Prof Upendra Kaul
The nomenclature of the Kashmir Valley presents a fascinating paradox to the outsiders. Unlike many parts of South Asia, where a surname often acts as a definitive marker of religious identity, Kashmiri surnames frequently blur these lines. This shared identity is a testament to two distinct historical phenomena: the shared ancestral roots of the population and the deep linguistic influence of Persian and Arabic during centuries of administrative rule.
The Common Ancestral Root: The Saraswat Heritage
The primary reason for the overlap in surnames is that a vast majority of the Kashmiri population—both Pandits and Muslims—descends from the same original Saraswat Brahmin stock.
The transition to Islam in the valley, which gained momentum in the 14th century, was a gradual social and cultural process rather than an overnight shift. During this period, many families who embraced Islam retained their original family nicknames or clan names (Krams). These names were deeply rooted in their lineage and professional history, and there was little motivation to discard them.
Common Shared Surnames:
Bhatt/Bhat: Derived from the Sanskrit Bhatta(scholar or priest), it remains one of the most common surnames among both Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits.
Dar: Originally a title for a village headman or a person of landed influence.
Mattoo: A traditional Kashmiri clan name found in both communities.
Pandit: Interestingly, some Muslim families still carry the surname “Pandit,” signalling their ancestral background as scholars or teachers.
Kachru, Kichlu, and Handoo: These are distinct Kashmiri Pandit clan names that persist in Muslim lineages, particularly among those whose ancestors converted in more recent centuries.
The Karkun Class and the “Persianization” of Names
The second reason for the “Muslim-sounding” names among Kashmiri Pandits lies in the socio-political structure of the 16th to 19th centuries. During the Mughal and subsequent Afghan rule, the Kashmiri Pandit community split into two functional groups:
The Gor: Dedicated to priestly duties and Sanskrit scholarship.
The Karkun: Dedicated to government service, revenue administration, and court diplomacy.
To thrive in the administrative circles of the time, the Karkun Pandits became masters of the Persian language, which was the official language of the court. As they dominated the bureaucracy, they were bestowed with—or adopted—Persian and Arabic administrative titles. Over time, these occupational titles supplanted their original family names.
Occupational and Trade Names
The Valley’s vibrant trade and culinary culture also contributed to shared surnames. Many of these names describe a family’s traditional profession:
Saraf: Derived from the Arabic word for money changer or goldsmith. Both Pandit and Muslim Sarafs were integral to the valley’s economy.
Waza:While the Wazwan (traditional feast) is largely a Muslim culinary tradition, the term “Waza” (Chef) or “Wazachari” was sometimes associated with those who managed large-scale royal or institutional kitchens.
It is hard to believe that surname Peer, Wali or Khan, are common Hindu surnames. At the same time a Muslim carrying his last name as Rishi or Pandit…… Sounds incredible, but it is a common feature in Kashmir. Unlike in other parts of the country, Muslims and Hindus have been sharing the same surnames since ages. Wali is a name basedon Arabic short form of Wali Allah ‘friend of God’, ‘protector’ an epithet of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, this surname is more common in Kashmiri Pandits than in Muslims.
Let me give my own example my surname “Kaul” it is not my actual surname but adopted by my father.Our family name is “Khan”. Papa while studying before matriculation, changed his surname from Khan to Kaul to avoid getting embarrassed, as it was a Muslim surname. Actually, Kaul and Koul in many instances are adopted names and do not tell youabout the ancestry. My fore fathers were working for Afghans during their rule of Kashmir in years 1752 to 1819 and that is how, we became Khan’s.
In Kashmir the surnames have a lot of relevance to know the identity, past history and the profession of their forefathers. An elderly Pandit who had attained highest stage of spiritual perfection or was well-versed in the religious scriptures was out of reverence called as Sahib. There is an important example of a Pandit boy by the name of Keshav born in 1637 to Gobind Kaul resident of Batayar Mohallah, Ali Kadal, Srinagar. He from his childhood was only interested in spirituality and not formal schooling and went on very long years of meditation, eating very frugally. As the story goes, he performed a number of miracles for needy people. Both Hindus and Muslims used to throng his ashram. He began to be called as Rishi Peer (Rishi for Hindus and Peer for Muslims). He was affectionately called “PEER PANDIT PADSHAH HARDU JAHAN MUSHKIL ASAN” i.e. Emperor of two worlds who solves difficulties of various kinds. In 1675 when Iftikhar Khan was the governor of Kashmir a big fire broke out and engulfed the entire Ali Kadal area of Srinagar. When the flames could not be controlled by all possible means then people in utter panic approached Rishi Peer for his help. He threw his one wooden sandal into the fire and the fire was extinguished within no time.
At the time of his passing away because of ageing and frailty, there was a dispute over his body, whether it should be cremated or buried. When finally, the covering cloth was lifted it is said there were 27 flowers instead of the corpse. Muslims then allowed Hindus to take them to the river bank of Jhelum and consign them to flames, at the place of his birth in Batyar Mohalla. That is the perfect example of the composite culture of Kashmir.
Many of the present-day Kashmiri surnames are linked to the occupations of their ancestors. A few examples: Aram (vegetable grower), Kral (potter), Gooru (milk vendor), Hakim (physician), Waza(chef), Bazaz (cloth merchant) etc are some of the surnames that tell you, about the past profession of the present generation of Kashmiris.
There is a set of surnames belonging to birds and animals, probably because of some resemblance of any of their ancestors with the body language, voice, or character in some remote way: Examples: like Hangloo (Stag), Khar (Ass), Braro (Cat), Kantroo (male sparrow), ,Kakroo (Cock), Kaw (Crow), Bambroo (Black Bee), Kotru (Pigeon), Dand (Bull), Hoon ( Dog), Yechh (Yeti), Kukiloo (Koel). Great personalities like former senior bureaucrat M K Kaw or former Resident Editor of the Statesman M L Kotru.
It is not only the animal kingdom but Kashmiri surnames are linked with the vegetables and fruits as well. We have quite a numberof Mujoos (Radish), Bamchoots (Quince apple ) Hakh (Green leafy vegetable), Wangnoo (Egg plant), Nadroos (Lotus stem). Some surnames based on the personalities and moods in families like Hakhoo (A person who is dry), and Trakroo (person who is unyielding or hard in attitude). These surnames are continuing till date.
The passion for nicknames is in the blood of Kashmiris. They have nurtured this art for generations. This often-repeated story is known to many, but worth a repeat: Pandit Anand Koul, a great Kashmiri historian has quoted an example of resistance shown against a nickname by a gentleman whose name was ‘Vasadev’. He had a mulberry tree in his courtyard, and was, therefore, called Vasadev Tul. `Tul’ in Kashmiri means mulberry. In order to get rid of this nickname he cut down the tree. But a `Maund’ (trunk) remained and he was called, ‘ VasadevMaund’. Irritated Vasadev, immediately removed the trunk; and a `Khud’ (depression) was caused and henceforth he was known as ‘Vasadev Khud’. Continuing his battle against nickname givers, he got the depression filled up and the ground became a `Teng’ (a little elevated). Thus, he was re-nicknamed as ‘Vasadev Teng’. He finally gracefully accepted this name and thus came the progeny of Tengs.
Why This Matters Today
This unique nomenclature acts as a “living archive” of Kashmiri history. It serves as a reminder that the cultural fabric of the valley was woven from a single thread. The fact that a Bhat can be a Muslim and Bakshi can be a Hindu illustrates a history of co-existence and professional integration that predates modern religious bifurcations.
For a person unfamiliar with these nuances, the names create confusion. However, for a Kashmiri, these surnames are a source of shared pride—a linguistic bridge that connects their current identity to a centuries-old, common heritage.
(Prof Upendra Kaul, MD, DM, FCSI, FSCAI, FAPSIC, FACC, FAMS. He is recipient of Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy Award
