Poonch: Identity, Politics, and Resistance by Ershad Mahmud offers a focused and scholarly examination of a historically significant yet often overlooked region within the Kashmir narrative. At a time when discussions on Kashmir are dominated by polarization and political agendas, the book provides a balanced and research-driven perspective.
Covering the period from 1819 to 1947, it traces the emergence of political consciousness, resistance, and identity in Poonch, highlighting its pivotal role in the region’s political evolution. By centering local experiences and struggles, the book challenges simplified narratives and restores Poonch to its rightful place in South Asian history.
Written with insight and authenticity by a native of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch: Identity, Politics, and Resistance connects historical inquiry with contemporary realities, making it both timely and enduring—a valuable contribution to scholarship and informed discourse on Kashmir.