Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor
For centuries, Habba Khatoon has been celebrated as one of the greatest poetesses of Kashmir, her verses echoing the depths of love, longing, and melancholy. Yet, despite her towering cultural and literary legacy, myths and misconceptions continue to cloud the true story of her life. One such persistent falsehood circulating on social media claims that Habba Khatoon was the wife of Yousuf Shah Chak, the last independent ruler of Kashmir, and that she is buried in Biswak, Bihar. Both claims, however, crumble under the weight of historical evidence.
Myths vs. Historical Records
The popular narrative romanticizes Habba Khatoon as the queen consort of Yousuf Shah Chak, portraying their love story as a symbol of cultural pride. Yet, the historical chronicles of the 16th and 17th centuries — the period in which both figures lived — do not support this claim. Contemporary historical sources, including Persian and local Kashmiri chronicles, make no mention of any woman named Habba Khatoon being married to Yousuf Shah Chak.
This absence is not a trivial detail. Chroniclers of that era meticulously documented the lives of kings, their consorts, and royal events. If Habba Khatoon had indeed been his wife, such an important detail would not have escaped the attention of these historians. The silence of the sources is itself a strong historical rebuttal to the popular myth.
The Real Story Behind the Graves
Another widespread misconception is that Habba Khatoon’s grave is located in Biswak, Bihar, near the tomb of Yousuf Shah Chak, who was exiled to India after the Mughal annexation of Kashmir. This claim, too, is historically inaccurate.
Evidence clearly shows that Habba Khatoon is buried in Athwajan, on the outskirts of Srinagar. A significant piece of proof comes from a photograph taken in the early 1950s, which shows Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the legendary poet Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor inspecting the structure built over Habba Khatoon’s grave. The structure itself was constructed under Mahjoor’s supervision in 1950, further cementing the authenticity of the site.
Meanwhile, the grave often mistaken as Habba Khatoon’s in Biswak is, in fact, that of Yousuf Shah Chak’s actual wife — the mother of his son, Yaqoob Chak. Historical records indicate that Yousuf Shah settled in Biswak with his family following his exile, and his wife was buried alongside him. The conflation of her identity with Habba Khatoon’s is a classic case of historical misunderstanding perpetuated by generations of oral tradition.
Oral History vs. Documented Evidence
While oral traditions are valuable for preserving cultural memory, they cannot serve as definitive historical evidence — especially when contradicted by contemporary sources. In the case of Habba Khatoon, historical texts, archaeological evidence, and official records all align in disproving the claims about her supposed marriage to Yousuf Shah Chak and her burial in Bihar.
To counter misinformation, it is essential to rely on credible evidence and engage in scholarly debate grounded in documented facts. A rigorous examination of the 16th and 17th-century chronicles, coupled with physical evidence from historical sites, leaves little room for the myths that continue to circulate.
Preserving the Poetess’s True Legacy
Habba Khatoon’s contribution to Kashmiri literature and culture does not need embellishment through fictionalized associations. Her poetry, marked by its lyrical beauty and profound emotional depth, stands as a timeless testament to the human spirit. Recognizing the truth of her life — free from myths and misinterpretations — is the best way to honor her legacy.
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, especially on social media, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard historical truth. The story of Habba Khatoon is not a romantic legend to be distorted at will; it is a part of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage that deserves to be understood with accuracy and respect.
By returning to the evidence — the chronicles, the burial site at Athwajan, and the historical context — we not only restore Habba Khatoon to her rightful place in history but also reaffirm the importance of truth over convenient fiction.
Conclusion:
Habba Khatoon was not the wife of Yousuf Shah Chak, nor is she buried in Biswak, Bihar. These are myths unsupported by historical evidence. Her final resting place lies in Athwajan, and the grave beside Yousuf Shah in Bihar belongs to his original wife, the mother of Yaqoob Chak. It is time we separate fact from fiction and celebrate Habba Khatoon for who she truly was — Kashmir’s beloved poetess, whose words outlived the myths woven around her name.
(Note:Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor, a distinguished broadcaster and producer, is a revered guardian of Kashmiri culture and heritage. Through his creative work, he has preserved the valley’s traditions, inspired pride in its roots, and showcased Kashmir’s timeless beauty to the world.)
