Vatsun

Vatsun is derived from Sanskrit ‘Vachan’ meaning word/speech. This is because it has no particular pattern of versification or rhyme scheme. [Ayyappapanicker, K. and Sahitya Akademi "Medieval Indian Literature: An Anthology." 1997.] 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 fourteenth century, when Lal Ded (1320-1387) and Hazart Sheikh-ul-Alam (alias Nund Rishi) (1377-1438) wrote in Kashmiri language the devotional poetry depicting their mystic experiences, love for God, love for others, and folk dancing. ["Vatsun." "Encyclopaedia of Indian literature vol. 5." 1992.] [Koul, Omkar N. "Kashmiri Language, Linguistics, and Culture." Central Institute of Indian Langugaes: Manasagangotri. 200.]

Notable Vatsun poets

*Lal Ded (1320-1387)
*Nund Rishi (1377-1438)
*Naima Saab (1800-80)
*Dina Nath Nadim (1916-1988)

See also

*ghazal
*Iambic Pentameter

References