The Battle For Baramulla – A Kashmiri Saga On Sacrifice [Review]

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Title: The Battle for Baramulla (Songs of Freedom Series)
Written by: Mallika Ravikumar
Cover illustration and design by: Samar Bansal
Published by: Duckbill (an imprint of Penguin Random House)
Type: Paperback
Length: 136 pages
Age recommendation: 10 and above

‘If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this’
-Emperor Jahangir

The prologue of the book opens to a pre-independent Kashmir in a country on the cusp of freedom. The Maharaja of Kashmir gambles with the fate of the region. The monarch dithers which has led to Kashmir being embroiled in controversy in South Asia even today.

We are introduced to young Zooni who is a playful and feisty girl. Along with her older cousin, Maqbool Sherwani, she is in the thick of fervent patriotic discussions about the fate of Kashmir.

The story is set in the town of Baramulla, which is the cultural and business hub of Kashmir. The tall chinar trees and the Nanga Parbat peak form the picturesque background. The atmosphere is charged with political passion and what follows soon is the (now familiar) attack from across the border.

There are riots and an exodus of Kashmiris due to religious persecution. Young Zooni has to face a terrifying trial and is forced to be brave and strong as terror makes its presence felt in the valley. She and Maqbool are drawn into the epicenter of the events that unfold in Baramulla.

Based on true events, this story will leave you in shock and awe of how a few hours of events in Baramulla actually transformed the fate of Kashmir.

The quick pace of the story and the strong narrative will keep you hooked. The author’s vivid description will make you pause and appreciate the beauty of Kashmir. At the same time, the urgency and uncertainty of the region is also palpable.

The story’s narrative is powerful and persuasive with poetic lines in Kashmiri peppering the pages. The story will have you wishing for a cup of noon chai and Kashmiri naan.

As I read this fabulous book on our nation’s 79th Independence Day, I felt a deep sense of respect for the countless lives that were sacrificed for the freedom of our country. I was deeply moved to read the historical note at the end of the book and learn about the legendary ‘Lion of Baramulla’.

The author’s in-depth research provides an honest account of the events and she has masterfully managed to write a children’s book on a contentious topic.

A befitting addition to the fantastic ‘Songs of Freedom’ series, this book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and events in the Kashmiri valley.

You can read the reviews of all the books in this series which explore the lives of children across India during the struggle for independence like The Chowpatty Cooking Club , That Year at Manikoil , A Melody in Mysore on this website. You can also explore the other newly released books in the Songs of Freedom series here.

Songs Of Freedom: Tales Of The Freedom Movement From All Over India (Box Set of 8 books) is NOW AVAILABLE!

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Disclaimer: Sowmya is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.