Includes bibliographical references and index.

This book fill in a gap in the literature on the cultural history of Kashmir. It provides a glimpse into the oldest living culture of the world, and its origin from the outstanding Rishis. It talks about the contribution of Kashmiri scholars to Buddhism, Shaivism, Sanskrit literature, grammar, aesthetics, astrology, Ayurveda, history, music, dance and temple architecture.
The city of Srinagar, the abode of Pundits, initially built by Emperor Asoka, and later by King Parversena II, is described beautifully. The way of life observed by the Pundits of Srinagar, including daily visits to Hari Parvat, is very nostalgic.
The book takes us through their elaborate marriage rituals, Mehnndirat, singing of Vanvun, dancing of Rouf and performance of Gindangor. Celebration of Navreh to usher in the new-year as well as the festival of Shivaratri is vividly described. The social stratification of society has been finely documented and the origin and description of Gotras and surnames well described.
The book takes us to Kheer Bhavani, Amarnath and Sharda Peeth and tells us about great saints such as Lal Ded, Rupa Bhavani, Bhagvan Gopinath and Rich Ded, who were our mainstay during the times of duress.
One gets an authentic introduction to Kashmir Shaivism, its 20th Century revival by Swami Laksman Joo in India and abroad. We learn about Kashmir Shaivism being taught in Oxford by Professor Sanderson, a disciple of Swami Ji.
Today, when the Kashmiri Pandit community is on the crossroads, where the culture and heritage is disappearing, the language and script is vanishing, this book is a commendable attempt to document and preserve their cultural heritage and to celebrate their achievements so that the youth can take pride in knowing who they are?
The book speaks of cruelties unleashed upon Kashmiri Pundits from 14th Century by Sikandar Butshikan, Aurangzeb and Afghan rulers, who left them with no alternatives but death, conversion or exile. It tells us about resurgence of atrocities from the 'Loot of 1931' and 'Kabaili Hamla' of 1947, inequitable land reforms, discrimination in education and livelihood and onset of militancy.
This work can shake the government to recognize the injustice done to thousands of innocent families who were brutally murdered, raped and their properties destroyed, leading to their exodus of 1990, and to bring the perpetrators who are roaming scot free to trial and punish them.
For violating its sanctity, 'the land of Kashyapa' is under curse, not only for Pundits but for all the native sons and daughters living there. The book ends with an optimistic note that the people could come together and regeneration the beautiful valley. This will happen when Pundits are heartily welcomed to return, their homes and shrines rebuilt, their livelihood restored and the harmony between the communities genuinely reestablished.
The curse will be lifted when the valley vibrates once more with the prayers to Kashmira Devi, the presiding deity of the land and when the River Vitasta is worshipped again.