DefinePK

Abstract

This study explores the evolution and significance of drama as a viral form of literary expression in the cultural and socio political landscape of Kashmir. Anchored in the rich oral and written traditions of the region, Kashmiri drama has served as a mirror to societal values, historical transformations, and collective identity. The research delves into classical, modern, and contemporary dramatic works in Kashmiri, Urdu, and regional dialects, analyzing their thematic concerns, stylistic elements, and cultural underpinnings. It examines how playwrights have used drama to articulate resistances, preserve heritage, and voice the aspirations of Kashmiri society amidst political unrest and cultural transition. Through literary analysis, historical contextualization, and critical theory, the article asserts that drama in Kashmir is not merely a performing art but a profound literary force that contributes to the region’s intellectual and emotional narrative. The study highlights the need for broader recognition and preservation of Kashmiri dramatic literature as a key component of south Asian literary scholarship.