A History of Kashmiri Pandits written by Justice Jia Lal Kilam, was first published in 1955. It was very well received, much for its record of the socio-political and historical importance. The scholars and general readers appreciated the publication within the Kashmiri Pandit community and outside as well. The contents of publication are relevant even today, not only by way of filling the void. It also provides a valuable source material on the past history of Kashmir, with particular reference to the Kashmiri Pandits as the earliest settlers of that ancient and beautiful land. It further provides background to the current turmoil of this illustrious and oppressed community, which is of considerable pertinence. While giving a broad picture with mixed touches the publication covers wide range of the struggle of this community in the course of history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Advaitavadini Kaul
Dr. Advaitavadini Kaul is Editor in the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. Here, she is mainly responsible for the preparation of two fundamental series of publications, viz., the Kalatattvakosa (a lexicon of Indian Art Concepts) and the Kalamulasastra (fundamental texts on Indian Arts). She has edited the fourth volume of the Kalatattvakosa series on Manifestation of Nature. She is also an associate editor of the fifth volume on Form/Shape. Basically an M.A. (Sanskrit) and Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies) Dr. Kaul has already published her book: Buddhist Savants of Kashmir – Their Contribution Abroad. Her next book on Kashmir’s Contribution to Buddhism in Central Asia is forthcoming. She has contributed several research papers to various national/international conferences where her main interest remains to unravel perennial traditions with special emphasis upon the traditions prevalent in Kashmir.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jia Lal Kilam
Justice Jia Lal Kilam was born in a Kashmiri Pandit family in 1998. After his graduation in Srinagar he joined Law College in Lahore in 1919. Starting his practice in the High Court of J&K State he earned a name both as a civil and a criminal lawyer. He was elected president of the Kashmir Bar Association for nearly a decade. Justice Kilam also played an important role in many social and political activities in the State. Besides his profession and interest in politics he had a flair for writing and dabbled in journalism when there were not many newspapers published in the State. He was the first Kashmiri Pandit to be elected to the Praja Sabha (Legislative Assembly) besides being elected as municipal commissioner. In 1948 he was elevated to the Bench as judge of the High Court of J&K State.
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