SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2018 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU daily Col J P Singh Swabhiman Sangathan is vehe- Kashmir imbroglio mently demanding. Governor can How Rukmini Excelsior he political status of J&K, defreeze them to be contested by Established 1965 as it looks, is that Ladakh is the POJK migrants. There is a Tvehemently aspiring for precedent of de-freezing of one Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Union Territory, Kashmir violent- Is there a way out? seat earlier which was granted to reclaims her love ly demanding separation (self Mendhar. That will leave 16 to 18 rule) while Jammu is vigorously rishna wooed and married several women. As Accession by Voice of Dogras in partition and today India is world's seats for POJK inhabitants. the king of Dwarka, He had eight queens in the struggling to retain its identity. Quiescent DISHA Committees Amar Mahal. It also became clear second largest Muslim populated Restoring POJK migrants' politi- receding order of precedence: Rukmini, Results of recently held Urban that despite being Muslim majori- nation. That is why Kashmiri Mus- K cal and constitutional rights will be Satyabhama, Jambavati, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Local Bodies election is also a he job assigned to District Development ty, Princely State was a polyglot lims tied their destiny with India. a lesson for those still in POJK that Bhadra and Lakshmana. Coordination and Monitoring (DISHA) pointer in that direction. The myth entity whose people enjoyed little Using the same logic, POJK can their seats are safe in India invit- Rukmini was the patrani, the chief consort. An that J&K, a heritage of Dogra religious homogeneity, interaction come back to India should India Committee of each district is primarily to ing them to avail them and enjoy incarnation of goddess Lakshmi, she was a paragon of T Rulers, as one entity, has outlived or unity and had differing desires take bold political and diplomatic liberal democratic rights. Such or beauty and all womanly virtues. Setting aside her meet at least once in every quarter or as many as its historical inviolability. It is split for their future. While the majori- initiatives. Militarily India will not similar diplomatic initiatives are instinctive reserve, she had written to Krishna - what is four times in a year. The premise of the formation in pieces, shared by three and dis- ty were Muslim, they didn't com- be able to re-claim the occupied worth the idea, to break the logjam considered probably as the first love letter of the world puted. The current J&K is:- (i) prise a unified, monolithic com- areas because world allowed Pak- of these Committees is that the district is the prin- and meet the national aspirations. - to abduct her before she could be given away in mar- Ladakh - 59,948 sq kms in area munity. Most were Sunnis but istan to turn nuclear. Let fighting In the meantime freeing Jammu & riage to the Chedi prince, Shishupala. ciple administrative unit below the state level with population 2.75 lakh (ii) there were Shias, Sufis and a nuclear war over the lost areas be Ladakh from Kashmiri oppression But Satyabhama considered herself in no way lesser responsible for implementation of almost all the Kashmir - 15,948 sq Kms in area Ismalis. Others who represented the least option. and separating them in whatever placed thanRukmini. After all, it was Satyabhama who with population 68.7 lakh (iii) J&K were Hindus, Buddhists, Coming back to main issue, the central and state welfare schemes. Their primary constitutional manner it can easi- had valorously fought for Krishna's life in a fierce bat- Jammu - 26,293 sq kms in area Jains, Sikhs and Christians; all destabilizing forces are very active ly be done, will go a long in tle with Narakasura. Krishna was well aware of the duty is to ensure continuous monitoring of imple- with population 56.9 lakh. (Total split in sub-castes such as Rajputs, in the valley. Jammu and Ladakh addressing the regional aspira- rivalry between the two co-wives and looked forward to mentation of 41 Centrally Sponsored Schemes J&K - 1,02,194 sq kms). Illegally Brahmins, Thakkars, Jats, are affected by the fall out. Kisht- tions. Retrieval of illegally occu- an opportune moment to resolve it. held POJK is 78,114 sq kms ie 76 Untouchables, Gujjars, Bakar- war killings are the proof. Situa- That moment came when Narada Rishi came visit- and timely removal of hurdles, if any faced at any pied areas diplomatically, to my % of J&K. (J&K under China is wals, Poonchis, Syeds, Afghans, tion in the valley is extremely wor- mind, is still in the realm of prob- ing Dwarka. Inspired by Vishnu, he asked Satyabhama stage in respect of these schemes. These 42,735 sq kms). Thus total area Punjabis, Maliks, Mians, Sikhs, rying and effecting Jammu & ability. It is worth a trial. to donate to him what she loved the most. The queen Committees framed on the instructions of Union under illegal occupation of China Kashmiris, Pandits, Bodh, Dards, Ladakh psyche. Ladakh is Jammuites engaged in three thought for a long time and said, "You have put me,O & Pakistan is 1,20, 849 sq kms; Baltis, Shins, and Yashkins. While demanding Union Territory since Venerable Sage, in a strange quandary. I love Krishna Ministry of Rural Development were envisioned to significant actions to the partition more than J&K. Area of Mirpur & some of these categories repre- 1951 which the BJP promised of 1947. The first was Muslim the most, but I can't even think of parting with Him. At make sure that the targeted population achieved Muzaffrabad is 13,297sq kms with sented ethnic groups, the others before 2014 general election. The uprising in Poonch area angst the the same time, I don't want to send you back empty the desired benefits. Contrary to expectations, a population of 4.05 lakh whereas had some sort of religious affilia- region is for greater integration Maharaja. The second was serious handed." Gilgit-Baltistan is 72,971 kms tions. In a straight choice between with the national mainstream. Its communal violence that resulted these Committees are going directionless in with a population of 18 lakh. As India and Pakistan, all Hindus and separated part Gilgit-Baltistan is in killing / displacement of large Jammu and Kashmir and have plunged into a sort per constitution of Pakistan Gilgit- sizeable Muslims favoured join- craving for freedom from Pak- number of people from all reli- ANCIENTS SPEAK Baltistan is not its part, still part of of inertia for which are solely responsible the con- ing India while other Muslims and istan. Ladakh borders China and gious communities. The third was Suman K Sharma J&K. What a 'Bandar Bant'! It was- some prominent Kashmiri Pandits Pakistan and hence plays an the creation of Azad Kashmir by cerned Members of Parliament and District n't such during Dogra rule. Had favoured Pakistan while some important role for national securi- the rebel Muslim leaders in the "There is a way out, Your Majesty," offered Narada. Development Commissioners. Seems incredible, J&K survived as single undivided were in favour of staying inde- ty. From security point of view it Western Poonch area that they had political entity devoid of any divi- pendent. Muslims of Poonch start- should be a Union Territory. "Donate Krishna Maharaj to me. He will be my slave. indeed. liberated from Maharaja forces. But you can get him back by giving me anything pre- sion or dispute, it would have been ed agitation for Azad Kashmir Ladakh as UT would mean com- All these happened before It is rued that despite so much impetus put ideal situation both for J&K & even before the partition while ing out of Kashmiri domination. cious that weighs as much He does." Maharaja acceded to India on 26 "What if my valued possessions turn out lighter than down on the district as the most convenient geo- India. Such complex riddle can Muslims of Gilgit-Baltistan That is expected to provoke Gilgit- October 1947. The last event only be solved by an out of the box revolted soon after accession and Baltistan to seek similar freedom my beloved?" graphical unit where the total apparatus of the pub- divided the Muslim majority state "In that case, you may ask any of your co-wives to formula. joined Pakistan. Conversely many from Pakistan and seek a federal and ensured that it was undeliver- lic administration can be concentrated on how The left over state comprises of Kashmiri Muslim were not enthu- relationship with Ladakh (India). retrieve Him by bartering hers." able in its entirety either to India Krishna sat listening to the conversation. people ultimately stood benefitted, this cardinal three regions. They are also mired siastic about joining Pakistan, an Gilgit-Baltistan is Shia dominated or Pakistan. They instigated the in Inter & Intra regional conflicts important fact to note. Indeed area but under Gen Zia's rule Sun- Satyabhama looked at Him seeking His permission. ongoing dispute between India "Go ahead!" was all that He said. principle appears to have gone wayward in the while Kashmir is getting radical- many were actively pro-Indian. nis were encouraged to settle there and Pakistan over which state Instantly, a huge balance was brought into the cham- state. Unfortunately, this situation is continuing for ized with impunity. Jammu and Led by Sheikh Abdullah, their dis- to alter its demography which was should possess J&K; 'the so called ber. The other seven queens also looked on anxiously as Ladakh are feeling the heat of it. taste for Pakistan was heightened detested by locals. Gilgit-Baltistan the last three years without any improvement or the Kashmir dispute'. It is logical Krishna sat smiling in one of the pans of the balance. PDP-BJP coalition govt was the with Tribal Invasion in October is unhappy over CPEC passing to deduce that the people who call any concern shown by anyone, especially by those last straw that broke the camel's Queen Satyabhama emptied her treasure of jewels into 1947 which they opposed with full through it. Similarly if Jammu is themselves as Azad Kashmiri the other pan, but the entire bulk proved lighter than back. Marriage of a nationalist representing the particular district as the Member force. Consequently many sup- separated, even though chances instigated the Kashmir dispute. Krishna. Crestfallen, she pleaded withJambavati, party with the party born out of the of Parliament. The District Development ported Maharaja's decision to are that POJK may not seek sepa- The Kashmir dispute has Kalindi, Mitravinda, Nagnajiti, Bhadra and Lakshmana womb of militancy was an un-nat- accede to India, an act in which ration from Pakistan being Sunni Commissioner is the member Secretary of the bedeviled Indo-Pak relations since to try bartering their beloved husband with their most ural alliance and doomed right at Sheikh and National Conference dominated but definitely will seek 1947. Following the Maharaja's precious possessions. Each of them piled the counter- Committee and is required to convene periodic hustings when late Mufti Sahib played an important role. Had more political power (greater accession to India, the Indian and pan with all she thought was of value. But the pan on meetings as per the schedule fixed by the con- deliberately made Pakistan and Muslims been united in wanting autonomy) and later seek federal the Pakistani govts and then the which sat Krishna did not rise by a hair's breadth. Narada separatists partners in Assembly J&K to join Pakistan in 1947, it relationship with Jammu because cerned Union Ministry. The ground situation UN resolved to consult the people was jubilant as the seven queens of Dwarka stood non- election, which made him CM, would have been exceedingly dif- of social and cultural links. If any about its international status. It plussed with their heads bowing low. The saddest of reveals that the schedule has not been adhered to immediately after swearing in. He ficult for Maharaja to oppose their such demand rises in two major was to be done via a UN super- them all was Satyabhama who had started it all. and thus scant regard is shown towards the impor- scored the first winning goal. wishes. Critical revaluation would illegally held Indian parts, chances vised plebiscite. The poll has not It was then that Narada made a suggestion to Thereafter BJP couldn't check- reveal that people of J&K were not are that Sindh & Baluchistan will tance of convening meetings. Strangely, there is been held, nor likely to be held Satyabhama to approach Queen Rukmini. Eating her mate any anti Jammu/anti-nation- unanimous, hence disunited and intensify their resistant movement anytime in future. Hence the peo- humble pie, she went to Rukmini's chamber and told her provision of holding more meetings but no relax- al tirade of the coalition partner. essentially indecisive in 1947. against Punjabi domination which ple stand marginalized. Despite of all that had transpired. Rukmini came running to the ation or allowance for holding none or once in a Pampering of Muftis by the centre That led to simmering internal dis- will destabilize Pakistan. It can being marginalized they still are spot, forgetting her royal dignity. Paying obeisance to alienated Jammu and Ladakh. Yet content and lingering dispute. It is jeopardize CPEC and China-Pak Rishi Narada, she looked with her teary eyes at her blue moon which signifies that monitoring and sug- the stake holders because of dem- all is not lost. Under the Governor high time to find a way out of this relationship. What else can be a ocratic set up of governance. Giv- beloved and delicately placed just a leaf of sacred tulsi gesting remedial measures could be exhaustive rule there is a proverbial hope that rigmarole. ideal prospect for India! Why en Indian and Pak inability to on the counterpan. True love had won! Krishna and perhaps could not get covered in just four an out of the box formula can be Kashmir is burning because of shouldn't NSA explore it, if he is resolve the dispute, only the peo- Bhagwan proved lighter than a leaf of tulsi offered in tried. Pakistan and illegally occupied the right person. the earnestness of devotion. meetings in a year. The idea being that both the ple of J&k seem to hold the key to Reasons for complicated status areas are also volatile because of 25 Assembly seats (now 24) the dispute if they have the will and Krishna Bhagwan got up from the balance-pan and Member Parliament concerned and the MLAs of J&K became absolutely clear Pakistan. To be in or with Pakistan were kept frozen and vacant for sufficient compassion to do so. took Queen Rukmini by hand, as an ecstatic Rishi would be more concerned to see their respective during the 2 days seminar in Jam- just because it is a Muslim home- POJK. 5 lakh people migrated This reaffirms the deferred propo- Narada bowed to them. Satyabhama had learnt a lesson mu University on 'Re-Situating land is an insufficient reason for from POJK and were settled in sition to Kashmir dispute, 'the will of her life. district developed than others via the sponsored Maharaja Hari Singh' and similar POK & Gilgit-Baltistan. More Jammu. They are claimant of 6 to of the people'. In love, there is no place for rivalry, jealousy or schemes by both the Central as well as State Seminar and a documentary on Muslims remained in India after 8 seats out of the 25 which Dogra [email protected] ostentation. True love by itself stands its testimony. Governments. It would be quite unfortunate, again to convene meetings erratically or in an overlapping periodici- New Chapter in 21st Century Labour activism ty for the sake of formality just to fill in the columns of the statements and other correspondence B. Sivaraman offices the world over were contacted through e- When the D-day dawned, the first march start- publicly disclosed sexual harassment transparency mail and phone calls. Suggestions poured in online ed in Singapore in the East. As the day progressed, report; a clear, uniform, globally inclusive process meant for Union Ministry, sans actual monitoring he pace of events was amazing. On 25 Octo- on a charter of demands to be given to the manage- marches in other cities approaching the West were for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anony- and not in a manner of evenness spread over the ber 2018, the New York Times carried an ment; five demands were concretised, and the char- live-streamed. Footages were uploaded on mously; and promotion of the chief diversity offi- Texposé on how Google top management ter took shape on Instagram. November 1 was YouTube. Apps had been designed to track the cer to answer directly to the CEO and make rec- year on quarterly basis which could render the handled sexual harassment complaints against decided as the day of protest. It was decided to stage marches and the employees were staring into their ommendations directly to the board of directors. In required semblance to the purpose behind shap- their top executives. When sexual harassment a walkout that day. Employees from around 40 smart phones and sharing their own action experi- addition, appointment of an employee representa- charges surfaced against Andy Rubin, the creator ing such Committees. Google offices around the world - from Singapore ences online. Transnational solidarity and action tive to the board was also demanded. of the Android mobile software, Google not only to Chicago, Hyderabad to London - walked out of transcending national boundaries became a reality It needs no elaboration that these demands went We would like to know as to why only one meet- hushed up the matter but stealthily struck a deal for work and staged marches. The global march of at the fingertips. far beyond merely venting their anger. 'Forced arbi- ing of Kathua district, two of Rajouri, one of his resignation giving him a $90 million exit pack- Google employees against the attitude of the man- Men and women marched shoulder to shoul- tration" is the common clause in the employment age, and gave him a hero's farewell. The New York agement towards sexual harassment at work der. Unity in struggle considerably dissolved the contracts, forcing employees to avoid taking Kulgam and one of Samba have been convened Times story also exposed that two other senior became a reality. History was made within a week. gender divide in responding to the sexual discrim- recourse to a court of law to redress their griev- till date while in respect of other districts no such executives were given similar compromise pay- The world had never seen anything like this ination and abuse. They no longer remained ances and use internal company arbitration instead. outs. Google employees were highly incensed at meeting has so far been organised by the con- before. They didn't have a conventional trade union 'women's issues". Men too were equally on board. That an end to gender wage discrimination and the their own management rewarding the culprits and didn't require one. Being the cream of the tech It was a class united as one. The word union itself need for equality in opportunities between the sex- cerned District Development Commissioners and instead of punishing them. Legally they could well workforce, they could plan and coordinate their acquired a new expression as unified will, given es figured on top as the second important demand the Chairpersons, the Members of Parliament. The have been dismissed without any "compensation" synchronised direct action across 40 major cities expression through digital unionism-in which speaks for the new millennial values underlying the but still Google chose to hush up the matter after overall picture looks gloomy when even the elect- within a week. Labour organising took new forms. using message boards, contact and communication protest, catching up with the spirit ignited by the paying them hefty amounts. The Google management was rattled so much apps, and other social media devises which, ironi- BBC women employees who demanded equal pay ed representatives of the people do not them- The Google employees decided that enough is that the CEO Sundar Pichai apologised: "I am cally enough, they themselves developed for in recent times. The employees wanted institution- enough and wanted to give concrete expression to selves appraise their involvement towards ensur- deeply sorry for the past actions and the pain they Google became their own tools of organising. al guarantees against retribution - the double vic- their anger in the form of a protest. They have no have caused employees." In a letter he wrote along It was a march of the millennials. Most of the timisation of employees who report sexual miscon- ing benefits to people via various schemes of union. Google has been the best paymaster. The with Eileen Naughton, a vice-president of the com- Google employees are in their twenties and thir- duct - by seniors and higher-ups. They also want- development when meetings of DISHA are meant median salary of Google employees in the US at pany, they also tried to reassure that the manage- ties. In Google establishments, it is rare to come ed mechanisms to be put in place to sort out rou- $161,409 per annum is the highest for any major to provide them this opportunity and the platform ment would adopt a stern policy towards those across a honcho in formal four-piece suits with a tine industrial issues and disputes. tech company there. Hence, they never felt the need accused of sexual harassment: "Over the past two tie on. The youthful crowd that strolls around in 'Time's Up'- this was one of the central slogans as well. The data and figures of the Union Rural for a union. So, just seven employees first started years, we have terminated 48 people, including 13 faded jeans and T-shirts at the workplaces, howev- in the marches. Yes, time is up for those executive Development Ministry clearly reveal about virtual organising on this issue in the next two days. The senior managers and above for sexual harassment. er, came up with a stern message to the manage- bullies who use the skewed power relations at work general consensus among employees at the Google None of these people received an exit package". ment. A new attitude reflected in their charter of to exploit women employees who are their juniors non- functioning of DISHA Committees in Jammu headquarters in California was that they should But this letter alone could not pacify the employ- demands, which included end to forced arbitration sexually. In this sense, these marches of the mil- and Kashmir leading to the objectives behind such come out and protest. Many took to the social ees. Left with no alternative, the Google manage- in cases of harassment and discrimination; com- lennials are for equal empowerment. They mark a media to voice their anger. Dedicated WhatsApp ment had to endorse the walkout! mitment to end pay and opportunity inequality; a new chapter in 21st century labour activism. (IPA) Committees getting defeated. groups emerged. Google employees in other Upender Ambardar tooth, being 1½ to 2 inches in length and with the width of a finger. According to a belief in n the times bygone, Kashmir excelled in Sirmour area, the 'Yantra' and 'Lagans' made many spheres of art, literature and cul- 'Sancha Vidhya'-Ancient Treatise of Himachal Pradesh from the soil brought from the village Iture, in which it achieved great heights. Chanan, give better results while consulting The cross cultural-religious strands that dialect has survived in many resembling by consulting 'Sancha' text. The word 'San- bestowal of alms custom, the King of Kash- ments. Based on the intricate knowledge of forms like 'Chambyali', 'Kalluvi' Mandyali' cha' owes it's origin to the Sanskrit word mir agreed to send his pregnant queen in the 'Sancha Granth', the 'Pabuchi' scholars pre- 'Sancha' text. The Brahmans engaged in the stretched between Kashmir and present day 'Sancha' profession take every care to main- Himachal Pradesh successfully withstood the and 'Sirmouri' etc., which are the present day 'Sanch' or 'Sanchai', which means a reposito- form of 'Shaya Daan' to the princely state of pare a local variation of almanac (Jantri) spoken dialects of Chamba, Kallu, Mandi and ry or a compilation. The Brahmans well- Sirmour. In furtherance of it and to facilitate called 'Chri'. The three important compo- tain the knowledge secrecy and imparting of centuries old time-warp and refused to fade- it's knowledge is confined only within the away into oblivion. Apart from the natural Sirmour areas of Himachal Pradesh. In ear- versed with the 'Sancha' knowledge are the subsequent coronation of the Kashmiri nents of 'Chri' are 'Var' i.e. day of the week lier times, the scholarly and learned called 'Pabuch' or 'Baat'. In addition to Prince as a King of Sirmour, the queen Sum- or an occasion, 'Tithi' i.e. a lunar day or date family. brilliance of the landscapes, both the states The Kashmiri origin of the 'Sancha' text share a deep rooted faith of the people in the Himachali Brahmans were known as 'Pabuchi' or 'Bhatakshri' dialects, the 'Sancha' itra of Kashmir went to Sirmour. She was and the planetary movements and their posi- 'Pabuch' due to their demonstrative grip and texts are also found in 'Chandvani', 'Pand- accompanied by a host of Rishis, saints, tions. The 'Chiri' is based on the solar plane- has also been acknowledged by Sh. Suder- time tested traditions, belief systems and shan Vashisht, who is a well known author ancient wisdom, which are enshrined in their hold over the ancient 'Sancha' knowledge. vani' and 'Butakhshri' dialects. The script learned Brahmans, bards, artists and min- tary system, which regards Baisakhi as the The 'Sancha' growth deals with a wide range employed by the Brahmans of the 'Panda' sect istrels, in addition to numerous footmen and first day of the New Year. To get solutions, and researcher of Himachal Pradesh and has holy scriptures. They form an integral part of done note-worthy research work in this direc- our common heritage. The ancient Sancha of topics ranging from necromancy, black is called 'Pandvani', while as the inscription domestics. The accompanying Kashmiri answers and remedies for the different para- magic, witchcraft, occult effects and negative used by the Brahmans of the 'Bhat' sect is Pandits are said to have carried with them doxes that rock the day to day life, the 'San- tion. The ancient and precious Sancha texts scripture of Himachal Pradesh is an illustri- are also found in tehsil Chopal, tehsil Shilayi ous example of the same. It is a combination influences of evil spirits besides demonolo- known by the name of 'Bhatakshri'. Accord- their prized possession the 'Sancha' knowl- cha' text is always consulted for the required gy. The 'Sancha' text offers solutions and ing to a legend, an ancient ruler of the erst- edge system. In the historical documents of help. Resembling a gambling dice, the 'pasha' and Chakrota area of Uttar Pradesh.Pandit of Jyotish and Tantric knowledge. Even today, Om Prakash and Pandit Devi Ram, the native in the present scientific age, this ancient price- remedies to the persons who are troubled by while Sirmour Kingdom came under the spell Himachal, this notable event is recorded in or 'pasa' is employed in deciphering the the negative influences of the above. In addi- of a curse by a female dancer. As a conse- the following lines "Loia Aana Mangtoo, required information from the 'Sancha' text. Brahmans of the village Khadanka in Sir- less knowledge is quite popular in Shimla, mour are experts in Sancha knowledge and Sirmour and Solan areas of Himachal tion to it, all those persons, who are saddled quence, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Purohit Sath Loia Aana Raoy Baat Loia Aana The 'pasha' or 'pasa' has an inscription of four by anxieties and worries arising out of afflic- Sirmour was completely submerged under Vikram Samvat Saat thi todi 1152 Mahina numerical digits marked as 0,00,000 and it's system. Another Brahman named Pandit Pradesh. The 'Sancha Granth' is believed to Shivanand, a resident of the village Janloag have travelled to Himachal Pradesh from tions by various ailments can find health water and the royalty became kingless. Magh." It fully affirms and supports the his- 0000, which have the corresponding numer- assuring remedies by consulting 'Sancha' sys- Depressed by the loss of entire royal clan and torical fact that the carriers of the 'Sancha' ical strength of 1,2,3 and 4 respectively. in Sirmour has also thorough knowledge of Kashmir hundreds of years back. The present 'Sancha' texts. He makes accurate predictions day custodians of this ancient legacy, who are tem. The 'Sancha' treatise also guarantees a to ensure a new heir to the Sirmour throne, treatise or knowledge to Himachal Pradesh These numerical digits are marked on the triumph over one's 'hidden' enemies by two ministers of the Kingdom namely Roy- were none other than the Kashmiri Pandits. individual pages separately. Each numerical based on it's knowledge. Pt. Mohan Lal, a natives of Himachal Pradesh are believed to native of the village Dehar in Sirmour is a be the descendants of Kashmiri Panndits. The recitation of certain 'mantras' i.e. secret moan and Roy Gopal are said to have trav- Corresponding to the above Vikram Samvat, digit with an individual value of sixteen incantations. elled all the way from Sirmour to Srinagar, the exact year of the said event can be said to 'Horas' make a sum total of sixty four 'Horas', well-known name due to his thorough and 'Sancha' treatise is a unique combination of intimate Sancha knowledge. The present day 'Mantra (sacred incantations), 'Yantra' (hal- Its help is also sought in adopting a reli- the capital of Kashmir in the eleventh centu- be 1095 AD. with one 'Hora' being equal to one twenty gious recourse to the matters connected with ry A.D. The two Sirmour ministers are The Kashmiri origin of the 'Sancha' trea- fourth part of a day. experts of Sancha Vidhya acknowledge their lowed implements) and 'Tantra' (mystical Kashmiri origin and lineage. hymns or invocations). The scripts of Sancha almost all the Hindu Sanskars right from birth believed to have requested the then Kashmir tise is further collaborated by the fact that The 'Pashas' or 'Pasa' are specially pre- to death. In addition to it, 'Sancha' knowledge King to send a Kashmiri Prince, who could even today before consulting the 'Sancha' pared only on auspicious days and involve Undoubtedly, 'Sancha' is an ancient and treatise are known by the names of 'Bhatak- sacred knowledge of Kashmiri origin, which shri' or 'Pabuchi', which are Himachali varia- also aids in the recovery of stolen items by take charge of the Sirmour Kingdom. text, Himachali Brahmans pay obeisance to elaborate religious rituals. The different giving clues and hints about the identity of According to the oral legend, out of the Kashmir in the following lines, "Vidhya Suri 'Horas' that are in-vogue in the 'Sancha is an integral part of our historical cultural tions of 'Sharda', the ancient script of Kash- heritage. It is a glorious reminder of our rich mir. In earlier times, the said script was also the thief, the time of the occurrence of the two queens of the then Kashmiri King, one Kashmiri Lagan dekh Shodan Vichar". The Granth' are known as 'Kaalgaymi Hora', theft and number of persons involved in the had an adopted son, while the second one Sancha Granth has detailed information 'Bhoot Prashan Hora', 'Lagan Ki Hora' and past and the proud contribution of Kashmiri known as 'Takri'. Pandits, who have left an indelible mark on In Himachal Pradesh, in addition to act. An accurate and exact knowledge of the named Sumitra was in a family way at that about astrology, planetary placements, inter- 'Tithi Ki Hora' etc. The square shaped 'pasha' auspicious timing or 'Hora' is also possible time. In pursuance of the then prevalent pretation of Zodiac and planetary move- or 'pasa' is usually made up of an elephant the pages of history. 'Bhatakshri' and 'Pabuchi', the ancient 'Takri' [email protected]