. Learning continues from birth to death. nççÆj içç@Jç lçò vççJçò³ç kçw³çç? ha:ri g@:v t1 na:v1y k’a:? A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 175 176 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS ¿ç[ávç içíuçávç Hççvçmç cçíuçávç~ nÓvç Dçç@çÆmçvç lçò kçÓbÀmç cçò Dçç@çÆmçvç~ hedun ge:lun pa:nas me:lun. hu:n @:sin t1 ku:s m1 @:sin. If one taunts or ridicules someone, he may also get taunts and ridicule (by May one be a dog, but not a younger one. The elders lord it over the someone else). younger ones in a family.

¿çvçò Dççmç y³çvçò jçn, lçkçÀoçÇjmç kçÀjò kçw³çç? nÓvç kçáÀmç vçôçÆlç lçò kçÓÀj kçáÀmç cçBçÆiçLç çÆvççÆ³ç~ hen1 a:s ben1 ra:h, takdi:ras kar1 k’a:? hu:n kus neti t1 ku:r kus m@ngith niyi? I am caught in a tangle, it is not my fault. What can I do against my fate? Who will spear a dog, and who will adopt a girl? Leaving everything to fate when one is caught is a complex problem. No profitable proposition.

¿çbiç Dçç³çcç vçò lçò Jçæsjò³ç smç~ nÓv³çd çÆvççÆ³ç yççÆmlç Kçuçòj~ heng a:yam n1 t1 vatshr1y chas. hu:n’ niyi bast1 khal1r. I do not have horns, so I am still a calf. To consider oneself younger than The dog took away the piece of fleece (while the men were quarreling over one’s actual age. A stupid person at a mature age. it). nôçÆcç kçw³ççôcç~ nÓv³çd cçç]pçmç Jççlçuç Jçç]pçò~ hemi k’om. hu:n’ ma:zas va:tal va:z1. Like an insect to the pod (so is sin to a man). Sin brings punishment with it. The cobblers are the cooks of dog’s flesh. A lowly man for a lowly work. nôçÆj Jç@æsòmç DççÆvçiççÆì, yçáLç sçôuçácç yç@çÆjLç vççÆì~ ³çLç içjmç çÆ³ç³ç JççÆì~ heri v@tsh1s anigati, buth cholum b@rith nati. nÓv³çd uççôì n³ç Lç@çÆJç]p³çvç kçBÀçÆouçmç Dçboj, lççÆlç çÆlç vçíçÆj nÓv³çd uççôìá³ç~ yath garas yiy vati. hu:n’ lot hay th@vizen k@ndi:las andar tati ti ne:ri hu:n’ lotuy. I came down the stairs in dark, and washed my face from a pitcher filled with If a dog’s tail is set in a special kind of box, it will still remain a dog’s tail when water. This is what suits this house. brought out. Do at Rome as Romans do. nÓv³çd JçáMçkçÀò, ³çÓ³ç& vçò JçJççvç, lçÓ³ç& yçJççvç~ nákçÀçÆcç nç@çÆkçÀcç sá cçjçÆiç cçHçÀçpççLç~ hu:n’ v1šk1, yu:r’ n1 vava:n tu:r’ bava:n. hukmi h@:kim chu margi mapha:ja:th. The dog-barley, it grows there where it is not sown. The ruler’s and the doctor’s orders are like sudden death warrants (they Any complex problem from which it is difficult to come out. A person who must be carried out quickly). doesn’t listen and does his own things. náv³çd cç@MççÇçÆo nábo çÆpçvç~ nÓv³çd Jççíjçvç lçò kçÀçjKççvçò HçkçÀçvç~ hun’m@ši:di hund jin. hu:n’ vo:ra:n t1 ka:rkha:n1 paka:n. The ghost of the deserted mosque. A lonely fellow in the house. The dogs bark but the workshops go on. The (good) work must continue, no matter what people say. náboáj K³çKç vçò lçò JçáçÆMççÆvçmç ÒççjKç vçò~ hundur khekh n1 t1 vušinis pra:rakh n1. nÓv³çd mçábo ¿çán mçyçòj~ You will not eat cold/stale food and will not wait for the hot food (till it is hu:n’ sund h’uh sab1r. cooked). A false excuse for not giving someone food to eat. Patience like that of a dog. (A dog is considered to be very patient). A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 177 178 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS nÓv³çd nÓv³çd nj kçÀjçvç, lçò Mççuçò mçòbçÆ]pç ìÓbçÆiç çÆJççÆ]pç kçáÀvççÇ~ nçôuç içBçÆ[Lç nj kçÀjòv³çd~ hu:n’ hu:n’ har kara:n, t1 ša:l1 s1nzi tungi vizi kuni: hol g@~dith har kar1n’. Dogs fight among themselves, but at the cry of a jackal, they stand united. To tighten one’s belt and fight. Enemies unite against a common foe. nçôuç kçw³çç kçÀçÆj mçôçÆomç? nÓçÆvçmç DççÆLç Dççíì cççb[òvççJçávç~ hol k’a: kari sedis? hu:nis athi o:t mã:d 1na:vun. What shall a crooked person do to a straight person? To get flour kneaded by a dog. Mismanagement. A simple and straight forward person wins ultimately. nÓçÆvçmç ®ççíyç çÆovçò vçíçÆj içòmçò³ç ³ççílç~ nçôì Jçásòvç³ç KçMç kçÀ©vç~ hu:nis co:b din1 ne:ri g1s1y yo:t. hot vuch1nay khaš karun. By hitting a dog, only its shit will come out. No use to hit someone from To slash someone’s throat without looking at the proper spot. To be whom nothing can be achieved. very cruel. nÓçÆvçmç cJçKlçò nçj~ ¿ççôlç kç@Àc³çd lçò Ðçálç kç@Àc³çd? hu:nis mOkht1 ha:r. h’ot k@m’ t1 d’ut k@m’? A garland of pearls for a dog. Who took it, and who gave it ? Where there is no evidence of borrowing or lending. nÓçÆvçmç H³çJç mç@yççÇjç vççJç, mçá³ç ]pçççÆvç ³çmç Jç@çÆLçLç DççJç~ hu:nis p’av sabi:ra: na:v, suy za:ni yas v@thith a:v. ¿ççôvç vçò Dççmçávç, Ðçávç vçò Dççmçávç~ The dog is called ‘patient’. But the person, who is bitten by it, knows (the h’on n1 a:sun, d’un n1 a:sun. best) how patient it is. A good looking person may also cause harm. Decep- Neither to have to give nor to take. Having no concern at all. tive appearances. ¿ççôj vç³ç çÆHçuç³ç, ]pçbiç³ç ]pçòuç³ç~ nçôb[ cçç@çÆjvç çÆkçÀvçò kçÀþ, uççÆuç vçuçòJçþ ]®ççÆuç vçò ]pççbn~ h’or nay pilay, zangay z1lay. hond m@:rin kin1 kath, lali nal1vath tsali n1 zã:h. Even if I don’t reach your height, I will scratch your legs. Whether they kill a big ram or a small one, it is all the same for Laleshwri. She To cause as much harm as one can. has always a stone in her bowl of food. (It is believed that Laleshwri, a famous saint poetess of the 14th century was always illtreated by her in- nçíJç nçíJç içJç v³ççíJç v³ççíJç~ laws. She was not given enough food to eat. Her mother-in-law would put a ho:v ho:v gav n’o:v n’o:v. big stone in her bowl and would cover it with a little cooked rice. The bowl Exhibiting anything repeatedly, may result in losing it from one’s posses- would appear full of food, actually she could not get full meals to eat.) sion. Illtreatment to one in spite of prosperity. »Lç æsòvç yçuçç³ç, ³çLç æsòvç ®ççW®çç~ nçôuç içBçÆ[Lç yçlçò®ç vç]®çòv³çd~ hOth tsh1n bala:y, yath tsh1n cõ:ca:. hol g@~dith bat1c nats1n’. Leave that thing aside, put a ladle full in my pot. The duck dances, tightening her girdle. A woman who is always ready to To be selfish and not to worry about others. quarrel. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 179 180 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS Professor Omkar N Koul was born at Bugam, Kashmir on January 7, 1941. His educational qualifications are: M.A. (Hindi), M.A. (Linguistics), Ph.D., and Certificate in Administration of In-service Teacher Education. He has studied at the University of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar (1961-3); K.M. Insritute of Hindi Studies and Linguistics, Agra University (1964-8); the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA (1969-71), and the Interna- tional Training Institute, Sydney, Australia (1979). His areas of interest are: Linguistics, Language Education, Communication Management, and Com- parative Literature. He is Chairman, Indian Institute of Language Studies (2001-), and has held the following positions in Government of India earlier: Director, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore (1999-2000), Professor–cum- Dy Director, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore (1994-99), Pro- fessor, LBS National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie (1987-1994), and Principal, Northern Regional Language Centre (CIIL), Patiala (1971-1987). He has authored and edited about 55 books and written about 175 research papers. Some of his books and papers are published abroad. His books related to Kashmiri are: Linguistic Studies of Kashmiri (1977), Kashmiri: A Sociolinguistic Survey (co-author 1983), Aspects of Kashmiri Linguistics (co-editor1984), An Intensive Course in Kashmiri (1985), Spo- ken Kashmiri:A Language Course (1987), An Intermediate Course in Kashmiri (1994), Kashmiri: A Cognitive-Descriptive Grammar (co-author 1997), Kashmiri Language, Linguistics and Culture: An Annotated Bibli- ography (2000), Topics in Kashmiri Linguistics (co-editor 2002), Studies in Kashmiri (2005) Modern Kashmiri Grammar (co-author 2005), Kashmiri: A Study in Comparative Indo-Aryan (co-author forthcoming), etc. A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 181 182 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS 183 184 A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS A DICTIONARY OF KASHMIRI PROVERBS