Place · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Kashmirکشمیر

kash-MEER

The land in north-western India.

In the poem: First at A0.12, Praise for Sultan Mahmud; last at E10.7, Yazdegard Appeals to the Frontier Lords
Named: 18 times, in 14 sections
Main stories: E2 Chess, Wisdom, and the Kalila and Dimna (5); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (3); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Kashmir most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Kashmir. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

A0.12

Praise for Sultan Mahmud

The poet sees a dream-vision of a moon-like king on a turquoise throne whose rule runs from Rum to Hind. He praises Sultan Mahmud, his brother and the lord of Tus, and turns at last to his tale.

A0.12.24
From Kashmir to the Sea of Chin he reigns;Each ruler praises him through their domains.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.35

Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash

Piran suggests that a marriage to Afrasiab’s daughter Farangis would suit Siavash better still. The prince, accepting that he may never see Iran or his friends again, weeps and agrees, asking that the plan be kept secret.

B9.35.11
Ask Afrasiab; nowhere shall you findIn Kashmir or Kabul a face so kind.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B10.3

Rostam Comes before Kavus

In Zabul, Rostam mourns for seven days, then gathers his warriors and rides to court in torn robes. He swears never to take off his armor until Siavash is avenged, and he blames Kavus and his love for Sudabeh for the prince’s death.

B10.3.6
From Kashmir and from Kabul warriors came,And thronged before his gate in martial frame.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B11.8

Kay Khosrow Inspects the Army

Kay Khosrow reviews the army from a throne on an elephant. Clan after clan passes under its banner: Fariborz, Gudarz and his sons, Gostaham, Ashkash, Farhad, Guraza, Zangeh and Faramarz, whom the Shah sends to Hind with counsel. At the feast Khosrow reflects on the passing world.

B11.8.72
From Kashmir, Kabul, and Nimruz they came,Mighty men, long famous for their great name.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.18

Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran

A messenger announces that Afrasiab has sent a vast allied army: the Khan of Chin, Manshur, Kamus of Kashan and kings from Kashmir to the Slav lands. Piran rejoices and boasts that he will lay waste all Iran.

B13.18.23
From Kashmir to the Shahd their forces ride,With elephants, mahd, standards at their side.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.17

Rostam’s Letter to Kay Khosrow

Rostam dictates a letter to Kay Khosrow: a hundred thousand enemies, forty days of fighting, and kings taken with his own kamand. Fariborz leads the captives and spoil home on three thousand hiyuns, while Rostam marches his army across the desert into Turan.

B14.17.10
From Kashmir to Mount Shahd’s foot, our own eyesSaw tents and elephants and mahds arise.

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.21

Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s Coming

Afrasiab’s warriors urge him to fight, and he vows to kill Rostam and even his own grandson. He sends Farghar to spy and confides his dread of Rostam to his son Shideh, who counsels caution. After Farghar reports and Piran arrives, Afrasiab sends Piran out with the army.

B14.21.39
With Kundur, Shangul, king of Hind’s domain,Whose troops from Kashmir stretched to Sind’s terrain,

Kashmir named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E2.3

Gav, Talkhand, and Chess

In Hind, Jamhur dies leaving the infant Gav; his brother Mai reigns, marries the queen and fathers Talkhand. The brothers’ rival claims end in a battle by the sea where Talkhand dies of thirst, unwounded. To show his mother how, the sages devise chess.

E2.3.5
From fair Kashmir as far as Chin’s wide bound,All chieftains bowed where his command was found.
E2.3.25
The potentates of Kashmir all agreedTo hail him king, the ruler they would heed.
E2.3.270
Kashmir’s great lord and Chin’s own Faghfoor pressOur realm; against us both they stir and stress.