Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 4: A talk-show on the book “The Last Queen of Kashmir” dedicated to Maharani Kota Devi of Kashmir was held at Bhartiya Vidhya Bhawan, (BVM) here, today.
On the occasion the US based author of the book, Dr. Rakesh Kaul made a lucid presentation on various aspects on the character, bravery, political sagacity, acumen and the administrative maturity and the supreme sacrifice of the Maharani Kota Devi.
Sushil Pandit, a well known TV talk show national figure interacted with the author on various dimensions and aspects of the famous book on the last woman emperor of Kashmir. Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir (PK) introduced the subject in the function and also presented a vote of thanks in the programme.
Dr. Mahesh Chander Sharma, Director, Foundation for Integral Humanism and Dr. Gautam Bhattacharya, Senior Diplomat were the special guests in the programme. Dr. Rajat Mitra, author of the book, ‘Infidel The Next Door’, Dr. Devika Rangachari, author of the book ‘Queen of Ice’ and Chushul Mahaldar, veteran artist were among the important guests who attended the programme.
An interactive session with the participants was also held on the core subject of the book.
Dr. Rakesh Kaul in his presentation stated that Maharani Kota was the first woman ruler who faced straightway the tyranny of the men of medieval times and fought it successfully and did not surrender. Kota Rani has become a subject of international research because of the fact that it was during her time that Kashmir was put to shambles due to political sabotage and subversion when might of China and Muslim power had engulfed the South, Middle and North Asia.
The book comprises the seven Indo-literary principles known as Sapt-Rasas, he added.
Sushil Pandit said that Kota Rani symbolizes the transition of power in the Kashmir valley. While Maharani Yashomati is the first woman ruler of Kashmir, Maharani Kota is the last emperor of the Valley. Maharani Didda was also one of the great rulers of Kashmir symbolizing woman power. Kashmir was put into a channel of Political and social chaos after Maharani Kota, he added.
Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, in his introduction of the subject described Kota Rani as a symbol of Kashmir’s desire to stick to indigenous culture, civilization, Dharma and ethos. Kota Rani was not an ordinary woman but had great qualities of a ruler, administrator, warrior, strategist, beauty and head of the society, he added.
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