The destruction of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in December 1992 was a watershed in the politics of independent India. It was also an apocalyptic turning-point for community life at Ayodhya; and for the highly interdependent cultural lives of Hindus and Muslims living there. This book narrates how Ayodhya's inhabitants experienced the events that led up to and followed the destruction of the mosque.
#574679 in Books 2009-11-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .60 x 9.10l; 1.10 #File Name: 0195392396328 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. History At Its BestBy Bruce E. McLeod Jr.This remarkable book lays out the history of the Caucasus that is compelling; interesting and complex. It delves into the tensions between the republics in the Russian Federation and the independent countries. The overarching issue of religion and ethnicity plagued the relationship between these countries; for many centuries; with the Russian hegemony influencing the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The outcome may have grave consequences for the rest of the world.How can peace prevail in the Caucasus when the area is constantly embroiled with internecine wars; border disputes and ethnic cleansing. My introduction to this area reminds me of the Middle East with its fractured societies and tribal warfares. Maps are provided to give the scale and scope of the borders of these regions from past centuries.The caucasus consist of multicultural; linguistic; and ethnic enclaves that are divided into north and south regions. There are independent sovereign countries with unrecognized ethnic republics within their borders. This leads to a volatile and explosive environment that is constantly in a state of unrest and tension. The book expounds on all of these areas; in a detailed fashion; that is important and somewhat difficult to comprehend; given this diversity. What is apparent; in Charles King's view; is that smaller countries are at the mercy of goliath. Even with this; they were undeterred and doggedly resistant to being colonized until completely overwhelmed.Detailed descriptions of clan leaders in highland and lowland countries are discussed with a thorough analysis of conditions within the different republics. Additionally; the confluence of Islam and christianity and their impact on the region; reveals some underlying issues of conversions; pogroms and religious laws.This is a great book; a book that will provide answers to many questions regarding the caucasus; its peoples and their lives.Bruce E. McLeod; Jr.Las Vegas; Nevada29 May 20131 of 1 people found the following review helpful. very good reading about that part of the world and the ...By GHASSAN N.very good reading about that part of the world and the people quest for freedom and independence. It also shed a light on why so many Chechen and Daghistani are fighting with the terrorists in Syria.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great overarching book to get startedBy wasian206A classic and rather comprehensive overview of the region. Absolutely fascinating.
