Uncovering the rich history of north Kashmir: 'Hidden Treasures' book released
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Srinagar, Sep 25 : A book entitled "Hidden Treasures of North Kashmir" was released at a humble ceremony held at General Bipin Rawat Stadium at Old Town Baramulla.
Released by the distinguished Chinar Corps Commander, in the presence of prominent dignitaries, scholars, and the people of Baramulla, the book showcases the architectural marvels and cultural heritage of North Kashmir, highlighting the region's rich history and cultural diversity and has been compiled by Indian Army’s Dagger Division of Chinar Corps.
The Book will be available in both Hardbound form for institutions or offices/libraries and in Soft cover/ magazine form for travelers and tourists. The Foreword to the book has been penned by the Honorable LG of J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, which says “Our more than 5000-year rich civilization has its own unique cultural and artistic heritage. This uniqueness manifests in many ways, one of them being the tradition of Architecture and Design, which has kept alive time-tested traditional wisdom and creative craftsmanship. I am happy to know that the Chinar Corps is bringing out an exclusive book 'Hidden Treasures of North Kashmir' showcasing architectural marvels of North Kashmir region. This initiative exhibits Chinar Corps's commitment to promote culture canvas of J&K among all section of society, especially youth. By highlighting Architectural heritage of North Kashmir, the book will not only contribute in helping the young generation to understand about our ageless cultural assets but also towards importance of conservation, preservation and maintenance of ancient monuments.”
Dr. Satish Ganjoo, who has contributed in vetting the book, emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, which has been shaped by the courage, resilience, and creativity of the Kashmiri people. He praised the Indian Army's efforts in protecting our nation's borders and preserving our cultural heritage, particularly the Chinar Corps' initiative in publishing the book.
Dr. Satish Ganjoo is a distinguished scholar of Modern History and International Relations, holding an M.Phil (1983) and Ph.D. (1987) from the University of Kashmir. He has been a member of the Academic Council and various Boards of Studies at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh and Guru Nanak Dev University. His accolades include honors such as the Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2004), Best Citizen of India Award (2005), and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award (2018). He is also affiliated with academic and research organizations like ICSSR, ICPR, ICHR, and KECSS. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Ganjoo has published numerous books and research papers across history, politics, international relations, and Islamic studies. A life member of the Kashmir Education Culture and Science Society, Dr. Ganjoo is the only Kashmiri Pandit devoted exclusively to Islamic studies.
Mr RR Bhosale, Superintending Archeologist, ASI, Srinagar Circle, says in his Preface to the book, that ‘THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF NORTH KASHMIR is a journey of sorts, which has also made us strengthen our commitment to the local populace who have been the harbingers of creating and presenting such wonders of art and architecture in North Kashmir. To casual readers the book will be impressive because of the sheer depth of subject it addresses. This is a remarkable compendium rolled into a booklet encapsulating the archaeological heritage of North Kashmir.”
The book release was preceded by the Unveiling of a bust to honour Gen Bipin Rawat at the stadium named after him. It is pertinent to note that Gen Bipin Rawat was the Baramulla Dagger Div GOC before he became the first CDS of the country.
This book showcases the rich architectural heritage of North Kashmir through concise descriptions and captivating images. It highlights the region’s architectural splendor, offering stunning visuals alongside thoughtful commentary. The aim is to inspire a sense of unity, celebrate cultural heritage, and promote border tourism by creating a unique travel experience for history lovers.