Book Review: Lure of Karakorams by A. Sayeed Khan Qamar

Lure of Karakorams is written by a journalist who was also a member of the staff of the Pakistan Press International (PPI). He visited Northern Areas of Pakistan a number of times due to his professional duties and hobbies of hunting.

In this book the author writes about the travel restrictions and relaxations imposed by the government of Pakistan on international tourists. The preface to the book is written by the author dated in 1973. The author states that since independence of Pakistan had more than 150 well-equipped  expeditions, from Europe and Japan mostly (p. 2). Qamar argues that Desideri of Pistoia from Italy was the first European to enter the Karakoram (p. 4). Qamar states that Hunza and Balti porters earned admiration during some of the expeditions. The author covers  topics such as the Sino-Pakistan boundary commission, 1967 trade agreement between Pakistan and China, trade via Misgar and administration of Gilgit. Qamar states that Brigadier Ghansara Singh was sent to Gilgit in August as the first Kashmiri Governor to rule the Agency (p. 17).

Further themes included in the book are Indus Valley road, insignia of Northern Scouts and expansion of road networks. By 1965, 467 miles of jeepable road was constructed (p. 33). Rest of the book covers stories about various expeditions, list of expeditions, list of explorations, list of glaciers, list of peaks and list of passes. Various officers of Pakistan military who were involved in different expeditions as liaison officers are also mentioned. No detailed accounts of the local porters and high altitude porters are provided in the book.

The book does not have any list of references, footnotes or intext citations. Qamar writes about history of the region without any list of references. This book has been written with the intent of attracting tourists to the region. The Resident and Commissioner for Northern Areas Ijlal Hussain has written foreword for the book dated 20 July, 1973. I believe a better researched book would have served the purpose well.

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Book Review: 5 Russian Masters by Anton Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, Maxim Gorky, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Ivan Turgenev

5 Russian Masters is an amazing compilation of short stories of five great Russian writers. In this collection I loved reading Anton Chekhov's short stories the most. Six of his stories touched on the themes of submissive behavior, dreams of freedom, memories, perceptions, anxiety and future. 

Leo Tolstoy's three short stories highlighted themes of hard work, kindness, honesty. Tolstoy's short story The Candle stresses that, as you sow so shall you reap. Three of Maxim Gorky's works are about the wisdom of life, between idealism and reality, pain and human misery.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's brings out some lessons in his stories. The first one focuses on truth, second on wealth and marriage, and the third one is on kindness, memories and human life. Ivan Turgenev has two short stories in this compilation. The first one is about human life and limitations and the second one Three Portraits is about stubbornness and how it can lead to disaster.

This wonderful collection covers a range of themes and styles. Many of these stories are timeless and are as relevant today, as they were centuries ago.

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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. 

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Book Review: An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India by Sashi Tharoor

An Era of Darkness is about the atrocities against women, ship building in India, role of Scots in India, three big darbars in India, Indian Civil Service, racism. exploitation, Indian parliament and justice in India. It also covers the Criminal Tribes legislation of 1911, colonialism, caste, British, Shi-Sunni divide in Lucknow, Nehru and Edwina, transporting Indian convicts from India, studying English literature in India, English language and its legacy, cricket and coloniality,7000 opium shops in India and the Kohinoor Diamond.

Shashi Tharoor presents interesting facts and arguments in this book. I mention some of them in this review. The author says that the Pitt family produced two Prime Minsters (p. 16). In the late 1920s, 7500 Englishmen were receiving 20 million pounds in pension from India annually(p. 24). Tharoor also agues that 'ironically, Lord Lytton's only qualification for the job of viceroy was that, as Robert Bulwer-Lytton, he was Queen Victoria's favorite poet (p. 182). Allan Octavian Hume was a Scotsman who founded the Indian National Congress (p. 81).

The atrocity and brutality of the British has clearly been exposed by Tharoor. 3289 Indian soldiers went missing in World War I, when 700,000 Indian soldiers fought against the Ottoman Empire (p. 87-88). Jamsetji Tata built Taj Mahal Hotel because he was expelled from Watson's Hotel in Bombay (p. 110). During the Orissa Famine of 1866 while a million and a half million people starved to death, the British exported 200 million pounds of rice to Britain (p. 179). Tharoor believes that Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's son was a judge, who died at 53, because he was not treated well by the British (p.72). 

The 'unfree migrants' of India were carried on British ships. which was an estimated 5300, 000 people (p. 193). Sixteen sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were tried and hanged by the British (p. 196). Shashi Tharoor argues that the British rule in India was despotic because of the famine, forced migration and brutality (p. 204). Timber was exported to Britain for the construction of houses (p. 240). In 1886, only 86 Indians out of 1015 Engineers in PWD (p. 212). The arrival of the first electricity supplies started in India in the 1890s (p. 255). 

Tharoor says that 'Indians themselves did not drink the tea they produced. It was only during the Great Depression of the 1930s- when demand in Britain dropped and British traders had to unload their stocks- that they thought of selling their produce to the Indians the had ignored for a century' (p. 240). 

This book is a must read for the people of India and Pakistan as the author raises many interesting questions. Anyone interested in reading about the colonial rule of the brutal British rule in India, should definitely read this book.

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Book Review: The Little Book of Big History: The Story of Life, the Universe and Everything by Ian Crofton and Jeremy Black

This little book by Crofton and Black gives us a better understanding of the story of humanity and how modern humans fit into the universe. It starts with the Big Bang Theory. Further it discusses how stars and planets are formed and how our planet earth sustains life. Stories from a range of disciplines (which include cosmology, biology, archaeology and anthropology) are covered in this book. It is divided into six parts. One, setting the scene, two animal planet, three humans start to dominate, four civilization, five the rise of the west and six the modern world.

I mention some of the interesting points I found out in this book. Modern humans emerged 200, 000 years ago (p. 33). Males dominated hunts of Chimps (p. 47). On page 54 there is an interesting story of an African grey parrot. About 7500 years ago a mutation arose in cattle herders living in Central and South-Eastern Europe which stopped lactose intolerance in adults. Drinking milk became a widespread new cultural practice that conferred a competitive advantage. The lactose-tolerant gene spread successfully and is now found in many cultures of the world (p. 56). The authors state that languages may have emerged independently in a number of different places (p. 69).

With the coming of agriculture people started living in permanent settlements (p. 77). Wild horses were relatively small, but with selective breeding things changed (p. 84). Through the Silk roads the Chinese paper, printing, gunpowder and magnetic compass reached the West (p. 102). Wheat was used as a currency by the ancient Egyptians. The authors write that writing rose in early urban societies which were more stratified than in pre-urban times. They argue that the ruling elite needed it as a means to keep control over masses of commodities and numerous subjects (p. 116). 

Ancestors of Anglo-Saxons migrated from Scandinavia and Northern Germany(p. 125). The book discusses Sumerians, Babylonians and Egyptians. In Britain, not until the Crown Act of 2013 could a Roman Catholic take the throne (p. 154). Words such as Algebra and Alcohol are derived from Arabic (p. 156). Because of small pox and measles almost 90 percent of the native population of America died (p. 160). The last blasphemy case in Britain was in 1697.

In the last chapter, the authors mention that human species have existed for only a tiny fraction of the life of our solar system. They are of the view that there comes a point where humans have no choice but to accept that we humans will never know the full story of the universe in which we live (p. 255). The other themes discusses in the book include technology, printing, economic debates, expansion and imperialism. There is also mention of some books by the authors. I look forward to read them. 

 

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Book Review: The Life of Tipu Sultan by Kate Brittlebank

Tipu Sultan was born on the 20th of November 1750. From the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh to Powis Castle in Wales to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, today's tourist can see displays of Tipu memorabilia from the material to the mundane (p. 4).

Tipu's father was Haider Ali, in whose time Mysore was in a strong position (p. 10). Haider Ali began his rise through the ranks of the Mysore army of the Wodeyars. Mysore allied itself with British forces during the succession dispute for the Nawabship of the Carnatic. Later, Mysore switched sides to the French, as a result of broken British promises (p. 15). 

It is probable that Tipu's education included the subjects of the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, hadiths, languages, philosophy, science and history. Tipu's  courage had been evident from an early age, when as a young boy he began to accompany his father on military campaigns.

Tipu's kingdom included Hindus and Jains. His primary goal was to secure and preserve the territory he had inherited from his father. Tipu devoted a large part of his energy to building on Haider's legacy. Haider and Tipu regarded the French as their ally and French mercenaries were an important component of the Mysore army (p. 32). Mysore already had both natural and manufacturing resources, providing Tipu with a substantial foundation for his economic expansion and commercial developments (p. 33). 

Tipu wrote his dreams. These dreams were thirty-seven in total. Tipu's use of tiger imagery was to convey his awesome power and demonstrate his close connection with the divine. Tipu drew an imagery that resonated with all communities (p. 52).

Kate, the author of this book states that Tipu did not discriminate against any specific religious groups on the basis of their faith. Tipu's own Chief Minister (diwan) was a Hindu. The British victors portrayed Tipu as a religious bigot and tyrant- which he was not, says the author. Writing to potential allies in the mid 1790s, Tipu had made it clear that his aims were twofold: to expel the British from India and to regain the districts he had ceded in 1792. Tipu was not the last Indian to resist the East India Company and its forces; a number of Maratha chiefs continued to fight, for instance, and the Sikhs hung on into the 1840s- so in that sense he was not unique ( p. 73). 

Anyone interested in studying the life of Tipu Sultan should definitely read this book.

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Book Review: The Struggle for Hegemony in Pakistan: Fear, Desire and Revolutionary Horizons

 

Aasim Sajjad Akhtar says that a grounded theory of politics is much needed for the formerly colonized South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (p. 3). He states that this book brings attention to the challenge of 'forging an alternative hegemonic conception in the historically imperialized zones of the world- system' (p. 5). The author stresses that one cannot understand the global crises without centering attention on non-western, postcolonial regions, particularly Asia and Africa. A large majority of the world population lives in postcolonial countries. There are massive youth bulges in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. And the worst affects of global warming/climate change are to be experienced in East and South Asia (p.7).

In chapter one the author discusses the elite, the new colonialism, Land as an asset, Gwadar, Bahria Town Karachi, DHA Lahore, Thar in Sind, Gilgit-Baltistan and The City on the Ravi River. Aasim says 'the atomized middle-class subject is always on a knife-edge, veering between an insatiable desire for upward mobility and frustration generated by remaining on the outside of the proverbial looking glass. It is on this boundary that potentially transformative political forms can be generated' (p. 52).

Chapter two the author discusses neoliberalism. He says that neoliberal globalization has nevertheless, coincided with a greater share of wealth and income of global output accruing to the non-western world than ever before' (p. 81). In this chapter the author further discuses the planet of slums, neoliberal hegemony and the gendered middle-class subject.

Chapter three is on the digital lifeworld. The author is of the view that 'the field of politics is becoming increasingly complex, the digital space sometimes obscuring and even challenging established networks of political patronage (p. 101).Aasim believes that the there are 'limitations of Aurat Azadi March organizers who still rely, with notable exceptions, on digital publics largely peopled by middle-class political subjects' (p. 119).

The fourth chapter is titled 'The classless subject'. In this chapter the author writes that 'theorizing emancipatory politics in non-western postcolonial countries must correspond to grounded material realities' (p. 125). Aaasim states that 'the actual form and content of an alternative hegemonic conception that incorporates religious subjectivities can only be established in and through struggle, but it is first and foremost necessary to acknowledge this imperative' (p. 148). 

The purpose of this book is to point out main 'structuring factors that are shaping political subjectivity, and which must be accounted for in any political theory that envisions a future humanity in concert with nature' (p. 150). 

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Book Review: Their Language of Love by Bapsi Sidhwa

In this book, Bapsi Sidhwa presents her first collection of short stories. Sidhwa admits that her short stories are lengthy, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading all of them. The stories covered in this collection takes the reader into the realm of post-colonial diaspora. The cultural world in each stories are described with great detail. These stories also show how factors such as language, class, religion and ethnicity play important roles. 

I think I should not delve into writing review for each short story. I can only say that the way the author writes is really incredible. While reading this short stories collection, I do not loose interest at any point. This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in reading for a break from other forms of literature. 

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Book Review: Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World

The main thesis of the book stresses that all leaders of nations are constrained by geography. Marshall states that their choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas, and concrete. He examines Russia, China, USA, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Western Europe, Japan and Korea, and Greenland and the Arctic. Marshall includes their climates, seas, mountains, rivers, deserts, and borders- to provide a context often missing from political reportage.

I expected this book to present a new perspective, but it was less than what I had expected. Nonetheless, there are some interesting facts shared in the book. I mention some of them here. In 1867, Alaska was bought from Russia at the rate of tow cents per acre (p. 76). George Washington's advice in his farewell address of 1796 was to not get involved in "inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others," and to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world (p. 78). 

The author claims that in the standard Mercator map, Greenland appears to be the same size as Africa, and yet Africa is actually fourteen times the size of Greenland (p. 117). The author says that 'Islam, cricket, the intelligence services, the military, and fear of India are what hold Pakistan together (p. 190).

While reading the book at times I thought this book has been specially published as part of a propaganda to create an alternate point of view to cover the atrocities of world powers. 

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Away from the Crowd

Shah lived in a joint family. His father, a hardworking farmer was known for his hospitality. Shah lived with his uncles, aunts, siblings, cousins, nephews and nieces. Growing up, Shah knew that with time he would have to take more responsibility of his family members. 

Like his father, Shah worked very hard. But his father kept him away from the fields and pastures. His father wanted him to do pursue higher education and be the first university graduate from his family.

Shah's father had limited land and animals, but whatever he had, he made sure his youngest son got the best of it. Sometimes Shah's school fee was covered by selling fruits, cattle, butter and firewood. Shah was very punctual and would never miss school.

Passing grade 12 with good grades, Shah got admitted to a medical school with scholarship in Punjab. His father continued supporting him. He kept sending money to his son studying in the Bahawalpur, knowing that one day he would become a doctor.

After five years of hard work Shah became a doctor and started serving as a doctor in his village. His father was very happy as people congratulated him on the success of his son becoming the first doctor of the village.

One early winter morning Shah's father passed away. This left Shah devastated. Shah had just started enjoying his life, as he had secured a job, got married and had kids. His father's demise shattered him!

Shah's elder brother took control of the farms. Shah left his job in the village and moved to the city with his three children and wife. He started saving money and made sure that his children get good education. Shah's children did not perform well in school but he managed emigrate them to Canada.

When Shah turned 60, he was asked to retire. He did! Shah wanted to shift to his village. As per the local custom, being the youngest male in the family he requested his elder brother to hand over the ancestral house to him. His brother refused. He said: " People say you have made a lot of money! When do you plan to spend it?" Shah did not reply.

Shah wanted to build a house, but he did not have land. He purchased a piece of overpriced land as his urgency was someone's opportunity. His wife also put a lot of pressure on him. Shah wanted to avoid any type of conflict with his elder brother.

After nearly two slow years of construction, when the house was completed, Shah's relatives started objecting! His neighbors also shunned him. They said that he was a show-off, as they thought that a lot had been spent on a house which was barely occupied during the summer, for three months.

Today Shah continues to stay away from the crowd! He avoids going to his village. He finds peace in drinking, in his house in the city. 

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