Socio-Economic Conditions of Kashmiri Pandits

History is a survey of man's existence and occupation on earth, the ideas, events and meaning of man's long journey through his birth and development, leading to the progress of civilization, which are basic to any elicitation, indicative of how the past is interpreted and what lessons might be learnt for a clearer comprehension of the thoughts, motivations and actions, the philosophy and forces that operated and influenced him.

Kashmiri Pandits are the original inhabitants of the Kashmir valley. The beginning of the 14TH century and the period that followed witnessed so many incidents in the life of the Pandits. The origin of the community their beliefs, customs, traditions, socio-economic situations etc along with certain festivals of Pandits which are so unique are explained in the book.

Origin of Kashmiri Pandit community covers more than a period of five thousand years. Kashmiri Pandits are Saraswat Brahmins (Chitralekha Zuthshi, 2003: 11). Kashmir is the land of their ancestors and forefathers. Kashmiri Pandits are a unique set of people and are handsome, civilized, educated, gentle and with good communicative skill.

Dr Jiji Paul S is working as Assistant Professor in Political Science, Mar Dionysius College, Pazhanji, Thrissur Dist, Kerala State. He won Dr Ambedkar Fellowship in 2004 and Mahatma Jyothiba Phulley fellowship in 2007. In 2010, he wrote a book titled "Baba Saheb Dr BR Ambedkar, the Soul of Dalits". In 2012, he wrote second book titled "Kashmir the Valley of Lament".

**Contents and Sample Pages**