This books introduces readers to the almost unbelievable creativity of the Kashmir/Jammu/Ladakh region's crafts people in a sophisticated and splendidly illustrated book on the lives of its Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist crafts people. 170 illustrations, all in full-color.

Kashmir is one of the longest-standing conflicts yet to be resolved by the international community. In 2000, Bill Clinton declared it the most dangerous place in the world and since then the situation continues to escalate. Positioned between India, Pakistan and China – three nuclear powers – Kashmir is the most militarized zone on the planet. Against this backdrop, the urgency to understand what Jammu and Kashmir means to those who actually belong to its territory has increased. This book not only helps readers navigate subtleties in a complex part of the world but is the first of its kind – written for a global audience from local perspectives, which to date have been sorely lacking.

The seemingly intractable Kashmir dispute and the fate of Kashmiris throughout South Asia and beyond are the twin themes in Snedden's meticulously researched book.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the complex conflict situation in Kashmir. Through an internal perspective, it charts the shift in the Kashmiri response towards the Centre and offers a detailed examination of the background in which separatist politics took roots in Kashmir, and the way it changed its nature in the militancy and post-militancy period. The volume shows how separatism and armed militancy, as manifest in the Valley in the late 1980s, (though augmented by external factors) have been internal responses to the changing nature of Kashmiri identity politics. It explores how the ideas central to Indian nationalist politics — especially democracy and secularism — echoed in Kashmir and were instrumental in dismantling the feudal structure and negotiating an autonomous space within the framework of asymmetrical federalism. Seamlessly blending facts and incisive analyses, this book raises new questions about the nature of conflict and contestation in the region. It will be of great interest to researchers and scholars of Indian politics, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, and sociology, as well as government bodies, think tanks and the interested general reader.

This book re-examines the multifaceted reality of the Kashmir problem. The state of Jammu and Kashmir had acceded to India soon after India’s partition. Pakistan laid claim to it waged wars with India to wrest it. The various decisions taken by the USA and Britain in conjunction with India and Pakistan as to how Kashmir should be governed are discussed. Studying the spread of communism, the book makes extensive use of primary resources available in India and the UK. The principal object of the author is to locate conflict in Kashmir within the international politics of the time, during the Cold War, and especially in the context of India’s relationship with the UK. The narratives of the discourse throw light on the varied and salient features of the problem. These have been enriched by an in-depth analysis based on the writings, notes and correspondence of distinguished British and Indian politicians and statesmen. The author has also consulted public documents on US foreign relations as well as other studies. This study explores myths about the Kashmir problem, reinforcing known and unknown truths.

The Himalaya, a global biodiversity hotspot, sustains about one-fifth of the humankind. Nestled within the north-western mountain ranges of the Himalaya, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) State harbours more than half of the biodiversity found in the Indian Himalaya. The wide expanse of State, spread across the subtropical Jammu, through the temperate Kashmir valley, to the cold arid Ladakh, is typical representative of the extensive elevational and topographical diversity encountered in the entire Himalaya. This book, the most comprehensive and updated synthesis ever made available on biodiversity of the J&K State, is a valuable addition to the biodiversity literature with global and regional relevance. The book, arranged into 7 parts, comprises of 42 chapters contributed by 87 researchers, each of whom is an expert in his/her own field of research. The precious baseline data contained in the book would form the foundation for assessing current status of knowledge about the bioresources, identify the knowledge gaps, and help prioritization of conservation strategies to steer the sustainable use of biodiversity in this Himalayan region. Given the breadth of topics covered under the banner of biodiversity in this book, it can surely serve as a model for documentation of biodiversity in other regions of the world. The book will be of immense value to all those who, directly or indirectly, have to deal with biodiversity, including students, teachers, researchers, naturalists, environmentalists, resource managers, planners, government agencies, NGOs and the general public at large.

This comprehensive biography depicts in depth the complex and controversial man who played a significant role in the history of northwestern India during the nineteenth century. Described by his European contempora­ries as "the Talleyrand of the East" and the "Ulysses of the hills," Maharaja Gulab Singh was perhaps the most dexterous and successful Indian diplomat of the nineteenth century. At a time when other Indian states were falling to the British, Gulab Singh founded the kingdom of Kashmir, which survived under his heirs for over a century. Based largely on primary sources in English, Persian, and Urdu, this new biography provides fresh insights into Gulab Singh's motives and policies, and brings into focus his role as fiefholder, Raja, and Maharaja, and as a man, soldier, and politician. However, the book is more than a portrait of a man. It sheds light on the entire diplomatic history of north­western India during the period. This big and important biography is exceptionally well written. The author's narrative skill provides a fascinating pic­ture of the diplomatic intrigue, sadistic tortures, the licentious activities of the Sikh army, and the economic exploitation of the common people.

Himalayan Kingdoms, Buddhist palaces, mountain treks and spectacular scenery entwine in newly accessible Kashmir, introduced by Bradt in the first detailed guide to the region.

This book examines the shifting, non-linear relationship between religion, nationalism and politics in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. In the wake of the revocation of Article 370, the state’s plural and relatively harmonious society has come under multiple strains, with religion often informing day-to-day politics. The chapters in this volume: Trace the formation of the political entity of Jammu and Kashmir and the seemingly secular politics of its three regions Discuss the rise of militancy and resistance movements in the Kashmir Valley Highlight the intersection between everyday life, nationalism and resistance through a study of the literary traditions of Kashmir, contemporary resistance photography and everyday communalism located in the changing food practices of Hindu and Muslim communities Religion and Politics in Jammu and Kashmir will be an indispensable read for students and researchers of religion and politics, democratization and democracy, secularism, sociology, cultural studies and South Asian studies.

Kashmir Is Known For Its Arts And Crafts. But There Is No Single Book So Far Which Deals Overall And Totally With Both Known And Lesser Known Crafts Of Jammu & Kashmir State. This Book Portrays A Comprehensive Study Providing Wealth Of Information And Visual Documentation On The Beautiful Part Of India Comprising Jammu, Kashmir Valley And Ladakh. A State With Rich Craft And Cultural Heritage Deserves To Be Better Known In Its Crafts Context Of People And Culture. As A Close And Living Relationship Ties Land To People And People To Craft And Culture, The Book Opens With Brief Description Of This Relationship. Since Traditional Skills Co-Exist And Change In The Course Of Changing Conditions, The Book Covers Some Of The More Important As Well As Lesser Known Crafts In Their Historical Background, Present And Potential For Future. Development Being A Constant Process, The Book Also Reviews The Actual Craft Situation,, Its Scope, Design, Craft Training, The Domestic Marketing And Exports Of Crafts, Concluding On The Most Important Factor-The Craftsmen And Their Welfare. The Book Is Invaluable In Many Way. Over 100 Pages Of Excellent Photographs And Typical Design Motifs. General Readers, Planners And Administrators As Well As Traders And Exporters Will Find Highly Useful The Details The Book Provides With The Personal Touch Of Author S Rich Experience Over The Years.