Vatsun (/ˈvætʃən/, Kashmiri: [vat͡sun]) is a Kashmiri literary form derived from Sanskrit Vachan meaning "word/speech". This is because it has no particular pattern of versification or rhyme scheme. The metres and rhyme schemes of vatsun are varied, but generally each unit is a stanza of three lines followed by a refrain (vooj). Vatsun bears a resemblance to Urdu lyric. Vatsun is also similar to the ghazals of the Middle East and iambic pentameter of the Western world.
In poetry, it is a popular age-old folk-form dating back to the 14th century, when Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam (alias Nund Rishi) wrote in the Kashmiri language the devotional poetry depicting their mystic experiences, love for God, love for others, and folk dancing.
Notable Vatsun poets
- Lal Ded (1320–1392)
- Nund Rishi (1377–1438)
- Arnimal (1737-1778)
- Dina Nath Nadim (1916–1988)
See also
References
- Ayyappapanicker, K. and Sahitya Akademi Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology. 1997.
- "Vatsun." Encyclopaedia of Indian literature vol. 5. 1992.
- Koul, Omkar N. Kashmiri Language, Linguistics, and Culture. Central Institute of Indian Languages: Manasagangotri. 200.
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