Exploring the history of Kashmir
BY PROFESSOR RATTAN
LAL HANGLOO
Exploring the history of Kashmir
The scholars have studied social, economic, political, technological, environmental, literary and folk aspects of life in Kashmir
The book titled Kashmir Past and Present puts forward the
novel idea how a few bud-ding intellectuals pooled
their ideas, intelligence and hard work under the guidance and academic leadership of their senior colleague Professor Mohammad Yusuf Ganai, and became a catalyst for moulding the nature of conduct-ing research in Kashmir’s history.
The edited book has 15 chapters by reputed and budding scholars and examines many aspects of Kashmir’s regional history and in the process, diligently explored extensive caches of the diverse early and contempo-rary sources.
The result is this cohe-sively articulated volume. Through various sections and subsections, these scholars have studied social, economic, political, technological, environmental, literary and folk aspects and very prominent issues pertaining to religious life, litera-ture, popular culture, religion and village life in Kashmir.
The tone of this edited book is grasped by the very introduction which demonstrates its quality by articulating varied theoretical per-spectives, and connects the same to the study of the Kashmir region.
The timing of this volume is also of great importance. We are living in a time when Kashmir has been badly trampled by political ramifi cations that are no less than an ongoing war, where individual freedom has been overrun by variety of brutalities.
In such circumstances, the expression of this volume is a signifi cant exten-sion of our horizons beyond the ques-tions of personality, of confl ict, and of religious division—which loom so large on the region and beyond.
Importantly, this book is an eye opener for our region’s intellectual community, policy makers and intel-ligentsia. Professor Ganai’s work is subtle in bringing a more convincing relief for the region’s academics, public, and for the sense of region’s cul-ture.
In the introduction, he states, “Being linked with the neighbouring regions, it is distinct from them, with at least a segment of its resident’s conscious of belonging to the region and articulating this consciousness.”
Avoiding setting the discussion into any particular political mould, Professor Ganai has marshalled an impressive array of examples, with classifi ed evidence and allowed it to speak for itself in all its complexity.
According to Professor Ganai, “A rounded study of region required an interdisciplinary approach, taking note of the peculiarities of its his-torical experience, complexities of life in various sub regions and plu-rality of the regional culture.”
He is content to endorse that when people are powerless legally or peaceably to remove their hurdles in restoring regions identity, they can also try to improve their lot by strengthening
their intellectual moorings till other alternatives open up.
The fi rst chapter of the book is titled ‘Regional Manifestation of Kushan Rule in Kashmir’, and is written by Dr. A. R. Lone. The central question that Dr Lone poses regard-ing the necessity of exploring Kushan history is an important one that needs to be grappled by scholars in future too, i.e., “within the corpus of literature available on socio-cultural and political history of the empire, some regions are over emphasized while others (such as Kashmir) are sparsely represented”. It would be useful to know, about the exact con-tribution of Kushans in facilitating the relationships between various communities, their social, cultural religious and political life. From his essay, it should be deduced that this is immensely stimulating, founded in extensive bedrock of documentary and archaeological sources. Histori-ans concerned with ancient past of India and Kashmir owe a consider-able debt to Dr lone for this substan-tial and scholarly contribution.
Elegantly written and presented in typically modest fashion, is the essay on ‘Natural History of Kash-mir: Mughal Tryst with Regions Fauna (1586-1925)’ by Dr. Mehraj-u-din. It deserves to be widely read. Dr. Mehraj-u-din states, “What is more creditable about these royal natural-ists (Mughals) is that they do not rely on mere hearsay, but make a clear distinction in their writings between personal observations and what has been reported to them by others” It would be mistake to regard this essay simply as Mughal History. Dr.
Mehraj-u-din has thoroughly exam-ined the subject and his work is more solid than inspired and is bound to be descriptive rather than analytical. This is a novel contribution to the study of natural history.
‘Masnavi Tradition in Kashmir’ by Dr. Sajad Ahmad Darzi, will cer-tainly encourage number of further studies. This concisely written and well produced essay will always be regarded as pioneering and indis-pensable research into this fi eld of literature. Dr. Darzi explains, “it is erroneous to think that Kashmiri poets totally subscribed to literary tradition that was followed by the col-laborative poets of tyrannous rule”.
This description is admirable and engaging. Certainly those pursuing research into this aspect will fi nd this essay of considerable value.
‘Beyond the Fine Texture of Silk: The Development of Industry and its Labour’ by Dr. Shiraz Ahmad Dar is a detailed essay. It throws light on the predicament of Kashmir’s silk indus-try and its linkages with the region’s economy. The study is obviously helpful to economic historians too. It would be unfair and unrealistic to expect the author to have answered every question; inquiries underway will doubtlessly elucidate several of
them including the essential aspect of the deplorable conditions of work-ers. Dr. Dar explains, “The Srinagar silk factory also remained closed for two to three months in a year for which no wages were given to work-
ers’’.
His distinguished presentation in this essay is evidence of author’s mastery of the subject.Dr. Abdul Waheed Bhat’s essay on ‘Rice Cultivation in Kashmir’ presents many useful insights. The technical detail is of high density but it does not obstruct the fl ow of text which is skilfully constructed to combine narrative description interlinked in variety of ways. Dr. Bhat explains, “Rice related agri-cultural activities are so connected & contemporaneous that one feels handicapped to draw a clear cut line between one activity and the other”. The analysis of all aspects is sup-ported by well designed arguments. Dr Bhat’s enthusiasm for history of technology seems to be considerable. To be fair, this study does represent a serious attempt to explain the pat-tern of cultivation. It is a brilliantly structured study with rare original-ity and often interesting, informative and occasionally stimulating analy-sis.
It is a combination of scholarship and imaginative interpretation from wholly a new perspective.The chapter on ‘Colonialism and Political Restructuring in India:
Punjab Crises and the Making of Jammu and Kashmir State’ is writ-ten by Dr. Sadaf Sanaullah and Dr. Javed ul Aziz. It provides much needed dossier on the history of evo-lution of modern Jammu and Kash-mir State. Importantly, the scholars have successfully blended a fascinat-ing variety of opinions, and causes, and analyzed them in relation to his basic theme, demonstrating along the way both substantial research and imaginative use of disparate materials. They explain, “It was also expected that the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with what remained of Sikh kingdom, would act as a bul-wark against the Afghans prevent-ing them to extend their infl uence beyond Indus.’’
At a time of increased public interest and apathy of gov-ernment to address it only through disproportionate coercion, the essay offers invaluable material on the subject and does succeed in varying measure in providing illumination. Both the scholars have intelligent grasp of this period and have build their narrative critically with a new source base.
‘Villages in Kashmir History: A Case Study of Audsoo (1846-2018)’ is written by Professor M. Y. Ganai himself. It is a clear and well docu-mented essay on a bewilderingly complex and profound social issue.
There is much in the study of history of this village including their plight as represented here to appeal to pro-fessional historians. He explains, “It was owing to extreme poverty in vil-lages that the villagers used to have seasonal migrations to the plains of punjab in search of livelihood”.
It is an important exercise in new cul-tural and social history of Kashmir, rendered for the fi rst time in region’s history by any intellectual. Concise, fresh and lucid, Professor Ganai’s essay adds weight to the aspirations of scholars who have great appetite for new emerging ideas in Kashmir and outside. His brilliant pattern, and the organization of this village study, has implications that go far beyond the history of Kashmir. The presentation of ‘Agenda of Reform in Muslim Community: Secu-lar and Sacred Education in Kashmir’ by Dr. Younis Rashid and Dr. Javed Ahmad Dar is based on meticulous and diffi cult research. It is both rich in detail and comprehensive in scope.
It provides answers to several highly important questions being debated in Muslim society today. “They attempt to evaluate the present by negotiating with past through their ideological moorings.” Without strikingly contra-dicting the opinions of scholars who worked in this fi eld, such as Moham-mad Yusuf Abbas, Abdul Fida Felahi, S.A.A Maududi and others, the essay establishes its fundamental impor-
tance and is a subtle contribution.
The analysis provides much clear
view than some of the previous works
on the subject.
It is gratifying to know that in
Kashmir’s history-writing, the genre
of poetry is given its space by Ms.
Zameerah in her chapter on ‘Progres-
sive Poetry and Freedom Struggle
in Kashmir’. Ms. Zameerah’s contri-
bution is unique because it pertains
to an important aspect that has fol-
lowed a serious neglect in Kashmir’s
history writing. Inspite of the intro-
ductory nature of this theme, there is
much to recommend that this essay
is a great scholarly achievement. It
demonstrates that Zameerah’s learn-
ing is immense and her knowledge
of literature on freedom struggle is
huge which is commensurate with
the herculean efforts she has made
to relate both the aspects of poetry
and freedom struggle. She explains,
“For the better appreciation and re-
enactment of past, the symphony of
history and poetry must go together.
However, the poetic assertions must
be corroborated by privileged sourc-
es of history”. It makes a signifi cant
contribution to history of freedom
struggle and is a real asset that will
be as a useful supplement to other
works in the fi eld.
‘Exploring the Role of Hamdard:
A Study of its Agenda and Working
(1935-1947)’ by Dr. M. Ibrahim Wani,
has extended our general under-
standing and highlighted the need
for research in such areas. Dr Ibra-
him has drawn much evidence by
monitoring the real contents of this
newspaper rather than depending on
the bland and less immediate views
expressed by writers about the paper.
He explains, “The newspaper (Ham-
dard) not only dealt with the local,
national and international politics
but was also focussed on issues con-
nected to public welfare, economic
emancipation and cultural prog-
ress”. This in itself is a substantial
contribution and provides a wealth
of detail after cautious scrutiny. This
interesting study deserves serious
attention.
‘History, Memory and Protest:
Debating Nationalism in Kashmir’
by Dr. Farukh Faheem is a fascinat-
ing essay with wealth of detail. His
arguments are convincing. To quote
from the chapter, “We want to join
India without any kind of mental
reservations, but how can we do
it as long as we are not convinced
about the complete elimination of
communalism in India”. What is
remarkable in this essay is the way
the author has tried to introduce the
concept of nationalism in historical
context of Kashmir by helping to set
the framework within which discus-
sions will take place in future too. He
has indeed accomplished a consider-
able task, despite the limitations of
his sources.
The chapter on ‘Mapping Mah-
joor’s Desire for New’ by Dr. Aamir
Sadiq reassures us to fi nd that sig-
nifi cant contribution of the great
poet has everlasting fragrance of his-
tory. It is a welcome addition to his-
tory and literature written with cool
lucidity and contains much that will
repay the study of attentive scholars.
Therefore, this conjunctional factor
- disillusionment with the long time
dominant mode of mysticism and
metaphysics and disillusionment
with the decades old hegemony and
colonial suppression of Kashmir - saw
new literary spaces and movements
emerging. Mahjoor was undoubtedly
a leading light of this new literary
site. Dr. Aamir Sadiq has done exten-
sive research and well utilized the
sources for reconstructing his major
points. It is a brilliant essay about
ideas and a history of people’s lives
in early 20th century and how these
were laudably infl uenced by the new
social and economic developments.
He explains, “It was only under the
influence of progressive thought
that many leading writers, including
Mahjoor switched over from Urdu to
Kashmiri for forceful articulation of
feelings and expression”. The major
strength of this essay is its exhaustive
and detailed research as a historian
that gives the reader a comprehensive
understanding without interrupting
fl ow of his discussion.
Professor Majrooh Rashid’s chap-
ter ‘Changing Colours of Kashmiri
Culture’ gives a highly readable
account of Kashmiri culture. The
author seems to opt for a view that
tends to see the Kashmiri culture
as a primary force in the regions
multi-cultural life. He explains, “Our
concept of charity and oblation are
almost the same as they have been
in our recent and ancient past. The
impact of the indigenous ways of
thinking, with regard to God and
his worship is quite visible in our
religious practices. The religious
psyche of Kashmiri Hindus and
Kashmiri Muslims are in tune with
each other’’. Effective organiza-
tion, coherent treatment of sources
and elegant formulation of analysis
are the attractive qualities of this
essay. The essay has successfully
achieved its purpose for generating
wider interest of scholars. Professor
Rashid, a senior academic, has effec-
tively created an agenda for further
research. It is an essay of consider-
able merit.
The chapter on ‘Historicism and
Wisdom in Kashmiri Folk Sayings’
by Mr. Mohsin, emerges to grow in
stature both in history of folk culture
and history of events. The reading of
this essay will be rewarding for all
those historians who want to gain
knowledge about the critical condi-
tions in which this aspect of Kash-
mir’s folk culture grew. Mr. Mohsin
explains, “it was the spirit of live and
let live that made the rural society
survive.” By any standard, this is an
exciting essay which would claim an
appropriate place in historical litera-
ture, when pursued further. All the
sources are very elaborately exam-
ined with authentic detail, and are
more faithful to the text in lending
credence to the arguments.
The chapter on ‘Marriage Pay-
ments among Shia Muslims in
Kashmir: Continuity and Change’
is written by Dr. Humaira Showkat.
She has good deal to say about this
sect of Muslim society, and explains,
“Marriage customs among Muslims
in general and Shias in particular
are directly or indirectly linked
with traits of old culture, which has
become a part of cultural heritage,
an important dimension of social
structure and an inseparable aspect
of social life.” It makes illuminat-
ing connections between the events
described and the society in which
they take place. Though differing
slightly in historical approach, it
is certainly a valuable presentation
because the entire description is
vivid, authoritative and insightful.
The description is successful on its
own terms and the author has suc-
ceeded admirably in meeting the
objectives of useful surveys of schol-
arship in socio- religious history.
It is diffi cult to assess this volume
as a whole and to deal fairly and ade-
quately with a work of this kind in
a brief review or to list all authors
of fi fteen contributions including
introduction elaborately. Clearly,
the aim of this volume is to provide
information and to provoke discus-
sion. They essays presented are
balanced in length, presentation
and coverage. The structure of the
study reveals that the treatment is
not symmetrical but some major
themes emerge and recur. A couple
of papers are little more relevant in
substance than methodology. The
volume would have been strength-
ened by an extensive bibliography
for usefulness of readers, although
this lacuna does not tend to obscure
the variety of its merits. However,
these points should not be seen to
detract from excellent work. Per-
haps, the most important question
that arises relates to the nature of
results achieved. The volume clear-
ly illustrates that research of high
quality is being done on topics which
happen geographically to fall within
the territorial limits of Kashmir.
What has emerged from this meet-
ing of minds is that there are many
areas in Kashmir’s history that need
our attention even if we have to con-
stantly revise and revisit our views.
By and large, this monumental
study is rich in sources, deep in
detail, and exhaustive in scope. It
is a regional history built on layer
upon layer of micro and macro study
observations of scores of brewing
ideas that can take Kashmir’s thirst
for new academics forward. It is a
sound monograph and a painstak-
ing investigation. The most striking
feature of this work is how persis-
tent its historical pattern has been in
addressing the issues that take place
in serious history writing in particu-
lar, and social science research in
general.
(R Rattan Lal Hangloo is Former Vice Chancellor, University of Kalyani and University of Allahabad. Before this, he was a Professor (History) at Hyderabad Central University.
He is originally from Hangalgund, Kokernag, Kashmir. At present, he is Honorary
Chancellor, Nobel International University,
Toronto, Canada.)
No comments