Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through The Ages’ Book Launched by Amit Shah

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, released the book ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages‘ in New Delhi. The event, attended by dignitaries including Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Chairman Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, highlighted the book’s role in documenting the geo-cultural unity of India. Shri Amit Shah emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, dispelling misconceptions and underscoring their inseparable connection with India.

Significance of The Book

• Publications: National Book Trust
• Documents India’s geo-cultural unity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
• Counters myths of India’s disunity, establishing historical truths.
• Highlights Kashmir’s integral role in India’s history for over 8,000 years.

Relationship Between Kashmir, Ladakh, Buddhism, Shaivism

• The book and exhibition document the rich heritage of Kashmir and Ladakh, covering scripts, knowledge systems, spirituality, culture, and languages.
• Kashmir was a crucial link in the journey of Buddhism from Nepal to Bihar and onward to Afghanistan.
• The region played a pivotal role in shaping modern Buddhism after Lord Buddha’s teachings.
• Sculptures from Drass and Ladakh, stupas, and temple ruins destroyed by invaders are featured in the book.
• Sanskrit references from the historical text Rajatarangini are also included.

Historical Significance of Kashmir

• The book covers the 8,000-year-old history of Kashmir, likened to encapsulating the sacred Ganga within a vessel.
• Shri Shah emphasized that Kashmir has always been a land of inclusivity, nurturing faiths like Buddhism, Sufism, and Shaivism.
• He pointed out that Kashmir is referred to as the “Land of Kashyap,” highlighting its historical and spiritual importance.

Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in Kashmir

• Shri Shah highlighted India’s linguistic diversity as a core strength, especially evident in Kashmir.
• PM Modi’s government has ensured the survival and growth of regional languages like Kashmiri, Balti, Dogri, Ladakhi, and Zanskari by making them official languages in the Union Territories.
• The government’s efforts reflect a commitment to preserving India’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

Cultural and Historical Insights

• Chronicles Kashmir’s contribution to Buddhism, Shaivism, and Sufism.
• Features sculptures, stupas, and temple ruins from Ladakh and Drass.
• Discusses the use of Sanskrit in J&K, referencing ancient texts like Rajatarangini.

Abrogation of Article 370

• Shri Shah credited PM Modi for the historic abrogation on August 5, 2019.
• Declared Article 370 as a root cause of separatism and terrorism in the Valley.
• Highlighted the reduction of terrorist incidents by 70% post-abrogation.

Key Statements from Shah

• “Kashmir has always been and will remain an inseparable part of India.”
• “Article 370 was a facilitator of terrorism; its abrogation ended a tainted chapter.”
• “Kashmir’s cultural and linguistic heritage is now secure under PM Modi’s leadership.”