A Complex Endure

Prologue

Early sixteen century witnessed a flood of European traders to India, known for its riches. There were British, Portuguese, French, and Dutch. Their basic intent was to explore potentials for a two-way trade. They soon realised that India offered much more, than just the trade. Their trading exploits coincided with what one would refer to, as a dark period in the Indian history. Unsecured kingdoms were scattered, its rulers fighting amongst themselves, their ranks waiting to seize any opportunity they could get, whatever the cost. Dearth of knowledge, education and superstition, shed a dark shadow on India. Caste system affected the unity of people. Social status and the rank of women were, austere.

The European traders, predominantly British lost no time to begin their assault. A British East India Company’s ship carrying goods with soldiers, disguised as Security Personnel, arrived in India. These soldiers helped, Emperor Jahangir win the Battle of Swally, and gained trading concessions. Continuing its strategy, the Company conspired with Mir Kasim, a minister in Bengal State. Their army defeated the Bengal ruler, seized Bengals riches, and installed Mir Kasim, as its subservient ruler. This enabled the Company to setup trading posts, in major Indian towns. Pleased with its aggressive approach, King Charles II granted the Company, rights to raise its army, conquer kingdoms, mint its own money, and exercise legal jurisdiction in the areas, under its control.

The Company made many attempts to infiltrate Kabul valley, the Peshawar region, and the Punjab. These kingdoms were, united and had resisted, onslaughts from the West for most two centuries. The great Sikh kingdom Punjab was, consolidated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled the Sikh kingdom for 40 years. After his death in the year 1839, Punjab started to disintegrate. The East India Company gathered all its available resources, and launched its most ambitious expansion plan, under the command of Lord Dalhousie. The Khalsa army fought fearlessly. Finally, the British soldiers defeated them, and captured Punjab, together with other princely states. As a compromise, the Company facilitated the ruler of Jammu, Maharaja Daleep Singh to acquire Kashmir, known for its natural beauty, comparable to Switzerland.

According to local belief, Kashmir means dried out land from two Sanskrit word, Ka; water and shimeera; dry or dried out. In his book Rajatarangini, Kalhana, a 12th century historian, records that the valley of Kashmir was, formerly, a vast lake, known as Satisar. The great sage Kashayapa, made a gap, in the hills at Varaha-mula; Baramulla, acclaimed the land and settled Brahmans there. The settlement acquired the name, Kashayapa Pura and settlers, Kashmiri Pundits. Cashmere is an ancient spelling of Kashmir. It is still spelled this way, in some countries. Predominantly, a Hindu state, Kashmir was an important Centre, for Hinduism and its culture.

During the epic period Kamboja dynasty, ruled Kashmir with a Republican form of government, followed by Panchalas. The name Panjal, a distorted form of Panchalas, is linked to Panchalas. Muslim added the word peer, in the memory of Siddha Fakir, and called it, Peer Panjal. Queen Kota Rani, wife of Udyana Deva, was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir. She was brave, shrewd and an able ruler. When the valley was invaded by a Mongol and Turk invader Achalla, Udyana Deva fled to Tibet. The Queen and her army, fought courageously, drove away the foreign invaders and killed Achalla. A By then, a number of Muslim, including those, who stayed behind, had migrated to the Valley.

In the year 1339, Shamus-din Shah Mir, a courtier led a mammoth rally, and dethroned Kota Rani. The defeat, the indifference of Hindu grandees to mass religion conversion of Hindus, dismayed Kota Rani, and she committed suicide. Her death paved the way for Muslim rule, in Kashmir, with Shamus-din Shah Mir, as its first Muslim ruler. Intolerant of other religions, Shah Mir embarked on, massive conversion drive, followed more vigorously, by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan. Tarikh-e-Firishta, a Persian historian records that Sikandar Butshikan prohibited, anyone other than Muslim, to stay in the valley. When Dogras purchased the region from the British, most Hindu Pundits were, converted to Islam and Kashmir had a Muslim majority. Gulab Singh established a dynasty that ruled the region, until 1947, when it ceded to India, and became an integral part of India.

The extension of Oudh in the year 1856 was Company's final territorial acquisition. The year also surfaced Indian grievances toward the British East India Company’s rule. Its major cause was the Company’s decision to use pig and cow fat, in the cartridges. This hurt religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims soldiers. They refused to use the cartridges and revolted. On May 10, 1857, a large number of soldiers from the British Indian Army, marched to Delhi and offered their services to the Mogul Emperor. India plunged into a long and uncomfortable uprising. Many independent states joined the revolt. The uprising threatened British rule in India. This was an unpredicted, development and the British were, scared. A major battle ensued, leading to British victory. The rebels flee to Nepal.

Crown took control, declared India a British Colony, and installed a Secretary of State. Racial Discrimination followed. Tax base was, enlarged. Unemployment increased. Indian were, forced to buy British goods, they could not afford. Restrictions were, imposed on civil rights, and the press.

Allen Octavian Hume, who had been fighting against racial discrimination, formed Indian National Congress (INC), in 1885 with some prominent Indian leaders. The modest means used by INC, to achieve equality and justice failed. Mass protests followed. Quit India, a decisive fight for freedom began. Mohandas K. Gandhi, a Barrister, hardened by many years of nonviolent struggle in South Africa, returned to India, and joined the fight. At the outset his non-violent civil disobedience appeared unrealistic, people soon realised its impact. Gandhi himself a peace lover was, supported by Indian revolutionaries. In the year 942, a Free India movement was, declared. The movement embraced all sections of India finally, leading to an open revolt against the Colonial Government, and gave a robust momentum to Quit India struggle.

Untoward events followed. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a stanch Congressman, and a strong believer of United India, lost a leadership fight and left Congress. He joined Muslim League, a minority Muslim party and was, elected its President. In a Conference in Lahore, he persuaded a small group of partakers, to adopt a resolution demanding a separate state for Muslims. This enhanced British Government effort, to weaken the Congress. Congress was, supported by the mainstream of Indian, including a large majority of Muslims, all in favor of a United Sovereign India.

On March 15, 1946, Labor Government, under pressure from International community, set up a Cabinet Mission. The Mission’s term of reference was, to advise the Labor Government, how the reigning power that rested in the hand of British Government, be transferred to India. The Mission was, also entrusted the task of evaluating, if a separate Muslim state was, required or necessary for communal harmony. Lord Attlee, the British Prime Minister, expressed his full support to the Mission and stated that his government would abide by Mission’s recommendation. After an exhaustive assessment, the Mission recommended that an interim government be set up, to carry on the administration of a United Sovereign India, until a new constitution was in place. The mission emphatically stated that neither a large nor a small independent Muslim state of Pakistan was necessary, or a prerequisite for communal harmony. This strongly worded recommendation had full backing of the Secretary of State, the Colonial Government and indeed the Governor General of India. British Government sought geo-strategic locations to set up vital Military bases in India. This demand was, rejected outright by the Indian leaders. The British pursued Jinnah and got these concessions. The government was, fully aware that Jinnah’s resolve, for a state of Pakistan, for Muslims was, to gain power for him. It nevertheless, supported Jinnah’s party to put across a perception that Congress alone did not represent the people of India. It ignored the advice of Cabinet Mission’s, the Secretary of State, the Colonial Government, and the Governor General. It backed out of norms agreed with the Indian leaders, and disregarded their warnings that a division based on religion, would spell disaster. The British policy makers put together a mélange, for a separate state of Pakistan. The plan was, implemented, with the full knowledge that such a step would disrupt large populace, causing death of millions of innocent people.

No one would deny that the Pakistan was, created for Muslims. How does one explain that a much larger majority of Muslims, refused to leave India for their elected state of Pakistan, and chose to stay in India? On August 15 1947, an alienated India became an independent sovereign nation. Most princely states including, Kashmir ceded to India. Massive migration ensued. Over 14.5 million people crossed the hastily defined borders, which gave Pakistan full control of Geostrategic locations, British policy makers had sought. Both state governments were, unequipped to deal with a migration of this magnitude. Violent clashes followed. Over a million, innocent people lost their lives.

With Pakistan came the Pro-creation of terrorism. It was initially against India, and later infested the world. This perceptively, accidentally created monster, a lethal invincible and irrepressible weapon, transformed into an everlasting threat; US 9/11 claimed lives of 2987 people from 115 countries. London bombing in 2005 killed 52 people. There have been numerous hits on India, among these were, Mumbai train bombing and a more recent assault, on hotels and hospitals, killing 800 innocent lives, many foreigners, among them. There had been countless deaths, in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

Better sense prevailing, British Government had acted wisely and accepted the recommendations, of their own cabinet mission, the world would have been a better world. Besides, it would have saved over one million innocent people, avoided pro-creation of terrorism, escaped this ferocity, and the fear we live with today, and would perhaps, for many generations, to come.

India has managed to sustain consistency, in spite of its size and the issues left behind, by Colonial Government. A United India would have stood firm against terrorism. It would have not allowed its soil to become a breeding ground for terrorists. Indian have always resisted the menace, like it happened, in Punjab.

Chapter 1

Saahil returned home, after dropping his parents, to the Railroad station. He observed his sister Gudiya. How she had grown, he thought. At nineteen, she was one beautiful Lady. Gudiya too, saw him with anticipation, and asked. Where, their parents had gone? Saahil chortled. He perceived tears in her sister’s eyes, and pleaded with her, not to cry. Why not? Her life was collapsing; she was disconcerted, apprehensive, and lost. Gudiya whispered more to her. She sat on a chair and closed her eyes. A bizarre silence, followed.

Dazed she sensed a wedge. She tried to penetrate it, could not. She took a step back, and stumbled in total darkness. There were no luminous landscapes or visible path, to take her anywhere. She shuddered with fear and professed an uncanny psychic arrangement depicting meaningless connects. A cluttered mass of brushstrokes, a lifeless silhouette as if the initiator, had lost his focus. She tried to give it a course, a meaning, to take it somewhere. She saw the strokes widening, creating an ambiguous nothing. She felt mislaid. Trapped in an endless dark tunnel with no discernible escape, she desperately looked for an opening. She saw a misty path and yearned for it to transform. She walked in the direction of the obscure path, oblivious to, where she was going. She heard voices and opened her eyes. DaiMa, her childhood governess was shaking her, a look of concern on her face. She asked Gudiya, if she was alright?

"I am fine, DaiMa." Gudiya feigned.

"You passed out Sis, and scared us all to death." Saahil remarked.

"I did not. I just fell asleep." Cognizant now, she smiled nervously.

"I am taking you to Dr. Cohen, for a check-up." Saahil said, firmly.

"Saahil Please, I said, I am good." She reiterated.

DaiMa observed Gudiya’s discomfort, took her hand and led her upstairs, to her room. She made her lie down, and told her that marriage was inevitable. Whether it happened now or later, was irrelevant. So, why was she so upset? Revealing her fears, Gudiya explained that she was confused about relationships, and about leaving her family. She was petrified at the thought of spending, her life with a stranger, a person, she had never met, and a family, she did not know. DaiMa laughed, and said that most girls had these reservations. It all worked out. She would have a new home, she would begin to like, a loving husband, and her own adorable children. Gudiya, when two people tied a knot, it fulfilled a lifetime desire. The joys of marriage were immense, if one worked for those potentials. Real satisfaction came from giving than receiving. It was about love and care. It was also about leaving family, home and starting a new life. All this made one uneasy and jittery. This of course did not mean that her ties, with her family weakened. In fact, her relationship with her own family became stronger. The time she spent with them, became more satisfying. She also built a new relationship, and a family of her own.

Expressing her fear, Gudiya said that she had never been close to a man, had apprehensions, and was afraid. DaiMa conceded that these concerns are natural. In matrimony, one just submitted oneself to whatever, was to follow. It was irrelevant whether one was seeking an understanding or pleasure through this relationship. The unexpected experience touched one’s inner self and transcended proximity, one could not have imagined. A bond so heavenly and comforting, it touched ones heart.

Gudiya argued that it was about her and her life. She smiled, nervously, and whispered that her life partner was, one close relation, she could cherry-pick. Her parents, her brothers, her sisters, even her children were, handed out to her. They were taking away, that one choice, she had. DaiMa still reticent revealed to her the values of arranged marriages. She elucidated that it was parents’ sacred duty to choose a life partner for their children. They placed emphasis on family background, modesty, reticence, and dependability. People married, on fundamental values, and worked on building affections later. The primary stress was not on physical beauty and sex. This enabled two people, to get to know each other on a practical level. Beauty and sex were, considered but these took low priority.

Gudiya asked, if it was fair that her parents decide, and she lived by that decision. DaiMa could not say. She recalled Gudiya’s mother mentioning, a function in Peshawar. The boy must be from Peshawar, and quite likely that it was their Raaj. DaiMa recalled his parent’s recent visit to Lahore. It was a short visit….It had to be Raaj. She debated if it was wise, to share her cynical views, with her doll. She observed Gudiya closing her eyes and drifting to sleep. DaiMa’s thought shifted to Raaj. He had come to Lahore, to obtain, his law degree, eight years ago. Gudiya was only eleven, then. Raaj had stayed with them for three months, before moving, to his apartment, still visiting them on Sundays. Gudiya was fond of him, and looked forward to his, visits. She sensed Gudiya stir, and coming out of her musing. She smiled to comfort her. She also decided that she would share her instincts, with her little doll.

"Gudiya, your Mama mentioned a function in Peshawar." DaiMa said.

"She did?" A visibly exultant Gudiya asked.

"It is probably Raaj considering, his parent’s recent visit." She added.

Gudiya smiled happily. Relieved, DaiMa, left to get her a glass of juice. Gudiya climbed down, and picked up a photo frame; a shot taken some 8 years ago. Both Raaj and Saahil, were, standing by her side. She pondered if Raaj knew and deliberated how he would respond. She was too excited to sleep. Issues exploded in her head. She could not identify him, as her life partner. They were never, that close. He was nice, bright, and fetching and she liked him. Was it possible that she had fallen in love with him? She did have a soft spot for him and looked forward to his visits. This was a long time ago. She was in her teens. She was attracted to him. She did not know how and when it happened. She was certain that it did. She looked at his picture, and smiled, playfully.

Chapter 2

Having attained his law degree from Christian Law College in Lahore, Raaj returned to his home, in Peshawar. He approached an upcoming law firm. They made him an offer, which he accepted. He was to assist a senior attorney with his work. Raaj was the only child of Amar Seth a successful businessperson, in Peshawar. He was 24, good looking, appealing, shrewd, and vigilant. Peshawar was an important commercial center and had links to Hardpan and Mohenjo-Daro civilization. Diverse tribal groups of Indo-Iranian and Dravidian origin dominated the city. Among its cultural heritage was a monument with Buddha’s relic.

Raaj stayed with the firm, for two years. During this time, he worked on several cases, managed a number of independent assignments, and won three difficult court battles. Doing so gave him the confidence, he required, to start his own practice. In less than two years, he was among the most successful legal minds, in the region. Observing this, Amar his father, spoke to him about a marriage proposal. The girl, he explained was, pretty and