Vijay Wali
The book entitled “Kashmir Trika Philosophy and other Thoughts” authored by an distinguished lawyer late Nand Lal Shah, deals with in-depth study of political history and cultural aspects of the state .The interesting book, although centered on Kashmir ,in fact deals with whole of the Jammu & Kashmir state , as it covers various political and historical aspects of the state along with deliberating on some philosophical aspects . The author documents the events and political developments of the state ,in between Nehru -Sheikh Delhi Agreement of 1952 and Indira – Sheikh Accord in 1975, intermittently expressing his views and thoughts on the subject.
The primary aspects of a review begin with introduction and background information of the author, who in this case happens to be an advocate, armored with a Masters degree in Philosophy from Lucknow University, which empowered him to write on other aspects apart from his favorite subject of political history. The manner in which he wrote ,classifies him as an profolic writer who during his life span has penned many articles and write-ups.
The book under review has been edited by R.K. Bharti and has his foreword along with preface by author’s daughter Santosh Nadan , who herself is an poet and writer. The book has been divided into five parts which consist of fourteen chapters which deal with different interesting subjects. These subjects range from ancient Shivite philosophy, origin of Kashmir, self realization, Yoga , Kundalini, and religion along with other scientifically relevant subjects of present day age. The subjects include birth of J&K state, what science has found, history of human progress ,Human Rights and Rule of Law , making this book a compilation of interesting subjects for readers.
Frisking through the pages of the book, one cannot but adore the knowledge of the author who tries to give every bit it’s scientific credence in a realistic way.
Part one of the book has been dedicated to the origin of Kashmir and its culture, which gives scientific view of the geographical reasons of its formation and traces the origin of its aborigines viz Kashmiri Pundits to Aryan race also simultaneously making references to Naga race; citing examples great Naga scholars who proved to be pillars of Buddhist philosophy. Apparently high literary values of the aborigines of Kashmir , the author takes readers on a time travel revealing the influx of Buddhists, Vedic and Shavite thoughts on them and vice- versa. He calls Rishi Kashyapa first Aryan Man and gives detailed version of Aryan race and justification to prove his point through credible research work.
Following chapter is based on the author’s understanding of Monastic Shivism of Kashmir which is represented by Pratibhinjana School of Thought .According to author the real crux of achievement by an aspirant ,as per texts, does not depend on his great knowledge only ,but recognition of Supreme being in everything . To prove his point he quotes great scholars like Abhinav Gupt and Utpal Deva Acharya also. The author also deliberates upon various systems of Trika philosophy along with citing philosophers of repute like S.Radhakrishnan and concludes this chapter with translated verses of Lal Ded.
Next chapter in contrast to preceding one brings one back to the present era and deals with birth of Jammu and Kashmir state. Being a lawyer, the author ponders over the subject thread and bear, quoting Instrument of Accession to Indian Union and subsequent end of monarchy from the state. The developments of 1947 and role of leaders like Mohd. Ali Jinnnah , Shiekh Mohd. Abdulllah, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Maharaja Hari Singh and that of United Nationals finds a honest mention here. The chapter also has explanatory references to Constitutional guarantee for safeguarding the interests of the state and its subjects viz citizens.
The author in the capacity of a lawyer has painstakingly provided every aspect and detail of accession including that of Article 370. His account does not cease here but is scribed down to the times of rulers pf the recent past. Deliberating upon post-accession era ,author knowledgeably glides through various developments of “Kashmir Conflict “highlighting the role of present leaders of the state , United States, views of various Prime Ministers of Indian Union etc. The fundamental provisions in Instrument of Accession by Maharaja Hari Singh ,makes a very informative and interesting reading, whereas he anguishes at uncertain future of Kashmiri Pandits herded out of the Valley, terming it as new hurdle in the solution of vexed Kashmir problem. This chapter also contains a check list of important political developments of Jammu & Kashmir state with accurate datewise account.
Yoga discipline, concept of religion, Gaytri mantra , higher consciousness, Bhakti movement , Scientific discoveries and other subjects are scrambled in rest of the book which also incorporates some write ups from other prominent authors like Prem Shanker Jha .
While as the book is a treasure-trove of information for commoners , it lacks sustenance and arrangement of subjects , as editor has shown lackadaisical approach in arranging the book in a proper way . The subjects of religion, spirituality and politics have been shabbily intermingled, which could easily have been arranged in an orderly manner. It just seems that the notes of late author have been collected and published in a huff. The proper editing of the book by the late author would have been given much credence to it as a magnificent document of the events of our state, because main attraction of the book happens to be the independent and impartial views.
Overall ,the book authored painstakingly after good research and observance, makes an interesting reading.
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