Book: Linking Vales (Kashmir and Ladakh)
Author: Dr Sirfaraz Ahmed Dar
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 176
Price: Rs 900

The first compilation under the ambitious series of traveler’s treasure by Dr Sirfaraz, currently working in the State Gazetteers Department is a useful addition to the literature on Kashmir and Ladakh’s historical, sacred and recreational places. It also covers cultural practices besides useful information about a host of related subjects that shall be of great help not only to tourists but to students interested in the regions, their geography and demographic parameters. It is not a technical compendium for experts but for anyone who is interested in the basics of these regions for further exploration of them. All the entries have photographs of the sites showing first-hand knowledge of the compiler. Brief historical notes are also appended to important entries. Updated census figures on key parameters including population, sex ratio, literacy, population growth and density, further increase the value of the compilation. The compiler has not just prepared a narrative or compendium of information but made the material interesting by adding interesting descriptions here and there and especially in the titles. All the districts are represented and hardly any important site or pilgrimage center has escaped the notice. The compiler has based his information on updated government records.
The book has 12 chapters beginning with District Profiles that introduce the districts in brief in a lucid style. Other chapters include “Seasons of Vale”, “Pilgrim Centers of Kashmir”, “Historical Sites of Kashmir”, “General Recreation Places of Kashmir”, “Festivals of Ladakh”, “Pilgrim Centers of Ladakh”, “General Recreation Places of Ladakh” which are followed by regional maps and bibliography. The project of preparing a cultural atlas needs to be carried forward with zeal for which the present book is a sort of preamble. The book helps to know about economy, culture, environment and place in overall region of the given districts. It traces etymological roots of names of certain important places. The book is a contribution to tourism based economy as tourists are provided useful information regarding the significance of particular regions, routes of entry and related aspects of different regions.
Some typographic and grammatical errors, besides some avoidable repetitions here and there are noticeable. One may take an exception to certain statements that only represent official position which may not necessarily be factual. One feels the book should have coloured photographs. I hope the compiler will take up more ambitious projects of documenting rich cultural heritage of Kashmir in near future as succeeding parts of this traveler’s treasure. It is indeed a traveller’s treasure and the compiler deserves appreciation. The book has been priced with the intention of selling mainly to institutions as if it would not be of interest to general readers. I think a cheaper paperback edition would help to introduce Kashmir to masses. 

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Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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