RARE COLLECTION ABOUT KASHMIR: SURVEY AND DOCUMENTATION

Abstract

Kashmir has been a fascinating subject for authors and analysts. Volumes have been documented and published about its multi-faceted aspects in varied forms like manuscripts, rare books and images available in a number of institutions, libraries and museums worldwide. The study explores the institutions and libraries worldwide possessing rare books (published before 1920) about Kashmir using online survey method and documents their bibliographical details. The study aims to analyze subject, chronology and country wise collection strength. The study shows that the maximum collection of the rare books is on travelogue 32.48% followed by Shaivism 8.7%. While as the collection on other subjects lies in the range of 2.54%-5.53% with least of 2.54% on Grammar. Literature of 20th century is preserved by maximum of libraries (53.89%) followed by 19th century (44.93%), 18th century (1.08%) and 17th century (0.09%) and none of the library except Cambridge University library possesses a publication of 17th century. The treasure of rare books lies maximum in United States of America (56.7%) followed by Great Britain (35%), Canada(6%), Australia (1.8%) with least in Thailand (0.45%).

Keywords

• Rare Books
• Rare Books Collections
• Kashmir
• Manuscripts
• Paintings.