Fresh light on Jammu and Kashmir

GLIMPSES OF KASHMIR-JAMMU-LADAKH - Prof. P. N. Pushp Memorial Volume: S. L. Pandit, P. Kachroo, S. N. Dhar - Editors; Gyan Sagar Publications, C-143, Preet Vihar, Delhi-110092. Rs. 350.

DOWN THE centuries, Kashmir witnessed repeated upheavals. Segments of population were forced to migrate to distant places. And yet wherever a Kashmiri stayed, his love for his land and its unique traditions and culture had remained unflinching. This volume is brought in honour and memory of an outstanding scholar- teacher, Prof. P. N. Pushp, who taught several generations of students in Jammu and Kashmir.

It provides glimpses of the multi-faceted history and culture of the state. The objective of the compilers ``is to reiterate Kashmir's long history - classical and contemporary, contributions made by historians-writers; of harmony and synthesis of various religions and cultures, propounded by mystic seers and rishis''.

Part I is a homage to Prof. Pushp as an archaeologist, multi- lingual scholar and author, as a lexicographer, a historian and a regular contributor to the journal Kashmir.

Part II ``Archaeology'' has eight articles on topics like Some ancient monuments of Kashmir, Monasteries of Alchi (Ladakh) and Buddhist art of Kashmir.

Part III ``Cultural panorama'' has 11 papers on topics like Kashmiri Brahmins and their distinctive culture; Women of Kashmir; Traditional costumes of the Western Himalayas; Temples built in water; Ladakh and a dwindling heritage.

Part IV entitled ``Literature'' has five papers: Folk tales of Kashmir; Kashmir Saivism and its influence on Sufi poets; Humanist poets of 14th century Kashmir; Lalleshwari, the sublime songstress and the theatre in Jammu.

All the papers are quite illuminating and throw fresh light on the various aspects of the social and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

K. V. RAMAN

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