Käshûrvänì – A Guide to Kashmiri Language & Scripts | The Kashmiri Dictionary

Book is going to be launched by the end of Augist 2026 and will be shipped after that.

Presented under the theme “Three Scripts – One Soul – One Kashmir,” the book brings Kashmiri vocabulary together in Roman, Devanagari and Sharda scripts, allowing readers from different linguistic backgrounds to access and understand the Kashmiri language through a single reference work.

The dictionary goes beyond simple word-to-word translations. Each English headword is systematically presented with Kashmiri equivalents, pronunciation and contextual usage. The book includes accent markers and diacritics, grammatical information, contextual Kashmiri sentences and corresponding script representations to help readers understand how words are actually used.

A major feature of the book is its focus on the revival and documentation of the Sharda script, the classical script historically associated with Kashmir. Alongside Sharda, the Devanagari presentation provides accessibility for readers familiar with the script, while the Roman transliteration makes Kashmiri easier to read and pronounce for younger generations and the global Kashmiri diaspora.

The book contains an extensive vocabulary section arranged alphabetically, followed by specialised sections covering idioms and phrases, attire, animals, insects, birds, blessings, body parts, flowers, fruits, jewellery, household items, professions, relationships, spices, vegetables and herbs, weight measures, curses, counting, poems and typical Kashmiri items in pictures. The index extends to approximately 364 pages.

According to the accompanying project brochure, Käshûrvänì is envisioned not merely as a dictionary but as a cultural and linguistic preservation project—helping safeguard Kashmiri language, scripts and identity for future generations.

Key Features:

• English-to-Kashmiri reference dictionary

• Kashmiri presented in Roman, Devanagari and Sharda scripts

• Detailed Roman transliteration with accent markers and diacritics

• Contextual Kashmiri sentences and practical usage

• Grammar and vocabulary reference

• Dedicated section on Kashmiri Devanagari script and reading

• Revival and documentation of the Sharda script

• Extensive alphabetical English-Kashmiri vocabulary

• Idioms and phrases

• Kashmiri terms for animals, birds, insects, flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices and household items

• Sections covering professions, relationships, body parts, attire and jewellery

• Kashmiri poems and traditional items in pictures

• Useful for students, researchers, teachers, linguists and Kashmiri families worldwide

• Designed as a cultural and linguistic reference for preserving Kashmiri heritage