Rahul Pandita's 'The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur'

Rahul Pandita is a Journalist and a Writer. I came across his work while I was searching some other book related on Spying/Investigation etc. This is my first read from him. Anyways, his work is based on investigation associated with terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama (Jammu Kashmir) on 14th February 2020. The book thus reveals how the case was cracked and links of suicide bombers were successfully established with Masood Azhar (now a UN designated terrorist) and his organization (Jaish-e-Mohammed) based in Pakistan.

Jammu Kashmir has remained a sensitive issue for 3 stakeholders, One, India; Two, Pakistan and Three, Independents (Separatists, who now are aligned with Pakistani interest). The issue of Kashmir is older than independence. The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, who belonged to Dogra clan, had aspirations of independent state after India's independence along with partition. However, Pakistan staked its claim on Kashmir with unofficial sanctioned invasion with the help of Pakistani tribesmen, Kabaili. Seeing the destruction, inhumane and unruly behavior wrecked upon subjects along with failure of royal military to take the siege under control, Hari Singh had to approach Government of India for help. The story continues with the accession of the state by Government of India. However, a major territory of the state was occupied by Pakistan, which is today known as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK). PoK since than has become a buffer for Pakistan to launch terror attacks on India, with a ulterior motive of "Bleeding India with thousand cuts" which is also a Pakistan's military doctrine. The motive to put the long story was to make you understand the history of Kashmir unease, which is not a modern phenomena but has a history of its own. Although the book does not mention it, accept it as a complimentary from me.

The Book throws light on politics in Kashmir especially after 90's which resulted in infiltration of cross border terrorism and simultaneously flushing out Kashmiri pandits from their homes in the valley. Mass exodus along with unspeakable atrocities broke the community's soul. At the same time, Kashmir became a melting pot for different terror groups with different ideologies, with same goal of snatching Kashmir from India. The book also points, although not directly, but a sound minded reader would know that Government of India has always acted in a manner as a parent treats a child, to Kashmir and its issue. Meanwhile, attacks on Jammu Kashmir assembly in 2001, later an attack on Indian Parliament, the same year points to laggard nature of Government in dealing towards the issue. Article 370 of the Constitution of India which gives a special status to Jammu & Kashmir has remained a contentious issue in Governance in India and the State as well. The freedom accruing from the Article 370, was used in malignant manner. Until August 5th 2019, when it was finally abrogated. Abrogation of Article 370 was followed by strong reactions from separatists both within Indian borders as well as cross border separatists, additionally even Pakistan showed contention at this move of the government. Naturally, as a pre-emptive measure, government took several measures so as the region would not witness any chaos and terror activities as an incitement against the decision. However, there were many elements across the border who were planning to bleed India Big this time. And unfortunately, Pulwama attack was one such incident.

The book also throws light on events and elements that nourishes terrorism in the valley. The terrorism is often known as an organized crime but how organized?, you can know from this book. The role of 'Hawala' (Money laundering), Off Ground Workers (Mostly stone pelters), even the local-disoriented, brainwashed, illiterate youths, etc. feed the entire terror network and ensure its sustenance. 

The story revolves around a LOVER BOY who is considered a prime suspect in the terror attack. Through him links were established to his uncle, who had a considerable say or rather a prime role in carrying out the attack. The uncle later was found to be Masood Azhar, from across the border. If having a keen interest in investigative literature, you would expect some tactics at play, but only to your disappointment. Being a sensitive issue concerning National Security, the details of investigation were not disclosed elaborately in the book, the argument to which we can willingly align! Through investigation of just one terror attack, it tries to establish the fact that the valley is infested with terrorists and is vulnerable to attacks any time. It also helps us to understand how Kashmir and its politics with India has always been wrongly presented at International platforms. Through this one incident it becomes easy to gauge the ground realities.

Overall the book is a good read, it enables you to understand the ground picture of Kashmir. The flow of writing incidents grips you well to not let go off the book. Concluding it as an insightful yet entertaining read, would be apt.

William Dalrymple's 'CITY OF DJINNS'

This has been my second read from William Dalrymple. His work is based on immense research accommodated by rigorous travelling and meeting persons in face that may aid or be part of lineage concerning historical underpinnings. Undoubtedly and yet again his work has been backed by factual data collected from tangible and intangible sources. And yet again the work is good read providing insights-this time-on a city i.e. Delhi.  

The book owes its origin from Mr. William's stay in India during his journalistic tenure. For a SCOTTISH to have nurtured in temperate climate and ending up in a tropical climate has found an interesting expression in the work, forcing you to visualize graphically. The book thus takes you in to his personal life, his interaction with locals and field guides. Historical incidents, like I previously mentioned in his other work "THE ANARCHY", is the core of his work. His work flows in Reverse Chronology. From Modern history to Ancient history of India, his this technique is intriguing yet interesting. So at times, it becomes predictable what may follow next if you are already aware of Indian History. Yet, his perspective has a potential to add new leash to the narrative.

Starts from British in India and their occupation of Delhi after the mutiny of 1857 and takes you into personal lives of British officers like William Fraser. Their contribution in architecture as well as memoirs has been well recognized and documented. You then take a back seat in to Mughal era. Their architectural achievements and their legacy to Delhi has been portrayed. The legacy of Mughals with respect to societal developments has also been highlighted. Particularly of interest being etiquette of aristocratic Delhi, sporting pleasures of nobles, etc. Mr. William traces out one of the last surviving Mughal descendent and tries to acquire insights into and of their family tree. Again you take a back seat and further find yourself awash in to Sultanate period. Although the contribution of Sultanate period in terms of architecture is meagre, certain administrative measures of the period especially during Muhammad Bin Tughlaq's reign that went into a debacle, were elaborately mentioned. The extensive research in this part accrues from memoirs of various foreign travelers of the time like Ibn Battuta can be seen here. As we again move backwards in History, we come across contributions and legacies on kingdoms in and around Delhi, but this time quite less than their later counterparts. However, evidence of PAINTED GREY WARE pottery around Nigambodh ghat-One of the oldest places in Delhi-helps us trace the history of this Historical place to ancient times. This way Mr. William tries to trace the history of Delhi.

Let me focus on the title of the book. Clearly when you search for the meaning of DJINN, you tread across mythical realms. The Book with such a title thus would demand a portion particularly on The Mythical Aspect. Mr. William's work tries to address this demand, in fact, he also takes on a research and meet certain persons in OLD DELHI to vindicate the Title. His work serves you a platter that has Originality and Rationality although with a tinge of superstitious elements, which he leaves unto readers to decide for! And hence at some point it seems Myths may be real where logic fades.

While reading you might have to struggle to keep pace with the narration. As stories and characters shift, you can at times find yourself in bewilderment, this might be due to the employment of Reverse Chronology technique, I guess. However the flow of narration is precise to ensure you are diverted to track gradually. As we approach last pages, we expect something dramatic (Generic of us), however the end portion in this work disappoints you, as you fail to receive as per your expectation.

Overall, the book enhances your inventory of information on Historical Cities, this time, Delhi. This is a must read for those residing in and around Delhi since imagining to be part of a place which shares historical roots, gives you Goosebumps already!