Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Srinagar's Rich Cultural Heritage Explored in New Book
Sameer Hamdani, a writer and art historian, has written a book called 'The City of Kashmir, Srinagar: A Popular History' that talks about the rich cultural and historical significance of Srinagar.
The book focuses on Srinagar's past as a major urban settlement that connected multiple cultures along the Silk Road.
Hamdani explains how Srinagar was influenced by various empires, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic periods, and how it was a hub for cultural exchange.
He also discusses the impact of the Partition in 1947, which changed the city's status as a receptacle of traditions from diverse regions.
The book highlights the city's unique urban life and its role in shaping the broader Kashmiri cultural and political zeitgeist.
Hamdani's personal connection to Srinagar, having lived there for over 40 years, adds a special touch to his research and understanding of the city.
Sameer Hamdani's new book explores Srinagar's cultural and historical significance, recentering its narrative away from turmoil.
The book highlights Srinagar's role as a major urban settlement connecting multiple cultures along the Silk Road.
Hamdani discusses the impact of the Partition in 1947, which ended Srinagar's status as a receptacle of diverse traditions.
The book emphasizes Srinagar's unique urban life and its role in shaping the broader Kashmiri cultural and political zeitgeist.
Hamdani's personal connection to Srinagar, having lived there for over 40 years, adds depth to his research and understanding of the city.
- Who
- Sameer Hamdani, a writer and art historian
- What
- A book exploring the cultural and historical significance of Srinagar
- When
- The book is his third publication, with a fourth on Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom planned
- Where
- Srinagar, Kashmir
- Why
- To recentre Srinagar's narrative away from turmoil and towards its rich, unexplored past
- Author
- Sameer Hamdani
- Book Title
- The City of Kashmir, Srinagar: A Popular History
- Historical Periods Covered
- Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic
- Key Landmark
- Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom's monastery on Hari Parbat
- Historical Connections
- Chinese, Indian, and Persian empires
- Mughal Influence
- Prosperity and cultural effervescence
- Unique Feature
- Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake