The mention of Kashmir usually conjures up images of its natural hills, vales and flowers as depicted in films and television serials or scenes of human tragedy resulting from terrorism. But there is more to the place than all this. That is what “Alluring Kashmir: The Inner Spirit” (Niyogi Books) by Irfan Nabi and Nilosree Biswas brings to readers. For writer-photographer Nabi the objective was to present “a holistic narrative through images and words of the region not merely confined to the specific theme of scenic places.” Biswas, a filmmaker, on the other hand, was desirous of documenting the Valley’s huge cultural history. “I was drawn to the pictorial book as even a single feature length documentary of 120 minutes was not enough to mirror Kashmir.” These two objectives synchronised well to bring between covers stunning photographs by Nabi and text in easy language by the two authors to give a comprehensive view of the region.
The book is divided into four sections – ‘Locations and Landscapes’; ‘Interweaving History and Architecture’; ‘the Spiritual Stream’ and ‘Flowering of Kashmiri Art, Craft and Culture’. “It was consented that the book would be built in distinct chapters creating a particular flavour for each. In fact different colour themes have been used to segregate them,” informs Biswas. The common point in all these sections is its engaging and informative content. For example in first section, the chapter on Srinagar gives a peep into splendours of Mughal Gardens, Hari Parbhat Fort, Sharika Devi Temple and Nigeen Lake while informing about Dal Lake’s floating vegetable market. Apart from popular places, the book also talks about lesser known ones like Doodhpathri which boasts of pristine alpine beauty.
The intricate architectural details of Akhund Mulla mosque
The second section lists architectural marvels with their comprehensive history. While pictures give a glimpse of the beauty of Avantipora and Sugandhesha temples, Hari Parbat Fort and Akhund Mulla Shah’s mosque among others, the text provides readers a basic understanding of them. While showing the intricate details of the Akhund Mulla mosque we are informed that the UNESCO declared heritage monument was built by Dara Shikoh as a homage to his favourite spiritual mentor, Mulla Shah Badakshni. Similarly drawing attention the sculpted images and designs of Avantipora temple one comes to know that built between AD 855 and 883 it represents the finest works of that period. One must visit sites that’s finds place in the book is Tomb of Zain-ul-Abidin’s mother. A one of a kind in Kashmir it is a unique five-dome structure with four domes surrounding a central one. Says Nabi, “Kashmir is a place with an ancient and rich history which goes a long way in understanding the place.”
Peep into culture
Besides popular sites, those not on tourist map too find mention in the book. Describing viewing Parihaspora ruins as a surreal experience, the authors share how this mammoth archaeological site transmits a sense of the vast legacy of the rich and ancient culture of Kashmir. Serving as a capital of the Valley during King Lalitaditya Muktapida’s reign around 7th Century AD the ruins give a sense of the magnum opus the place once was. Splendid images of colourful stained glass work of Dastgeer Sahib, carvings on Pather Masjid and the beauty of heritage buildings with their old fashion design and style highlight features which many visitors may miss out.
Irfan Nabi
The next section takes readers on a journey across Kashmir’s spiritual realm. Dealing with shrines like Shah-e-Hamadan shrine, Charar-e-Sharif, Makhdoom Sahib, Kheer Bhawani and Shankaracharya temples and others, the images of these holy places exhibit their serenity while the text highlights how these came into being and their significance. Says Nabi, “the three religions — Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam — share an extraordinary history in Kashmir.” Nuggets of information like the jali work in Hazratbal Shrine and that the Jama Masjid with 370 wooden pillars is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture complements the images well.
The final chapters are devoted to the evolution of region’s crafts, art, music, language, culture and food like the famed carpet and shawl weaving, walnut wood carving, papier mache, cuisine like teher, kahwe, nuun chai, nader monje, etc. Elucidating their uniqueness, one is introduced to those people connected with them.
Nilosree Biswas
Calling inclusion of details and little known aspects of the region in the book as “hook points”, Nabi comments, “There is magic in what is either nuanced or unknown. We wanted to engage the imagination and exploratory instincts of the readers by tickling their curiosity of travel to Kashmir.” What ensures that the content does not become boring is the seamless weaving of human stories in the narrative. The reader becomes a part of the journey undertaken by tourists from Japan, Dusseldorf, Kolkata and Surat.
Attempting to showcase Kashmir in all its splendour and different light, Biswas says, “All conflict ridden areas have an everyday life beyond conflict and it`s the larger geopolitics. That life often gets lost in the overburdened rhetoric which needs to be highlighted.”
