In 2023, Kashmir's literary landscape experienced a notable upswing in publications, reflecting a diverse array of perspectives on the region. Despite this surge, a conspicuous absence of voices from within Kashmir raises critical questions about narrative ownership. The dominance of non-native authors perpetuates a dichotomy between external perceptions and the internal Kashmiri experience. Notably, the scarcity extends to fiction, with a prolonged absence of English-language novels by Kashmiri authors. Amid this backdrop, Chitralekha Zutshi's "Sheikh Abdullah: The Caged Lion of Kashmir" and Manreet Sodhi Someshwar's "Kashmir" offer distinct historical and fictional lenses. Other works, such as Hafsa Kanjwal's "A Fate Written on Matchboxes" and the "Palgrave Handbook of New Directions in Kashmir Studies," delve into the nuanced realms of politics, history, and interdisciplinary perspectives. These publications collectively un
Muhammad Ashraf Wani and Aman Ashraf Wani's "The Making of Early Kashmir" explores Kashmir's history from prehistoric times to the 13th century, emphasizing its global connections. The authors use diverse sources to reveal a dynamic narrative of cultural hybridity, cosmopolitanism, and interconnectedness, challenging nationalist perspectives. The book provides a well-structured, scholarly, and engaging account that dismantles conventional historical frameworks, highlighting Kashmir's role in shaping Asia's premodern past.
A brief report about how Rajatarangini, Kashmir's oldest written record on history, is offering details about the presence of Islam and Muslims almost 150 years after the Prophet of Islam passed away. Established history believes Kashmir converted to Islam in fifteenth century