A pre-partition era chequebook of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Muzaffarabad, (Kashmir) Branch was recently making the rounds on social media! That prompted Kashmir Rechords to make an attempt on the status of banking in Jammu and Kashmir before 1947.
The inputs gathered from different sources reveal that banking history of Jammu and Kashmir before 1947 is intertwined with the region’s political and economic landscape. Before the partition, the banking in the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir was relatively underdeveloped compared to other parts of British India due to various socio-economic factors.
However, there were some prominent banking institutions operating in Jammu and Kashmir before 1947. One of the notable banks was the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, established on October 1, 1938 and still exists with hundreds of branches across India. Initially, J&K Bank started as a Semi-State-owned bank with the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh as its major shareholder, having paid the capital of Rupees Five Lakh.
Jammu and Kashmir Bank introduced a new logo on August 24, 2006
The Bank was founded under letters patent issued by the Maharaja in the presence of Maharaja of ParmarRajputs, who was invited as an investor to become the Founding Director and another shareholder of the Bank. The bank commenced banking business on July 4, 1939, and was considered the first of its nature and composition as a state-owned bank in the country.
At the time of the partition, Jammu and Kashmir Bank had 10 branches in the entire undivided Princely State. However, after the Indo-Pakistan War of 1947–1948 and as the princely State of Jammu and Kashmir got divided, two of the J&K Bank branches of Muzaffarabad and Mirpur fell to the other side of the Line of Control along with cash and other assets.
Imperial Bank of India, Kashmir
Apart from J&K Bank, another notable Bank in Kashmir that existed before 1947, was the Imperial Bank of India, Srinagar Branch. This Bank was established on January 27, 1921, by merging three Presidency Banks into a single banking entity. Its Srinagar, Kashmir Branch was making a flourishing business even in 1947.
October 1947 Chequebook of Imperial Bank of India, Srinagar, Kashmir . Photo Courtesy: Saba Qizilbash
According to Saba Qizilbash of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, her Dalhousie-born maternal grandfather, Wajid Ali Khan was running an Optical Business in Srinagar before the partition and was also operating an account with Srinagar Branch of the Imperial Bank of India till October 1947. Saba is in possession of a very prized October 1947-year chequebook of her grandfather and treats it as a Medal of Honour. The Chequebook has both used and unused leaves.
National Bank of Lahore in Srinagar, Jammu
In addition to J&K Bank and Imperial Bank of India, National Bank of Lahore had also opened its two branches in the Princely State at Jammu and Srinagar. Records suggest that Traders Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce had also its branches in undivided Jammu and Kashmir. All these Banks had also closed down their branches in J&K by 1947.
Note: Esteemed Readers are welcome to provide their inputs/ comments/further information on the Subject so that the write-up can be updated.
On April 6, 1990, Kashmir University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mushir-ul-Haq, his Personal Secretary, Abdul Gani Zargar and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) General Manager, Mr. H L Khera are kidnapped by terrorists. Four days after their abduction, on April 10, 1990, all the three are brutally killed, as demands of the terrorists were not met.
Prof Mushir-ul-Haq
Despite frantic efforts, the then administration failed to save the trio. Newspaper reports of that time (reproduced by Kashmir Rechords) suspected some University Staff members were behind the abduction of their Vice Chancellor. This was further collaborated from the fact that a senior University Staffer had tried to mediate with the terrorists ( between April 7 to April 9, 1990) in order to meet their demands.
Faded from Public Memory
The loss of Prof. Haq, his Secretary and Mr. Khera sent shockwaves throughout the region, yet as time passed, their names have faded from public memory. Despite their significant contributions to society and education, their tragic demise has been overshadowed by other events as hardly anyone remembers them either on University Campus or at HMT establishments. More tragic is that their killers were acquitted after 19 years of their targeted and brutal killing as investigating agencies failed to prove the case!
Prof. Mushir-ul-Haq was not merely an academician; he was a visionary leader who believed in the transformative power of education. As the Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, he had dedicated himself to fostering academic excellence and creating an environment conducive to learning and research. A Scholar of repute, Prof. Haq had spearheaded initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that students received practical exposure and were equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world.
Similarly, H.L. Khera, the General Manager, was a stalwart in his own right—a symbol of integrity, diligence, and professionalism. With decades of experience in administration and management, he had played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of HMT’s day-to-day operations.
Beyond their professional accomplishments, Prof. Haq and Mr. Khera were known for their kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others. Yet, despite the profound impact of their loss, the memory of Prof. Mushir-ul-Haq and H.L. Khera seems to have faded from public consciousness. Barring a customary memorial lecture once in a blue moon, their names have been relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by more recent events.
Seeking Justice: A Call for Accountability
In a deeply distressing turn of events, the families of H.L. Khera, Prof Musher-ul-Haq and his Secretary whose lives were tragically cut short by terrorists in Kashmir, have been dealt another blow. Despite the heinous nature of the crime and the glaring evidence pointing to the perpetrators, the killers were acquitted, leaving the families of the victims grappling with a profound sense of injustice.
On April 21, 2009, the Special Court, under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) in Jammu, acquitted those charged with Musher-ul-Haq’s murder after a trial, which had lasted nineteen years. The Presiding Officer ruled that one confession was inadmissible and expressed doubts about the voluntary nature of others. In the absence of any corroborating evidence, he dismissed the charges against all of the accused.
In honoring the memory of H.L. Khera and Musher-ul-Haq, let us not only remember their lives and their contributions to society but also reaffirm our commitment to justice, accountability, and peace. Let us stand in solidarity with all those families who have been affected by acts of terrorism in Kashmir all these years.
Whatever may be the reason, Kashmiri politicians are presently showing other shades and hues of their true colour. In 1990, they abruptly started quitting regional and national political parties on the `directions’ of militants and their organizations who were then ruling the roost in Kashmir. Now it is the other way round!
Interestingly, those who were then challenging the authority of India in Kashmir in 1990, their offsprings now publically pledge their loyalty to the sovereignty of the Union of India.
The Kashmiri Psyche
Arvind Gigoo occasionally presents himself as a maverick, showcasing his talent for crafting wry yet thoughtful satirical humor, undoubtedly infused with a discernible attribute of pathos.”
This professor of English possesses a profound understanding of the Kashmiri psyche, with no malice in his heart and that’s why his gifts of premonition are vivid…. In the early nineties, he penned an anecdote in his renowned book of aphorisms, which has since achieved cult status. In fact, he portrayed the predicament of those Kashmiris who flocked to newspaper offices and published notices emphasizing their disassociation from established mainstream political parties aligned with the Indian Constitution.
This, of course, was done to ward off potential attacks by fanatical terrorists who operated with impunity during that time, targeting those perceived to belong or associate with political organizations aligned with India. This strategy was formulated across the border and spearheaded by the who’s who of fundamentalist and separatist leadership. The movers and shakers of this strategy were, of course, late Sayed Ali Shah Geelani and others. During that period, newspapers were filled with numerous such notices, in anticipation of clearance certificates by militants, etc.
Situation in 1990
Arvind Gigoo immortalized one such situation in his famous book of aphorisms, “The Ugly Kashmiri” capturing it’s essence in his most inimitable style on page 63. A news clipping from his Book is presented here for our esteemed readers.
Real-life press releases and write-ups preserved at www.kashmirrechords.com belonging to that period consistently emphasized the detachment from political parties, both regional and national. These contemporaneous press clippings are reproduced to illustrate the events from the turbulent history of Kashmir during the decade beginning in the 1990s. In one such public notice, one Yasin Firdosi says… “Na mein Sher Hun, Na Bakra Hun..Na Nationali Hun, Na Congressi Hun…Na Jamati Hun, Na Gul Shahi Hun..Na Hamdani Hun..Na Mahazi Hun..Mein Sirf Yasin Firdosi Hun’’
Situation in 2024
The situation in the year 2024, leading up to the 18th Lok Sabha election (April to June), has witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Children and relatives of separatist leaders and elements are now observed rushing to newspaper offices to publish notices on their behalf. These notices emphatically assert their disassociation from separatist ideologies and affirm their unwavering faith in the Indian Constitution. They make it clear that they entirely disavow whatever beliefs or actions their parents may have stood for.
Time appears to have executed a complete reversal, finding itself at diametrically opposite points on its own scale. It commenced with a somber tone, yet it culminated joyfully and exceedingly optimistic, with the days ahead brimming with promise.
Forty-five years ago on April 4, 1979, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s former President and deposed Prime Minister is hanged to death! The gruesome act puts Kashmir on fire! For the first time in the history of Kashmir, anti-Pakistan and anti-Jamat-e-Islami demonstrators are held everywhere. Effigies of Pakistani leaders and Pakistani flags are burnt. Pakistan’s image in Kashmir is at lowest ebb.
Even as Kashmiris and the entire Kashmiri leadership of that time forcefully raise the demand for liberating Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the then Indian leadership, headed by Prime Minister Murarji Desai fails to encash the golden opportunity. Even Jammu and Kashmir Assembly raises the matter but the momentum is lost so much so that within a decade, strong 1979 anti-Pakistani wave in Kashmir turns into anti-India-storm by 1989!
It was for the first time that soon after the execution of Bhutto, Kashmiris had come out of their homes in thousands raising slogans like “Pakistan Ko Tod Do“ (Break Pakistan) and “Azad Kashmir Ko Wapas Lo” (Take Back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir). Such kind of demonstrations were witnessed mostly in Jamat dominated towns like Sopore, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, Kupwara and Kulgam were people attacked and destroyed property belonging to Jamat-e-Islami leaders. In some cases, agitating mobs physically assaulted Jamat leaders. In towns like Sopore, Police had to resort to even firing.
Public sentiment and resentment against Pakistan was so much that even members of ruling National Conference demanded in J&K Assembly to get PoK immediately liberated from Pakistan. Newspapers of April 5/6, 1979 reported that People of the valley were sore at the foreign policy of India vis-a-vis Pakistan. This was probably because top leaders like the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister had not openly condemned the Pakistan government for Bhutto’s execution.
Jamat-e-Islami attacked
Kashmiris had specifically targeted Jamati Islami leadership for the reason that Jamat was sharing power with Gen Zia-ul-Haq, responsible for pronouncing death sentence upon Bhutto. This in spite of the fact that the leaders of the Jamait Islami in Kashmir were trying to convince people that they are an entity quite apart and independent of similar organisations in India or Pakistan.
On April 6, 1979 the lone Jamat-e-Islami MLA in J&K State Assembly, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, alleged that his party’s offices and properties of its prominent workers were attacked and burnt all through the valley since April 5, 1979. Some Jamat leaders were physically manhandled.
Before that, ruling National Conference members in Jammu Kashmir Assembly had made a forceful plea for the liberation of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
Participating in the discussion on an obituary reference made by the then Chief Minister Sheikh Mohd Abdullah on the execution of Bhutto, a demand was made by Abdul Rahim Rather, Begum Zaffar Ali and Mr Ghulam-ud-Din.
They said that “our brethren” in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) could no longer be left at the mercy of “lawless” government of Pakistan.
The demand for the liberation of PoK was also made by the leader of the Janata group, Abdul Rashid Kabli, and his group mate, Mr Tulsi Ram.
The Erstwhile Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir had the unique distinction of having its own currency notes printed and circulated in 1877 AD during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh.
The State used to issue these notes through its Treasury in 1877 (Samvat 1934). These notes were being issued mainly for the payment to the State Treasuries of Land Revenue and other Government dues. The denominations ranged from a rupee to 1,000 rupees.
These notes used to bear the signatures of many Competent Authorities. In some notes, one finds the name of Diwan Kirpa Ram as the chief signatory, while in a Twenty Rupee note, on its right corner, there is a mention of Mahesh Chander Vishvas in Nagari script.
A Twenty Rupee Currency Note of Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, printed in 1877. Pic Courtesy: Rezwan Razack, Bangalore, India
Shrikar and Sun Emblem
All these currency notes of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir depicted the Sun as an Emblem with the word ‘Shrikar’ written in bold Nagari letters beneath it in the Centre. Once issued, the notes were then stamped with a seal impression below ‘Shrikar’. This Persian seal reads ``Muhre Shrikar Qilimrau Jammun’’, meaning the “Land Revenue Seal of the Dominion of Jammu,” with the date 1934 (Samvat) and the month in the oblong tables on its two sides.
The Notes used to carry six circles— three circles each on the left and right sides in vertical lines. These three circles carried the numeral value in Nastalique, Nagari and Dogri scripts. Beneath the bold word Shrikar’ in Nagari, there is twice a mention of Jammu Kashmir and the date of printing these currency notes in Urdu. However, most of the notes carry the Urdu dateline of “Mah Vaisakh, Samvat 1932’’. All these panels and circles were colored in pale gold and the rest in black.
Printing of Notes in Jammu
Such was the technology available in the State that these Currency Notes were printed in the State itself at Vidyavilas Press, Jammu. The interesting part is that the Dogri inscription is found side by side along with Urdu and Hindi. Also, these currency notes were printed on a Watermark Paper with the words `LESCHALLAS’. The Watermark paper used to be provided by Wiggins Teape Paper Company formed in 1761 in London.
A Ten Rupee Note. Pic Courtesy: Rezwan Razack.
Dimension of Notes
All notes measured roughly 160 mm. x 230 mm with some variation due to the uneven paper cutting. However, the print of the note on the hand-made paper for all denominations was 131 mm x 205 mm.
These currency notes of Jammu and Kashmir ceased to exist after 1947 when the Princely State acceded to the Union of India.
Continuing the tradition of according glory to Persian, the court language of the Mughals in the Indian subcontinent, Kashmiri Pandits have produced marvelous literature in this language, demonstrating their ability to add significance to anything close to their hearts. While Sanskrit was the language traditionally associated with this community, they had no qualms in accepting Persian, showcasing their mastery of this language and further demonstrating their capabilities as writers, poets, and historians. Their adeptness in learning the Persian language resulted in the creation of marvelous “Masnavis” in the tradition of classical Persian poets. Indeed, besides their grand works of literature, works by Kashmiri Pandits are also important sources of history and reflect the thought process of the times they lived in. Through their writings, they provide invaluable insights into the socio-cultural, political and intellectual landscape of their era. Their historical accounts, philosophical treatises, and reflections on society offer a window into the past, helping us understand the events, ideas, and values that shaped the world around them thereby making the works as indispensable sources for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human experience.
Depiction of Sati incident in Kashmir
We are indebted to Rafi Ahmad Masoodi, Educationist, Academician and History Enthusiast who has prompted us at Kashmir Rechords to present a blog for our esteemed readers about the importance of a very valuable Masvani poem titled “Sati Namah” by Pandit Birbal Kachru (1795-1865) born to Daya Ram Kachroo “Khushdil” of Kralyar Rainawari, Srinagar. Essentially part of a historical document titled “Majmu-al Tawareekh. (Collection of Histories), “Sati Namah,” with its depiction of an actual incident in Kashmir during the 1831 period, which the poet blended with his own imagination offers valuable insights into the cultural and historical fabric of the region. Mufti Mudasir, a brilliant and erudite scholar of both English and Persian from Kashmir has translated this Persian Masnavi into English. This aesthetically brilliant and enriched poem found place in the peer-reviewed journal of English literature and Language published by University of Kashmir Srinagar (P-177, ISSN 0975-6574, Vol. 29, Dec.2022).
Alternatively Pt Birbal Kachroo’s pen name was “Vaarastah” (Related or connected to). It adds an intriguing layer of meaning to his identity as a writer connected to his community and heritage. It’s indeed a commendable endeavor to present this important Masnavi as part of Kashmir’s glorious history, and it is hoped that the same will be appreciated by many who are interested in the cultural and literary heritage of the region.
Here we have included some of the pages of the brilliant translation of Pt Birbal Kachrus’s “Sati Namah” by Mufti Mudasir.
* Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo, an accredited translator of Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi and Indian Institute of Languages Mysore, has remained associated with the institution of All India Radio (AIR) where he worked as Senior most Producer. His books of Translation include “Samay Matrika” , the translation of 10th century Sanskrit classic of the same name by Acharya Ksemendra of Kashmir, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi’s “Hum Kaal Sindhi Afsana Sombran” a Kashmiri translation of Hindi scripted “Samkaleen Hindi Kathayen”, and under publication “Navi Yogikie Vaaeris Dar” a Kashmiri translation of English scripted collection of Punjabi short stories of renowned Punjabi short story writer Mohinder Singh Sarna, Indian Institute of Languages publication “Hindustaenie Falsafekie Khad-o-Khal”, the Kashmiri translation of “Outlines of Indian Philosophy” by world renowned Professor M.Hiriyanna besides a monograph on veteran and doyen of Kashmiri poetry, Makhan Lal Kanwal, (a Sahitya Academy Publication, Delhi)
Thirty-four years ago, on March 25, 1990, another “ Indian Agent’’ was killed! This time, the `Agent’ was a former Legislator, Mir Mustafa, who was first kidnapped and later hanged to death by terrorists on a killing spree.
As per the relevant newspaper reports available with the Kashmir Rechords, before pronouncing a “death sentence’’, terrorists had “interrogated’’ the slain leader and made him to `confess’ his `crime’.
Ghulam Mustafa Mir, popularly known as “Mir Mustafa’ was a former member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, representing Chadoora constituency.
On the fateful day of March 24, 1990, Mir Mustafa was abducted by terrorists for being an “Indian Intelligence’’ Agent. It was Radio Pakistan, who was providing inputs to terrorists to execute their plans. That was evident from the fact that Radio Pakistan had initially demanded release of 10 terrorists in lieu of abducted Mir Mustafa. As negotiations did not materialise, Mir Mustafa was killed and his body found lying on March 25, 1990 in Batmaloo area, after dubbing him a `Mukhjbir’. Local and national dailies had carried the shocking incident of his death in their March 26, 1990 editions.
Where are Mir Mustafa’s killers?
Even as his killers were identified after then Governor Jagmohan had handed over the case to CBI, it took 18 years after his death to sentence a former Hizbul Mujahedeen terrorist to 19-years rigorous imprisonment by a TADA court in February 2009. The court had convicted Mohmmad Maqbool Tantray of conspiring with the other accused in kidnapping and killing of Mir Mustafa in 1990. Incidentally, authorities in June 1990 had released the pictures of three terrorists responsible for the killing of Mir Mustafa, whose whereabouts are, however, still unknown.
Mir Mustafa’s killing is yet another instance where fair justice has not been delivered to the nears and dears of Bhats, Taploos, Pandits, Pirs , Ganjoos or Ranjoors who were all killed by terrorists only for representing India in Kashmir.
Circa March 1990:Kashmir Rechords in its recent blogs reported about the killing of a Telecom Engineer B K Ganjoo and that of Deputy Director, Food and Supplies Kashmir A K Raina who were killed in the month of March 1990. During the same period, terrorists in Kashmir had killed leaders of other mainstream political parties as well. The killing of veteran Communist Party leader Abdul Sattar Ranjoor is one such instance.
On March 23, 1990, Communist Party leader Abdul Sattar Ranjoor was having an ordinary evening, sitting by the side of his wife at their home in Keegam, Shopian, and Kashmir. Terrorists had entered the room with an intention to kill Ranjoor at point blank range. Ranjoor was shot dead because of his love for Kashmir and its people irrespective of their faith and belief.
Ranjoor was a secular and anti- communal. That is evident from the fact that he had fought for Ahmedia Muslims during his life. ( refer to is auto-biography)., He took on fundamentalists of all faiths with equal disdain. Notwithstanding his deep engagement on socio-political front, Ranjoor had immensely contributed to Kashmiri Literature. He had started writing poetry while he was a teenager.
His family was denied pension for five years after terrorists shot him dead while on duty! Over three and a half decades after his death, the family is still not aware whether his killers have been brought to justice? His younger son is desperately fighting for recognising his father’s martyrdom! The martyr is none other than Late A K Raina, the then Deputy Director of Food & Supplies, J&K Government, Srinagar who was shot dead by terrorists in his Office Chambers on March 20, 1990. Raina’s only fault was that he was in the line of duty and wanted to ensure uninterrupted food supplies channel to the residents of Kashmir, who were otherwise facing hardships on account of curfew, which was clamped in most parts of the Valley at that time.
Despite continuous “ strict’’ curfew in Srinagar, terrorists had easily managed to enter his office, which was incidentally at a stone’s throw distance from Police Station Shaheed Ganj. On the same day, (March 20, 1990), terrorists had also killed a State Police constable, Jagan Nath and an Intelligence Bureau man, Joginder Singh in Kashmir. Mohd Yousuf of Qazigund, Kashmir and his two other family members were also critically injured by terrorists the same day, labelling them as Police Informers.
A Curfew Pass!
In the killing of Mr A K Raina, terrorists wanted to ensure that Government gets crumbled and locals come out on streets once food channel is disturbed. This Kashmiri Pandit officer (A. K Raina) was an obstacle in their nefarious designs.
At the time of his death, Raina was just carrying a Curfew Pass in his pocket, issued by District Magistrate, Srinagar for the entire month of March 1990. …..And on the other hand, terrorists were openly brandishing highly sophisticated weapons.
According to his younger son Vivek Raina, the Curfew Pass was in his father’s coat pocket, which was later handed over to the family at the time of handing over the body. Vivek recalls that his father believed that “ Nobody can harm him as he had never hurt anyone and was an upright Officer’’. However, he was possibly unaware of the snakes in his backyard.
Even as when his salary was not released on 14th March 1990 due to the turmoil in Kashmir, Raina did not mind for that but ensured that food and supplies chain does not get affected in Kashmir. Vivek recalls that since curfew was clamped most of the time, his father being on a higher post would always be on a Magisterial Duty. Moreover, Food and Supplies was naturally categorised as “Essential Services” and he had to perform duty even at odd hours.
On the fateful day of his killing, A K Raina had got up early in the morning and after a customary Puja ceremony, he had left for his office. It was a matter of few minutes soon after leaving his house that he was pumped volley of bullets in his office chambers. On his way to a Hospital, he was declared as “ brought dead’’.
Denial of Family Pension, Recognition
The Life had turned a hell for the family soon after their shifting to Jammu. The tragedy was further compounded by the authorities at the helm of affairs who caused so many obstacles , as a result of which the family pension of Mr A K Raina was not settled for more than five years after his death!
During the past two years, the Jammu and Kashmir government had named and dedicated so many schools and roads after martyrs and other eminent people. The initiative was a part of the decision to honor those who have died serving the nation. Vivek Raina has been requesting everyone to recognise the services of his father by dedicating at least a room after his name where he was shot dead. The administration has so far failed to do so despite several reminders from slain officer’s son even to the highest authorities at the Sate and Central level, including Lt Governor and Prime Minister.
On March 19, 1990, Bal Krishan Ganjoo, an Engineer working with Indian Telecommunication Department, was shot dead by terrorists on the same day when “Multi- Party Political Leaders’’ of India were requesting terrorists in Kashmir to shun the path of violence. The appeal fell on deaf ears as terrorists continued with their target killings to scare away minorities.
Newspaper reports of that day ( one available with Kashmir Rechords) say that “militants had spread bullets on B K Ganjoo from a deadly Kalashnikov rifle near his residence at Chota Bazar, Srinagar and managed to escape in the adjoining locality in a car which was waiting for them at a distance’’. B. K Ganjoo’s only fault was that he was a Kashmiri Pandit who wanted to ensure that telecommunication services did not get affected. He was thus on the hit-list of terrorists for his dedication towards his duty.
It is believed that terrorists had followed Ganjoo when he was on his way to home. Upon entering the house, his wife reportedly hid him in a barrel of rice kept in their attic. Terrorists had entered the house intending to kill Ganjoo, but they left after they could not find him. However, one of Ganjoo’s neighbours snitched to terrorists that Ganjoo was hiding in a rice barrel. Terrorists had gone back into his house and shot him dead inside the barrel.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri in his 2022 The Kashmir Files has gone a step ahead in showing to the masses that Ganjoo’s wife was then forcefully fed the blood-soaked rice. Newspapers of March 20, 1990, having carried the gruesome incident, however, mention that one Dinesh Lal was critically injured during the shoot-out. The news item also mentions that with the killing of BK Ganjoo, more members of minority community had started leaving the Valley in panic. Ganjoo was the second official of the Telecom Department who was killed in Srinagar during March 1990.
After the release of The Kashmir Files, B K Ganjoo’s daughter, Deeksha Ganjoo in a letter to Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi had expressed her gratitude for highlighting the killing of her father in the movie. The letter was later shared by Agnihotri on his twitter account.
Multi-Party Failure Meet on Kashmir
On the day when B K Ganjoo was killed, some politicians of National Parties were already in Kashmir. On the same day, they had released a joint statement, which was adopted by leaders of Janata Dal, Telegu Desam Party, Asom Gana Parishad, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI-M, Congress-(I), besides State’s National Conference.
The leaders of these political parties had appealed to terrorists to“ abjure violence and uphold peace’’. However, the statement did not carry a single word about Kashmiri Pandits or that of B K Ganjoo’s killing.
As politicians failed to prevail upon terrorists to shun the path of violence, the latter had instead resorted to more target killings during the last 10 days of March 1990. Kashmir Rechords will try to highlight those killings in its future Blogs.
The historical materials pertaining to Hindu religious thought in Kashmir consistently pique the interest of scholars and academics. It is this enduring relevance that prompts us to revisit these materials in search of solutions to our contemporary challenges. Such activities have been integral to Kashmir, fostering the development of its profound native thought and contributing significant value to Advaita, the core of Indian religious and spiritual philosophy.
Through rigorous inquiry, Kashmir’s spiritual masters developed their own philosophy known as ‘Shaiva Advaita,’ which not only articulates the profound connection between the individual and the universe but also endeavors to comprehend one’s own nature.
Dr. R.L. Bhat, a prolific writer with a profound interest in history, philosophy, and the contemporary human condition, has recently published an intriguing book titled ‘’The Core of Kashmir Shaivism’’. In the tradition of Kashmir’s scholarly inquiry, he has positioned himself among serious academicians. Among his other acclaimed works are translations from Kashmiri, Sanskrit and Persian into English. These include titles as diverse as ‘Faith Besieged,’ ‘Lal and Her Vaakh,’ ‘Azad – the Poet of Lool,’ and ‘Abhinava Pathaof Srimad Bhagavad Gita.’ Additionally, he has offered his own interpretations of Allama Iqbal’s Urdu poem ‘Shikva.’ Furthermore, he has developed a unique method for transcribing Kashmiri into Roman script without relying on diacritical marks and has dared to include and introduce the same in his books.
No Compromise with Tradition
Dr. Bhat’s remarkable quality lies in his unwavering adherence to the sources and disciplines espoused by the tradition. While interpreting the profound philosophy of Shaiv Darshana, he abstains from relying on mere opinions or speculations. Instead, he strictly adheres to the established tradition, considering that the ‘Aagams,’ the ‘Tantras,’ and the ‘Shiv Sutras’ are the most sacrosanct sources. In the foreword to his book, he humbly acknowledges, ‘The gems of Shaiv Darshana remained scattered in shambles till Swami Ram came and put them together again.’ He further attributes the reinstatement of these teachings, as they were in the days of Acharyapaada Abhinavagupta, to Swami Ram.
Kshemraja’s contribution
Dr. Bhat’s profound passion to introduce Kashmir’s unique philosophy not only extends beyond the urgency of recognition of the fact of dwindling number of Kashmiri Hindu youth and the race against time to somehow bring forth the same to them but also underscores a pressing need to cherish and perpetuate this golden tradition within contemporary Kashmir. The introduction of the philosophy, along with its diverse communities and schools catering to various orientations and natures, has been immaculately detailed. The book delves into the life and teachings of Kshemraja, the direct disciple of the great Abhinavagupta. It meticulously explores Kshemraja’s contributions in explaining the core tenets of Shaiva Darshana, which evolved significantly from Vasugupta to Abhinavagupta over a period of centuries. By selecting Kshemraja as the focal point, the book aptly portrays him as a pivotal link encompassing the entirety of Shaiv Darshana.
The book effectively emphasizes the significance of awareness in Shaiva Darshana. It elucidates that this awareness begins at the individual level and goes on expanding as one accumulates energy, leading to a profound understanding of one’s inner nature and its magnificence. Unlike many other schools of Indian philosophy, Shaiva Darshana does not reject worldly experiences (“bhoga”), thereby recognizing joy in the diverse experiences the life offers. Consequently, there is no notion of renouncing the world. However, ethical conduct in Shaivism arises naturally from understanding one’s immediate and inner environments, representing what we now understand as default behavior associated with this Darshana.
The subjects such as “Pratyabhijna Hridayam” and the “Matrikachakra” have naturally attracted Dr. Bhat’s attention also. However, unlike Swami Laxman Joo’s extrapolations in “Kashmir Shaivism : The Secret Supreme” (as revealed to John Hughes), Dr. R.L.Bhat has not extensively elaborated on the subjects. Nonetheless, introductory passages in this regard do exist. Similarly, a brief mention has been made to shed light on stages of consciousness from “Jagrit” to ‘Turya”. However understandably due to the esoteric nature of these subjects, no further exploration can be expected either.
Science of Sleep and “Maatrikaa Vigyaan’’
The book also provokes the reader to delve deep into his or her inner world amidst the chaos projected by the outside world. Similarly the book raises the question as to when will the current structure of scientific research and exploration deem it fit to inquire into the subtleties of “Maatrikaa Vigyaan” and the science of sleep variously known as “Yog Nidra” also.
The reader may find it challenging to adapt to Dr. Bhat’s consistent advocacy for the elimination of diacritical marks, as this approach has not yet been widely accepted as a standard mode of expression. However, young readers are likely to appreciate the merit of this book, as it endeavors to elucidate essential truths in a rational manner, free from the rigidity and barrenness usually associated with religious discourse.
*Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo, an accredited translator of Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi and Indian Institute of Languages Mysore, has remained associated with the institution of All India Radio (AIR) where he worked as Senior most Producer. His books of Translation include “Samay Matrika” , the translation of 10th century Sanskrit classic of the same name by Acharya Ksemendra of Kashmir, Sahitya Akademi New Delhi’s “Hum Kaal Sindhi Afsana Sombran” a Kashmiri translation of Hindi scripted “Samkaleen Hindi Kathayen”, and under publication “Navi Yogikie Vaaeris Dar” a Kashmiri translation of English scripted collection of Punjabi short stories of renowned Punjabi short story writer Mohinder Singh Sarna, Indian Institute of Languages publication “Hindustaenie Falsafekie Khad-o-Khal”, the Kashmiri translation of “Outlines of Indian Philosophy” by world renowned Professor M.Hiriyanna besides a monograph on veteran and doyen of Kashmiri poetry, Makhan Lal Kanwal, (a Sahitya Academy Publication, Delhi)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jammu and Kashmir have a unique bonding even before the Princely State had acceded to India. Even as certain agencies, for their vested interests, have painted Sangh black, the fact that most of the people are unaware of, is that RSS had played a major role in the unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir and helped Army and local agencies in thwarting the tribal raid engineered by Pakistan in October 1947. There is a little mention of this historic fact in the annals of Indian history.
Newspaper records available with Kashmir Rechords (https://kashmir-rechords.com/blog/) point out that the initial attack by Pakistani raiders was made on October 11, 1947 when they were on a killing spree in areas like Mirpur and Kotli which later fell into Pakistani hands. The reports further mention the role of RSS volunteers in protecting hapless refugees at Jammu who were coming from Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Besides, volunteers had helped in broadening Jammu aerodrome and assisted Army garrison. In Kashmir, the Sangh volunteers had also joined militia and stood by Indian Army to push back Pakistani raiders. In defending Srinagar, one Kashmiri Pandit Sangh worker, Pandit Manmath had lost his life. The newspaper reports of yesteryears, quoting “RSS Vision in Action” further say that Sheikh Abdullah’s Government had allowed RSS to work in the militia until Kashmir valley was cleared of raiders.
The RSS had begun its activities in J & K in the 1940s when late Prof Balraj Madhok was a Pracharak. Madhok (25 February 1920 – 02 May 2016) came from a Jammu-based Khatri family and was born in Skardu, Baltistan. He had studied in Srinagar, Jammu and Lahore.
When Patel Sought Golwalker’s Help
As the fate of Jammu and Kashmir was hanging in balance even after India’s Independence on August 15, 1947 and the situation was getting delicate with every passing day, in such a condition, India’s Union Home Minister, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel had sent a message to the then RSS Sarsanghchalak, M. S. Golwalkar, through J&K’s Prime Minister, Mehar Chand Mahajan requesting him to use his influence to prevail upon Maharaja Hari Singh to accede to India.
Golwalkar, fondly known as ‘Guruji’ cancelled all his engagements, had rushed to Srinagar by air to resolve the ticklish and delicate question. Through the efforts of Mehar Chand Mahajan and Pt. Premnath Dogra, a meeting between Guruji and Maharaja Hari Singh was arranged on October 19, 1947.
The newspaper reports of the past suggest that it was RSS Chief M. S. Golwalkar, whose patriotic and authoritative advice to Maharaja Hari Singh finally made the Princely State accede to India. The reports further say that at the time of Pakistani invasion, Sheikh Mohd Abdullah was not in Srinagar but was holidaying in Rajasthan!
The records also point out that RSS had played a major role in accession of J&K and helped in maintaining its unity and integrity. There is, however, a little mention of this historic event in the annals of history.
It is with this sole purpose that Kashmir Rechords, a research-based platform on Kashmir, has come out with this particular blog, supported as usual by authentic documentary evidence based on newspaper reports of yesteryears.
