Kashmir valley history

Kashmir valley history;

 Kashmir Valley is a region with a vast and varied history that has been influenced by many cultures, religions, and politics. This is a short summary of its historical evolution.



Ancient and Early History;

- **Prehistoric Period**: Human presence in the Kashmir Valley is traced back to prehistoric periods. The valley has been inhabited by various ancient civilizations, with archaeological evidence reflecting early settlements.

- **Vedic Period**: Kashmir finds mention in early Hindu literature such as the *Rigveda*. It was thought to be part of the larger territory of "Kashmir" referred to in the *Mahabharata* and other epics. The valley's ancient religious and cultural life was closely connected with Hinduism.

- **Buddhist Influence**: Kashmir was a major center of Buddhism by the 3rd century BCE. Buddhism was propagated in the area by Emperor Ashoka of India, and it then served as an important center of Buddhist scholars and monks.


Medieval Period;

- **Hindu Kings**: Kashmir was governed in the early medieval era by a succession of Hindu kings, most prominently the *Kashmiri Shahi* dynasty. The area prospered as an artistic, cultural, and learning center during this period.

- **Islamic Influence**: During the 14th century, the area started witnessing the propagation of Islam. The arrival of Muslim missionaries, primarily Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi), facilitated the fusion of Islamic culture with local culture. Towards the end of the 14th century, the Kashmir Sultanate was formed, indicating the transformation of Kashmir's ruling culture to Islam.


Mughal Period (1586–1750);

- Kashmir was brought under the Mughal Empire in 1586. The Mughals, especially Emperor Jahangir, cherished the valley's beauty and natural wealth. They created a thriving administrative and cultural climate.

- The Mughal rulers created magnificent gardens, which are today a signature of the landscape of the valley. The Mughals also lent themselves to architectural trends, including the building of renowned structures such as the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and more.


Afghan and Sikh Period (1750–1846)

- **Afghan Rule**: Kashmir was taken over by the Afghan Durrani Empire following the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century. Under oppressive rule by the Afghans, the valley experienced suffering, resulting in great hardship for the inhabitants.

- **Sikh Rule**: Early in the 19th century, following the collapse of the Afghan empire, the Sikh Empire, led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, captured Kashmir in 1819. The Sikhs governed up to 1846.


The Dogra Dynasty (1846–1947);

- The area was transferred to the Dogra rulers of Jammu by the British through the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, after the First Anglo-Sikh War. Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first Dogra ruler, was the head of the newly formed princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

- During the Dogras, Kashmir's economy and infrastructure grew but continued to have tensions between the ruling class and the native people, notably the Muslim majority, who were denied power.


Post-Independence and Modern History (1947–Present);

- **Partition of India (1947)**: When British India was divided into India and Pakistan, the majority Muslim princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was in a predicament. The Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh decided to join India in October 1947, which initiated the first Indo-Pakistani war for the territory.

- **UN Intervention and Ceasefire (1949)**: The war led to a United Nations-brokered ceasefire that created the Line of Control (LoC) and left Indian control over some parts of Kashmir and Pakistani control over others.

- **Kashmir Conflict**: The Kashmir conflict has been the central issue in India-Pakistan relations since 1947 and has resulted in various wars (1965 and 1971) and ongoing tensions. It has been a hotbed of insurgencies, militancy, and violent conflict, especially since the late 1980s when an insurgency for independence or merger with Pakistan gained momentum.


- **Autonomy and Article 370**: Jammu and Kashmir had a special autonomous status in India under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. In August 2019, though, the Indian government abrogated the state's special status, which created widespread controversy and apprehensions regarding the future of the region.


Contemporary Situation

Today, the Kashmir Valley is a zone of intense political and military conflict, with India, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people experiencing ongoing conflict. The area's rich cultural history, religious diversity, and natural setting continue to define its identity in the face of conflict.


The history of Kashmir is complex, and it remains a key geopolitical and cultural area, a focal point in South Asian politics.

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