By early 20th century, a lot of women travellers started visiting Kashmir. Although, there are quite a few travelogues based on their experiences in Kashmir (Americans Dr. Arley Munson (1913), Alberta Johnston Denis (1934)), the books barely mention how these fiercely independent women were managing such strenuous travels. “Trekking in Kashmir, with a family, or without one” by English woman, based in Kodiakanal, Barbara Earl, is rare travel guide in that sense. Written in 1930 and published in Lahore, it was meant for women who wanted to go trekking in Kashmir valley, ‘with or without family’. So, besides the detailed (updated) travel information, it came with a lot of practical advise like: How to water proof a tent using something called ‘Sunlight’ soap, avoid theft at camp site, repel fleas and mosquitoes, manage supplies, which medicines to carry, and how to bake cookies before setting off for treks in Kashmir.
Barbara went with her two young children and a retinue of Kashmiri helpers
‘Nawal Kishore & Sons’
An Ad for a Motor Shop in Rawalpindi
This copy is heavy on ‘pen underlining’. The owner eighty years ago was using to to learn English,
