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Gilded Cage: Years that Made and Unmade Kashmir
The story of the turbulent years of Kashmir.
‘Geography, it has been suggested in certain influential quarters, will no doubt play a great part in determining the course which states would follow. Due to the proposed division of Punjab, it is therefore permissible to argue that Kashmir will find itself geographically isolated from the rest of India. Powerful influences may also develop which will tend to draw Kashmir to the new alignment of forces within areas adjacent to it. But considering the temperament and character of the people of the state and the policy and outlook of the National Conference, it can safely be assumed that under the stress of disintegrating forces, Kashmir would tend to develop progressive nationalism and a political life of its own rather than join any unhappy combination in the areas adjacent to it.’
— D.N. KACHRU , Private Secretary to Jawaharlal Nehru (1947)
In a powerful third part to his Kashmir trilogy, Sandeep Bamzai’s latest potboiler, The Gilded Cage , documents the contentious years that resulted in the making and unmaking of the ‘Kashmir issue’. From the emergence of Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir’s politics up to his arrest to the disillusionment of the Kashmiri masses from their leadership, Kashmir turned into a caged match, a diabolical kill box where Pakistan’s attempts to mask the scent of the snare has and is creating consternation in the Valley. From Jinnah’s naked obsession for Kashmir to Sheikh Abdullah’s staunch hatred for Jinnah, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s comprehension of the Valley being a shop window for his brand of secular politics to Maharaja Hari Singh’s streak of remaining independent in the face of both India and Pakistan, this book covers the vital years that defined Kashmir’s accession to India.
Accessing letters, files and documents never produced earlier in the public domain, Bamzai travels the duplicitous and often-tortuous path of history to bring to light the equally treacherous history of Kashmir.
‘Geography, it has been suggested in certain influential quarters, will no doubt play a great part in determining the course which states would follow. Due to the proposed division of Punjab, it is therefore permissible to argue that Kashmir will find itself geographically isolated from the rest of India. Powerful influences may also develop which will tend to draw Kashmir to the new alignment of forces within areas adjacent to it. But considering the temperament and character of the people of the state and the policy and outlook of the National Conference, it can safely be assumed that under the stress of disintegrating forces, Kashmir would tend to develop progressive nationalism and a political life of its own rather than join any unhappy combination in the areas adjacent to it.’
— D.N. KACHRU , Private Secretary to Jawaharlal Nehru (1947)
In a powerful third part to his Kashmir trilogy, Sandeep Bamzai’s latest potboiler, The Gilded Cage , documents the contentious years that resulted in the making and unmaking of the ‘Kashmir issue’. From the emergence of Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir’s politics up to his arrest to the disillusionment of the Kashmiri masses from their leadership, Kashmir turned into a caged match, a diabolical kill box where Pakistan’s attempts to mask the scent of the snare has and is creating consternation in the Valley. From Jinnah’s naked obsession for Kashmir to Sheikh Abdullah’s staunch hatred for Jinnah, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s comprehension of the Valley being a shop window for his brand of secular politics to Maharaja Hari Singh’s streak of remaining independent in the face of both India and Pakistan, this book covers the vital years that defined Kashmir’s accession to India.
Accessing letters, files and documents never produced earlier in the public domain, Bamzai travels the duplicitous and often-tortuous path of history to bring to light the equally treacherous history of Kashmir.
168 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 12, 2023
readwithak_ The story in this book focuses on the period between 1931-1953, the most contentious period in the history of Kashmir. This story is also about Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru, that titan amongst statesmen, and his friendship
with Abdullah.
Since Independence, Kashmir has been a bone of contention for the rest of the nation and the planet. It always has been unsettled because sometimes there are infiltrators, sometimes, there is terrorism, and sometimes the narrative of the migration and persecution of Pandits disturbs the population. Many researchers, activists, journalists, and novelists have endeavored to grasp it in their way since then.
‘Gilded Cage‘ by Sandeep Bamzai is another bead of this string. The book nourishes a fascinating insight into Kashmir’s political ups and downs.
This book recounts the whole history of the Kashmir Valley following independence. Everything from tribal attacks to Sheikh Abdullah’s politics and Jawaharlal Nehru’s Kashmir policy is covered. Bamzai strolls the deceitful and often twisted road of history to bring to light Kashmir’s equally perilous history, gaining access to letters, papers, and documents never before made public.
How a Kashmiri nationalist persuaded Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to start military operations against Pakistani tribal raiders inside the Valley? Finally, how Shaikh attached himself to his unique vision of an independent Kashmir (excluding Jammu), which was opposed to Nehru’s expansionist vision of India, resulted in Shaikh’s subordinate Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed and Nehru in Kashmir. His sight and ears pushed him away. This book has a history of all such instances.
When tribesmen intruded into Kashmir and caused unrest in 1947, Bamzai exposed the participation of Pakistani rulers in the crisis through an explosive news story, including a letter from then-Governor George Cunningham. Sandeep describes in the book how Sheikh Abdullah fuelled Jinnah’s dream of annexing Kashmir for Pakistan, a wish that Ram Chandra Kak, Maharaja Hari Singh’s prime minister, would gladly realize.
An intriguing tale. Weaving a defining story of Kashmir's accession to India by Bamzai is a commendable effort.
Nehru, that titan amongst statesmen, and his friendship
with Abdullah.
Since Independence, Kashmir has been a bone of contention for the rest of the nation and the planet. It always has been unsettled because sometimes there are infiltrators, sometimes, there is terrorism, and sometimes the narrative of the migration and persecution of Pandits disturbs the population. Many researchers, activists, journalists, and novelists have endeavored to grasp it in their way since then.
‘Gilded Cage‘ by Sandeep Bamzai is another bead of this string. The book nourishes a fascinating insight into Kashmir’s political ups and downs.
This book recounts the whole history of the Kashmir Valley following independence. Everything from tribal attacks to Sheikh Abdullah’s politics and Jawaharlal Nehru’s Kashmir policy is covered. Bamzai strolls the deceitful and often twisted road of history to bring to light Kashmir’s equally perilous history, gaining access to letters, papers, and documents never before made public.
How a Kashmiri nationalist persuaded Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to start military operations against Pakistani tribal raiders inside the Valley? Finally, how Shaikh attached himself to his unique vision of an independent Kashmir (excluding Jammu), which was opposed to Nehru’s expansionist vision of India, resulted in Shaikh’s subordinate Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed and Nehru in Kashmir. His sight and ears pushed him away. This book has a history of all such instances.
When tribesmen intruded into Kashmir and caused unrest in 1947, Bamzai exposed the participation of Pakistani rulers in the crisis through an explosive news story, including a letter from then-Governor George Cunningham. Sandeep describes in the book how Sheikh Abdullah fuelled Jinnah’s dream of annexing Kashmir for Pakistan, a wish that Ram Chandra Kak, Maharaja Hari Singh’s prime minister, would gladly realize.
An intriguing tale. Weaving a defining story of Kashmir's accession to India by Bamzai is a commendable effort.
February 16, 2023
𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝘽𝙖𝙢𝙯𝙖𝙞
🏞️ We often make decisions but no longer worry about the consequences that are associated with them. As a result they hold a great significance in forthcoming events. The same can be said for Kashmir.
🏞️ What's the first though come to your mind when you hear Kashmir ? It is considered as the most beautiful Valley on the entire planet. Yet the decision that was being taken in the history of the state, has shaped its future in a very significant way that, it currently holds a status of imbroglio.
🏞️ The book is the third part of the trilogy which documents the contentious years that resulted in the making and unmaking of the 'Kashmir issue'. From the emergence of Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir's politics up to his arrest to the disillusionment of the Kashmiri masses from their leadership.
📌It's short and well researched title, as the authors generations have been keeping a keen eye on the affairs, political and accession events that happened. It also discusses the significance of The partition of India and the British Decolonization in the current status of Kashmir.
📌The book provides a comprehensive approach towards the series of events and tries to justify a unique point of view on the decisions that have led to the current status of the state and its relationship with India.
📌If you are someone who wishing to learn more about the political history of Kashmir issue and the current status, or wish to study about partition and geopolitics, then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
🏞️ We often make decisions but no longer worry about the consequences that are associated with them. As a result they hold a great significance in forthcoming events. The same can be said for Kashmir.
🏞️ What's the first though come to your mind when you hear Kashmir ? It is considered as the most beautiful Valley on the entire planet. Yet the decision that was being taken in the history of the state, has shaped its future in a very significant way that, it currently holds a status of imbroglio.
🏞️ The book is the third part of the trilogy which documents the contentious years that resulted in the making and unmaking of the 'Kashmir issue'. From the emergence of Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir's politics up to his arrest to the disillusionment of the Kashmiri masses from their leadership.
📌It's short and well researched title, as the authors generations have been keeping a keen eye on the affairs, political and accession events that happened. It also discusses the significance of The partition of India and the British Decolonization in the current status of Kashmir.
📌The book provides a comprehensive approach towards the series of events and tries to justify a unique point of view on the decisions that have led to the current status of the state and its relationship with India.
📌If you are someone who wishing to learn more about the political history of Kashmir issue and the current status, or wish to study about partition and geopolitics, then this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
Read
March 8, 2023In "Gilded Cage: Years that Made and Unmade Kashmir," Sandeep Bamzai presents a comprehensive account of the tumultuous years that shaped the Kashmir issue. The book covers the period from the emergence of Sheikh Abdullah in Kashmir's politics up to his arrest, and the disillusionment of the Kashmiri masses from their leadership. Bamzai provides a detailed analysis of the various actors involved, from Jinnah's obsession with Kashmir to Sheikh Abdullah's hatred for Jinnah, from Nehru's vision of Kashmir as a shop window for his brand of secular politics to Maharaja Hari Singh's desire to remain independent.
What sets this book apart is Bamzai's ability to access letters, files, and documents never before produced in the public domain. This allows him to provide a fresh perspective on the complex history of Kashmir, delving into the duplicity and treacherous paths taken by various actors.
Bamzai's writing style is engaging and informative, making this a page-turner. His experience as a news journalist is evident, and he has an exceptional talent for weaving together various threads of history to create a compelling narrative.
Overall, "Gilded Cage" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Kashmir issue. Bamzai's meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book a valuable contribution to the field of South Asian history and politics.
What sets this book apart is Bamzai's ability to access letters, files, and documents never before produced in the public domain. This allows him to provide a fresh perspective on the complex history of Kashmir, delving into the duplicity and treacherous paths taken by various actors.
Bamzai's writing style is engaging and informative, making this a page-turner. His experience as a news journalist is evident, and he has an exceptional talent for weaving together various threads of history to create a compelling narrative.
Overall, "Gilded Cage" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Kashmir issue. Bamzai's meticulous research and insightful analysis make this book a valuable contribution to the field of South Asian history and politics.
January 13, 2023
WOW! What a narrative! One hell of a ride. I'm going to have to read this again...feel emotionally drained. Excellent work, great job. Thank you for writing this book, it will become essential reading for future debate on J&K.
February 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews