Book Review: Ali Baba: The House that Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark

Duncan Clark provides an account of the world of Jack Ma, one of the leading figures in the present economy of China. Jack Ma built one of the largest companies of the world. An American tourist give him the name 'Jack.' His original name is Ma Yun.

Jack took the Gaokao. In China it is seen as the most challenging exam in which high school students appear for a merit based exam for higher education. Jack badly failed in the exam. scoring 1/120 in math. In the early phase of his career Jack listed different positions on several versions of business cards (p. 70-71). I personally find this a very unethical act.

Jack says: " Today is brutal, tomorrow is more brutal, but the day after tomorrow is beautiful" (p. 120). Clark explains Jack's marketing techniques, his personality and how he keeps his staff involved at various levels. To keep up the morale, the staff were involved in playing video games, coding, exercises and handstands. Jack says that 'if you use money to solve problems, why on earth would the world need businessmen anymore" (p. 176). Jack says that he has three principles of doing things: first,  100 percent legal; second, 100 percent transparent; third, build the company sustainably and healthily. 

Writing about business in China, the author argues that 'for Alibaba, and any other private company, the Chinese government itself is a multiheaded hydra of agencies, often competing with one another for influence, licensing fees; or other forms of rent to justify their existence, often lacking sufficient central government support to finance their operations (p. 238). During a IPO show Alibaba focused on three central growth drivers for the future which includes 'cloud computing/Big Data; expansion into rural markets; and globalization/cross-border trade (p. 250). 

When in the United States of America, Jack was often asked 'When are you coming to invade America?' Why do they perceive him as an invader? A question- what does free market preach?

Read More

Book Review: Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia by S. Hussain Zaidi

In Dongri to Dubai, Zaidi has made a commendable effort in engaging the reader in very chapter of the book. The book presents numerous stories beautifully weaved by the author. It primarily focuses on the rise of Dawood Ibrahim. Starting from his childhood it shows how Dawood entered the world of crime. Dawood loved cricket. He dropped out of school when he was only ten (p. 51). When Dawood gained power he used the cops to decimate his rivals.

Zaidi also writes about how the under world established connections with Bollywood, drugs, smuggling, Bollywood actors and Ghutka business. He also writes how Dawood shifted his business to different countries and how he maintained his relations. Zaidi also brings out the stories of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, Rajans, Chota Shakeel, Abu Salem, Shoaib and Bholoo.

Anyone reading the book explores how personal relations, poverty, ideals, friends and hunger for power contribute to the life of a boy who lived in Dongri and who later establishes an illegal empire, managed from Dubai. 

Read More

Book Review: Xi Jinping's Governance and the Future of China by Zhou Xinmin

In this book review I cover some of the points which I find interesting. As soon as Xi took office he showed a strong commitment to solve the fundamental problems of China. Zhou, the author of this book states that the unity of knowledge and practice is a cornerstone of the Marxist theory of knowledge- a basic principle and methodology of dialectical materialism.  He believes that Xi Jinping has put emphasis on practice, stressing theoretical innovation to guide practice, and develop a cycle of practice and knowledge (p. 91).

President Xi places special emphasis on people. Xi says that 'only the people can judge whether they are living a life of prosperity' (p.100). Further in the book the qualities of great leaders are mentioned. Zhou Xinmin says that great leaders are always able to make judgments based on unique thinking, and take resolute action to solve problems. They are also masters at spotting bad tendencies, summarizing lessons and discovering patterns, and addressing changing times and upcoming trends. For the, strategic thinking and the art of wisdom are equally important (p.111). 

Zhou often mentions Mao's leadership qualities. He also states that Mao lost six family members during the people's liberation and one son during the Korean War (p. 117). Zhou refers to Henry Kissinger's thought on Xin. Kissinger considers Xin a person who 'conveys a strong will and capabilities with his every move (p. 121). Zhou considers Xi a strategic leader who emphasizes driving domestic reform through opening up, actively engaging in global governance and the world economy, developing China by integrating with the world, gaining an objective and clear understanding of China's problems, paying equal attention to developed and less developed areas, to urban areas and rural areas, and to GDP and the quality of life, and ensuring prosperity for all Chinese The emphasis on research-based methods has enabled Xi to practice the art of governance with a focus on key problems (p. 124).

Xi learned five things from his father, which includes: first- self-cultivation, second- devotion to work, third- belief and commitment, fourth- patriotism and fifth- simple living (p. 149). Xi faced a lot of hardships in his childhood and because of that he developed a bond with people. His career is based on years of work experience at various positions which gave him a solid ground for practicing governance and prepared him for the future.

This book brings out the core areas of President Xi's governance philosophy. When I started reading this book I was very excited, but after reading some pages I realized that much of the content in the book was repeated. I think it seems more like a manifesto for propaganda purposes and does not qualify as a serious academic work. The book also does not provide a very deep understanding of the Chinese leader and his policies. It is a simple narration.

Read More

Book Review: MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed Bin Salman by Ben Hubbard

In mid 1700s one of the ancestors of MBS named Mohammed Ibn Saud made the first attempt to create a Saudi proto-state around his native village of Diriyah. Mohammed got an edge by forming an alliance with the fundamentalist cleric named Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul-Wahab (p. 5). The kingdom of Saudi Arabia was declared in 1932 and the discovery of oil took place in 1938.

When MBS was growing up he saw who mattered in which tribe and the positions of different clerics. MBS studied Law at King Saud University. He did not have a foreign degree and did not live a very lavish life like other members of his extended family. Abdul Aziz was MBS's grandfather. 

During his rise to power MBS neutralized the clerics with a single royal decree (p. 63). When Obama visited KSA, the monarch (MBN) did not visit him. Instead, the Governor of Riyadh was chosen. Writing about his conduct the author states that MBS was 45 minutes late for his meeting with Ban Ki Moon (p. 104).  The crown prince developed close relations with the Trump family. An interesting detail revealed in the book is that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner was accepted into Harvard because his father had pledged 2.5 million dollars to the university (p. 108).

Hubbard states that MBS's influence can be estimated by the fact that events such as the Yemen intervention, the arrest campaigns, the forced resignation of Saad Hariri and the Ritz crackdown could not affect how Americans viewed him (p. 222). The author is of the view that MBS views three threats to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. First, jihadists of Al Qaeda and the Islamic state, second Muslim Brotherhood and the third one was Iran (p. 223). The writer of this book also discusses the rifts between Khashoggi and MBS. He stresses that Khashoggi argued that democracy would improve governance and the crown prince MBS needed check on his powers (p. 239). 

According to the author, MBS eliminated his rivals, extended his control over the state and became the undisputed leader of the Saudi state at a young age. His influence would stay there in the coming decades. Hubbard stresses that he was hard-working, more strategic, more willing to let go traditions and brutal- in short a true Machiavellian prince (p. 277). 

Read More

Book Review: Mother Teresa: Her Life, Her Work, Her Message: A Memoir by Jose Luis Gonzalez-Balado

Mother Teresa's father was of Croatian Origin and her mother was of Venetian origin. Her home country was Albania. Albania gained its independence after five centuries of occupation by the Turks. Mother Teresa was against abortion. She believed that charitable assistance must be provided without the desire for publicity (p. 139). She found her support in Jesus and taught the world what it means to be rich in the love of God.

Mother Teresa had a diplomatic passport. When she went to Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize she proposed that in place of the customary banquet, its equivalent cost be destined for poor. Mother Teresa can be easily termed as one of the most famous women in recorded human history. Some called her saint, others called her miracle but she was a person who truly engaged herself in helping the most needy members of human society. 

Many of the important events of her Mother Teresa's life are covered in the book. These include her call to join the Sisters of Our Lady of Loreto, her assignment to teach in Calcutta and her life dedicated to the betterment of the underprivileged. Mother Teresa founded the order called Missionaries of Charity. She received numerous awards including the Nobel Prize.

Read More

Book Review: Erdogan Rising: A Warning To Europe by Hannah Lucinda Smith

First published in 2019, Erdogan Rising is a significant contribution for readers who want to understand contemporary Turkey and is political dynamics. It addresses the question of how Recep Tayyip Erdogan rose to power, his policies and how he centralized power. Hannah spent time in Turkey and Syria to cover important events during very crucial times. She also joined the mass movement of migrants on their journey to Europe in 2015.  The author often refers to the history of the twentieth century and says that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is seen as someone who saved the Turkish pride (p. 24).

The author also covers why Erdogan is in power in Turkey. Hannah writes about the early phase of Erdogan's life when he used to sell bread rings in the streets (p. 247). After coming to power Erdogan did a lot of large scale infrastructure development and also brought changes in the constitution. Erdogan made serious efforts to bring in Turks from all around the world (p. 318). Erdogan introduced special police forces, whose number increased drastically over the years. As a populist Erdogan knows very well how to create propaganda, use media, use religion, blame foreign powers, create support  among the lower segments of the population, accommodate migrants from Syria and manage elections. Once Erdogan wore the rank-and-file soldier uniform and met the Turkish troops in the battleground(p. 336) Erdogan also stresses on the need to unite the Turk nation. The author claims that the Central Asian genes makes up only 22 percent of the twenty first century Turkish DNA (p. 161).

Hannah also states how there is an opinion in Turkey which says that Erdogan's degree is fake (p. 338). The author covers how conspiracy theories circulate about the Gulenists. Erdogan puts a ban on YouTube for two and a half years because a few videos insult Ataturk (p. 30). 

I would not rate the book as a very fine biography. The informative and engaging style of the book coupled with the personal account of the author's experiences helps in gaining a deeper understanding of the Turkish society and politics. 

Read More

Book Review: Younghusband: The Last Great Imperial Adventurer by Patrick French

 

Francis Younghusband was one of the imperialists and adventures who spent a lot of time in united India. In 1903 he invaded Tibet through a brutal full-scale military invasion. Later in life he became a mystic thinker. Younghusband played a very important role in the ‘Great Game’, an intense political struggle between British India and Tsarist Russia. Despite being a classic Edwardian, in the post-World War era he led the way in religious, philosophical and sexual free-thinking. In this book Patrick French unearths Francis Younghusband’s own letters, papers and original documents. French weaves fine travel writing into historical biography, celebrating the imperial adventure.

I have covered some of the interesting points in this book. Younghusband was born in Murree, which is now part of Pakistan. His father was a Major-General in the Royal Artillery. When Younghusband was a Second Lieutenant, he had five servants in India. Robert Shaw was a relative of Francis Younghusband. Francis presented himself as a flawless hero (p. 74). When Grombchevesky and Younghusband met in late nineteenth century, they communicated in French. Younghusband wanted to tame the ruler of Hunza by invading Hunza, which he did in 1891. The Russians had already gained permission to station a council at Kashgar in 1882.

Younghusband moved to Giligt for his exams. He also mentions about the bisexuality of the Mehtar of Chitral. Younghusband believed that the races of Africa and Asia were inferior. He met Curzon, Gandhi and many other people. In 1906 he became the British Resident in Kashmir. Younghusband befriends Bertrand Russell. Russel praises Younghusband. According to Russell the intellectual life at Harvard was very poor. Russell was also expelled from Cambridge. According to the author of this book ‘Russell allowed his crusading ambition to trample on a personal relationship’ (p. 306).

Grombchevesky wrote a letter to Younghusband saying that he was dying and wanted Younghusband to publish his book Kashgar. Younghusband did not. The reasons remain unknown. Younghusband’s views changed at a later stage in his life. Younghusband got honorary doctorate degrees from Edinburgh, Bristol and Cambridge universities.

Dogs and Indian were barred from walking in the Mall at Shimla till 1918. During Lord Minto’s time in India Brown trout eggs were brought to Kahsmir. This book also covers the details of the invasion of Tibet. Curzon wanted the invasion of Tibet and Younghusband acted as Curzon’s henchmen.

I think this book is very interesting for people who want to understand about the professional and personal lives of the colonial officers who lived in India.

Read More

Book Review: Friedrich Nietzsche: A Biography by Curtis Cate

 

Friedrich Nietzsche was the son of a Lutheran clergyman with a modest bourgeois background. He disliked Middle-class conformity and favored ‘aristocratic radicalism’. His aphorisms and statements are quite puzzling. They can be better understood within the context of his agitated life. In this biography Cate provides the reader with an interesting account of Nietzsche’s life. It makes it easier for the reader to understand his viewpoints. This includes experiences from his early life, relationships with his family members, time spent at boarding school, education, university teaching, friendships, travels and books.

Nietzsche was fascinated by Arthur Schopenhauer. He did not read Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, nor read Karl Marx’s works, other than Communist Manifesto. Nietzsche says that the German language gives him no pleasure. What Nietzsche most disliked and despised in any human being- a smug hypocrite. Nietzsche says that ‘I live as though the centuries were nothing, and I pursue my thoughts without thinking of newspapers or the date’ (p. 301). He also condemned romantic affectivity, excessive emotionalism and spiritual hysteria (p. 306).

Nietzsche met a Russian lady named Lou Salome, whom he wanted to marry for two years. Things were not smooth between them. Nietzsche’s sister played a big role in furthering their divide. Nietzsche’s sister Elisabeth discovered that Lou had been showing around a photograph in which Lou herself was seated in a little cart by her two harnessed ‘workhorses’. One of the work horses was Nietzsche and the other one was Paul Ree. Elisabeth got really upset.

Cate quotes Ida Overbeck, who writes about Nietzsche in the following words: ‘He knew how to listen and take in, but he never revealed himself completely or clearly. To hold himself back in concealment was for him a necessity; it was not truly a distrust towards others, rather it was a distrust towards himself and the response he encountered’ (p. 331). Nietzsche himself once wrote that ‘I am only too happy to leave my plans in concealment.’ Nietzsche believed that the value of any civilization or culture depends on the number of geniuses and masterpieces it can produce. He also regarded every kind of involuntarily accepted work as a form of slavery. He disliked businessmen and industrial magnates because of their ‘swaggering self-importance’ and ‘loud-mouthed vulgarity’ (p. 361).

Nietzsche ‘conceived his mission as a thinker to be that of the herald of a new ‘dawn’ in philosophical thinking, the prophet of a new, more honest, less visionary morality, purged and purified of a vast accretion of moral, political, social and metaphysical prejudices and misconceptions which had reduced the vast majority of his contemporaries to a collective condition of sheep-like stupidity’ (p. 400). In Zarathustra’s tenth discourse he writes: ‘If you cannot be the saints of knowledge, at least be its warriors’. On page 409 the author quotes Nietzsche, who says that ‘Man should be educated for warfare, and woman for the relaxation of the warrior: everything else is folly’.

Nietzsche’s work had a lot of symbolism. He used to carry a notebook when he would go for walks. He believes that most original thoughts occurred at night. He rejects moral system because according to him this system rejects the vital need for order of rank, on which all healthy cultures of the past were based. He believes that ‘From Woman comes every mischief in the world’ (p. 532). He also considers Christianity a stupid and anti-intellectual religion.

Nietzsche lost control over his senses. He was taken to Jena. His mother looked after him. When she passed away his sister Elisabeth took the charge. Meta Von Salis agreed to buy a house where Nietzsche was to live for the rest of his life. Throughout his life Nietzsche suffered because of weak eyesight, violent headaches and bouts of nausea. He died on the 25^th of August after a heart attack.

Read More

Book Review: The Soul of a Butterfly by Muhammad Ali

 

One of the finest boxers of human history- Muhammad Ali, in conversation with his daughter Hana Yasmeen Ali reflects on his life journey. Muhammad Ali was a legend who had an unwavering conviction, and this book presents his personal recollections. His daughter’s memories, his own stories and poems that touched his heart are also recorded in this book.

Muhammad Ali says: “I see that many people build big beautiful houses but live in broken homes.” Ali says that religion and spirituality are two different things. Discussing his personal life Ali says that his father was a painter who worked hard for his children’s upbringing. Ali himself did odd jobs early in life. Prejudice was common in America at that time as racialism was at its peak. The blacks were considered as second class citizens. Ali says: “But everything was considered bad, and undesirable.”

Writing on the purpose of life Ali views that one person with knowledge of his life’s purpose is more powerful than ten thousand working without that knowledge. In addition, he says: “The greatest victory in life is to rise above the material things that we once valued most.” The author says that self-discovery is the most liberating choice of all. When Muhammad Ali won the Olympic gold he thought that everything would open up to him, but that did not happen. He and his friend Ronnie were not served food in a restaurant as the waitress replied that they did not serve Negroes. Ali later threw his medal into Ohio river as he thought that material things really did not matter in life.

Ali was a great supporter of freedom and equality for the black population. He describes how he met Elijah Muhamad and adopted Islam as his new religion. He met Malcolm X for the first time in Detroit in 1962. At age 22 Muhammad Ali beat Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Ali says that Elijah Muhammad had forced Ali to break with Malcolm. He remembers turning his back on Malcolm as one of the mistakes that he regrets most. Ali considered Malcolm as a great thinker and a great friend.

Discussing the heart of a man Ali stresses that regardless of how wealthy a man may be, if his heart his not pure, he cannot be great. Ali returned to boxing in 1971 after three and a half years.  The Supreme court overturned Ali’s conviction for violation of the Selective Service Act. Ali says that of all the men that he fought Liston was the scariest, Foreman was the most powerful, Patterson was the most skillful, and Joe Frazier the most toughest.

On success Muhammad Ali says: “True success is reaching our potential without compromising our values.” Ali further adds that honesty, integrity, kindness, and friendship are the true treasures we should be seeking. Ali married four times and had nine children. His love for his children in shown in this book. He feels lucky because of them. On unity Ali is of the view that when people lend a helping hand without having to receive something in return, we will see humanity. Ali also writes about his meeting with Nelson Mandela and Dalai Lama. His visit to Afghanistan and his efforts for peace building are also included in this book.

The Soul of a Butterfly is a book that covers numerous themes ranging from belief in God to personal development. It is an insight to the life of Ali Muhammad who was a boxing genius and a great human being.

Read More

Book Review: V. I. Lenin by Margaret J. Goldstein

Vladimir Lenin was born on 10^th of April 1870 in Simbirsk, Russia. His name at birth was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov. The Ulyanov family had six children. Lenin’s father worked for the government. On 1^st of March 1881 when Vladimir was ten years old, bombers set off two explosions near Czar Alexander’s carriage outside his palace in Saint Petersburg. The second explosion killed the Czar. People’s Will, the organization of the bombers believed that once the Czar was dead poor people would rise up in revolution and take control of Russia’s government.

Vladimir earned top marks in school. He excelled in Greek, Latin, German, algebra, and other classes. He was also doing great in his writing class. Moreover, his favorite classes were history and literature. Nikolay Gogol, Leo Tolstoy, and Ivan Turgenev were his favorite Russian novelists. Lenin was not even sixteen when his father passed away. Vladimir’s brother Alexander got inspired from the works of German thinkers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Alexander along with other like-minded fellows planned to murder the Czar. Alexander was to make the bomb. Before they could execute their plan, the police caught them. On 8^th May 1887 Alexander was executed. He did not beg for mercy as some of his other fellows.

Vladimir was greatly shaken by the death of his brother. After graduating from Simbirsk Classical Gimnazia with a gold medal Lenin hoped to attend Saint Petersburg University, but his brother’s crime barred him from admission. Instead, he applied Imperial Kazan University for Law, but the university officials kept a close eye on him. He along with thirty-nine others were expelled from the school on joining a protest against some harsh university regulations. Not giving up his thoughts of becoming a lawyer, the self-taught young man stood first out of a class of 124 students. Lenin hated the Russian nobility and wanted a revolution to happen and in the summer of 1893, Vladimir moved to Saint Petersburg.

He was twenty-three when he arrived at Saint Petersburg.  His fellow revolutionaries used to call him Starik (old man) as he appeared to be fully politically mature. Lenin was a powerful speaker who had strong command over history, economics and political science. Lenin met Nadezhda Krupskaya at a Marxist discussion circle in February 1894. The two became close companions. Lenin saw liberals and reformers as members of the bourgeoisie and enemies of the proletariat.

In Dec 1895, Lenin and his colleagues were caught in the process of creating an illegal newspaper. As he was waiting for his sentence Lenin stayed in cell 193 and engaged himself with writing a book called The Development of Capitalism in Russia. After more than a year of waiting he was punished. He was to spend three years in exile in Siberia. There in Siberia he was was reading, writing and hunting. Lenin’s companion Nadya was sentenced to exile in Ufa. Claiming they were engaged they requested to be allowed to get married in Shushenskoye. In Jan 1900, Lenin’s exile ended, but his wife had one year left which she was to spend at Ufa.

After exile Lenin and his comrades decide to produce papers abroad which they were to smuggle into Russia. In 1902, Lenin met Trotsky and was impressed by the young man’s sharp mind, and commitment to revolutionary cause. Lenin’s group was known as Bolsheviks and Julius Marton’s group was known as Mehseviks. In the time period around 1905 peasants wanted changes to land laws.  Russia went to war with Japan, which further angered the Russians. Russians started to doubt Czar’s ability to rule them. On 9^th of January 1905 Georgy Gapon, a Russian Orthodox priest with some 200, 000 people headed to the Czar’s winter palace with a petition signed by 135000 people. Before the demonstration reached the palace soldiers fired on them.

Uprisings continued throughout Russia. By October 1905, Czar Nicholas agreed to create a constitution. He gave people freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Politics were allowed to operate. A Duma (parliament) was allowed to operate, but he reserved the right to disband the Duma. According to the author the elections of April 1906 were won by the Constitutional democrats, nicknamed Cadets who were in favor of liberal reforms and a western European style of democracy. Lenin criticized the Cadets and also was against the Mensheviks

Nicholas disbanded the first Duma within three months and called for new elections. Revolutionaries were actively involved in activities against the Czar.  Lenin left Russian for Finland in 1907. The second Duma was also disbanded. In this socialist groups were quite successful. In the third Duma which met for the first time in November 1907 there were fewer Cadets, few socialists and more pro-Czarists.

In 1914 the great war had started. Russia was on the side of Allied Powers. The author says that the Russians were not well prepared for the war. Lenin and Krupskaya were in Galacia, which was part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. When the war started they left for Switzerland. Setting foot in Russia on 3^rd of April 1917. In May 1917 Leon Trotsky joined who was earlier in the Menshevik camp joined the Bolshevik camp. The government troop caught Trotsky but Lenin managed to escape to Finland. From Finland, he continued to direct Bolshevik activities. Trotsky now released from prison, became the chairman of the Petrograd Soviet.

On 24 Oct 1917 Congress of Soviet opened. The wheels of revolution were already in motion. On the same day, late at night Bolshevik soldiers took over telephone exchanges, telegraph offices, banks, railroad stations, power stations and bridges. On Oct 26 the red guards entered the palace and arrested the palace. The Mensheviks and the Social Revolutionary delegates denounced the coup at the Congress of Soviets. Trotsky scolded them in return. On the evening of Oct 26, Lenin addressed the congress. He ordered the peasants to take over all private land in Russia.

Soon after coming to power Lenin established Cheka, the secret police force. Lenin struck down the law of inheritance, gave women equal rights with men, nationalized big businesses and tightened the control over smaller ones. In July 1918 the entire ruling family of Russia was murdered. On 30 August, 1930 Lenin was shot thrice by a woman named Fanya Kaplan. She did so because Lenin had disbanded the constituent assembly earlier. The author stresses that for propaganda poets, authors, artists, theatre and films were used. Even posters, slogans and musical works were to follow the party line. In 1920 the civil war in Russia had ended in favor of a red victory. It is estimated that millions perished during the conflict.

On January 21, 1924, Lenin fell into a coma. Later that evening, he died. He was fifty-three years old. Before that, he had a few strokes which had partially paralyzed his body. Lenin thought that Trotsky was the most capable person to succeed him, but Stalin found the testament which Lenin tried to keep secret. The document did not stand in the way of Stalin’s rise to power, as Stalin very much wanted. Lenin’s body was not buried. His body was preserved and put in a glass coffin. Petrograd, which was previously renamed from Saint Petersburg, was now renamed as Leningrad.

Lenin who rose to become one of the most powerful man in human history inspired millions throughout the world. This book presents a leader who transformed Russia- for good or for bad is another questions. A short read this book gives a short biographical account of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.

Read More

Book Review: Bob Marley by Garry Steckles

 

Garry Steckles, the author of this book has written a wonderful biography of Bob Marley- one of the renowned personalities from the Caribbean region who made his name on the global level. On 6 February 1945 Nesta Robert Marley was born in rural Jamaica. His father was a white man named Captain Norval Marley and his mother black named Cedella. Nesta had a typical rural childhood where he engaged in working on the farms and playing games. When Nesta was five year-olds he could read the palms of people. To this his mother became very astonished.

Nesta moves to Kingston after his father convinces his mother. Later it is discovered that Nesta does not live with his father’s brother, as the captian had promised earlier. At the age of ten Nest lost the father he really not knew. Cedella moves to Kingston leaving her son Nesta under the care of her father Omeriah- who was happy to have his grandson help him on the field. In 1957 Nesta joined his mother in Kingston. His mother spent a tough time doing domestic jobs with low pay. For the next couple of years, she and Nesta were virtual nomads, moving from rented room to rented room.

Bob Marley later went to the United States, but he could not bear the cold. He returned back to his native town where he was happier. Bob Marley gained fame but initially this fame did not give him the monetary return which he wanted. When Bob Marley got famous throughout the world along with his band of musicians he developed differences with the band manager. Reportedly, one of his managers stole large amounts of money from his concert payments.

Marley popularized reggae music throughout the world. His politically conscious lyrics and melody won him millions of fans around the world. He was not only a popstar. Having strong attachment to Rastafarian beliefs and practices he was a strong opponent of injustice. His wholehearted support for the downtrodden and oppressed are shown in his songs.

Steckles has written about Bob Marley’s early rural life in Jamaica, his recordings, performances and rise to become a famous star throughout the world. Marley’s political and religious beliefs are also briefly discussed. Moreover, his relationships with family members, fellow musicians and other international figures are also mentioned. The more money he earned the more he tried to distribute it. In Jamaica he distrusted money among thousands of needy people on a regular basis, after listening to their issues.

In the second last chapter the issue of royalty of the songs of Bob Marley is discussed. After his death there rose a series of legal cases in which very sad incidents took place. Fabricated signatures of Bob were used by his closed ones. Bob Marley was never so much attracted to material benefits. His whole philosophy of life had different set of principles. His manager and many band members were now busy contesting cases.

The concluding chapters of this book mention the sad demise of Baob Marley at the young age of thirty-six. Furthermore, it elaborates how the cancer developed in his foot and spread to his brain. Marley was initially very careless with the injury and by the time he got serious, it was unfortunately too late. In chapter eighteen Marley is quoted on life, fame, music, politics, marijuana, Africa, race, religion, money, mortality and poverty. Bob Marley says: “Me don’t love fighting, but me don’t love wicked either… I guess I have a kinda war thing in me. But is better to die fighting for freedom than to be a prisoner all the days of your life”.

Read More

Book Review: Ibn Khaldun: His Life and Work by Muḥammad Abdullah Enan

 

The author of this book presents a study on Ibn Khaldun, one of the distinguished personalities in the history of Muslim thought. Although western scholars benefited from Ibn Khaldun, but the author believes that in the East he is still not fully appreciated. The early chapters of the book cover the early life period of Ibn Khaldun and his adventures, whereas the latter part focuses on his intellectual and social legacy.

Born in 1332 in Tunis, Ibn Khaldun belonged to a prominent influential family of Andalusia (Muslim Spain). He was the descendant of an old and learned family. At an early age he learned Quran by heart, studied Hadith and jurisprudence.  Khaldun became a seal barrier, shifted sides when under danger. He travelled, studied and became an outstanding personality in the history of the states of North Africa. He was appointed at the court of Fez. Other than that he also got involved in political intrigues. Sultan Abu Enan kept Khaldun in prison for two years.

The author considers Khaldun as an opportunist for whom ‘end justified means’. Under Sultan Abu Salem Khaldun was secretary and chamberlain. After that he was appointed as Chief Justice. The author continues that Khaldun occupied the same status of a thinker and writer in the states of North Africa, as Ibn al-Khatib had in Andalusia.

Under Sultan of Bougie, Khaldun served as a Hajib (manager of all the affairs of the state). When Khaldun returns to North Africa he resumes his relations with Abu Hamu. He starts to write his historical work. Later, Khaldun arrives in Egypt. Firstly, he is appointed as a professor in the Kamhiah School and later as a Maliki judge. The Egyptian writers oppose and criticize him. Khaldun’s family dies during a journey when a storm hits their ship. This book mentions the circumstances under which Khaldun is relieved from his position as a judge. Furthermore, his study, research, and his efforts for the improvement of relations between Egyptian court and the courts of North Africa are also mentioned. His journey to the holy land is also briefly covered.

Ibn Khaldun descends from the walls of Damascus and reaches the camp of Timur, who is ready to invade. He interviews the invader Timur. For twenty-three years Khaldun lives in Egypt. He keeps away from politics and works on his literary works. Egyptian writers greatly oppose him and attack him in their writings, but a few also support him. Some of them include Al-Makrizi who was influenced by his thoughts and theories.

The second part on the book revolves around the legacy of Ibn Khaldun. This includes both social and intellectual legacy. Under this section Khaldun’s compression of subjects such as history, sociology and political economy are praised. The author discusses Khaldun’s views on state, sovereignty and social phenomena. Ibn Khaldun considered history as a science worthy of study- not as a narrative merely recorded. While discussing the Arabs Khaldun opines that they are a ‘savage nation whose conquests are made for pillage and devastation’.

Western research considers Khaldun a philosopher, historian, a scholar of sociology and political economy. Dutch, French, Italian and Russian scholars have praised Khaldun’s work. Comparing Khaldun and Machiavelli the author believes that the Muslim thinker was richer in material than the Italian thinker. The author states that: “The opinions and theories of Machiavelli are inspired by the events of ancient history, particularly by the events of his time which he witnessed and studied, and from which he concludes certain general laws, in the same manner as Ibn Khaldun who makes similar conclusions by studying society.”

The author leaves the reader with the possibility that Machaivelli might have heard of Ibn Khaldun and his Prolegomena towards the end of his life, ten years after writing the Prince. In the concluding paragraphs Inan says that ‘Prince was a great conquest in the thought of the Renaissance as the Prolegomena was a great conquest in Muslim thought’. This book stands out as a great effort by the author in highlighting Ibn Khaldun’s achievements and his work. Every person interested in history, politics and sociology should give this a read.

Read More

Book Review: Mikhail Gorbachev: The Soviet Innovator by Steve Otfinoski

 

This biography of Mikhail Gorbachev by Steven Otfinoski is of the series produced by Great Lives. It starts with the early life of Gorbachev to his rise to power, and the challenges which he faces as a leader of the Soviet Union. The soviet leader was son of a peasant born in 1931, in the Stavropol territory. His father wanted his son to acquire good education. Gorbachev got into law school at Moscow State University. He married a lady named Raisa in early 1954 in senior year. After completing his education Gorbachev and his wife returned to Stavropol. He remained for twenty-three years at this place. Gorbachev worked for the party and gradually made his way up the party ranks.

On Andropov’s insistence during Brezhnev’s time, Gorbachev got a chance to become the twentieth most powerful man in the country at the age of forty-seven. After Brezhnev’s death Andropov took over and provided more working opportunity for Gorbachev as he had trust in him. They retired old politicians and replaced them with young blood. They dispensed more power to regional and local leaders. Moreover, they introduced western technology into soviet industry. Gorbachev got the opportunity to travel to other countries which include France, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Great Britain. This provided him opportunity to learn more from other countries.

In Feb 1984 Andropov died of kidney failure. In March 1985 Chernenko passed way without changing much as he was one of the last old guards who tried to hold together the Soviet Union of Joseph Stalin. Gorbachev was chosen as the General Secretary by the Central Committee. Gorbachev removed corrupt and lazy party leaders. He launched an anti-drinking campaign. Later he introduced Perestroika (restructuring in Russian) and glasnost (openness in Russian). Ligachev and Yeltsin now emerged as heading two different groups within the political system. Ligachev was head of the conservatives and Yeltsin of the opposite camp who grew frustrated at the slowness of reform. Here Gorbachev very skillfully comforted the conservatives and encouraged his fellow reformers.

As far as foreign policy is concerned in November 1985 Gorbachev met Ronald Regan in Geneva. In September 1986 they met again, but this time in Iceland. In December 1987 Gorbachevs arrived in Washington for four days. Regans visited Moscow in June 1988. In December 1988 Gorbachev spoke before the General Assembly in New York. George Bush was the vice-president at that time. A 6.9 earthquake had struck Armenia in Soviet Union. Gorbachevs had to cancel his trips to Cuba and the Great Britain. Thy flew back home.

A chapter titled ‘The Road Ahead’ presents the key to future challenges. The author of the book suggests that ‘energy, political wisdom, and statesmanship' would be required to manage problems in the future. At times the author presents Gorbachev as the only intelligent soviet leader since Soviet Union's inception. The reader of this book would surely manage to dissect this short reading.

Read More

Book Review: Islands of Hope- Recollections of Dr Akhter Hameed Khan compiled by the AHK Resource Centre

Never before have I come across a more detailed book on the life and times of Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan who served humanity in a very special way and left behind a legacy for others to follow. Khan was a very different man. Some considered him a social scientist while others added various other titles including poet, scholar, community development expert and philosopher.

Very early in his career he left the Indian Civil Services and opted to become a locksmith. He wanted to experience the misery of the downtrodden class. Later he became Director at the Comilla Project in East Pakistan where he was engaged in community mobilization and encouraged the participatory approach of development.

Akhter Hameed Khan later went to Karachi and initiated the Orangi Pilot Project. This project was based on self-help and power of the people living in the locality. He provided guidance with many aspects of the project. Technical assistance was provided to the resident of Orangi, regarding sewerage system and improvement of the environment. A micro-credit system was also established in the area which emphasized on self-reliance.

Dr. Khan received numerous awards, but paying tribute to him would only be justified when his work and ideas would be taught at university level. This would help his teachings in making their way to the development policies of the developing world. The twelve chapters in this book cover his early life, struggles in achieving his goals, his development works, efforts for a humane society, community mobilization methods and unfortunately the false cases initiated against him. The life of the maverick covered in this book teaches the reader the common lessons in life regarding idealism, sacrifice, hard work and persistence.

Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan said: “Pakistan’s development will not come from the top, it will come from the bottom, and it will happen in pockets – one island formed here, one there and one island will be made by you…”

Read More

Book Review: 11 Life Lessons from Nelson Mandela by Ndaba Mandela

Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, writes this book as an account of his experiences with his grandfather. This includes his upbringing by his grandfather, troubles in life, lessons and principles learnt from his grandfather.


Based on eleven chapters this book brings to light the dimensions of Nelson Mandela’s life, never discussed before. The author discusses apartheid in daily life in South Africa. The police could raid any house on any street at any time considered appropriate by them. He further says that black South Africans had been deprived of educational, social, political and economic opportunities and it wanted to take many generations to overcome the disadvantaged position. Moreover, the author writes about his grandfather’s struggle in life. His grandfather had lived twenty-seven years of his life in prison. Nelson Mandela said: “But If you learn your enemy’s language, you have a great power over him.” That is why he wanted his grandson to learn different languages.”


Ndaba traces history of Mandelas, discusses various short stories and memories to explain his opinion about certain ideas. Ndaba narrates a story about losing his school journey twice. On hearing this Nelson Mandela gets upset and teaches him a lesson. I believe this story shows a strong, disciplined and principled Mandela who wanted to buy good strong training of his grandson. Ndaba further writes about his grandfather that he was very punctual about his morning walk and exercise. When there were first presidential elections in in South Africa Nelson Mandela was hesitant to participate. He wanted someone young who had a better insight of the current issues of South Africa.


Ndaba talks about the strained relation between his parents and how he was to live with his grandparents due to his strained relation. Ndaba’s mother and his father died of HIV. First his mother then his father. Both times he was not aware about the nature of their illness. This had a huge effect on Ndaba who believes that he should have been told by his family members.


Madiba (Nelson Mandela) asked his black countrymen to forgive the atrocities of apartheid. He was using nonviolence not as a moral principal but as a strategy. In jail he was observing the happenings in Uganda, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. They gained their independence and kicked out the white people resulting in a dead economy. The author views Nelson Mandela’s forgiveness as part of a leadership strategy. In 1998, Madiba went to Kwazulu-Natal for a ceremony where eight-five black families received 600,000 hectares. There at the event he said: “Our land reform program helps us redress the injustices of apartheid. It fosters national reconciliation and stability.”


Once Queen Elizabeth called Mandela. He said, “Hello? Elizabeth! How are you? Good, good. Oh, yes, I’m fine, thank you”. Later Mandela’s wife said, “Madiba, you cannot just call her Elizabeth”. “What are you talking about? She calls me Nelson. We always call each other by our first names. Don’t forget, I ‘m royalty”.


Chapter nine is an interesting chapter in which Ndaba goes to the mountain to attain the tribal custom of manhood after his grandfather’s approval. The details are an interesting read. While Nelson Mandela was at Robben Island, he wrote to the Commissioner of Prisons, I have never regarded any man as my superior either in my life outside or inside prison”.


Ndaba says that his grandfather believed that one’s resolve- one’s truth is the voice that roams within, His grandfather taught him to listen to it. Nelson Mandela died on 5^th December 2013. He was the icon of endurance, forgiveness, harmony and reconciliation. Earlier in life struggled for an armed movement through Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK). In 1962 he traded abroad to arrange guerilla training for members of MK. When in jail Mandela said: “Prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Only free men can negotiate”.


Ndaba Mandela concludes the book with a message to fellow South Africans. He wants them to fight for economic emancipation as the fight is not over yet.

Read More

Book Review: Aurangzeb- The Man and The Myth by Audrey Truschke

The author of this book specializes in Mughal history and Mughal Empire. This book is based on eight chapters. Aurangzeb ruled for forty-nine years over a population of 150 million people. Being the sixth ruler of the Mughal Empire he named himself ‘seizer of the world’ (Alamgir). Aurangzeb was a complex ruler who the author thinks has wrongly been attributed as a villain in history. Aurangzeb longed for territory, political power and adopted a particular ideal of justice.

Some consider him as a religious fanatic who destroyed temples and restricted celebration of Holi. The author stresses that such arguments remain invalid as Aurangzeb issued many articles protecting Hindu temples, granted stipends and lands to Brahmins. Moreover, the author explains that Aurangzeb consulted Hindu ascetics on health matters and employed more Hindus in his administration than any prior Mughal ruler. In fact, the top positions in his government were given to Hindus. Raghunatha was appointed diwani (Chief finance minister of the empire) by Auragzeb.

Aurangzeb was born in 1618. He rose to power by killing his brothers and later kept his father Shah Jahan (under house arrest) for more than 7 years. He eliminated the position of a formal court historian, supported a vast imperial library and sponsored the construction of Badshahi masjid in Lahore- built at a time when it stood as the largest mosque in the world. He spent the first half of his reign mainly at Court in Delhi and the second half campaigning in the Deccan. Between 1679 and 1707, Aurangzeb increased Hindu participation at the elite levels of the Mughal state by nearly 50 percent. Hindus rose to 31.6 percent of the Mughal nobility.

Shivaji and Aurangzeb’s fight is highlighted in chapter four. Shivaji was a master of raids and guerilla warfare. The Mughal-Maratha conflict was shaped by lust for raw power. The author believes that both Mughal and Maratha writers gave the rivalry a religious touch, which was not the case. In fact, it was a thirst for political power.

Chapter five elaborates the morality and leadership in Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb prayed regularly, did not consume alcohol and opium. His interpretation of Islam included talismanic aspects and when religious obligations conflicted with state interests he put his weight behind the latter. Aurangzeb sponsored a legal book named Fatwa-i-Alamgiri, revived Jazya tax after one hundred years, tried to ban/limit alcohol, opium, prostitution, gambling, inflammatory theological writings and public celebrations of religious festivals. Aurangzeb had thousands of temples in his domain and yes he did destroy some.  He believed that Kings represent God on earth and thus must ensure peace on earth including religious communities.

The author believes that for Aurangzeb Islamic teachings and Mughal teachings made him protect Hindu temples, pilgrimage destinations, and holy men. The idea that religious institutions could be subject to politically motivated destructions makes many modern people see red, but pre-modern Indians did not show such a firm line between religion and politics.

Furthermore, the author is of the view that: “Hindu kings targeted one another’s temples beginning in the seventh century, regularly looting and defiling images of Dogra, Ganesha, Vishnu, and so forth. They also periodically destroyed each other’s temples. Some Hindu kings ever commissioned Sanskrit poetry to celebrate and memorialize such actions. Indo-Muslim rulers, such as Aurangzeb, followed suit in considering Hindu temples legitimate targets of punitive state action.”

Within a few decades of Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal empire lost all it had gained in Deccan, and the empire started crumbling. By 1700s, Aurangzeb favored his grandsons over his sons. Aurangzeb died in 1707 and is buried in an unmarked grave within the Chishti Sufi Shrine of Zaynuddin Shirazi in Khuldabad.

Aurangzeb was an emperor devoted to power, his vision of justice, and expansion. In seven years between 1712 and 1719, four Mughal Kings ruled in quick succession. In total five kings ascended the Mughal throne in the thirteen years after Aurangzeb’s death, as compared to four kings in the previous one hundred and fifty years. The author adds: “From late 1750s onward, the East India Company stripped the already-reduced Mughals of nearly all the trappings of actual sovereigns, including their landholdings, an army, and their ability to collect revenue.”

Aurangzeb was an excellent military tactician who believed in his own brand of justice, upheld Mughal traditions and expanded his grip over subcontinent. He died expanding the Mughal dynasty to its maximum. He is considered to play a very important role in the Indian medieval history.

Read More

Book Review: A Life History of Allan Fakeer by Raza Hyder Mugheri

A life History of Allan Fakeer is a dissertation on a legend from Sindh. It covers many aspects of the legend’s life. This book is a scholarly work based on five chapters. The introductory chapter briefly explains different approaches used by anthropologists to study life history. This is done to give a better understanding of the research study.

The second chapter includes the introductions of locale, where the study has been conducted. Titled ‘Life History of Allan Fakeer’, the third chapter gives a detailed account of Allan Fakeer’s life. In the fourth chapter Fakeer’s singing, his style and performance are discussed. The final concluding chapter is regarding Allan Fakeer’s life. His life is analyzed keeping in view a theoretical framework.

Allan Fakeer belongs to the Manganhar community. Some say Manganhar tribe was actually Samma people and because of their profession Mangan (to beg) their caste became Manganhar. Allan’s father was Zawar Daim Ali Fakeer, a well-known drummer. As Allan Fakeer grew old he participated in many ceremonies of his village. He did this with his father playing drums together. He also learned Jhumar (dance) and Sehra (wedding songs) from his father. Allan Fakeer’s mother’s death was the main turning point in Allan Fakeer’s life. Allan’s step mother was rude to him and his father did not pay enough attention to him.

Allan’s step mother was rude to him and his father did not pay enough attention to him. 

Allan started wandering all day. He befriended a person named Daud Fakeer outside Manjhand village. Daud Fakeer was a hermaphrodite who served Allan Fakeer with opium and he became habitual of it. In his village Allan Fakeer was dishonored due to his association with Daud Fakeer. Allan left his village and started begging in trains and buses. In 1976 Allan married his cousin.

 For food he preferred eating fish and pulses fried in black chilies. Allan’s dress and style was very unique. Parts of his clothing are briefly explained. The famous Sindhi poet Shaikh Ayaz appointed Allan Fakeer as a staff Artist in Sindhology. His basic pay was 470 rupees per month. He was not regular in his job due to private performances. Once Allan Fakeer’s beard and mustache were shaved as he had attended a function arranged by Muthada Qoumi Movement (M.Q.M), on the insistence of his close friend. This had a impact on Allan Fakeer.

Allan Fakeer was addicted to charas and hash. He was also fond of drinking. Moreover, he was also suffering from hypertension and diabetes. He died on 4^th July 2000 in Karachi. His dead body was later shifted to Jamshoro. Allan was a comedian, singer, performer and musician. He received numerous awards, both national and international. Allan Fakeer had memorized all poems of Shah-Jo-Risalo; sang folk, Sufi, ceremonial and patriotic poetry. In addition to that Allan Fakeer was a regular singer at the shrines of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, Sachal Sarmast and Qalandar Lal Shahbaz.

In the concluding chapter of the book the writer argues that the death of Allan Fakeer’s mother was a major turning point in the life history of Allan Fakeer. The author stresses that: “Allan Fakeer;s ascribed status was that of a Manganhar. He performed many roles by his self-choices to earn his living. He was looking for a new role and a new identity. Ultimately, his choice of singing Shah-Jo-Raag in his own created style helped him becoming a folk singer. He adopted a cultural role that gave him an enduring identity.”

Read More

Book Review: The Founding of the Kashmir State; A Biography of Maharajah Gulab Singh 1792-1858

The Founding of the Kashmir State is divided into nine chapters. To some Gulab Singh seemed an opportunist who took advantage of the confusion which followed after Ranjit Singh’s death. He was able to carve out a state for himself with the establishment of Jammu and Kashmir by the Treaty of 1846.

Gulab Singh was the son of Kishore Singh. Gulab Singh’s sons were Randhir Singh, Sohan Singh and Ranbir Singh. Gulab was under his grandfather’s training. One day he was not obedient to his grandfather and got scolded by him. Gulab was left hurt as he was sensitive boy of hardly seventeen years. In 1809 Gulab joined the army of Ranjit Singh at Daska, a few miles from Sailkot. Ranjit Singh in 1812 started his first expedition against Kashmir in alliance with Fateh Khan, Minister of Shah Mahmud of Kabul. Before that Ranjit Singh had received the title of Rajah in 1799 from Zaman Shah. It was Ranjit Singh who gave Gulab Singh the title of Rajah.

The third chapter is regarding Gulab Singh and the Sikh Anarchy. In 1839 Ranjit Singh died at the age of 59. He was succeeded by his son Kharrak Singh. Kharrak Singh was in the hands of his favorite Chet Singh. This created problems and alienated the other officers of the court. This created turmoil. After that Lahore government had made every effort to root out the Jammu family. Only Gulab Singh managed to escape from their thirst for blood.

In chapter five the conquest of Ladak, Baltistan and Western Tibet is covered. In 1834 Gulab Singh decided to attack Ladak. At first there was no opposition as the Ladakis were taken by surprise. 5000 Ladakis were collected in haste abd on 16 August 1834, an attempt was made to stop the Dogra advacnce at Sanku. The Ladakis were heavily defeated. Having finally conquered Ladak, Zorawar Singh turned to Baltistan. Muhammad Shah the eldest son of the ruler of Sakrdo sought Zorawar’s help to get his claims recognized. Zorawar organized a Ladaki army under their own generals and invaded Baltistan. The Balti army was defeated and Muhammad Shah was made the Sulatn. Zorawar left a Dogra garrison to support his authority.

Zorawar now wanted to conquer Central Tibetean Province for his master. He prepared an army of 5000 which included Balti and Ladaki recruits with a small Dogra force. On 10 December 1841 the balttle commenced. Zorawar was helped by a Tibetan warrior as a lance pierced his breast. With Zorawar’s death the Dogra army suffered great hardships. Despite that, Gulab Singh did not lose heart. A new army was raised and dispatched under Dewan Harri Chand and Wazir Ratanu. With the approach of the Dogra force the Tibetans fled and Dogra leaders occupied Leh.

Treaty of Lahore and Treaty of Amritsar are discussed in chapter six. In chapter seven the text of the Treaty of Amritsar is given. Maharajah Gulab Singh had to pay to the British Government the sum of seventy-five Lakhs of Rupees (Nanushahee). The rein of Gulab Singh is explained in the second last chapter. The hostility of the Sikh population and the strained relations with Afghanistan made it necessary for the British government to cultivate the friendship of Gulab Singh and to treat him as a specially valued ally. In 1850 Sir Henry and Lady Lawrence came to Kashmir. They met Gulab Sing at Sri Nagar several times. Lawrence from there went to Skardo and Ladak. The aim of this mission was to explore the possibilities of the Central Asian trade.

In 1841 Gaur Aman the eldest son of Mulk Iman, the ruler of Yasin conquered Gilgit and killed its ruler. Karim Khan, the brother of the dead Rajah called upon the Sikh Governor of Kashmir for help. The Sikhs sent Nathu Shah of Gujranwalla with a strong force to help Karim Khan. In 1842 Astore was occupied by Nathu Shah and Gaur Aman was defeated. Nathu Shah was sent back again and successfully pacified the border, taking in marriage the daughters of Gaur Aman and the Mirs of Hunza and Nagar. Karim Khan who asked for Sikh aid received it mostly and Gilgit got permanently occupied by the Sikhs. In 1852 Chilas was conquered by the Sikhs. Chilasis surrendered and their leaders were brought to Srinagar where they accepted the Maharajah’s authority and left their sons as hostages.

Gulab Singh died at the age of sixty-six in August 1858.The author believes that Gulab Singh was one of the most remarkable man that India had produced. The extension of the Sikh state into Ladak, Skardo and Tibet are to Gulab Singh’s credit.

A very pragmatic decision maker who knows when to fight and when to go for peace. Gulab Singh remained an orthodox Hindu at the Sikh Court. He built numerous temples in Jammu, undertook pilgrimages and banned the killing of cows. The author believes that ‘Jammu and Kashmir state’ is his monument.

Read More

Book Review: Manto Saheb Translated by Vibha Chauhan and Khalid Alvi

Manto Saheb is a multi-faceted biography of one of the greatest South Asian writers of the 20^th century. Who wondered that Manto who failed Urdu in his high school exam and later emerge as one of the finest writers of the century. This book brings stories about Saadat Hasan Manto, an essayist, scriptwriter and a master of writing short stories.

The stories written in this book include that of Manto’s family, friends and rivals. Some of the others include Ismat Chugtai, Upendranath Ashk, Balwant Gargi, Krishan  Chander, his daughter Nuzhat and nephew Hamid Jalal. The great cities of Bombay, Delhi and Lahore have been described by various writers. The accounts presented by the writers are those of quarrels, drinking sessions, rivalries, friendships, publishers, literary circles and film industry.

Manto is revealed as a complex man. Moreover he was very upset when he lost his one and a half year old son. He was as comfortable with his family as with the prostitutes he visited. Ismat Chugtai says: “The idea of class difference was a dominant one in Manto’s mind. When he brought down and shattered the idol worshipped by the world, Manto felt that he had done something truly courageous”.

Manto was a fierce critic of the works of other writers but he did not tolerate any criticism for his own work. For some stories he was declared as an obscene writer and had to face court trial. Sardar Gurbaksh Singh Preetladin a famous Punjabi writer refused to give evidence in the court in Manto’s favor. At his behavior Manto was amazed and said: “It is astonishing that there are such writers in Punjabi too. Only God can protect the fate of literature in this language”. Financial issues and non-stop drinking were issues which he faced on his death bed too. Manto said: “I have no faith in friendship, benevolence, or affection. The only thing I believe is in alcohol”. In addition to that he was a chain smoker and used to smoke 555 cigarettes.

He was a maverick of his times, a very sensitive human who explained the intricacies of society through his own lens, unadulterated. Manto died in 1955. Manto’s nephew Hamid Jalal concludes the book with his story about Manto. He believes that his uncle was not a hypocrite. He was what he was and that is why no aspect of his life remained hidden from the general public right till his death.

Read More