Kashmir: A Journey Through History (H.B)

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Garry Weare

• Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: First Edition

• Format: Illustrated

• Number of Pages: 336

• Release Date: 15-01-2021

• ISBN: 9789389136449

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches

About the Book

Kashmir: A Journey Through History invites readers to explore one of the most captivating and historically significant regions in the world. This book will appeal to armchair travellers and history enthusiasts alike, offering an engaging and accessible narrative of Kashmir's rich and tumultuous past. Far from being an academic tome or a guidebook, Garry Weare provides a compelling account of how Kashmir, encircled by snow-capped peaks, has attracted pilgrims, Sufis, traders, explorers, and adventurers for centuries.

The story unfolds as Kashmir is portrayed not just as a geographical location, but as a melting pot of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic influences that have shaped its culture. The book traces the region’s journey from its ancient past to the present, covering crucial historical periods such as the influence of the Mughal emperors who created over 700 exquisite gardens and supported the fine pashmina industry, which reached the courts of India and Europe.

Weare also delves into the geopolitical landscape of the region, particularly after the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, which created the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This marked the beginning of Kashmir’s tumultuous political journey, including its pivotal role in the British "Great Game" and the highly consequential Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, which continues to resonate in contemporary politics.

With over 120 striking images and insightful commentary, Kashmir: A Journey Through History takes readers on an evocative voyage through a land that has inspired poets, emperors, writers, and explorers, all while navigating the complex socio-political landscape that continues to shape Kashmir today.