Travels in Kashmir

A beautifully written, meticulously researched journey through time in Kashmir Basharat PeerThe very name Kashmir conjures up magical images, from the real garden paradise of Shalimar to Thomas Moore s fantastic descriptions in Lalla Rookh . Recounting the story of this colourful and fascinating region as it appears in travel writing, literature, and historical works from ancient times to the present day, Travels in Kashmir offers a lively and comprehensive guide to a land little understood in the West.Beginning with an informal history of Kashmir from the legends of the twelfth-century Kalhana to the accounts of British colonial rulers the book brings together a wide variety of engaging travellers tales, reports, and descriptions that vividly illustrate the changing perceptions of the area both Indian and European throughout the years. Of particular interest is a section on the arts, crafts, and craftspeople of Kashmir, which focuses specifically on the shawl-weaving, carpet-making, and papier m ch works that have gained international renown. Throughout, Keenan proves a sharp as well as sympathetic observer with an eye for the amusing and the poignant, and the entertaining way she unfolds the story of Kashmir s people, places, and crafts makes this a book that will be enjoyed by tourists, readers of travel writing, and anyone interested in one of the most unusual and beautiful places in the world.