Archive · 6 Sep 2025
Book Captures Kashmiri Stories, Counters Dominant Narrative
A journalist named Ipsita Chakravarty wrote a book called "Dapaan" about stories she collected from people in Kashmir.
She interviewed locals to get their perspectives, especially after a time of unrest in 2016.
The book uses the Kashmiri word "Dapaan," which means "it is said," to reflect how stories are shared in Kashmir.
The stories sometimes have dark humor, reflecting the tough experiences of the people there.
The book aims to offer a view of Kashmir that is different from what is often heard elsewhere, even as a ban was placed on certain books about Kashmir, some of which have been shared online.
Journalist Ipsita Chakravarty compiled oral histories into a book titled "Dapaan: Tales from Kashmir’s Conflict."
The book features stories of the people of Kashmir, collected after the 2016 protests.
The Kashmiri word "Dapaan" means "it is said," and is central to the region's storytelling.
The book aims to counter the mainstream narratives about Kashmir, offering alternative perspectives.
Chakravarty's book may have been included in a ban by the J&K home department imposed on 25 books about Kashmir in August 2025.
- Who
- Ipsita Chakravarty, Kashmiri journalist, and the people of Kashmir.
- What
- A book compiling oral histories from Kashmir.
- When
- After the 2016 protests and currently.
- Where
- Kashmir and New Delhi.
- Why
- To record the experiences and stories of Kashmiris, countering the dominant narrative.
- Book Title
- Dapaan: Tales from Kashmir’s Conflict
- Author
- Ipsita Chakravarty
- Key Theme
- Oral histories of Kashmir
- Kashmiri Word
- Dapaan ('it is said')
- Ban on Books
- J&K home department imposed a blanket ban on 25 books about Kashmir on August 5th, 2025.