A HISTORY OF KASHMIR By Parvez Dewan

Parvez Dewan was born on 13 October 1954 in Srinagar. Dewan was educated at St Joseph’s, Allahabad; St George’s Grammar, Hyderabad; Stanes, Coimbatore; The Air Force Central School, Subroto Park, New Delhi and St Stephen’s College in Delhi. He did his higher education from the University of Cambridge in 1987 (Wolfson College). Dewan joined the IAS and was allotted the Jammu and Kashmir cadre and he was first posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Basohli where he revived its school of miniature painting. Dewan was the Tourism Secretary of India (2012-14). Dewan asked for and was granted voluntary, premature retirement, in order to concentrate on his career as a writer, especially to work on his South Asian encyclopedia, Indpaedia.com. He has authored a series of books on Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

StoryLine:

The author has great knowledge about the historical tradition of the land of Kashmir since 6th Century AD. The book consists of 11 Chapters that takes the reader right from the pre-history of Kashmir, starting AD 1200. Right from the legends of origin of the name of the land from Rishi Kashyap to the various dynasties that ruled the land and its elaborate linkage to other parts of the country and the world has been stitched in a very interesting manner. One who is interested in mythology clubbed with historical facts, would be delighted to go through the pages voraciously. The reader will be awestruck to learn how Jesus Christ and Jews are said to have reached Kashmir and made an impact of Christianity also in the Valley, though it cannot be taken seriously. The rise of Islam in Kashmir through various Muslim invasions of the country and the subsequent conversions of the resident original Hindus of the land to Muslims, and how various Muslim sects have influenced the lives of locals, is well explained without much of ambiguity. The impact of Sikhism on Kashmir through Sikh Gurus and their subsequent rulers along with the popular reforms that brought about major changes in the social fabric of the entire population is well elicited. Post 1947, the political changes brought about by politicians of Delhi in making Jammu & Kashmir a part of India with Pakistan constantly trying all its means to occupy the Valley through its religious and extremist provoking of the population, with the secret support of the evil out-going British diplomats, is one of the most transparent material that I have come across. The link between Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and other neighbouring Islamic countries with Kashmir has been clearly established through their influx and settlements after constant invasions. Finally, the regional histories of each and every part of Jammu and Kashmir along with their nomenclature is the best that I loved to read. The author’s extensive research and knowledge about each and every part of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is the biggest treasure that the reader can garner from reading this book.

Pros : One thing that the reader would have clarity after reading this beautiful book is that the actual problem of Kashmir is not the religious conflict between the original inhabitants, Hindus and later converted, Muslims, but it is only between the local Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris. One of the main reasons why Raja Hari Singh accepted Accession of the State to India instead of Pakistan and Article 370 was accepted by both the public and local Muslim majority politicians. Also, the reader is well informed about some of the pro-poor reforms that Muslim rulers of the State have brought about compared to their Hindu predecessors. A detailed chronological shift of a peaceful territory to the land of mass murders and terrorist activities through proxy tribesmen by Pakistan is the best to learn towards the end of this writing. The transition of the land from a predominantly Hindu majority to a Muslim majority has been well explained with chronological proofs.

Cons: Though the author seemed not to have any bias towards any religion, there appeared to be a slight mockery of Hindu mythology and legends while portraying the facts about origin of the names of some places. I didn’t understand why Mirza Haider Dughlat (1499-1551) from Central Asia, has been chosen as the prime ruler who actually shaped present day Kashmir’s society. A separate chapter allocated to him.

My Rating : 3.75 out of 5