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FIVE EXCERPTS
FROM FIVE ESSAYS
OF THE BOOK
(1)
From the essay ,"Influence of Upanishads / Vedanta on Mirza Ghalib's poetry ."
“Hasti ke mat fareb mein aa jaaiyo ‘assad’
Aalam tamaam halqaa-e-daam-e-khayaal hai”………( Ghalib )
Meaning …….
( Get not trapped by the deception of this existence O ! Assad ,
This visible world in its entirety ,belongs to the realm of imagination only.)
" (Brahman satyam jagat mithya, jivo brahmaiva naparah " (Adi Sankara from Vivekachudamani )
Meaning…..
"Brahman( the ultimate unchanging reality ) is the only truth, the world is not real, and in the end there is no difference between Brahman and individual 'Self' (Atman).”
”Hum wahaan hain jahan sse hamko bhi
Kuchh hamaari khabar nahin Aatee”………..( Ghalib )
Meaning …
(I am at that stage from where,
even I get no news of my own self)
“Not inwardly cognitive, nor outwardly cognitive, not both-wise cognitive, not a cognition-mass, not cognitive, not non-cognitive, unseen, with which there can be no dealing, ungraspable, having no distinctive mark,non-thinkable, that cannot be designated, the essence of assurance, of which is the state of being one with the Self the cessation of development, tranquil, benign, without a second, such they think is the fourth. He is the self (Atman). He shouldn't be discerned.”………………(Mandukya Upanishad)
(2)
From the essay,' Erotic art in Kashmir'
" Prior to the arrival of armed militancy , the author has been told that many individuals in the Kashmir valley had such erotic tiles in their possession. Have they parted with these precious artefacts or this continues to remain in their possession ? At this moment , nothing can be said about this issue . The ancient Kashmiris also believed in the concepts of Dharma, Artha Kama, and Moksha as the four main aims of life. Whatever little erotic art has survived in Kashmir, it is observed that sex was not portrayed as a mere pleasure tool as opposed to spirituality or religion. On the contrary, It symbolised certain Tantric rituals. Many scholars treat it as a depiction of Purusha and Prakriti meant for the orderly continuity of life in this universe.
In Kashmir, the portrayal of amorous love was not confined to the stone sculptures and terracotta plaques or shallow plates. It can be seen in literature more specifically in poetry. Bilhana, the 11th century Sanskrit poet of love from Kashmir gives details of many practices prevalent in Kashmir during his period. He makes mention of the practice of Devadasis in Kashmir. According to him, a temple near present-day Pattan had a Nrityamandapa ( dancing hall )where Devadasis danced .."
(3)
From the essay , " Interview of Capt. Diwan Singh ADC to Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir”
" We started from the Palace at the dead of the night. I was in the back seat of Maharaja’s car. Maharaja was on steering. Maharani Sahiba and other ladies followed us in separate cars. Maharaja could hardly carry some personal belongings in a few car's/vehicles. The stories about Maharaja taking everything with him on that fateful day are all false. Most of his belongings remained in Srinagar palace when he was asked to leave in an absolute hurry. He did not say a word during the entire Journey to Jammu. Arriving at Jammu, he had a long sigh and said, 'we have lost Kashmir'. After 1947,the heavy golden throne of the Maharaja ( lying in the possession of the State Government ) was donated to the Central Government by Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad during the Chinese aggression. Many Persian carpets, cutlery, furniture, gifts and valuable things were removed from the Palace post October 1947. Even imported sanitaryware fittings were removed from the Palace after Maharaja left. The government occupied his Jammu palace and old palace in Srinagar. This was something unusual when you see other princely states in the country. "
(4)
From the essay , “Kashmiris in the
National Freedom Struggle “
" Two Kashmiri Pandits namely Dina Nath Zadoo and Kanti Chandra Zadoo from the Zadoo family of Kashmir, were associated with Neta Ji Subash Chandra Bose and his INA. Dina Nath Zadoo and Kanti Chandra Zadoo were born in 1916 and 1918, respectively, to Prof Jagaddhar Zadoo ,the first Kashmiri scholar to work with Japanese and Russian Sanskrit scholars. Dina Nath Zadoo worked as the Captain in the Indian National Army (INA). He fought in Malaysia. He died in 1986 in India. Kanti Chandra Zadoo was engaged by Neta Ji as his personal secretary sometime in 1945. He is believed to have been on board the same aircraft which mysteriously crashed in 1945 near Taihoku, Japanese Taiwan, resulting in the death of Subhash Chandra Bose and Kanti Chandra .Unfortunately, no research has been done in this area by any person to present details beyond these references."
(5)
From the essay , “ History has been unfair to Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir “
“ A letter written by Raja Dahir of Sindh finds a place in Chachnama. There is a passage in this letter that makes mention of King Lalitaditya of Kashmir. The passage reads this:-
" If I had sent against you the King of Kashmir on whose royal threshold the other rulers of Hind had placed their heads, who sways the whole of Hind, even the countries of Makran and Turan, whose chains a great many noblemen and grandees have willingly placed on their knees."
The king of Kashmir referred to here is none other than Lalitaditya. “
THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT
(1)
Available for Rs340/=with Rohit Pandita ,Pan India Distributor of the book .Please ring up 9596976373 ( 10 am to 10 pm ) any day for immediate courier delivery to any corner of the country . Delivery within 3 days to any corner of the country.
(2)
At Kangan Spices , Udhaywala , Jammu wef 28th January, 2023.Available only on cash payment of Rs300/. Contact Shri Ashok Kangan 9419130480
(3)
Online Amazon and
Flipkart( India)
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0BSLNMRM7?&tag=notionpcom-21
https://www.flipkart.com/essays-may.../p/itm1b72389782351...
(4)
Available worldwide
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSQV9G67
UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSQV9G67
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https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0BSQV9G67
Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BSQV9G67
( Avtar Mota )
PS
BOOK REVIEW
‘HISTORY REVISITED’ .. A BOOK REVIEW by Indu Bhushan Zutshi ”
Book…. ‘THE ESSAYS THAT MAY CHANGE YOUR BELIEFS’ by Avtar Mota
Published in 2023 by Notion Press , Chennai and available on Amzon and Flipkart worldwide .
Local Distribution Sh Rohit Pandita ( Mobile 9596976373) Pages 166 Price Rs 340/=
History be it ancient or recent, can never be a closed topic. It keeps its doors always open for fresh interpretations and newer facts that may crop up from time to time. At all times, the writing of history has been a complex and difficult process. Difficult and complex, I say, because people writing the accounts are bound to be influenced by the tendencies that govern the times when histories are written . Accordingly, history is a subject that keeps on being revisited by authors from time to time.
India attained its independence from the foreign rulers in 1947, and our historians started writing and rewriting our history, partly the way they thought it to be true and partly as was required by the policy planners and rulers of the time. In the process of writing history, some historical accounts, certain events and many facts were either underplayed or not adequately stated. Avtar Mota in his above mentioned book has selected fifteen topics and has restated the truth about them in the light of research and study that he undertook. The details cited and the arguments brought in defence of his points of view are firm and based on actual facts and events.
Most of the essays discussed in the compilation like one pertaining to King Lalitaditya, Begar in Kashmir , turbulent times of October 1947, devastation of Baramulla at the hands of the Tribal Raiders in 1947, Akbar’s visit to Kashmir, Biju Patnaik’s daring role in Kashmir during October 1947 , Kashmiris in India’s freedom struggle , ,Interview of Captain Diwan Singh ADC to Maharaja Hari Singh and many more form interesting and unforgettable lessons of Kashmir’s recent history. While some other essays like the contribution of Aurel Stein in setting up Sri Raghunath Temple Sanskrit Manuscript Library ( Jammu ), Kashmir’s connection with Buddhism and a very interesting essay about Ajvika Tribe in Kashmir are some such essays which have not found any or adequate mentions in our history books. The essays on Kashmir’s contribution to Hindi cinema, erotic art in Kashmir are worthwhile additions which dwell on the artistic sensibilities of Kashmiri people.
The book starts with the story of Emperor Lalitaditya Muktapaida. In this essay the author lays bare the unfairness with which the historians have treated this great emperor ,whom chronicler, Kalhana called ‘Universal Monarch’ or conqueror of the world. Our historians have all along failed to accord the rightful place to this great ruler of Kashmir in history. The author here has adequately highlighted Lalitaditya’s role in formation of the state in Kashmir, as also his unparalleled and worthwhile contribution as great builder, promoter of fine arts and tolerant ruler .
Begar or forced labour is an ancient practice followed by the mighty and the rulers from very ancient times the world over. This practice was also prevailing in Kashmir from ancient times .It was during the ruthless Afghan rule that this practice became brutal in Kashmir. For political exigencies a false and baseless perception has been created that this practice was created and pursued vigorously during Dogra rule . This is contrary to the facts. The author brings in reliable evidence to establish that Dogra rulers brought drastic changes in the Begar during their rule . They paid it in cash and kind and the Begar during their rule was mostly undertaken for British troops stationed on frontiers .The ‘Big Central Asian Game’ and the ‘Russian Expansionism’ played a great role in its continuation. The Dogra rulers abolished the Begar. Contrary to popular belief , Maharaja Partap Singh issued instructions for including Hindus as well in Begar . And Hindus from Jammu also joined the Begar labourers . Instances of poor Kashmiri Pandits joining Begar have also been quoted. The historians have been unfair in painting this unfair practice as a sole creation of Dogra rulers.
One interesting essay of immense political significance in the book is about Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of the state. Author’s interface session with Capt Diwan Singh, Maharaja’s ADC and most loyal secretary is a piece of revealing information . This talk with Capt Diwan Singh clearly points to behind the scene goings on between Kashmir’s popular leadership and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru , which more looked like a conspiracy than a political decision. This behind the scene agreement paved the way for removing Maharaja from the political scene of the state so as to handover complete charge of Kashmir to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah .Nehru’s role in trusting Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah beyond limits has also become a matter of current political debate .
The book under review has many more revealing episodes, anecdotes and informative pieces without which the historical , cultural and political review of Kashmir is incomplete. Kashmir’s Buddhist connection and its pioneering role in spread of Buddhism across Himalayas is a great saga of our history. The role played by Kashmiri Pandits in salvaging vital Sanskrit and Persian manuscripts of Kashmir also finds mention in one essay of this book. With the support of Kashmiri Brahmins coupled with complete patronage of Maharaja Partap Singh, Aural Stein’s role in creating Sanskrit Manuscript Library in Sri Raghunath Ji Temple is a great event in the cultural history of the state . This topic has also been covered in this book. The book also has revealing history to narrate about the presence of erotic art in Kashmir. Terracotta shallow plates obtained from various archeological sites in Kashmir point to the emancipated levels of thinking of the people during that period . In this connection it will not be out of place to mention the presence of Ajvikas in Kashmir, a tribe who were unorthodox, ate little and wore very few clothes.
Add to what has been stated above, the very rarely known episode of valour displayed by Biju Patnaik in flying the first contingent Indian army to Srinagar in October 1947 amid rumours that Pakistan sponsored Tribal Raiders had taken over the airport . This daring act has never been talked about .
Besides all the above chapters the author has also given impressions of his visits to the US, where he happened to meet various immigrants who had made America as their home. The general impression with us about the United States is a country where poverty is totally absent and where everybody makes hay and lives comfortably. However , as per the author’s interaction, a big section of the immigrants sweat it hard to earn or send some money back home. Author’s interaction with multiple immigrants is quite interesting and revealing. All types of workers ,legal and illegal immigrants work tirelessly to earn some dollars a day so that their progeny lives comfortably. One common thread running in the subconscious mind of all these people is that they want to revert back to their homeland and while in an alien country , most of them fight tooth and nail to retain their cultural and linguistic roots . Avtar Mota also uses V S Naipaul’s style in recording communication verbatim as spoken. That makes this particular essay highly gripping and absorbing. With some more interesting essays , the book makes an engrossing reading. Avtar Mota’s book is a reader’s delight.
“Hamchoo Sabzeh Baarha Roed Imm” …..( Rumi )
(Like greenery , we keep coming again and again )
( Indu Bhushan Zutshi )
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.
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