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BLURB: Rising from humble beginnings, Kashyap Bandhu used words as weapons & courage as his creed to lead Kashmir through reform, resilience, and freedom.
DR. MADHULIKA SINGH
Tarachand Bhat, popularly known across Jammu and Kashmir as Pandit Kashyap Bandhu, was a distinguished freedom fighter, journalist, and social reformer. He was born on 24 March 1889 to Thakur Bhat in Geeru (Nurpura) village of Kashmir. At the time of his birth, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was under the rule of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
After completing his matriculation in 1919, Tarachand began writing poetry under the pen name “Bulbul.” Soon, he gave his poetic passion a purposeful direction, using it as a medium to express his views on the prevailing socio-economic and political conditions of his time.
He initially worked as a Shajrakash in the Revenue Department, but found little satisfaction in the job. Seeking a greater purpose, he left Kashmir for Lahore, where he came under the influence of the Arya Samaj movement and joined the Virjanand Ashram. Impressed by his dedication, discipline, and adherence to a vegan lifestyle, Swami Vishwabandhu Ji, the head of the ashram, bestowed upon him the name “Kashyap Bandhu.” This moment proved to be a turning point in his life.
From then onward, Kashyap Bandhu devoted himself to the upliftment of the weak and marginalized sections of society. Deeply moved by the deplorable condition of Kashmiri laborers who migrated to Lahore during winters in search of livelihood, he championed their rights. Through his powerful writings in Akhbar-e-Aaam, Bahar-e-Kashmir, Akhbar Kashmiri, and other local dailies, he voiced strong opposition to the injustices faced by his community.
Determined to empower these illiterate and oppressed workers, he organized them and founded the Kashmiri Mazdoor Board (Labour Board), serving as its secretary. The Board played a crucial role in educating laborers about their rights and inspiring them to live with dignity.
During his years in Lahore, Kashyap Bandhu was also influenced by revolutionary movements. He joined Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary organization and was arrested in connection with the Saunders murder case, though later released. This marked his first imprisonment. Over the years, due to his active participation in various socio-political movements, he was repeatedly jailed in Kathua, Bhaderwah, Reasi, and Udhampur. Between 1931 and 1961, Kashyap Bandhu spent almost eight years in prison, all for the cause of India’s freedom.
Kashyap Bandhu was also a pioneer of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir. As the founder-editor of The Martand, and contributor to several other newspapers including The Kesari and The Desh, he wielded his pen fearlessly against feudal oppression and bureaucratic corruption. His writings called for social reform, advocating widow remarriage and education for Kashmiri Pandit girls—issues considered radical at the time. His thought-provoking editorials had a profound and transformative effect on the conservative Kashmiri Pandit society, challenging regressive traditions and inspiring social awakening.
At the request of community leaders and reformers, Kashyap Bandhu eventually returned to Kashmir, dedicating himself to the upliftment of his people. He fought against discrimination in government employment and, with the support of fellow reformers, helped establish the Sanatan Dharam Yuvak Sabha at Sharika Bhawan, Sheetal Nath, Srinagar, with The Martand as its official organ. The Sabha soon became the nerve centre of Kashmiri Pandit agitations and social reform initiatives.
Kashyap Bandhu played a pivotal role in the Roti Agitation of 1933–34, which aimed at the economic empowerment of the Kashmiri Pandit community. During the freedom movement, he stood firmly against imperialist forces and later played a vital role in protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the Pakistani tribal raids of October 1947. In the face of chaos following partition—marked by economic blockade, mass migrations, and violent raids—he was appointed Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation Officer under the administration of Sheikh Abdullah. In this role, Bandhu worked tirelessly to safeguard the lives and welfare of Hindu and Sikh refugees fleeing the violence, ensuring their accommodation, food, and security during those turbulent times.
A poet turned reformer, Kashyap Bandhu’s liberal vision and progressive outlook continue to inspire generations to work for humanity and justice. He passed away on 18 December 1985, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a firebrand political activist, fearless journalist, and great freedom fighter.
In the annals of Kashmir’s history, Pandit Kashyap Bandhu will forever be remembered as a torchbearer of reform and resistance, one whose courage and compassion transformed his community and contributed immensely to the nation’s freedom struggle.
(The Author is Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Jammu)
