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August 10, 2003
In brief
THE main focus of Insaan Ji Tarikh is on the creation of the universe and the evolution of life. The voluminous work encompasses a variety of elaborately discussed schools of thought. The writer treats his subject in the light of mythology, creationism, evolution, and scientific advancement through which readers are provided a chance to study in depth all disciplines of humanity.
Leaving aside the parameters of anthropology, creationism and evolution, the author, Dr Habibullah Siddiqui, has also attempted to organize his thoughts in accordance with his hypothesis. He has also brought in a large number of references to uphold his viewpoint.
Each one of the book’s 11 chapters deals with a specific subject duly supported by arguments and opinions made by renowned scholars. From the creation of the world to events that changed the course of history, the book focuses on a variety of themes. Perhaps the most interesting of these is the chapter on the Indus Valley Civilization which details the origin of Moenjodaro and Harrapa, its interaction with contemporary civilization, its culture, social setup and political history. Technically, the book is an overview of the origin and evolution of the human race in the light of comparative studies.
A positive feature of this book is that a number of references have been assembled within its two covers, which is always a challenging task and will be widely appreciated. Preceded by two small books in Sindhi by the same author, Insaan Ji Tarikh is a valuable addition to Sindhi literature. — Shaikh Aziz
Insaan Ji Tarikh
By Dr Habibullah Siddiqui
Habibullah Siddiqui Academy,
B-27, Sindh University Employees Co-operative Housing Society, Jamshoro, Sindh.
952pp. Rs300
WRITTEN in a lively style, this travelogue takes the reader from Karachi to Saidu Sharif (Swat) in 84 pages, 40 of which carry 80 coloured photographs of the places the author visited. Like most travel literature in Urdu, this book is a rambling piece of writing. In places it is informative, but in a random fashion.
Thus before the main journey begins with Subooha Khan’s 68-year-old husband suggesting out of the blue a road journey up north, there is a write-up on their stay in Sukkur. It is not clear why the Sukkur sojourn figures at the start of the book. But it contains more information about the barrage than what the rest of the book gives on other places which the author visited in her 15-day trip.
The Sukkur Barrage was commissioned in 1932, the work on it having begun in 1928. Built at a cost of Rs 40.4 million (plus Rs160 million on the network of seven canals), the barrage changed the face of Sindh. Thousands of acres of barren land came to be irrigated.
In some places, the book is rather sketchy. At times, the reader gets the impression that the author is focussing only on the state of the roads. This is an important issue, but can be quite monotonous at times. Leaving aside this aspect, the book makes pleasant reading which can be lapped up in one sitting.— ZM
Apna Des Apnay Log: Tasveeri Safar Nama (with CD)
By Subooha Khan
Self published
84pp. Price not listed
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