The Department of Kashmiri is one of the oldest departments of the university. It is not merely a department but is a combination of ethos, culture, emotion and identity. Kashmiri is a prominent language in Jammu and Kashmir, with a rich heritage. The language shows linguistic features found in languages like Germanic, Icelandic, etc, and is source of attention for linguists worldwide because of its linguistically complex features. The language also boasts of great litterateurs with many works carried on by rote from the 14th century and penned down at a much later date. Kashmiri also has a rich folklore, and its idiom and phrases are in class of its own.
The Department of Kashmiri in the University of Kashmir is the first one which carried out Masters programme, and which carries out a PhD programme in Kashmiri. The department has among its alumni great scholars and poets, and the teachers have always been in a literary class of their own. Boasting of many awards including the Sahitya award, the department has carried on its tradition of producing not only seminal works but also translations of great texts. The department carries out the its teaching programme with zeal and zest. The research scholars have the highest number of JRFs in the University and their research is exemplary. The interest in both the Post graduate studies and research is high, and the potential of the candidates is less than none.
The department has always aimed at excellence, and credit is due to the teaching faculty who leave no stone unturned when it comes to giving their best to the students, so that they can excel. Credit is also due to the research scholars who strive to produce great research works be it in their theses or their articles. The department does not only focus on literature but also takes into account the progress made in the world of information technology and takes all the modern challenges in its stride. By working together, the department of Kashmiri aims to foster knowledge in a multidisiciplinary perspective, making Kashmiri more than relevant in the present world.