Nund Rishi and Rishism: Exploring Rishi-Sufi Shruks

This paper aims to explore the shruks of Nund Rishi under the framework of mysticism. Sheikh Noor-ud-din, a moral guide and a reformist, popularly known as Nund Rishi is one of the greatest litterateurs who hailed from medieval Kashmir. Nund Rishi is remembered for his shruks that reflect his wisdom of Islam which he shared with the natives in the vernacular. In Kashmir, where differences are valorized, his shruks corresponds to interfaith dialogue surpassing all religions through the doctrine of Islamic mysticism. He erected the edifice of Rishism by preaching monotheism in a caste ridden society on the pedestals of the mission launched by Lal Ded. Shruks are a priceless possession and a legacy for the posterity. Also, the paper addresses how the narrative of the shruks is of importance in the contemporary Kashmir and promotes Kashmiriyat; the essence of being a Kashmiri.