Mystic Traditions of Kashmir

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When Mahatma Gandhi arrived here in 1931 he could see the rays of light in this glorious valley. These were the times when sub-continent was burning with communal riots. Mahatma Gandhi was very much impressed by this land and its people. This great Mahatma was able to feel and see the true spirit of this land and its people, where there existed no barriers among various communities; religions and castes and sects: where everyone had one identity that was Kashmiriyat, quite different from today's politically motivated Kashmiriyat. It was that Kashmiriyat which was founded and cultivated by Rishis and Sufis of this land.
Everybody knew that Kashmir has got its own indigenous mysticism based on its local character and environment and also partly influenced by the external religious influences. These traditions are very rich particularly in this mountain walled valley. There is no village or locality seen where there is not any Sufi shrine, centre or any relic associated with any Sufi or Reshi. As such several. people called it as (Peerweir) the land of saints.
The book, titled as the Mystic Traditions of Kashmir is based on this local mysticism and gives a detall description of these traditions with its evolution. It has made mention even of the little known saints of this valley and provides its readers an in-depth study of Sufi saints and their respective tombs and the traditions thereby associated with their shrines. The book also gives you a insight view of Sufi works, practices, diets, dresses, shrines, architectural wonders and festivals associated with different tombs and Khanqahs.

Iqbal Ahmad, born in Kulgam on 1962, did his Post Graduate Diploma in Numismatics in year 1992 from Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies Nasik, Maharashtra (India). He got training in archaeology, paleography and Epigraphy from institute of Archaeology Red fort Delhi and did many workshops on archaeology conservation. He is working in the Jammu and Kashmir state Archives, Archaeology and Museums Directorate in technical cadre.
Professionally, he is a Senior Archaeologist and Author. He started his writing career in 1985 while contributing articles to various newspapers and journals. He has made several Archaeological and Numismatic discoveries. The Author has written several books on Kashmir Archaeology, heritage and culture. Archaeology is his favorite field of Research wherein he has undertaken the scientific study of archaeological sites and materials.
He has achieved great fame and name in the field of Archaeology researches.