The book presents an encyclopaedic view of history, culture, literature, philosophy, architecture, flora and fauna, arts and crafts of Kashmir from ancient times to present day. Kashmiri scholars were great masters of learning and philosophy. Nilamata Purana and Kalhan's Rajtarangini and many other works of scholarship are records of Kashmir's glorious heritage. Lalla Ded spoke Wakyas while Nunda Rishi chanted Shruks, former was a Hindu Shaiva saint, while the letter was a Muslim Sufi. This created a composite culture for which Kashmir has been known for centuries. The different articles prove adequately why it was called as Rishi Bhumi (land of Rishis), Sharda Peeth (seat of learning), and Lalla Rukh (Valley of flowers).
The book throws light on the Sharda script, it which originally Kashmiri language was written. Besides, tracing the development of Kashmiri language, the book also deals with Kashmir's contribution to Sanskrit, Persian and Hindi literature. The book also touches political aspect of Kashmir from 1947 to present day. |
