Kolkata-based author Debashree Chakraborty writes a novel about the 19 years of life of Jesus, which, according to some contemporary texts, he spent traveling extensively in the Middle East, Sindhu region and India
[Author’s Note: In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is no information about the life of Jesus for 19 years. There are some contemporary texts where eyewitnesses have stated that he traveled extensively in the Middle East and crossed the Sindhu region to enter India. Through this novel, I have tried to portray the diary of a profound spiritual journey of his life in the initial and final chapters. Foreign powers have tried to erase the history of our continent, Asia. That is why, when Notovitch returned from Hemis in Ladakh and mentioned that ancient text over 2000 years old, Max Müller sent people to Hemis to destroy that ancient manuscript. The mysterious manuscript is also mentioned in the book by Swami Abhedananda about Kashmir and Tibet. What was it that caused Max Müller so much concern over this manuscript? It is noteworthy that love cannot come into the life of the son of God, and he cannot have any children. Even the Gospels attributed to him have been confined to the secret, dark chambers of the Pope’s city, with words implanted into his mouth according to their wishes. In his name, imperialistic aggression is being carried out across the world. His only daughter, Sara, has not been recognized. His entire existence has been imprisoned. There lies an unknown chapter of his life hidden throughout the Middle East, the Sindhu region, and India. I have brought forth this history through this novel. “An Unknown Life” is in no way a novel imitating “Jesus lived in India.” This novel provides detailed descriptions of his presence across the vast land from Israel to India, not just his own, but also the mysterious narratives of many people associated with him. Was Jesus truly the founder of Christianity? If not, why must he still bear the burden of the “Roman Cross”? Is there ever to be a possibility of his release? All answers are coming. Debashree Chakraborty]
An Unknown Life
(Location: Kashmir, Time: 2022)
If there is heaven on earth, it is here in Kashmir. Sitting in front of this cave, gazing from such a height across the vast green valleys, Ratul is lost in a strange spiritual contemplation. Even without seeing it with his eyes, one can feel an unusual spiritual flow that continues to run over this land. This land of the sage Kashyapa has attracted seekers from all over the world for ages, and perhaps this is why Ishananath came here. Along with Julius and Javed, he is now searching for the ancient sage in various parts of Kashmir. Nearly two thousand years have passed; after such a long time, is it possible to find him and his true existence? Because even the complete existence of the great master Sri Chaitanya from just five hundred years ago has nearly been erased. The way the great master is presented in contemporary times is certainly not his true essence. How many great figures have fallen victim to political conspiracies on the journey of time; there’s no telling!
Ratul is deeply engrossed in looking at the scenery in front of him when Javed and Julius start talking.
Javed says to Julius, “The people of the surrounding villages hold great reverence for this cave. When there is an epidemic or a natural disaster in the village, or when a villager is facing a problem, they come here to pray. Most importantly, if you pray sincerely, you will receive results. Not a single person has returned empty-handed from this cave.”
“Have you received results for yourself?”
“Yes, I have. Half of my father’s salivary gland had rotted away. The doctor said there was no way left to save him. I sat here praying all day, and the next day was my father’s operation. They removed only the rotten part. My father gradually recuperated. Now, he is completely healthy. He makes carpets by hand and then takes them to the red square shop to sell.”
Julius lets out a long sigh and says, “Ratul, listen carefully to me. You too have come here in search of him. This place is deeply intertwined with the history of his life.”
Ratul turned his mind toward Julius and listened intently. In this place called Bijbihara in Kashmir, the cave on the mountain named Aish Mukam is the meditation ground of a Sufi Muslim saint named Jainuddin Wali. The most valuable object associated with Saint Jainuddin Wali is the staff we saw a little while ago inside the cave. He received it from Sheikh Nur-Din-Wali. We just saw that the staff is covered with green cloth, as the devotees consider it very sacred.
Javed interjected, “The thick brown staff is made of olive wood. It is about 2.3 meters long and has a thickness of 25 millimeters. I had collected a lot of information about this place at one time. Some local people refer to it as ‘Moses’ staff,’ while others call it ‘Jesus’ staff.’ The locals believe that this staff was originally used as a holy staff by Moses and later by Jesus.”
Julius agreed, “That’s absolutely correct. The event of Jesus’ arrival in Kashmir is linked to Aish Mukam. The word ‘Aish’ is a variation of the word ‘Isha,’ and ‘Mukam’ means a resting place. This suggests that this cave was once a resting place for Jesus.”
Ratul, quite excited, asked, “Is there any other evidence that he came to Kashmir?”
“Look, Ratul, there are numerous pieces of evidence that firmly establish his presence in Kashmir. We can also emphasize local folklore in this case. An ancient archaeological artifact still exists in Kashmir that bears the inscription ‘Takht-i-Sulaiman,’ which means ‘Throne of Solomon.’ It is inscribed on this architecture that during the reign of King Gopadatta, son of King Akher, a Persian architect renovated this structure on the orders of the king. During the renovation, some phrases were engraved in Persian language near the stairs leading up to the main entrance of the temple. I had translated these into English.”
“Maimar een satoon raj bihishti zargar, sal panjah wa chahar.”
(The constructor of these columns is the most humble Bihishti Zagar, in the year fifty and four.)
“Een satoon bardast khwajar rukun bin murjan.”
(Khwaja Rukun, Son of Murjan, had these columns built.)
“Dar een Wagat yuz asaf dawa i paighambar imikunad, sal panjah wa chahar.”
(At this time, Yuz Asaf announced his prophetic mission. In the year fifty and four.)
“AISHAN YUZU PAIGHAMBER I BANI ISRAIL AST.”
(He is Jesus, prophet of the Sons of Israel.)
This architecture clearly states that Jesus, the son of God from Israel, came here. You will find many such pieces of evidence if you look.
Javed said, “I have heard a piece of information that might be useful to you.”
Julius replied, “Javed, tell us everything you know, because you are a Kashmiri. We don’t know Kashmir like you do. Share with us how you have felt his presence in Kashmir from your perspective.”
“My father is very interested in these matters. I have heard from him that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the founder of the reformist Ahmadiyya movement in Islam. He was born in 1835 in Qadian, undivided Punjab. Abdus Salam, the first Nobel Prize winner from Pakistan and the father of the atomic bomb, was a member of this community. According to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Jesus did not die on the cross. He returned alive, which is mentioned in the Holy Quran. My father found this quotation in the English Quran. I have taken a picture of it on my mobile, in case it helps you.”
“They denied the truth, and uttered a monstrous falsehood against Mary. They declared, ‘We have put to death the Messiah Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of God.’ They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but he was made to appear (as one crucified) to them. Those that disagreed about him were in doubt about his death; what they knew about it was sheer conjecture. In reality, God lifted him up to his presence; He is mighty and wise.” (Quran 4:156-157).
The Holy Quran also provides the answer to the question of where Jesus went after he returned from being crucified:
“We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign to mankind and gave them a shelter on a peaceful hillside watered by a fresh spring.” (Quran 23:51).
My father says that this description of a spring and a beautiful, peaceful valley in the Holy Quran actually refers to Kashmir.
Julius has been researching this subject for a long time, so his experience in this matter is much greater than others’. He has also studied Hindu scriptures very well. He mentioned that in the 18th purana, in verses 17 to 32 of the latest future purana, there is a detailed description of a foreigner who is alluded to as Jesus. It states:
“After the grandson of Vikramaditya, Shalibahana came to power, he marked a boundary between Indians and foreigners and ordered those foreigners to move across the Indus River. On one side, the Shaka tribe’s supreme ruler, the mighty Shalibahana, came near a snow-covered mountain and saw a handsome man sitting on a peak in a place under the Huns. His appearance was radiant and he was dressed in white.”
The king asked this person for his identity. In response, he said, “I am the son of Jesus, born of a virgin. I preach the message of education for the reformation of barbaric nations, and this message is the foundation of eternal truth.”
So you can understand that everything cannot be erased, even with effort. His existence continues to shine brightly through folklore, literature, and architecture. Modern research suggests that the Hebrew patriarch Abraham was indeed a historical figure who was born in the 18th century BCE. According to the Old Testament, Jehovah commanded him, “Go to a land that I will show you from your country, your relatives, and your father’s house.”
Now, one may wonder, where was Abraham’s original homeland? Their scriptures reveal that the ancestors of the Israelites primarily came from the east. Several passages in Genesis indicate that Abraham’s first home was in the region of Haran. According to Genesis 12:4, when Abraham was living in Haran, God commanded him to leave his homeland. The group eventually progressed to Canaan from Haran, where Abraham assisted his son Isaac, and where Jacob and Esau were born. In later times, Jacob had twelve sons, who became the patriarchs of the Jewish tribes. Among Jacob’s twelve sons, the second youngest was Joseph. Joseph was envied by his brothers. The jealous brothers sold Joseph as a slave in Egypt, where the Hyksos were in power at the time.
Under the Pharaoh of Egypt, Joseph was promoted to the position of second-in-command. After Joseph was sold into Egypt, a curse seemed to fall upon Canaan. Shortly after he was sold into Egypt, when there was a famine in Canaan, Joseph’s eleven brothers were forced to head toward Egypt. However, Joseph forgot all past grievances…
He had provided shelter to his brothers. After arriving in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers settled in the land of Goshen. Within a short time, they accumulated wealth, influence, and power. Now the question is, who was Musa (Moses)?
The person in ancient India known for framing social and religious laws was named Manu. The lawgiver of the Egyptians was referred to as Manes. This Manes compiled the laws of the ancient Greeks known as the Cretans, which were called Minos. It is said that daughters-in-law from Joseph’s family were brought from the region of Haran. There is a village named Haran a few kilometers from the capital of Kashmir, Srinagar, and this event is mentioned in many archaeological artifacts found in this village. Additionally, there are links between this region and Egypt. According to the Egyptian priest and historian Manetho, a group of people came from the east to settle here. The leader of the Hebrew tribes and the initiator of the Ten Commandments was known as Moses.
Manu, Manes, Minos, and Moses—all of whom contributed to the advancement of humanity in the world—belong to the same archaeological pattern. These four are significant figures of the ancient world. They had a strange similarity; they created laws and established a theocratic priesthood.
In Sanskrit, Manu signifies a superior person, a lawgiver. In the development of any civilization and in shaping its structure, several individuals make important contributions; these individuals become very close to the people through their knowledge and competency. The common people then begin to believe that the power of these cultural and spiritual leaders is derived from a Supreme Being or deity; they are not ordinary people.
Yet, even regarding the roles of such spiritual leaders, the common people had no shortage of questions. There is much debate regarding the historical existence of such figures as well.
Javed had been listening attentively to the conversation. When Julius paused for a moment, Javed spoke, “I have heard that a group of people arrived in Kashmir under the leadership of Musa (Moses). The dictionary meaning is ‘the place that opens up.’ The river Jhelum, located to the north of Kashmir, is called Behaat in Persian, and on the banks of this river lies the small town of Bandipora, where the valley of Jhelum merges into the extensive plain of Lake Wular. The place where the valleys of Jhelum and Wular meet is called Beth-Peor. Beth-Peor’s name has since been changed to Bandipora, located about 70 kilometers north of Kashmir’s capital, Srinagar, in the Sopore district. Approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Bandipora is a small village named Hasba or Hasbal. This village is noted to be the biblical Heshbon (Deuteronomy 4:46), which mentions Beth-Peor and Pisgah.
To the north of Bandipora, Pisgah (now known as Pishnag) is located on the slope of a hill. It is said that Musa’s grave is here. One can reach the village of Ahmad-Sharif, located about 12 kilometers from Bandipora, by car. From there, at the foot of Mount Nebo, there is a small village called Booth. The only way to reach this village is by walking, as there is no paved road leading there. One must head west along this path. The terrain here is incredibly rugged, with a fast-flowing river and a rocky trail surrounded by pine forests. Even during the daytime, light does not penetrate this path. The shape of the mountains and their luxurious vegetation strongly remind one of the mountains of Europe. The path crosses several fields and finally leads directly to the small village of Booth, located at the foot of Mount Nebo. In this village lives a person named Wali, who has been entrusted by the government with the responsibility of maintaining this grave.
If someone comes to this village wanting to see the grave, they are taken to a garden located a bit higher on the mountainside. In this garden, there is a small temple-like structure, which is said to contain the grave of a Muslim saint. Here, there is a stone pillar that rises about one meter above the ground, with the rest of it almost completely covered in grass; engraved on it is the name of Moses. Many say this is the gravestone of Moses.
I spoke with Wali, who mentioned that his family has been respectfully caring for this grave for over 27,000 years. You would be surprised to know that several places around the same village are named Mukam-i-Musa or ‘Place of Moses’, along with one or two sites mentioned in the Bible. For instance, there is a small village to the north of Pisgah known today as Hasbal, which is referred to as Heshbon in biblical texts. Additionally, near Bijbihara, south of Srinagar, there is a place also referred to as ‘Moses’ Bathing Place’, where there is a magic stone known as Ka-Ka-Bal or Sang-i-Musa (‘Moses’ Stone’).
According to legend, this stone—weighing about 70 kilograms—is said to be able to lift itself and hang about one meter in the air, known as the ‘Stone of Moses’ or Ka-Ka-Bal, which Moses is said to have used to demonstrate his magical abilities. When pronouncing the magical spell ‘Ka-Ka, Ka-Ka,’ if eleven people touch it with one finger, the number eleven represents the tribes of Israel.
There is another place named after Moses near Auth Wattu (‘Eight paths’) in the Handwara district. The stones at the confluence of the Jhelum and Sindhu rivers north of Srinagar, near Shadipur, are called Kohna-i-Musa, ‘Moses’ Foundation Stone’. It is believed that Moses leaned against this stone. He is also said to have rested at a place known as Ayat-i-Moula (or Aitamoul, ‘Sign of God’), located three kilometers north of Bandipora.
I’m not claiming these things; the names of these places exist, and the local people still share these stories orally to this day.
“Yes, that is why I rushed here from Rome. I know that his true roots are hidden right here. King Solomon sent his navy to Tarshish, from where it returned after three years with ‘gold and silver, ivory, and monkeys and peacocks.’ Now, the Hebrew word used for peacock is ‘tukki,’ and since the Israelites naturally had no name for these fine birds, this ‘tukki’ is an ancient Tamil word for peacock. Similarly, the word for monkey or ape in Hebrew is ‘kafiko,’ which is derived from an Indian term. A significant amount of ivory was found in South India. Many such Indian regional words are mentioned. Additionally, it can be gratefully acknowledged that besides ‘gold and silver, ivory, and monkeys and peacocks,’ King Solomon and his friend King Hiram brought along many other things from India, which included the ‘magic’ and ‘knowledge’ of the Indians. Notable experts from India, such as Max Müller and other historians, have identified the Hebrew names for peacock and monkey as being of Indian origin.
It is said that Solomon gifted twenty cities to King Hiram of Tyre, one of which was a place named Kabul. However, Kabul is the name of the capital of Afghanistan, previously part of India.”
Javed interjected, “Kashmir is still known among the local Muslim population as Bagh-i-Sulaiman, or ‘Solomon’s Garden.'”
“Yes, and in addition, the clothing of Kashmir, the way women tie their headscarves, and the dances all share similarities with those of the people of Israel. After giving birth, a woman in Kashmir observes a period of forty days of seclusion for purification; this is also a Jewish custom. Many old graves in Kashmir are aligned in the east-west direction, whereas Islamic graves generally face north-south. I will take you to a place tomorrow. Now, let’s get up, as it is evening, and it will be difficult to come down afterward.” (Continues)
Click here for Part-1, Part 2, Part-3, Part-4, Part-5, Part-6, Part-7, Part-8, Part-9, Part-10, Part-11, Part-12, Part-13, Part-14, Part-15, Part-16, Part-17, Part-18, Part-19, Part-20, Part-21, Part-22, Part-23, Part-24, Part-25, Part-26, Part-27,
_______________
Debasree Chakraborti is a renowned novel writer of Bengali language. Based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, she has done Master’s in Modern History from the Kolkata University, and authored some thirty books, mostly the novels, with historical perspective and themes. Her novel is ‘Maharaja Dahir’ that covers the history of Sindh from 662, the year of first attack on Sindh by the Arab armies till date, was published last year and translated by Nasir Aijaz into Sindhi language.
