Kashyap Bandhu

Kashyap Bandhu

Kashyap Bandhu (Kashmiri: कश्यप बंधू) (March 1899 – December 18, 1985, born Tara Chand) was a political leader and social reformer in Kashmir.[1]

Early life and Education

Bandhu was born as Tara Chand in March 1899 in Gairu (Noorpur village). His father's name is Thakur Bhat. He got his education up to primary standard in the local primary school and then in Srinagar up to entrance examination. After passing his entrance examination, he struggled to get a job and finally worked as Shajrakash in Revenue department.

Early political life

After some time he left the job and went to Lahore. He came under the influence of Arya Samaj and joined Vrjanand Ashram in Lahore.[2] Here, he adopted a vegetarian diet. Vishwa Bandhu, the Principal of the Ashram observed the keen interest of Tara Chand in public service and social reforms and advised him to serve Kashmir. He named him as Kashyap Bandhu. Kashyap Bandhu became the editor of Arya Gazette in Lahore. Appalled by the miserable condition of Kashmiri labour, he organised them and started Kashmiri Mazdoor Board of which he became the Secretary. He came into contact with revolutionaries and joined Bhagat Singh's party. He was arrested in Sanders' case but was released.

Social reforms

In 1931, Bandhu returned to Kashmir. After return to Kashmir he along with Prem Nath Bazaz, Shiv Narain Fotedar, and Jia Lal Kilam organised a "Yuvak Sabha".[3] Subsequently he started various social reforms such as widow remarriage, reduction in expenditure during marriage and other customs, female education etc.

During the early 1930s, Pheran was the common dress for women without any under garment. Bandhuji popularised the use of sarees and salwar with the Pheran, which have become very popular in Kashmir.

References

  1. ↑ Zutshi, Chitralekha (2004). Languages of belonging: Islam, regional identity, and the making of Kashmir. C. Hurst & Co. pp. 267, 297. ISBN 978-1-85065-694-4. Retrieved 2012-01-30.
  2. ↑ M.K. Kaw; et al. (2011). Kashmiri Pandits: Looking to the Future. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation. p. 230. ISBN 8176482366.
  3. ↑ Kaur, Ravinderjit (1998). Political Awakening in Kashmir. South Asia Books. p. 161. ISBN 8170247098.
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