A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with huge noise. Destruction has noise, but creation is quiet. This is the power of silence.
"Grow Silently"
KASHMIR the most beautiful place, actually heaven on the earth, is famous for its hatred and controversies since 1947 but,it has a very beautiful and sad history. Earliest Neolithic sites in the flood plains of Kashmir valley are dated to c. 3000 BCE. Most important of these sites are the settlements at Burzahom, which had two Neolithic and one Megalithic phases. This proves the history of Kashmir for almost 5000 years. History of Kashmir is recorded since 3450 BCE through Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana. Kashmir has more than 5400 years of history, lineage of Kashmir Kings and pre-mahabharat era Kashmir valley formation by Kashyapa Rishi by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla.
Name “Kashmir” means “desiccated land” (Sanskrit: Ka = water and shimeera = desiccate). In Rajatarangini(Riverflow of Kings), a history of Kashmir written by Kalhana around 1150 CE, it is stated that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake, which was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla (Varaha-mula). When Kashmir valley had been drained, Kashyapa asked Brahmans to settle there. That is how Kashmir Pundits started inhabiting the valley with human population.
The name of Kashyapa is by history and tradition connected with the draining of the lake, and the chief town or collection of dwellings in the valley was called Kashyapa-pura, which has been identified with Kaspapyros of Hecataeus (apud Stephanus of Byzantium) and Kaspatyros of Herodotus. Kashmir is also believed to be the country meant by Ptolemy’s Kaspeiria.
According to the Nilmat Purana, the land of Kashmir was occupied by a vast lake called "Satisara".On the basis of this fact, the word "Kashmir" is derived from Sanskrit "Kashyapa + Mira" which means the sea lake or the mountain of sage Kashyapa. Kashyapa was the originator of Kashmir. Ancient Kashmir was really rich in holy places and the objects of pilgrimages were planted throughout the valley.
During Mahabharata era, Kambojas ruled Kashmir during the epic period with a Republican system of government from the capital city of Karna-Rajapuram-gatva-Kambojah-nirjitastava, shortened to Rajapura, which is modern Rajauri.
Peer Panjal, which is a part of modern Kashmir, is a witness to this fact. Panjal is simply a distorted form of the Sanskritic tribal term Panchala. Muslims prefixed the word peer to it in memory of Siddha Faqir and the name thereafter is said to have changed into Peer Panjal.
History behind name of Jammu
Jammu was founded by Hindu King Raja Jambu Lochan in the 14th century BCE. During one of his hunting campaigns he reached the Tawi River where he saw a goat and a lion drinking water at the same place. The king was impressed and decided to set up a town after his name, Jamboo. With the passage of time, the name was corrupted and became “Jammu“.
Authentic sources of Kashmir history are Nilmata Purana (complied c. 500–600 CE) and Rajatarangini (1150 CE).
Kalhana’s Rajatarangini (River of Kings), has all the 8000 Sanskrit verses of which were completed by 1150 CE, and chronicles the history of Kashmir’s dynasties from Mahabharata times to 12th century CE (4600 years of history and complete list of Kashmir Kings).
During the reign of Muslim kings in Kashmir, three supplements to Rajatarangini were written by Jonaraja (1411–1463 CE), Srivara, and Prajyabhatta and Suka, which end with Akbar’s conquest of Kashmir in 1586 CE.
According to the Rajtarangini, Kashmir was a country where there was not a space as large as a grain of sesamum without a Tirtha. It is claimed that “Kashmir ki subeh, vadiyon me OM dhwni ki gunj aur mandiro k ghantiyon se hoti thi”Kashmir was ruled by about 140 hindu/buddhist kings. But due to lack of space i cannot explain the each name however i’ll give brief description about every dynasty.Gonanda I, 3238-3188 BCE, claimed to be the first known king of Kashmir. After that In the 3rd century BCE, the great emperor Ashoka propagated Buddhism in Kashmir.Later Kanishka held the right here. At the time of Kanishka, the fourth Buddhist Mahasangiti of the Sarvastivada tradition was organizedat the Kundal Van Vihar in Srinagar under the chairmanship of the famous Buddhist scholar Vasumitra.
List of Kashmir Kings from 3450 BCE
This list and timings are derived from Rajatarangini.
1-5. Names not known 3450-3238 BCE
1. Gonanda I 3238-3188 BCE
2. Damodara I 3188-3140 BCE
3. Yasovati (Damodara I’s wife) 3140-3139½ BCE
4. Gonanada II (Yasovati’s son) 3139½-3083 BCE
5. Parikshit 3083-3041 BCE
6. Harnadeva
7. Rama deva
8. Vyasadeva
9. Drunadeva
10. Simhadeva
11. Gopaladeva
12. Vijayananda
13. Sukhadeva
14. Ramananda
15. Sandhiman
16. Marahandeva & Kamandeva.
17. Chandradeva
18. Anandadeva
19. Drupadadeva
20. Harnamdeva
21. Sulkandeva
22. Sinaditya
23. Mangaladitya
24. Khimendra
25. Bhimasena
26. Indrasena
27. Sundarasena
28. Galgendra
29. Baladeva
30. Nalasena
31. Gokarna
32. Prahlada
33. Bambru
34. Pratapaseela
35. Sangrama chandra
36. Larik chandra
37. Biramchamdra
33. Babighana
39. Bhagavanta
Gonanda I was relative of magadhaa ruler jarasandha and contemporary to Yudhishtir. He was killed by Krishna’s elder brother Balarama.
His son Damodara I was killed by Krishna and his army. Later Krishna made his wife Yasovati as temporary ruler for 6 months, who was succeeded by her son Gonanda II.
This Gonanda II was Killed in a battle with Parikshit (grandson of Arjuna), king of Hastinapura in 3083 BCE.
As Gonanda II has no heir at time of death, Parikshit took over the kingdom of Kashmir, incorporated it into his empire and handed it over to Harnadeva, who was from his family.
From Harnadeva, Pandava dynasty kings ruled over Kashmir for 1331 years from 3083-1752 BCE.
Gonanda-II had 7 wives. Gonanda-II’s mother Yasovati, along with her pregnant elder daughter-in-law Sudhalahari, ran away and took shelter at her maternal kingdom of Videha.
Gonanda dynasty heir was raised there but for many generations, they could not re-capture their Kashmir Kingdom.
Their descendants survived in multiple regions through many years but never had the courage or strength to attack heirs of Harnadeva.
But they were raised with the thought that they belonged to Gonanda Dynasty.
After 1331 years, Lava gathered enough army and killed Bhagavanta, the last descendant of Harnadeva (relative of Pandavas) and restarted Gonanda dynasty rule.
40. Lava 1752-1713 BCE
41. Kusa or Kusesaya 1713-1674 BCE
42. Khagendra 1674-1635 BCE
43. Surendra (Issueless) 1635-1596 BCE
44. Godhara (Another family) 1596-1557 BCE
45. Suvarna 1557-1518 BCE
46. Janaka 1518-1479 BCE
47. Sachinara (His Paternal uncle was Sakuni’s great grandson) 1479-1447 BCE
48. Asoka or Dharmasoka (Gonanda Dynasty) 1448-1400 BCE
He lost his kingdom, as Mlechchas occupied it and he fled to forest. His son Jaelauka reconquered it)
49. Jaelauka 1400-1344 BCE
This Jaelauka was the first Kashmir king to build bridges on 5 rivers.
Prior to that, people (including kings) used to cross rivers on boats only.
50. Damodara II 1344-1294 BCE
50. Hushka, Jushka and Kanishka 1294-1234 BCE
52. Abhimanyu 1234-1182 BCE
Dharmasoka built Srinagar, capital of Kashmir during 1448-1400 BCE
Gonanda I was a poet. Dharmasoka, who belonged to the Gonanda dynasty, freed himself from sins by embracing Buddhism and built the city of Srinagar, with ninety-six lakhs of houses, resplendent with wealth.
He too was a poet.
Dynasty of Gonanada III. From 1182 BCE to 272 BCE – Total 910 years
53. Gonanda III 1182-1147 BCE
54. Vibhishana 1147-1092½ BCE
55. Indrajit 1092½-1057 BCE
56. Ravana 1057-1027 BCE
57. Vibhishana II 1027-991½ BCE
58. Kinnara or Nara 991½-952 BCE
59. Siddha 952-892 BCE
60. Utpalaksha 892-861½ BCE
61. Hiranyaksha 861½-824 BCE
62. Hiranyakula 824-764 BCE
63. Vasukula 764-704 BCE
64. Mihirakula 704-634 BCE
65. Baka 634-594 BCE
66. Kshitinamdana 594-564 BCE
67. Vasunamdana (Poet) 564-512 BCE
This Vasunandana was a poet and author of Samara Sastra.
Mihirakula (wrongly identified by historians as a Huna King), ruled during 704-634 BCE.
He was 12th king from Gonanda-III. This King married Gandhara princess Kalyanavati during a war. She married him and stopped the war.
His father Vasukula was house arrested for 10 days before death by Mihirakula.
This Mihirakula also attacked Sri Lanka (Sinhala Kingdom) and killed its king. During his path, he also defeated Kannada, Dravida kings.
He was known for killing Buddhists in large number and re-establishing sanatana dharma, 200 years before Adi Sankaracharya.
During his rule, Andhra Kings of Magadha, Skandhasatambhin, Lambodara etc did not dare to attack him.
68. Nara 512-477 BCE
69. Aksha 477-417 BCE
70. Gopaditya 417-357 BCE
(This is abandoned ancient Sun temple in Mandhol, Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The temple whose lower layers date back to 4th century BC is the oldest known temple of Kashmir. It was burnt by Pakistan army in 1947 & today remains a mute witness to Hindu heritage of Pakistan )
This Gopaditya built the temple of Adi Sankara in 367-366 BCE. He founded several temples and Agraharams. He was also a poet.
71. Gokarna 357-322 BCE
72. Kinkhila or Narendraditya 322-285 BCE
73. Andha Yudhistira 285-272 BCE
He was called Andha Yudhistira by the people, because of his having small eyes. In fact he was not blind.
Dynasty of Pratapaditya (272 to 80 BCE – Total 192 years with 6 kings)
74. Pratapaditya 272-240 BCE
This 74th king Pratapaditya is mentioned in Rajatarangini as a relative of Vikramaditya, was brought by the ministers from a distant land and placed on the Kashmir throne. He ruled Kashmir from 272 to 240 BCE.
Vikramaditya referred to here must be Sri Harsha Vikramaditya of Ujjain from 457 BCE. Kalhana says that this Vikramaditya, the relative of the Pratapaditya was not the Sakari Vikramaditya from 57 BCE.
This Pratapaditya did not have children. He fell in love with Rupalata, who was wife of a rich Vysya businessman Jalaukasa.
This Jalaukasa came to kashmir from Rohtak (Haryana). He donated lot of money to kingdom and helped king during many wars.
Pratapaditya later was convinced to marry Rupalata’s twin sister and their son was named Jalaukasa in remembrance of their friendship.
75. Jalaukasa 240-208 BCE
76. Tunjina 208-172 BCE
77. Vijaya 172-164 BCE
78. Jayendra 164-127 BCE
79. Sandhimati 127-80 BCE
This Sandhimati was minister of Jayendra. Astrologers had predicted that Jayendra will die issue-less and his minister will take over.
To prevent this, Jayendra kept Sandhimati in jail and later ordered his execution in grave-yard.
His security attempted to kill Sandhimati and left his body pierced to a sharp iron rod, assuming him to be dead.
Sandhimati was later saved by other ministers and brought back to life.
At same time, Jayendra’s step-sister Kalhara Malika killed him and she was killed by king’s body guards.
Infact one of king Jayendra’s bodyguard was his Dilhara, who was also his another step-sister.
She was the first known female bodyguard for any king in history.
Sandhimati was proven as unfit ruler. He filled his court with rishis (sages), and spent his time in forest retreats. Therefore, his ministers replaced him with Meghavahana, a descendant of Yudhishthira I (Andhra Yudhishthira). He willingly gave up the throne.
80. Meghavahana 80-46 BCE
81. Pravarasena or Sreshtasena or Tunjina 46-16 BCE
82. Hiranya 16 BCE – 14 CE
This Hiranya died issueless. He was twin brother of Toramana.
Hiranya and Torama had Twin_telepathy, where one would get hurt if other was injured. Their father Tunjina knew about this and made sure that both his sons ruled Kashmir kingdom alternately each year.
Toramana issued few coins by his name which were found by archaeologists.
Next year, Hiranya became king, caputured Toramana and kept him in a cave-jail. Toramana’s wife Anjana, who was pregnant at that time, escaped with help of an astrologer named Pravaresa.
Hiranya did not kill Toramana because it would also bring his own death, due to Twin-Telepathy effect.
After some time, Toramana managed to escape from his cave-jail and tried to meet his wife.
Anjana and her son Pravarasena-II were in exile.
83. Matrigupta 14 – 19 CE
He was sent by Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain as King of Kashmir when Hiranya died issueless. At the same time, Toramana met his son Pravarasena-II and also died.
With the help of Pravaresa and few army-men, Pravarasena attacked Srinagar.
At the same time, Emperor Vikramarka died in Ujjain (19 CE). Matrigupta, who was installed by Vikramarka as Kashmir king, voluntarily descended the throne and became a monk. Toramana’s son Pravarasena-II took over Kashmir.
84. Pravarasena II (Toramana’s son ) 19-79 CE
85. Yudhistira II 79-118 CE
(This Yudhistira II was contemporary to Salivahana, founder of the Era 78 CE)
86. Lakshmana (Narendraditya) 118-131 CE
87. Tunjina or Ranaditya (Poet) 131-173 CE
This Ranaditya married RanaRambha, who was an incarnation of Goddess Bhramaravasini. Chola king Ratisena had found her among the waves, during an ocean worship ritual.
Ranaditya also maried AmritaPrabha, who was daughter of Kuluta King (Modern day Kulu, Himachal Pradesh).
Both Ranaditya and Amrita Prabha had recurring dreams about their past life, where they were a couple but did not have physical relationship.
They worshipped Goddess Lakshmi every friday and died issueless. In next life, they were born as king and queen.
Their son was Vikramaditya, who took over kingdom in 173 CE. Later Ranaditya went into exile. Rajatarangini mentions that he went into Patala Loka, and lived there.
87. Vikramaditya 173-215 CE
89. Baladitya 215-252 CE
Karkota Dynasty Kings of Kashmir
90. Durlabha vardhana (Son-in-law of Baladitya) 252-288 CE
91. Durlabhaka or Pratipaditya 288-338 CE
92. Chandrapeeda or Varnaditya 338-397 CE
93. Tarapida or Udayaditya 397-431 CE
In the beginning of the 6th century, the Huns were in control of Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley remained an independent state in 530 AD. After this, the kings of the Ujjain Empire ruled it. There was a time when Ujjain used to be the capital of united India.After the fall of Vikramaditya dynasty (ujjain), local rulers started ruling Kashmir. A mixed form of Hindu and Buddhist cultures developed there.Shaivism of its kind developed in Kashmir in the6th century. 'Spandakarika', a compilation of Vasugupta's books, is considered to be its first authentic book. The first and foremost name of Shaiva kings is that of Mihirkul, who belonged to the Hun dynasty. The Hun dynasty was followed by Gonanda II and the Karkota Naga dynasty, whose king Lalitaditya Muktipeed is included in the greatest kings of Kashmir.
94. Lalitaditya or Mukatapida(Poet) 431-467 CE
This Lalitaditya built the famous Martanda (Sun) temple in Kashmir.
He was regarded as reincarnation of Ranaditya, who continued his poetry and temple building. Among the Hindu kings of Kashmir, Lalitaditya (697 to 738) became the most famous king whose kingdom extended to Bengal in the east, Konkan in the south, Turkistan in the north-west and Tibet in the north-east.Surprisingly lalitaditya is not in our history text books.
95. Kuvalayaditya 467-468 CE
96. Vajraditya or Bapyayika or Lalitapida 468-525 CE
97. Prithivyapida 525-569 CE
98. Sangramapida 569 CE(ruled only for 7 days)
99. Jayapida (Pandit and poet) 569-620 CE
100. Lalitapida 620-672 CE
101. Sangramapida II 672-729 CE
102. Chipyata-Jayapida 729-781 CE
103. Ajitapida 781-837 CE
104. Anangapida 837-840 CE
105. Utpalapida 840-845 CE
106. Sukhavarma 845-852 CE
Total 17 kings ruled for 600 years.
The next name in this sequence is taken from Utpala Dynasty Kings of Kashmir
107. Avantivarma 852-880 CE
(In his court flourished many poets like Anandavardhan, Ratanakara)
Avantivarman of the Utpal dynasty who came to power in 855 AD, whose reign was the period of happiness and prosperity of Kashmir.
Temples etc. were built on a large scale during his 28-year rule. There is also a long tradition of litterateurs and Sanskrit masters in Kashmir. The famous grammarian Rammat, Muktakan, Sivasvamin and poets Anandavardhana and Ratnakar were members of the Rajya Sabha of Avantivarman.
108. Sankaravarma 880-900 CE
(Contemporary to Lalya Sahi, Brahmin king of the Yavanas in Uttara Jyotisha, Divya Kataka and Simhapura, now part of Afghanistan)
109. Gopalavarma (minor, whose mother Sugandha ruled) 900-902 CE
110. Sankata
111. Sugandha
112. Suravarma 902-904 CE (all 3 ruled for 2 years only)
113. Partha 904-918 CE
114. Nirjitavarma 918-920 CE
115. Chakravarma (assassinated) 920-934 CE
116. Unmattavanti 934-936 CE
These 8 Kings ruled for 84 years.
Gupta Brahmin Kings Dynasty of Kashmir
117. Yasaskara 936-945½ CE
118. Varnata (1 month)
119. Sangramadeva (5 months) 945½-946 CE
120. Parvagupta 946-948 CE
121. Kshemagupta 948-957 CE
122. Abhimanyugupta 957-971 CE
Abhimanyu was a minor, ruled by mother Didda or Diththa Devi, wife of Kshemagupta. Didda was contemporary to Bhima Sahi of Kabul, descendent of Lalya Sahi. Didda was grand daughter of Bhima Sahi(Daughter’s daughter)
123. Nandigupta (second son of Didda) 971-972 CE
124. Tribhuvanagupta (3rd son of Didda) 972-974 CE
125. Bhima gupta (4th son of Didda) 974-979 CE
All sons were minors. So, ruled by mother Didda
126. Didda or Diththa, herself reigned 979-1012 CE
(Didda was daughter of Simharaja of Lohar and wife of Kshemagupta)
This Lohar family belongs to the Andhra Satavahana dynasty. This Simharaja, father of Didda, is the son-in—law of Bhima Sahi of Kabul who belonged to the Thomara Dynasty, one of the four Agni Vamsi. These ten Brahmin kings ruled for 76 years.
Lohar Dynasty rulers of Kashmir
127. Sangramaraja 1012-1027 CE
He is brother’s son of Didda; contemporary to Trilochana Pala of Kabul
128. Hariraja 22 days only
129. Anantadeva 1027-1062 & 1062-1078 CE
Anantadeva was dethroned for few days in 1062 CE, but came back.
130. Kalasa or Ranaditya (Pandit and Poet) 1078-1088 CE
131. Utkarsha (few days only)
132. Harsha 1088-1110 CE
These six kings of Lohar Dynasty ruled for 98 years.
Agni Vamsa or Brahma-Kshatra Kings of Kashmir
133. Uchchla (few days)
134. Sankaraja 1110-1120 CE
135. Sussala 1120-1128 CE
136. Jayasimha 1128-1148 CE
Kalhana’s time is 1148 CE.
4593-1148 = 345O BCE
That means, from 3450 BCE we have the history of Kashmir for 4593 years and then till today, which is 5467 years.
A Sanskrit scholarpoets-commentators such as Bhima Bhatt, Damodar Gupta in the 7th century, Ksheer Swami, Ratnakar, Vallabh Dev in the 8th century, Mammatt, Kshemendra, Somdev in the 9th century to the 10th century Milhan, Jayadratha and 11th century Kalhan.
Kalhana’s father was a tributary to the king of Kashmir, besides being the Prime Minister. This family might have been a branch of the Satavahana dynasty.
Lohar dynasty (1012–1320 CE) paved the way for foreign invasions of Kashmir. Suhadeva, last king of the Lohara dynasty, fled Kashmir after Zulju (Dulacha), a Turkic–Mongol chief, led a savage raid on Kashmir.
Rinchana, a Tibetan Buddhist refugee in Kashmir, established himself as the ruler after Zulju.
Rinchana’s conversion to Islam is a subject of Kashmiri folklore. He was persuaded to accept Islam by his minister Shah Mir, probably for political reasons. After the death of Avantivarman, the period of decline of Hindu kings had begun. During the time of the then king Sahadeva, the Mongol invader Dulcha attacked. Taking advantage of this opportunity, a Buddhist wrench who came from Tibet accepted Islam and took over the throne of Kashmir with the help of his friend Kotarni, the daughter of Ramachandra, the commander of Sahadeva. In this way he became the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir (not Jammu or Ladakh).
Later, Shamir occupied the throne of Kashmir and thus his descendants ruled Kashmir for a long time. Initially these sultans were tolerant but Islamization started during the time of Shah Hamadan who came from Hamadan reached its peak during Sultan Sikandar. During this period Hindu people had to convert to Islam and thus gradually, most of the people of Kashmir becameMuslims including parts of Jammu. It is noteworthy that a part of Jammu is subordinate to Pakistan, of which Kashmir is separate. From the 14th century, Islam gradually became the dominant religion in Kashmir. The Sultans between 1354–1470 CE were tolerant of other religions with the exception of Sultan Sikandar (1389–1413 CE). Sultan Sikandar imposed taxes on non–Muslims, forced conversions to Islam, and earned the title But–Shikan for destroying idols.
Under Shah Hamadan's son Mir Hamadani, the period of the demolition of temples and the Islamization on the basis of the sword went on till Alexander's son, Alishah, but in 1420–70, Zainul Abedin (Bud Shah) ascended the throne. It ruled well.
Later, Mughals (1580s–1750s),
On 16 October 1586, the Mughal warlord Qasim Khan Mir defeated the Chak ruler Yakub Khan and established the Mughalia Sultanate over Kashmir. After this, the valley was ruled by non-Kashmiris for the next 361 years, including Mughal, Afghan, Sikh, Dogre etc. The Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and the subsequent rulers adopted a repressive policy on Hindus as well as Shia Muslims here, resulting in thousands of casualties.After the fall of the Mughaldynasty, the Afghans, led by Ahmed Shah Abdali, occupied Kashmir (not Jammu and Ladakh) in 1752-53.
Afghan rulers (1750s–1819),
Afghan Muslims committed terrible atrocities on the people of Kashmir (Muslims, Hindus etc.). They looted their woman and money a lot. This plunder and Khosat work continued under the rule of five different Pathan governors. The Pathans ruled the Kashmir Valley for next 67 years. Fed up with these atrocities, Birbal Dhar, a Kashmiri Pandit, sought help from Sikh King Ranjit Singh.
Maharaha Ranjit Singh
He sent an army of 30,000 with their chieftains including Hari Singh Nalwa under the leadership of his successor Kharak Singh. Azim Khan left Kashmir after his brother Jabbar Khan fled to Kabul, thus establishing Ranjit rule in Kashmir on 15 June 1819. With the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839, the Sikh Empire of Lahore began todisintegrate.
Between 1846-1947 CE, there was Princely State of Kashmir and Jammu (Dogra Rajput Rule).
Maharaja Gulab Singh was descended in the direct male line from the Raja Dhruv Deo of Jammu.
He was the founder of the Dogra dynasty and the first king of this princely state.
It was under the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh that the boundaries of the state were demarcated and the state of Jammu and Kashmir was established.
Trade and commerce became safe under his rule as orders were restored.
The police and revenue administration was reorganised in the state.
The concept of rationing was introduced in the city.
The shawl industry was given importance and it was reorganised. Besides that, relief was given to weavers and others to free them from serfdom.
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| A photograph of Sharada Peeth in 1893 by the British archaeologist Sir Aurel stein. A Kashmiri Pandit stands at the entrance |
The Dharmarth trust was founded by him with a motive to build temples in Jammu and Kashmir state.
MahaRaja Gulab Singh, who freed Muzaffarabad from Muslim rule,
Repaired SharadaPeeth n 19th Cen which was later destroyed by Pak invaders in 1947.
The present complex of Purmandal shrine was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of Jammu and Kashmir state. He took lot of interest in the renovation of this holy place. He made the oblation of golden ewers to Lord Shiva. He also established a Sanskrit vidyalya on the banks of the river Devika. Havvelis constructed on Devika’s bank are still in prominence.
A special provision was made in Ain-I-Dharmarth to look after the shrine.
The consolidation of the State of JK under the leadership of Maharaja Gulab Singh and his Generals, began much before the Treaty of Amritsar, as he conquered territories, quelled anarchy and restored order in the State starting from the early 1800s.
Maharaja. Gulab Singh and his Dogra Generals like General Zorawar Singh, Gen Baj Singh, ADC Mehta Basti Ram extended the Dogra Sovereignty up to the Pamirs and Tibet. The consolidation of territories which later became the State of Jammu Kashmir began under Dogra Maharaja Gulab Singh, and was held together and governed ably by the Dogra Dynasty up until 1947.
After that we all know what has happened.Its very disturbing to see how a place, which was a symbol of love, peace and spirituality changed into fear, pain and blood.Our ancestors who made kashmir as their dream place must be in deep pain and regret. May requesting us for mercy. Can we hear them???
Or might be thinking kis ke hath me dharti ka swarg de diya?
What sickularism has done to kashmir?
It has destroyed few of the most beautiful and holiest temples and religious practices are no longer a part of them-
1. Shankaragaurishvara Temple, near Baramulla
2. Avantiswami Temple,Awantipora
3. Kausar Nag Temple, Kulgam. if you are mart enough you can guess what it has become now,
Martand Sun temple, Ananatnag.
Those who give lectures on it, can they return our lost glory??
When anybody tells me about Syncretic Stuff and other Sufi ethos of Kashmir, All that I do is show them few ruins and what surrounds the temples.
That is generally more than enough to make them understand the reality..
This is abandoned ancient Sun temple in Mandhol, Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The temple whose lower layers date back to 4th century BC is the oldest known temple of Kashmir. It was burnt by Pakistan army in 1947 & today remains a mute witness to Hindu heritage of Pakistan.
Kameshwer Temple, Karfali Mohalla, Habba Kadal, Srinagar (Photo Courtesy: Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, Srinagar)
The temples and religious shrines form an important part of the rich cultural/religious heritage of Kashmir. The protection and renovation of the temples and shrines is pivotal to preserving the centuries old Hindu heritage from getting lost. In a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha member, Minister of State for Home Affairs Jitendra Singh stated that 430 temples existed before the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley out of which 170 temples have been damaged and 90 temples were renovated.
Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS), a valley-based Kashmiri Pandit organisation, disputes the government figure. As per KPSS, 887 temples and religious places/shrines existed before 1990.
By 1995, the number of temples which were destroyed/burned/looted were 738. Further, the number of idols which were broken by fanatics is around 2754.In recent years, some temples/shrines like Bhagwaan Gopinath Ashram, Kharyar near Habba Kadal in Srinagar, Tripur Sundari Temple, Devsar in Kulgam district, Badrakali Temple, Handwara in Kupwara district etc. were reopened due to efforts of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations.
There have been several reports of encroachment of temple/shrine properties in these years. But no strong action has been taken by the Jammu and Kashmir state government. Sanjay Tickoo, President of Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS), says that the present value of total immovable property of these temples is around Rs 10,000 crore.
Destroyed Shiva Temple, Bijbehara Anantnag
Destroyed Shiva temple at Vessu, Anantnag
(Photo Courtesy: Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, Srinagar)
For protection, renovation and management of the Hindu temples and shrines in Kashmir, a proper system needs to be in place. In this regard, the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulation) Bill 2008 was proposed. The bill has been pending before the Jammu and Kashmir state legislature for more than four years.Recently, the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Bill was tabled on the last day of the budget session in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly but not passed, and was referred to the select commitee
In April, Pakistani and Talibani flags and anti-India graffiti appeared on the walls of Hari Parvat fort in Srinagar
with slogans such as“Welcome Taliban” which seemed a clear sign of the presence of some form of Islamic fanaticism.
NadimargMassacre
16 years ago, on this day 24 Kashmiri Hindus were killed in cold blood by Islamic terrorists in Kashmir. The jihadis massacred 24 in a Hindu village including women and small children with the world being a silent spectator.
It seems the gods in Kashmir have to wait for some more time (and not even the god knows how much time) so as to get their abodes properly reconstructed.This is alongside their wait for the worshippers who were displaced from the valley 23 years ago and are yet to return. It seems it will be a long wait for the gods.
Vichar Nag Temple, Soura, Srinagar
(Photo Courtesy: Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, Srinagar)
On 17 April, 21 years ago (1998)
26 Hindus from Prankote and Dakikote villages in Udhampur district of JammuAndKashmir were asked to convert to Islam by heavily armed #Islamists. When they refused, they were beheaded.This brutal massacre forced migration of nearly 1,000 people.
When you tell this to liberal Hs these are the reaction stages -
1. Don't tell me whatspp forwards.
2. You are lying.
3. Dont spread hate. All this is politics.
4. My neighbour/colleague/acquittance will feel bad.
5) And all reigions are same
6)Let us not communalise issues.
7) The hindusim that i know is all abt tolerence.
8)Hindu has survived 1000s of years despite these problems.
9)We are the only civilisation that invited everyone into our fold.
10) We come from that India, where our temples are ransacked & laid like this,
while tombs repaired every fortnight.
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