An Introduction to Spoken Kashmiri
Chapter 21
Chapter 21: Going on a boat ride
Going on a boat ride
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THE SOUNDS OF KASHMIRI
Going on a boat ride


Going on a boat ride
This covers a conversation about the places in Kashmir which can be visited in a shikara. There is also a brief discussion on a large boat, and bahats (a barge).

Ashok: Greetings, Mohan.

Mohan: How are things?

Ashok: Fine! I came today to talk with you about sight-seeing in a boat. I must go sight-seeing in a boat.

Mohan: Well, that is not difficult. In Srinagar we have Dal Lake and the Vitasta River (Jehlum).



Ashok: Yes, I know that.

Mohan: There are shikaras and houseboats in Dal Lake. There are shikaras, barges, and "a large boat" on the Jehlum River.

Ashok: What is a bahats?

Mohan: A bahats is a very big boat in whichfirewood, paddy, and other loads are carried. Also, people live on it.

Ashok: What is in Dal Lake?

Mohan: There are beautiful shikaras on Dal Lake. You can take a boat from the Dal Gate and then go to Nigin Lake and to the flower gardens. Two to four hours are enough.




Ashok: How much will it cost?

Mohan: Just five or six rupees.

Ashok: Five or six rupees is not very much.

Mohan: But sight-seeing on a boat on Vitasta River is expensive.

Ashok: Why?

Mohan: It is a long distance from Amira Kadal (bridge) to the Weir. However, you will see the whole city. It will cost you just ten to twelve rupees.

Ashok: How long will it take?

Mohan: Just four or five hours.

Ashok: Where else is sight-seeing by boat possible?

Mohan: You (can) go from Srinagar to Wular Lake. It will take you three or four nights.

Ashok: Is Wular Lake a big lake?

Mohan: Yes, it is the second largest lake in Asia.

Ashok: How big is Wular Lake?

Mohan: It is spread over twelve and a half square miles.

Ashok: Well, I must go sight-seeing by a boat in Kashmir.

Mohan: Yes, of course.

Ashok: Thank you. I must go now.

Mohan: All right, goodbye.

Ashok: Goodbye.

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