How India Tamed the Lion of Kashmir.

The article discusses two contrasting books about Kashmir's political history in the twentieth century, focusing on Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, both significant figures in Kashmiri politics. Chitralekha Zutshi's biography of Sheikh Abdullah portrays him as a complex leader whose attempts to balance Kashmiri nationalism with Indian integration ultimately led to his political downfall and the rise of an insurgency. In contrast, Hafsa Kanjwal's examination of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad presents him as a pragmatic administrator who facilitated Kashmir's integration into India while benefiting personally and politically. Both authors highlight the ongoing tensions between Kashmiri identity and Indian nationalism, emphasizing the historical context of Kashmir's current political struggles. [Extracted from the article]