Regarded by the Mughals as 'the earthly paradise', Kashmir has held a particular fascination for many. Since time immemorial, tourists as well as pilgrims belonging to different regions have been attracted to this land of scenic splendour, bracing climate and sacred shrines. The present book is about this land and its handsome people noted for their tolerance, intelligence, industry and skill. It describes Kashmir's rich contribution to the fabric of Indian life -its art, literature and culture.

Somnath Dhar, after serving on the staff of S.P. College, Srinagar, worked with the Ministry of External Affairs, in New Delhi and abroad. He is the author of Kashmir: Eden of the East, Kashmir in Stories, Folk-tales of Kashmir, Tales of Kashmir, Folk-Tales of Turkey, and Kalhana. His book, Historical Tales of Kashmir (1984) was followed by Nepal: Land of Gods, Goddesses and Demons, which he co-authored with his wife, Asha (1985). Jammu and Kashmir Folklore (1986) won him two awards, one in 1988 and the other in 1989. as a historian and folklorist, he has presented papers at national and international conferences.

A book on Jammu and Kashmir state, covering a wide ground, ranging from ancient history to cultural heritage, arts and folklore, is always welcome. Harving already run into two editions -1977 and 1991-and now being printed for the third time displays the popularity of the subject as well as the engaging style in which it has been written by Prof. Somnath Dhar. He has to his credit eleven books on Kashmir, besides this volume which has appeared under India-the Land and the People series of the National Book Trust. This book should continue to appeal to all those interested in the Elysian Vale, the fabled Jammu region and the mysterious land of Ladakh. I appreciate the hard, sustained work that has gone into this volume in updating the facts and figures, as far as possible.

I have great pleasure in writing a foreword to this revised edition, and commend it to interested readers as well as visitors to Kashmir.

Foreword
Acknowledgements

1. The Land and the People
2. Sources of Kashmir History
3. Ancient History
4. Early Muslim Period
5. Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs
6. Kashmir under the Dogras
7. Independence and After
8. Cultural Heritage
9. Folklore of Jammu and Kashmir
10. Dance, Drama, Music and Art
11. Planning for Development
12. Arts and Crafts
13. Archaeological Monuments
14. Tourism
    Bibliography
    Index