Muhammad Nadeem offers a short introduction to the list of books that were published on Kashmir, its life and culture in 2024
In 2024, Kashmir’s literary landscape was notably enriched by a diverse array of publications that explore the region’s intricate socio-political dynamics, cultural heritage, and the experiences of its people. These works, ranging from academic studies to literary contributions, illuminate the complexities of life in Kashmir amidst turmoil and change. These books address significant themes including identity, resilience, and the impact of environmental transformations, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the region’s contemporary issues and historical narratives.
These publications reflect a growing recognition of Kashmiri scholars and writers and a vibrant engagement with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Events such as book launches, poetry symposia and a book fair after a decade have attracted notable figures and fostered a sense of community among literary enthusiasts.
As Kashmir continues to navigate its complex realities, these writings highlight its people’s challenges and resilience, projecting future visions that emphasise hope and possibility in an ever-changing landscape.
As Kashmir navigates its ongoing transformations, there is a growing interest in how the future is being imagined within its literature. Writers are exploring the role of literature in projecting new possibilities for the region amid the current state of flux, considering the implications of these narratives for collective identity and future aspirations.
The literary landscape has been profoundly influenced by ongoing socio-political transformations and historical narratives. These works reflect a growing recognition of the intersectionality of gender and conflict, examining how the experiences of women in Kashmir are shaped by both local and global power structures.
As part of the yearly round-up about the books that enriched 2024 in the Kashmir context, here is the list of major works. There might be more to the list and no omission is deliberate.
Kashmir: From Ancient to Present
Banker turned historian, MJ Aslam’s Kashmir: From Ancient to Present is a seminal three-volume work that embodies the definitive history of Kashmir. This magnum opus is a culmination of meticulous research, shedding light on Kashmir’s intricate socio-cultural and political heritage.
Spanning across centuries, this comprehensive narrative weaves together the complex threads of Kashmir’s past, extending its scope to the contiguous hill regions. By examining Kashmir’s evolution from ancient times to the present day, this meticulously researched work provides an unparalleled understanding of Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry.
Through its exhaustive exploration, Kashmir: From Ancient to Present offers a nuanced perspective on the region’s history, encompassing its politics, society, and culture. This 2024 edition is a testament to the author’s dedication to unearthing Kashmir’s fascinating story, making it an indispensable resource for scholars, historians, and anyone captivated by Kashmir’s captivating narrative.
Writings About Kashmir: Illuminating the Labyrinthine Region
Edited by Nyla Ali Khan, the anthology – Writings About Kashmir: Illuminating the Labyrinthine Region,– offers a diverse range of perspectives on Kashmir, delving into its intricate history, politics, and culture. The collection seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region’s complexities, acknowledging that any attempt to homogenise Kashmiri society or its politico-cultural discourse is inherently flawed.
The chapters in this book address various aspects of life in Kashmir, including its political, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics. These interdisciplinary interventions aim to bridge ethnic, religio-cultural, and political divides in the region.
This nuanced anthology offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with multiple subjectivities, historical understandings, and political opinions. It will appeal to general readers, scholars, and advanced students of literature, politics, history, human geography, and sociology.
This Our Paradise
This novel by Karan Mujoo tells the story of two Kashmiri families, one Hindu and one Muslim, living in 1990s Kashmir. The narrative explores the impact of the militancy and conflict on their lives. The story begins in Srinagar in 1986, where an eight-year-old Kashmiri Pandit boy grows up in a changing environment. His family’s life is altered by the rise of militancy in 1989.
A parallel narrative follows Shahid, a young boy from Lolab Valley, born in 1968. His life takes a significant turn when he meets Syed Sahab, an Islamic theologian. As the lives of these two families intersect, tragic events unfold. Both boys are affected by forces beyond their control, leading to devastating consequences.
Bird Milk and Mosquito Bones: A Memoir
Priyanka Mattoo’s memoir, Bird Milk and Mosquito Bones recounts her childhood experiences in Kashmir, where idyllic summers gave way to conflict. The narrative explores themes of displacement, identity, and longing for a lost homeland.
Born into a wooden house in the Himalayas, Mattoo’s life was disrupted in 1989 when militancy led her community to flee. The family home, once filled with dreams, was reduced to rubble.
Mattoo never returned to her beloved Kashmir, as it no longer existed. Instead, she and her family continued to move, accumulating 32 different addresses over 40 years. With wit and wisdom, Mattoo chronicles her nomadic existence, finding light in the darkest moments.
Open The Way To Kashmir
In September 1946, reports emerged that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had been spotted in the North West Frontier Province. Pandit Nehru visited the Frontier on a fact-finding mission for the tribals and sent V K Krishna Menon on a secret mission to meet V M Molotov, one of Stalin’s closest allies and the Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The following year, former INA Commanders led a Frontier tribal attack on Kashmir. Pandit Nehru was caught off guard, concerned that a third alternative was emerging. Maharaja Hari Singh sought help, and Kashmir soon acceded to India. The Army was deployed to protect Kashmir from the invaders.
Forty years after the tribal attack, hand-drawn maps were discovered among the belongings of Bhagwanji at Faizabad. Many believe Bhagwanji was Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The journey begins with Bhagwanji’s trail, which Somdev Chattopadhyay has beautifully written
A General Reminisces: A Life Under Fire in Kashmir
Lt Gen Satish Dua’s association with Kashmir spans nearly four decades (from 1980 to 2018). During this time, he observed changes in the region’s social, political, security, and religious landscape.
In A General Reminisces, Lt Gen Dua reflects on his experiences, interactions with bureaucrats, and the atmosphere at the Line of Control between two halves of Kashmir. He discusses the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the 1990s and the Indian Army’s response.
This includes the creation of the Rashtriya Rifles counter-terrorism force and the Ikhwan rehabilitation programme, which brainwashed young Kashmiri men to leave militancy and work with the Army. The programme led to the formation of a Territorial Army battalion comprising surrendered militants.
Unravelling the Kashmir Knot: Past, Present and Future
Since India’s partition in 1947, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced frequent unrest and violence. In Unravelling the Kashmir Knot, author and senior advocate Aman Hingorani examines the national identity of the region and its people through a legal lens, discussing how policies over the decades have led to the current state of affairs.
The book examines major milestones in Jammu Kashmir’s history, including the Instrument of Accession in 1947, the Reference to the United Nations in 1948, and the Abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Hingorani draws on personal correspondences and official documentation to explore the roles of key figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and Louis Mountbatten in shaping Kashmir policies. He also discusses Pakistan and China’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir and the potential for the International Court of Justice to depoliticise the Kashmir issue.
The Kashmir Chronicles (1986-2023)
Vijay Sazwal’s The Kashmir Chronicles (1986-2023) book presents a collection of analyses of recent events in Kashmir. Unlike other books that focus on the region’s history, this book examines topical events from 1986 to 2023. These events serve as markers of the region’s complex issues, including lawlessness, exploitation, intolerance, insurgency, and violence.
The book is based on content from the website (link unavailable) and reflects the author’s work over three decades. The period from 1986 to 2023 is significant in Kashmir’s recent history. On February 20, 1986, homes and shrines of Kashmiri Pandits were destroyed, marking the beginning of “ethnic cleansing” and poor governance, the book claims. On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of India ruled that Indian sovereignty and its Constitution apply to Jammu and Kashmir.
Life, Politics, and Resistance in Kashmir after 2019: A Multidisciplinary Understanding of the Conflict
The 2019 events in Kashmir have led to increased international attention towards Kashmir. The book Life, Politics, and Resistance in Kashmir after 2019: A Multidisciplinary Understanding of the Conflict by Shubh Mathur, Mirza Saaab Beg, et al. brings together research and analysis from scholars across various disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of the crisis. The contributors offer a Kashmir-centric perspective on recent developments, covering topics such as human rights, environmental issues, mental health, and the experiences of various groups, including women, children, and minorities.
Guns Under My Chinar: Kashmir’s Covert Wars
In Guns Under My Chinar, former police officer AM Watali discusses the role of covert warfare, espionage, and geopolitical manoeuvres in shaping Kashmir’s landscape.
Watali recounts various events, including the region’s first bank robbery by Al Fatah, the attempted assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the lynching of Ayub Pandit. He also describes his meetings with Mumbai underworld figures Karim Lala and Haji Mastan, as well as his own experiences with assassination attempts.
The book provides an account of Kashmir’s covert wars, offering insights into the region’s complex history.
City as Memory: A Short Biography of Srinagar
Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, has a complex history. Founded in 250 BCE by the Buddhist king Ashoka, the city has experienced conquest and foreign rule. In independent India, the state’s geopolitics, armed insurgency since 1989, and the quest for azaadi have led to significant militarisation.
In City as Memory, Sadaf Wani explores how Kashmir’s history intertwines with personal memories of home. Drawing from her own experiences, Wani examines questions of identity and belonging, crafting a portrait of Srinagar through stories and scholarship. Her work considers the city’s contradictions, where natural beauty and signs of conflict coexist.
Kashmir – Shock, Fury, Turmoil: Theft Of Prophet’s Relic, Outrage And Spin-Off
Khalid Bashir Ahmad’s book Kashmir – Shock, Fury, Turmoil: Theft Of Prophet’s Relic, Outrage And Spin-Off examines the events surrounding the 1963 theft of Moi-e-Muqaddas, a strand of Holy Hair of Prophet Muhammad, from the Hazratbal Shrine in Kashmir.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and agitation, leading to significant political and diplomatic repercussions. The book provides a detailed account of the events, including the accused and the investigation, as well as the international fallout and diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. It also explores the impact on Kashmir’s politics and society. The author presents a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal moment in Kashmir’s history.
The World With Its Mouth Open
Zahid Rafiq’s collection of eleven stories – The World With Its Mouth Open, explores the lives of people in Kashmir as they navigate their daily lives amidst the backdrop of war. The stories delve into themes of loss, grief, violence, longing, and injustice, weaving these larger issues together with everyday realities.
The characters’ experiences are shaped by their circumstances, and the stories touch on the human search for refuge, humour, and beauty. Zahid Rafiq’s debut collection presents a portrayal of the human condition through these stories.
Shawls And Shawlbafs Of Kashmir
Dr Abdul Ahad’s book, Shawls And Shawlbafs Of Kashmir explores the history and significance of shawlbafs in Kashmir. It presents the stories of the people involved in the craft, including their struggles and successes. The work highlights the contributions of individuals who have been overlooked in historical accounts, providing insight into the role of shawlbafs in shaping Kashmiri identity.
Kashmiri Nationalism, 1989-2016
Arshi Javaid’s book examines the concept of Kashmiri nationalism, focusing on the distinction between its ethnic and civic aspects. Arshi Javaid analyses the political and social factors that influence this dichotomy. She presents an alternative perspective on Kashmiri nationalism, considering it as a daily practice rather than solely through a security-focused lens. The book discusses the complexities of Kashmiri nationalism, highlighting its diverse socio-political developments and the impact of state nationalism on collective rights and local identities.
The Adventures of Iya and Zoey
Ambreen Rasool’s children’s book features five stories that explore Kashmiri culture. Each story is accompanied by illustrations and activities, including puzzles, drawing prompts, and games. The book is designed for children aged 4-10 and aims to provide a learning experience through engaging activities.
The Isle Of Fantasy
Ayaz Rasool Nazki’s The Isle Of Fantasy is a long story that takes place on an island with an abandoned palace, home to cats, pigeons, and mice. Their lives change with the arrival of a new king, leading to a struggle for survival. The narrative involves interactions with humans, bandicoot rats, and eagles, as well as a princess from a distant land who becomes entangled in the conflict after entering a magical cave. The story features characters and situations with allegorical meanings.
Lal Chowk: The Story of The Ongoing Conflict Between New Delhi and Kashmir
In August 2019, the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 had a significant impact on the people of Kashmir. This move affected the state’s autonomy and its relationship with India.
Rohin Kumar, based on his reporting experience in Kashmir since 2017, examines issues like militarisation and human rights abuses in the region. He provides insight into Kashmiri perspectives, exploring the complex history of the region from its accession to India in 1947 to the present day. The book features conversations with various individuals, including Kashmiris, security personnel, and politicians, to present a multifaceted view of the conflict.
The book focuses on the experiences and views of Kashmiris, discussing identity, differing perceptions in Kashmir and New Delhi, and the pursuit of stability in a highly militarised region.
The Psychiatric Ward
Dr Sohan Koul’s novel, The Psychiatric Ward portrays the socio-political situation in Kashmir. The story explores the struggles and hardships faced by the characters, who are often depicted as being in a state of emotional numbness.
The novel, translated into English, has been discussed in various literary contexts. The novel is a work of contemporary fiction, focusing on themes of social problems and personal struggles. The novel won the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award.
When the Day Dawned: A Collection of Short Stories
This collection of short stories When the Day Dawned: A Collection of Short Stories by Som Nath Zutshi and translated by Shafi Shauq presents a portrayal of life in Kashmir. The stories feature characters and settings that reflect the region’s culture and traditions. Zutshi’s work has been recognised by literary figures such as Rehman Rahi and Pran Kishore Kaul.
Som Nath Zutshi was a writer from Kashmir, born in 1923. He wrote stories, plays, and dramas that explored human values. His work is considered part of Kashmiri’s literary heritage.
Those Who Stayed: The Sikhs of Kashmir
Bupinder Singh Bali, a Kashmiri Sikh, explores the history and experiences of his community in his book. The Sikhs of Kashmir are a micro-minority that has faced various challenges. This book examines their past, present, and future, drawing on research, reportage, oral history, and personal anecdotes. The book discusses key events, including the Partition and Kabali raids of 1947, targeted killings in Chithisinghpora and Mehjoor Nagar, and the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on the community. It provides an account of the Kashmiri Sikh community’s struggles for survival in a changing political context.
Kashmir Feudalism: Amid Changing Land Tenures
Prof Mushtaq A Kaw’s book explores the history of feudalism in Kashmir. It discusses how feudalism was a dominant mode of production during the Hindu and Dogra rule in Kashmir, and how it had a significant impact on the lives of peasants. Kaw’s book is divided into seven chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of feudalism in Kashmir. The book begins by tracing the history of feudalism in Kashmir, from ancient times to the present day. It then goes on to discuss the impact of feudalism on the lives of peasants, including the exploitation of their labour and the extraction of surplus value from their work.
Besides, the book also explores the role of the state and its aides in perpetuating feudalism in Kashmir. The academic argues that the state played a significant role in maintaining the power of the feudal lords and in exploiting the peasants.
Cultural Encyclopaedia of the Dard Tribe: Journey Through Gurez and Ladakh
Written by Dr. Suheel Rasool Mir’s, the book is a meticulously researched work
that delves into the vibrant history, traditions, and folklore of the Dard tribe. Through an immersive exploration of the remote landscapes of Gurez and Ladakh, the book captures the intricate cultural tapestry of the Dard people, from ancient rituals to modern adaptations. Rich with stunning imagery and insightful commentary, it serves as both a celebration of their heritage and a bridge connecting future generations with their roots, preserving and showcasing the resilience and diversity of Dard culture.
Read about the books which were published in 2023
Biscoe Boy: Echoes of Time
Nazir Ahmad Khan’s autobiography, Biscoe Boy: Echoes of Time, is a of personal and historical narratives that chronicle his life and the socio-political evolution of 20th-century Kashmir. Born in 1933 in Baramulla, Khan’s formative years were shaped by the cultural vibrancy of pre-partition Kashmir, his education at Tyndale Biscoe School, and the influence of his father, a civil engineer. His vivid recollections of childhood, including regattas on Dal Lake and the camaraderie of a diverse student body, highlight the region’s syncretic traditions and the impact of missionary education. Echoes of Time is a valuable contribution to Kashmiri historiography, blending personal anecdotes with institutional histories to provide a nuanced understanding of the region’s past.
