Why is this vase hidden in a bookshelf? #a to z challenge

April 26, 2016

Today I talk about a very ordinary vase with an extraordinary past.

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By now you must have figured that we are great collectors of stuff in our home : we collect souvenirs, mementos, items of value and just junk! One thing that has baffled me is why an ordinary ceramic vase that should have been occupying pride of place as War Booty should be kept in an inconspicuous place in a bookshelf that is really used only to store books. But one day, when my father-in-law who originally brought it home, explained its true significance: this vase was from a battle in which General Musharraf had fought as a young subaltern. It had a value that went beyond its material worth.

The vase in the bookshelf

That is the reason why

the vase is kept out of the reach of children who are likely to knock it down with a stray ball or a deliberate hit. Every time a visitor comes home, it is brought out and displayed , the story re-told with obvious pride and after the ooohs and aaaahs of appreciation, kept back in the shelf.

There is nothing extraordinary about this ceramic vase, slightly chipped on one side. But for us it transcends the mere ordinary, symbolising valour and courage in a battle to defend our country.

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#Pakistan A to Z Challenge 2016 vase war booty

Comments

21 responses to “Why is this vase hidden in a bookshelf? #a to z challenge”

Kalpanaa

April 26, 2016

The story behind the artefact is always so fascinating. Any idea which battle and where ?

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 26, 2016
  
  Yes it was in a place called Zafarwal and fought on 5th November 1965 according to what my father in law has written at the bottom
  
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shubhangi

April 26, 2016

That’s a precious vase! Collector’s item indeed!

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Kala Ravi

April 26, 2016

A vase with a history is as good as a trophy, so it deserves the place of honor! It is great that you possess items that have a story and history behind them!
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 26, 2016
  
  Don’t we all have things with a story?
  
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Deepti

April 26, 2016

A prized Possession indeed… And true no one can know its importance than for the ones who have so much honor attached to it..

http://serendipityofdreams.blogspot.in/2016/04/virtual-world.html

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seena

April 26, 2016

Love how many things have a story to tell. :) Needs a story teller too – That’s you!
Seena
#AtoZChallenge – V is for Videos

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 26, 2016
  
  Thanks! I love telling stories?
  
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rajlakshmi

April 26, 2016

I love things with a background story… the memories associated with them makes them even more interesting. Beautiful Vase

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 26, 2016
  
  Thanks for appreciating
  
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Parul

April 26, 2016

Wow! You have got some really cool stuff at your place :)

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 26, 2016
  
  Thanks ‘
  
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My Era

April 26, 2016

Beautiful vase with an intriguing history :)

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Alana

April 26, 2016

Ah, the amazing stories of everyday objects. A precious object!

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 27, 2016
  
  Isn’t it amazing how everything has a backstory….
  
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Ashish Agnihotri

April 27, 2016

The story behind the vase is interesting but my question is what was a vase doing in the battle? And howcome the Indian side got hold of General Musharraf’s vase? Was it a result of the seize after Pakistan lost the war?

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1. Ashish Agnihotri
  
  April 27, 2016
  
  Another question is how did Anamika Agnihotri become Ashish Agnihotri? :D
  
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  1. Bellybytes
    
    April 27, 2016
    
    Yes how did that happen?
    
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2. Bellybytes
  
  April 27, 2016
  
  Ok the vase was from a house that was in the middle of the battle area in a place called Zafarwal across the border . The vase didn’t belong to Gen Musharraf .he happened to be engaged in the same battle. There was no face to face interaction. My F I L discovered this fact post the war through an interview of Musharraf where he mentioned this battle ( Nov 5, 1965 ) .
  
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Debbie D

April 29, 2016

Such a lovely vase with a fascinating story! I can see why it is protected in the bookcase. LIke you, we collect a lot of stuff and most of it does have history and sentimental value.

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1. Bellybytes
  
  April 30, 2016
  
  Well you’ll understand then what exactly our house is about . It was lovely reading your doggie tales
  
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