Kashmir State Research Articles

Dr. Roop Lal Sharma: A pioneer who revived Ayurveda education in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract The timeless journey of Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, has been a cornerstone of Indian culture for centuries. Its rich history has endured through the ages, shaping the nation’s healthcare landscape. In the post-independence era, as modern science beckoned the masses, Ayurveda stood firm, thanks to the unwavering efforts of individuals who laid the foundation for its contemporary practice. Sporadic endeavors have sustained this ancient system from the Astavaidya Parampara of Kerala to the Vaidya Parampara of Orissa, Gujarat, and Pune. Yet, some champions of Ayurveda remain unsung heroes, hidden in the annals of history. This article delves into the life and contributions of one such luminary, the late Dr. Roop Lal Sharma, a true embodiment of determination and vision. He was a prominent figure in the renaissance of Ayurveda education and propagation in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Initiating the journey on an untraversed path amidst the political and administrative challenges with a firm commitment to foster the fading recognition of the traditional system in the state was meticulously met with unshakeable values and beliefs. The efforts to improve the traditional system status in the hilly state have the necessary impetus and are flourishing presently on the foundation of his well-coordinated efforts.

The Vicious Circle of Securitization Processes in the Former Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir

The Vicious Circle of Securitization Processes in the Former Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir

Regal Coincraft: Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s Currency Transformation in Jammu and Kashmir

This research article examines the historical context and significance of the unique currency produced by the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1877. At the time, the state displayed significant autonomy and separate governance by printing its own money in denominations ranging from ₹1 to ₹1,000. The currency release occurred during the month of Vaishakh on the Vikram Samvat 1934 calendar, highlighting the incorporation of regional traditional activities into administrative functions. These notes were primarily used for the payment of land revenue and other governmental dues, thus playing a crucial role in the state’s financial management. Featuring signatures from several competent authorities, including prominent figures like Diwan Kirpa Ram, the notes bore significant symbolic and administrative value. Additionally, specific notes highlighted cultural elements, such as the name of Mahesh Chander Vishvas in Nagari script, reflecting the state’s rich cultural identity and administrative sophistication. This initiative by the Princely State underlines its organised administrative structure and cultural integration within its financial practices.

Estimation of disease outbreak vulnerability index (DOVI) and resilience index (DORI) at household-level among states of India, (2019–21)

Resilience at the household level is crucial to reduce the impact of disease outbreaks among the mass population. The intensity and nature of preparedness of households are affected by the socio-economic disparities. This study aimed to measure the level of household resilience, by place of residence across states of India. From India's Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data, 12 indicators were taken, representing the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), physical distancing, energy and communication, and economic security dimensions. Alkire and Foster's Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) method was used to compute the Disease Outbreak Vulnerability Index (DOVI) and Disease Outbreak Resilience Index (DORI). Results displayed that 0.166 of households were found vulnerable and 0.834 of households were found resilient towards disease outbreaks. Rural households (0.175) were found more vulnerable than urban households (0.144), notably, in the WASH, and energy-communication dimensions, however, urban households were vulnerable in physical distancing and household economic security. Kerala, Goa, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir states revealed higher resilience, whereas, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, NCT Delhi, Maharashtra, Chandigarh, and Andhra Pradesh states showed the least resilience towards disease outbreak. This study has suggested that policymakers should focus on the WASH, electricity, and mass-media services among rural households and physical distancing, and economic security among urban households, to increase resilience and preparedness for future outbreaks, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3. D, by the end of 2030.

A Kashmiri Woman Stuck in Crossfire: Exploring the Impact of Militarisation on Everyday Lives in Farah Bashir’s Rumours of Spring

Political conflict has plagued Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region of Hindu-majority India, ever since the partition. The crisis worsened by the end of the 1980s and has continued to disrupt peace in the valley to date. The conflict arguably entered a new phase as the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was elected to power in 2014, which also joined the ruling coalition of the Jammu and Kashmir state in 2015 for the first time. Over this period, Kashmir’s resistance evolved into subtler forms, including cultural expressions like memoirs. Published in 2021, Farah Bashir’s debut work, Rumours of Spring, is a deeply personal yet undeniably political exploration of the crisis in Kashmir from its aggravated phase in the beginning of the 1990s. This paper argues that the nuanced depiction of the crisis in the memoir demands an intersectional reading of the traumatising impact of militarisation and militarism on Kashmir’s everyday life, especially given the subject position of the narrator as a Muslim woman. The works on militarisation by Jacklyn Cock, as employed by Samreen Mushtaq to analyse the situation in Kashmir, provide theoretical insights for this reading. Set in Kashmir’s identitarian conflict, the Muslim identity is central to the narrative. We argue that in Bashir’s memoir, religion finds a complex representation, with the Qur’an and Kashmiri folklore serving as respites in times of crisis, even as the fundamentalist factions contribute to their oppressive reality. Bashir’s work openly engages with the experience of being a Muslim in Hindu India. The paper also attempts to place the work in a larger corpus of life-writing by women in conflict zones, comparing the work with Sharon and My Mother-in-Law: Ramallah Diaries (2003), a Palestinian memoir by Suad Amiry.

Impact of Indian Nationalism on the state of Jammu and Kashmir

Impact of Indian Nationalism on the state of Jammu and Kashmir

Clonal propagated 'Ek Pothi Lehsun' as a potential antifungal agent against Candida sp.

'Ek Pothi Lehsun', also known as snow mountain garlic, is a type of garlic grown in the high mountainous region of Jammu and Kashmir state of India. The present study aimed to develop a protocol for propagating snow mountain garlic in-vitro using corm seed as an explant. The study also assessed the antifungal potential of in vitro-grown bulbils against different Candida species. Four different concentrations of NAA and 2,4-D were tested for their effectiveness in promoting root formation, and eighteen different combinations of BAP (µM), KN (µM) and TDZ (µM) were investigated for effective proliferation of shoots with varied lengths. Shoot with maximum length (5.03±1.40) was obtained in MS medium containing 1.0 µM TDZ after 24 days of inoculation, whereas MS basal media was found effective for rooting plantlets. Rooted micro shoots were acclimatized successfully in hardening treys with a percent survival of nearly 80%. Seven different concentrations of Sucrose, i.e. 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 17%, 20%, and 25% were investigated for effective bulbil formation. Bulbil with a maximum diameter of 0.86 cm was obtained in 20% sucrose-containing MS media in 5 days. Further, the antifungal potential of aqueous extract (TC-SMG) of in vitro grown bulbils was investigated against three Candida sp. A zone of inhibition of 22.30±0.33 mm, 17.3±0.33 mm and 19.3±0.33 mm was observed against C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata respectively, by using 200 mg/mL extract after 24 hrs depicting the remarkable potential of TC-SMG as an antifungal agent. In vitro culture of snow mountain garlic has demonstrated promising antifungal properties against Candida species.

The Yale-Cambridge Research Project to India: The Context, Disciplinary Character and Legal-Institutional Matters

This paper deals with the Yale-Cambridge Research Project which Helmut de Terra led to India in 1935. Its principal sponsors included the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Yale University and the American Philosophical Society. The expedition worked in various parts of British India and the princely state of Kashmir. The project is considered of exceptional importance in the field of both geological and archaeological research. This paper sets the historical context of the project and analyzes its disciplinary and scholarly character. The expedition aimed to address both geological and archaeological questions. In view of this interdisciplinary formation of the expedition, this study finally delves into legal and institutional matters so as to find out who were responsible for formally coordinating, such as issuance of the license etc. with de Terra and his team. The Geological Survey of India, the Archaeological Survey and the princely state of Kashmir, thus, come into our discussion.

An Examination of the Conceptual Framework around the Constitutional Abolition of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution and its Socio-Political Consequences for Pakistan

Over the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan have been at enmity since the subcontinent was divided into two distinct states. Prime Minister Nehru reiterated the statement, ensuring that the people of Kashmir would depart immediately if they desired an Indian departure. The region's provisional agreement with India's main territory was subsequently guaranteed by Articles 370 and 35-A of the Indian Constitution. In this study, the consequences and impact of India's annulment of Article 370 on Pakistan are evaluated. The research study takes a qualitative approach, focusing primarily on secondary sources of data based on document analysis. The primary findings of the study indicate that the deteriorating law and order situation in Kash is primarily due to the abrogation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution. This will have a huge impact on Pakistan's security paradigm by making her more vulnerable to India's hegemonic designs.

Miscanthus nepalensis (Trin.) Hack, an addition to the flora of Jammu & Kashmir state, India

Miscanthus nepalensis (Trin.) Hack, an addition to the flora of Jammu & Kashmir state, India

Feasibility Analysis of Solar Energy and Role of Lithium-Ion Battery Reserved in Electric Vehicle Market: A Path Towards Green Transportation

Solar-based vehicular electrification is bound to play a vital role in Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction from conventional transports and supporting the fight against environmental degradation. This paper presents the feasibility of solar-based electric vehicle charging (SEVC) in India, a shift of the transportation sector to renewable energy implementation. Solar-electric vehicles may transform the scenario in the coming future in India on a larger scale. Extensive negative environmental impact is produced by transport activities as it pours out 14% of global GHG emissions. The transportation sector is the second major contributor to pollution in India. Currently, dealers of non-renewable resources like coal, petroleum, etc. are facing a tough time meeting increasing demand. This results in limited resources which are being suppressed by the dealers and producers to meet this need which leads us to an insecure future, having scarcity of minerals and fuel. In this paper, we perform a graphical analysis of fuel consumption in India, the growing demand for green transportation in the Indian market and solar potential in our country. In Feb 2023, India’s government revealed the finding of a 5.9 million tons stockpile of unexplored lithium deposits in the Jammu and Kashmir state. So, the price of batteries would be significantly impacted by this, making EVs more accessible to customers. This paper also includes challenges in adopting solar-based transportation, steps of the Indian Government towards green transportation and recommended policies.

Ethnobotanical Studies in Northwest and Trans-Himalaya Vi. Contribution to the Ethnobotany of Basohli-Bani Region, J&K, India

The article deals with some aspects of ethnobotany of "Pahari" community living in Basohli-Bani region of Jammu and Kashmir State ; it had so far remained unrecorded due to inaccessibility of the area. A combination of sub-tropical and temperate climate has considerable effect on its vegetation and also the inhabitants. The uses of 39 plant species are recorded in this communication. Yams are of common occurrence in this region and are reputed not only as edible but also in home remedies against swellings due to sprains or wounds. The medicinal uses of Rosularia alpestris and Viburnum grandiflorum are reported for the first time.

Material for a Flora of the Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir State

The paper presents a preliminary catalogue of the Doda District of Jamrjtm and Kashmir State. This mountainous district lies between 74°30' & 76°30' N and 32° 30' & 34°15' E and covers ail area of about 11212 sq km embracing areas between 700-4600 m. A total of 432 species belonging to 263 genera is recorded in the present catalogue. The paper provides material for writing a flora of the District Which will ultimately be helpful for a proper appraisal of plant resources of the area.

Two New Records of the Genus <i>Oxalis</i> for Jammu and Kashmir State

No Abstract.

A further Contribution to the Flora of Jammu and Kashmir State

The paper describes the salient features of the vegetation of the Siwalik range, the Chenab valley, the high uplands of Batote, Kistawar and Bhadrawah of Jammu province, the Pir Panjal range, Lolab valley and the mountain spurs of north-eastern portion of Kashmir province. A systematic census of 687 species of which 660 are Angiosperms, 6 are Gymnosperms and 21 are Pridophytes is included in the paper.Among plants of interest collected were two endemic species, viz., Viola falconeri Hook. f. & Thoms and Hedysarum cachemirianum Benth., seven new records, viz., Onopordon acanthium L., Callianthemum rutaefolium C. A. Mey., Enhydra fluctuans Lour., Merendera persica Boiss., Luzula pallescens (Wg.) Bess., Asperula odorata L., and Conrum maculatum L. and new areas of distribution for Thesium himalense Royle, Hippuris vulgaris L., Menyanthes trifoliata L., and Lathraea squamaria L. which are previously unrecorded in the published literature on the flora of this area.

Affirmative Action and its Impact: The case of the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the impact of the grant of the ‘Scheduled Tribe’ status to the Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir. We interacted with community members in order to understand their views. The article is based on these responses, supplemented by inputs from published government reports and other secondary studies, and is an attempt to produce a nuanced understanding of the true import of reservation for the Gujjars. We seek to understand whether the affirmative action undertaken to protect the community has produced the desired level of shift in the community’s marginal status in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The paper contends that the efficacy of affirmative action is not ensured by the duration of such measures, but by the presence of a robust political will to implement the same. In the case of the Gujjars, the success of these measures has been minimal on account of the tardy manner of enactment of the same.

True Agreement Between India and Pakistan Regarding Disputes for The Kashmir Territory

Kashmir is an area located around the Himalayas which is located in northern India and Pakistan. Kashmir has been a trigger for conflict between India and Pakistan as both countries claim the Himalayan region. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the Kashmir region, namely the India-Pakistan War in 1947 and the Kargil War in 1999. In 2019 tensions between India and Pakistan flared up again after India revoked the autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The military leadership of India and Pakistan in February 2021 announced a truce agreement along the disputed border region in Kashmir. This was done after the exchange of fire between the militaries of the two countries in recent months.

Jammu and Kashmir on the Path of Empowering Grassroots Democracy

The de-operationalisation of Article 370 has given a new lease of life to grassroots democracy in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. The Union government has made it clear that the main priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy there. At present, the erstwhile State which was once battered by militancy, insurgency as well economic and political instability has embarked on the path of democracy. Though there have been criticisms that the eagerness and interest taken by the Union government to foster local democracy in Kashmir is an attempt to whitewash the absence of democratically elected State government, the recent developments in the erstwhile State including the completion of delimitation exercise at a quick pace to form democratically elected governments in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir implies that there is some hope at end of the tunnel.

An epidemiological study of psychiatric disorders in Kashmir.

Mental disorders are highly prevalent and affect people across all regions of the world. The State of Jammu and Kashmir has been witness to a conflict for about three decades. Little is known about the extent of mental disorders in Kashmir. There was a dire need to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders among the rural population of Kashmir. The study was undertaken to estimate the point prevalence of specific mental disorders in rural population of Kashmir, sociodemographic correlates of mental disorders and to assess the service utilization in individuals with mental disorders. Community-based survey carried out in rural districts of Kashmir using a mixed sampling technique. The survey was conducted in six blocks of two districts (Pulwama and Baramulla) of Kashmir. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for psychiatric morbidity was used. Appropriate statistical methods were applied. In total, 11.3% of adult population suffers from mental illness in the valley. As compared to males (8.4%), females had a higher prevalence (12.9%). Depressive disorders (8.4%) were the most common psychiatric disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (5.1%). Only 12.6% of patients suffering from mental disorders had sought treatment for their illnesses. The findings of this study have cleared many doubts and indicated the prevalence of 10 common mental health disorders in the general population as well as among different socioeconomic groups in Kashmir. This study has indicated low levels of treatment sought by people with mental illness.

Media Discourse on the Kashmir Conflict after Abrogation of Article 370

The study tries to unfold how the Kashmir conflict is constructed in the Pakistani media after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. To understand the media discourse a Critical discourse analysis of the news stories published about Indian held Kashmir (i.e. that part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir occupied by India post the 1947 partition, notably the valley of Kashmir) in the e-paper of Dawn was carried out. The findings reveal a distinctive narrative strategy employed by Pakistani media in response to the abrogation of Article 370. This strategy accentuates the negative aspects of the Indian government's actions in Kashmir while simultaneously highlighting the voices of Kashmiris advocating for their right of self-determination. The findings also indicated that media discourse revolved around challenging the legitimacy of the Indian Parliament’s act of abrogating Article 370 and also focused on the casualties and losses which took place as a result of clashes between the Indian security forces and the Kashmiri separatist fighters. The media also gave significance to social media trends about Indian held Kashmir and also to posts of Kashmiri and Pakistani politicians. Negative actor description was used to highlight Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s propaganda regarding the return of normalcy in the Indian held Kashmir whereas positive actor description was used for the Kashmiri separatist fighters.