The unprecedented spurt in the Kashmir’s struggle for freedom, following mass upsurge and the launching of a fiercest armed combat in 1989 has brought the disputed status of J&K state into world focus ; sharpening the ever growing interest of think-tanks all over to work out various formulas for its solution. But a well –proven peace initiative for a workable and permanent solution is possible only through a close analysis and thoughtful appreciation of delicate nuances f the complex problem.
It is not borderline that is the issue; Kashmir also feels profoundly protective towards its identity and culture, and zealously guards the frontiers of its heritage whose distinctive features clearly manifest a strong yearning for the appropriation of Kashmiri aspirations for an environment that guarantees a suitable accommodation for indigenous socio-political complexes, and recognizes the concept and legitimacy of its historical individuality.
What has contributed to the shaping of this individuality and to its scaling heights of maturity? Why did it deflate to yield to foreign imperium and hegemony, which eventually tailored it to the needs of exploiters and oppressors who denied it even an honorable livelihood ? Why did it finally choose to assert itself through the bites of bullets, the shrieks of widows, the shrilly screams of orphans and the blood of youth?
These and many more aspects of the Kashmiri personality are dealt with in this book in the perspective of history. Delving deep into the untapped source material, and sifting through the mass of archaeological, archival and other reliable evidence, this work endeavours to rediscover the roots of Kashmir’s specialty and unravel its hitherto unknown secrets of unique accomplishments and unforgettable failures; of petty sanities and costly stupidities; of resounding victories and heavy defeats of hopes and despairs ; of satanic voices and angelic smiles; of pride and prejudice.
This book explains how kashmiri naivety has been largely instrumental in constricting the political independence of Kashmir , and dispels doubts crucially important events that facilitated the sacrifice of Kashmiri’s historical individuality at the altar of political profit and shifting paradigms of social morality , and , eventually , landed the whole nation of Kashmiris in the barren wilderness of strife, terror and dispute.
RESPONSES
The book has an inherent quality, capacity and power to stimulate the interest of the reader.. Its absorbing style, scientific interpretation, lucidity of language and analytical approach, all are overwhelmingly enjoyable.. The narrative thread never loses its coherence and the poetic, free and sustained flow makes it a lively and unique book on Kashmir. Different chapter titles like : A celestial compromise, The birth of a paradise of satanic voices ; Of pride and prejudice , Of Angelic Smiles . The Wedding of Incompatible Territories ; and Of Prayers And Petititions are so beautifully written that they do not fail for a moment to mesmerize the reader and engross those who are quite sensitive to the inherent poetry of history . This is really Carlyle’s and Will Durant’s style which is fundamentally opposed to plain narrative of facts that is now considered more problematic than ever before.. The author’s objectivity and bold stance are worth appreciation.. His own individuality is well stamped on each page of the book. Such an authentic gesture and bold and lucid style are quite rare
British Council, New Delhi,
IRC (KU) 26th August,2006
It is a unique book, masterpiece and a magnificent original work, almost without a parallel in the contemporary times. It engrosses the reader so incredibly that he can hardly resist applauding the author for his bold and objective analysis of the events that have influenced Kashmir very deeply and bestowed on her the glamour and the distinction of being a special place in the world and an author unfolds the embryonic cells of Kashmir’s historical individuality with admirable lucidity the loss of Kashmir’s independence in 1586. The book describes in its unprecedented stylistic uniqueness the important events of 1846 when the state of J&K was founded..The struggle launched by the Kashmiris to bring back their historical individuality to the fore has evoked a string of shabby tyrannies, ranging from State Terrorism to New-Style Human Rights Violations. This has perpetuated an endless streak of Grab and Rule Policy which is further strengthened by the close nexus of local political elite. This is the message very subtly conveyed by this unique book..
The Kashmir times, Jammu
July25,2006
Kashmir Rediscovered, a unique book on the vicissitudes of Kashmir’s historical individuality and assertion of Kashmiri personality, authored by a well known Kashmiri writer and noted historian, examines the vital aspects of the Kashmir problem in the perspective of history…
The Mirror
March 09, 2006
The author of this book is famous for his other works as well, especially Kashmir to Frankfurt : A study of Arts & Crafts published in 1986-87..He provides an insight into the cultural formations and productive relations existing in Kashmir at various periods of its history…He presents.. a perspective on the Kashmir issue.. and talks about Kashmir’s history and individuality… and personality. This is a highly… controversial book
Organiser, New Delhi
August 13, 2006
Dr. Abdul Ahad is a well-known historian of Kashmir. He presents a perspective on the Kashmir issue and talks about Kashmir’s history and individuality and personality. For feedback the author can be mailed at drahadhist@yahoo.co.in
