The Mughal dynasty (1526-1858) began with the visionary garden builder and conqueror, Zahir and Din Muhammad Babur. As he conquered new lands, he would build gardens to mark the beauty of the natural landscape and to lay claim to the new territory; the role of garden design and meaning thereafter evolved with each Mughal ruler.

Papers presented at the International Seminar on 'Mughal Gardens of Kashmir: Towards the UNESCO World Heritage Nomination', held at University of Kashmir during 14-16 May 2011.

Excerpt from Gardens of the Great Mughals This first sketch of the Mughal "Paradise Garden" will, I fear, make but a limited appeal to English readers, as a recollection of one of my earliest Indian experiences vividly but vainly reminds me: - On a long railway journey northward, the tedium of which had been pleasantly beguiled by a fellow-passenger's wide knowledge of the history of the country through which we were passing, the train, after thundering over a broad sandy river-bed, rushed past some buildings buried in a wood; leaving a blurred, but entrancing vision of red enclosing walls, high tiled gateways, and slender marble minarets, rising through the densely clustering palms and forest trees of a great garden. "What is that?" I exclaimed with delight, pressing my face to the darkened sun-proof window-pane. But here my kindly informant altogether failed me. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Embark on an enlightening exploration of Kashmir's architectural wonders with "History of the Architecture of Kashmir: A Question and Answer Guide." Authored by the esteemed Dr. Khalid Bashir, Head of the Department of History at Government Degree College Sopore, this unique book offers a comprehensive journey through the picturesque landscapes of the region. Delve into the rich history, cultural significance, and symbolic meanings behind grand palaces, enchanting gardens, iconic temples, and majestic mosques. With clear explanations and visual references, this invaluable resource caters to students, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Kashmir's architectural heritage and uncover the profound legacy that has shaped its identity through.

(Reprint London 1895 edn.)

Shalimar the Clown is a masterpiece from one of our greatest writers, a dazzling novel that brings together the fiercest passions of the heart and the gravest conflicts of our time into an astonishingly powerful, all-encompassing story. Max Ophuls’ memorable life ends violently in Los Angeles in 1993 when he is murdered by his Muslim driver Noman Sher Noman, also known as Shalimar the Clown. At first the crime seems to be politically motivated—Ophuls was previously ambassador to India, and later US counterterrorism chief—but it is much more. Ophuls is a giant, an architect of the modern world: a Resistance hero and best-selling author, brilliant economist and clandestine US intelligence official. But it is as Ambassador to India that the seeds of his demise are planted, thanks to another of his great roles—irresistible lover. Visiting the Kashmiri village of Pachigam, Ophuls lures an impossibly beautiful dancer, the ambitious (and willing) Boonyi Kaul, away from her husband, and installs her as his mistress in Delhi. But their affair cannot be kept secret, and when Boonyi returns home, disgraced and obese, it seems that all she has waiting for her is the inevitable revenge of her husband: Noman Sher Noman, Shalimar the Clown. He was an acrobat and tightrope walker in their village’s traditional theatrical troupe; but soon Shalimar is trained as a militant in Kashmir’s increasingly brutal insurrection, and eventually becomes a terrorist with a global remit and a deeply personal mission of vengeance. In this stunningly rich book everything is connected, and everyone is a part of everyone else. A powerful love story, intensely political and historically informed, Shalimar the Clown is also profoundly human, an involving story of people’s lives, desires and crises, as well as—in typical Rushdie fashion—a magical tale where the dead speak and the future can be foreseen.