Rajula and Malushahi

Rajula was the daughter of Sunpati Shauka, a wealthy trader of the high valleys who journeyed to Tibet with his flocks. Malushahi was a prince of Bairath, of the Katyuri line. Their parents had promised them to each other at birth.

But Sunpati changed his mind and promised Rajula to a powerful Huniya (Tibetan) trader instead. Rajula, who had never forgotten Malushahi, set off alone across the mountains to Bairath to find him.

Malushahi's family drugged him so he could not wake to meet her. Rajula left her ring on his finger and returned in sorrow. When he awoke and saw the ring, Malushahi renounced his palace, learned the arts of a yogi from Guru Gorakhnath, and set off in disguise for the land of the Bhotiyas.

The ballad tells of poisoned food, a magic sleep, and Malushahi's rescue by his guru. In most versions the lovers are finally united.

Sung for centuries by the bards (hurkiyas) of Kumaon over many nights, it was adapted for stage by Mohan Upreti and remains the most celebrated love story of the hills.