The poet Firdaus called Kashmir a paradise on earth. But the word paradise was never more ironical... or more tragic, especially in today’s context. To say that Kashmir has always been special would be an understatement; it is so special that two countries have fought three wars over it in five decades! Indeed, nothing divides India and Pakistan as Kashmir does; and nobody has suffered more in the process than the people of Kashmir, whether muslim or hindu.

Throughout history, Kashmir has attracted a multitude of kings, adventurers, holy men, religious zealots, fortune seekers and romantics. The reasons are not hard to seek. For here is a lush green valley nestling in the lap of snow-clad mountains with cascading rivers and fresh-water lakes; rich flora, including the shady chinar, almonds, cherries, purple-tinted saffron flower fields; a wealth of handicrafts like papier mache and carpet-weaving; the celebrated wazwan and the delicious kahwah; and above all its people, a gentle blend of race and religion travelling together through a turbulent history.