A ground-breaking book on nation-building, ethnicity and regional politics in South Asia.

This is a study of ajrak, the famous double-printed cotton cloth of Sindh, in Pakistan. It describes the 20 laborious stages of production and identifies the craftsmen who still practise this ancient tradition.

Sindhi nationalism is one of the oldest yet least studied cases of identity politics in Pakistan. Ethnic discontent appeared in Sindh in opposition to the rule of the Bombay presidency; to the onslaught of Punjabi settlers in the wake of canal irrigation; and, most decisively, to the arrival of millions of Muhajirs (Urdu-speaking migrants) after Partition. Under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Asif Zardari, the Pakistan People's Party has upheld the Sindhi nationalist cause, even while playing the game of federalist politics. On the other side for half a century have been hardcore Sindhi nationalist groups, led by Marxists, provincial autonomists, landlord pirs and liberal intelligentsia in pursuit of ethnic outbidding. This book narrates the story of the Bhutto dynasty, the Muhajir factor, nationalist ideologues, factional feuds amongst landed elites, and the role of violence as a maker and shaper of Sindhi nationalism. Moreover, it examines the role of the PPP as an ethnic entrepreneur through an analysis of its politics within the electoral arena and beyond. Bringing together extensive fieldwork and comparative studies of ethno-nationalism, both within and outside Pakistan, Asma Faiz uncovers the fascinating world of Sindhi nationalism.

A readable one volume account of the history of Sindh, from the earliest times to the partition of the subcontinent. The book fills the need for a scholarly study of this troubled province of Pakistan and contributes to a more intelligent and meaningful discussion on the political problems ofSindh.

An updated edition of an essential resource on the textile crafts of Sindh. The textile crafts of Sindh are amongst the oldest in South Asia. A kaleidoscope of color, mirrors, and embroidery, Sindhi textiles feature motifs of desert flowers, peacocks, scorpions, and sand dunes. The Flowering Desert explores the history, craftsmanship, styles, and stitches of textiles from Sindh in Pakistan, which, according to some scholars, was the crucible in which the textile traditions of Gujarat and Rajasthan were forged. It focuses on a spectacular private collection, parts of which have been exhibited at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and the National Museums of Scotland. In addition to sumptuous photography of 120 remarkable objects--from tunics and turban sashes to dowry bags and animal adornments--the book includes essays on the history of the region, its ethnic groups, and their differing styles, as well as on the numerous stitches used in Sindhi embroidery. This is a revised second edition of the best-selling book which incorporates new and additional material as well as an expanded glossary, which will be of interest to both collectors and scholars.