Hafsa Kanjwal's "A Fate Written on Matchboxes" delves into the complex dynamics of state-building in Kashmir in the post-1947 era, focusing particularly on Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad's governance in the 1950s. The book critically examines the 'paradox' of development under Bakshi, where state-building practices aimed at integration coexisted with increased modernization. Kanjwal highlights Bakshi's emphasis on empowerment and development to foster loyalty, yet reveals the simultaneous fuelling of resentment and suppression of dissent. Chapters detail Bakshi's effective use of propaganda, tourism, and cinema to reshape narratives and project a façade of normalcy. The economic challenges, education reforms, and cultural interventions under Bakshi are scrutinized, exposing the tensions between short-term political imperatives and long-term economic growth.The book sheds light on Bakshi's authoritarian rule, deploying oppressive state machinery, draconian laws, and surveillance apparatus to suppress dissent.