Lost Shangri La

by S.Sapru

In this book, The author, S.Sapru unravels the glorious past of Kashmir; he discusses its importance as the centre of Sanskrit learning in the bygone eras; its achievements in music, dance, drama, sculpture, language and literature, and philosophy--marked by the artistic and literary contributions of eminent men like Jayaditta, Bhatta, Jayadhara, Pingala and Abhinavagupta. Referring to various historical works and combining facts with legend, folklore and impressions from oral traditions, he presents a graphic picture of life and times in the valley in the past that deals with a range of themes like the land's mythology, statecraft, trade links, urban centres, tax system, system of crime and punishment and an ancient tourist's impressions of the valley. Through a smooth-flowing narrative that makes the book extremely readable, the author points out that there is more to Kashmir than the present-day spate of violence; the land and its people have an essential 'Indianness' common to other people of India and Kashmir's links with the rest of India cannot be severed.

About the Author:

S.SAPRU is a senior journalist who has been associated with the leading newspapers. Presently, Consulting Editor for the Reference Encyclopedia India 2001 and Consultant to Enbee Technologies, he is the winner of prestigious awards including the Press Foundation of Asia--Mitsubishi, Journalist of the year Award 1987.