History of Jammu and Kashmir, All Details & Top MCQs

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History of Jammu and Kashmir is a very important topic from the examination point of view. A lot of questions are asked from this section in the exams conducted by JKSSB and JKPSC.

Also Check: List of firsts in Jammu Kashmir

Also Check: Folk dances of Jammu Kashmir

Also Check: Classical dances of India

The topic can be divided into two main parts viz (1) History of Kashmir and (2) History of Jammu.

History of Kashmir Valley

Before delving into the details, it is important to know about the sources of history of Kashmir.

Sources of History of Kashmir

Some of the important books that provide us insights into the history of J&K are discussed below:

1. Nilamata Purana

  • A significant Purana focusing on the Valley of Kashmir, covering its creation, original inhabitants (Nagas, Pisachas, and Brahmins), customs, festivals, and topography.
  • Offers some details about the ancient history of Kashmir.
  • It was written by a Kashmiri Brahman between the 6th and 7th centuries A.D.
  • Contains 1,453 verses.
  • Treated by Kalhana as an important source for the history of Kashmir.

2. Kitab-ul-Hind

  • Authored by Al-Biruni, who was the court astrologer of Mohammad Ghazni.
  • Written during his travels in India, documenting Indian culture and the Hindu faith, titled Tarikh ul-Hind (History of India) in 1031 A.D.
  • Originally written in Arabic.

3. Rajatarangini (The River of Kings)

  • It is the most important source of history of Kashmir.
  • It is a historical chronicle of Kashmir’s kings.
  • It is written by Kalhana in Sanskrit during the 12th century CE, under the reign of Jayasimha.
  • Kalhana is said to have been the son of a former minister by the name of Champaka in the court of a Kashmiri king, Harsha of Lohara Dynasty.
  • Kalhana’s birth place is Parihaspora.
  • Kalhana’s Rajatarangini has 7,826 verses divided into eight parts called Tarangas (waves).
  • The first English translation was done by M. Aural Stein.
  • The first King mentioned by Kalhana is Gonanda I, who ascended the throne in 653 A.D. and was later killed by Bheema, one of the five Pandavas.
4. Continuations and Translations of the Rajatarangini
Jonaraja’s Dvitiya Rajatarangini (Second Rajatarangini)
  • It was written during the reign of Zain-ul-Abidin.
  • It covers the history of Kashmir from 1150 CE to 1459 CE.

Apart from this, there have been other later editions of Rajatarangini known as Shrivara Pandita’s Jaina-Rajatarangini (Third Rajatarangini) covering events from 1459 CE to 1486 CE, and Suka’s Chaturtha Rajatarangini (Fourth Rajatarangini) mentioning events like the arrival of Asaf Khan to Kashmir.

5. Persian Translations of the Rajatarangini
  • Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin commissioned a partial Persian translation titled Bahr-ul-Asmar (The Sea of Tales).
  • Later, the Emperor Akbar later tasked Mulla Abdul Qadir Badauni to revise and complete the translation.
  • During Jahangir’s reign, Haidar Malik Chadura produced an shortened Persian version of it called Tarikh-e-Kashmir.

6. Tarikh-e-Hassan

  • Compiled by Peer Ghulam Hasan Khuihami (1832–1898).
  • It is a huge three-volume work documenting the “lost” kings of Kashmir.
  • It is said to be based on an older and yet another version of Rajatarangini written by Pandit Ratnakar, known as Ratanakar Purana. This purana was found by “Praja Pandit”.

7. Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri

  • Also known as Jahangirnama.
  • It is the autobiography of Mughal Emperor Jahangir (1569–1627).
  • Written in Persian.

8. Gulabnama

  • Written in Persian by Diwan Kirpa Ram, who was the private secretary of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
  • It has recorded the complete history of the Dogras, especially Gulab Singh.

9. Akbar Nama and Ain-e-Akbari

  • Akbar Nama has been written by Abul Fazal, and it records the reign of Emperor Akbar.
  • Ain-e-Akbari augments the Akbar Nama, and both give details about the administrative, cultural, and societal aspects of Akbar’s rule.

10. The Valley of Kashmir

  • It has been written by Sir Walter Roper Lawrence in 1895.
  • Walter Lawrence was the first Settlement Commissioner of Kashmir during British rule, and this book is his travelogue.
  • It talks about the geography, culture, and challenges faced by the Kashmiri people under Dogra rule.

Ancient History of Kashmir

The ancient history of Jammu Kashmir can be divided into various parts, which are discussed below:

1.Mahabharata Period

  • Kalhan, in his work Rajataringini, begins Kashmir’s history just before the Mahabharata war.
  • The first king mentioned by Kalhan is Gonanda I, who died in battle along with his son.
  • During the Mahabharata war, Gonanda II ruled Kashmir.
  • Kalhan notes that records of 35 earlier kings were lost due to destruction, though he tried to reconstruct some of their history.
  • A modern scholar, Peer Zada Hassan, used Persian sources from the time of Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen to reference the earlier Sanskrit work Ratnakar, listing these kings.

2. Mauryan Empire

  • The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is said to have ruled Kashmir and founded the old city of Srinagar, originally called Puranadhisthan (Pandrethan).
  • Ashoka constructed numerous vihars and temples, including a famous Shiva temple in Vijeshwari (modern-day Bijbehara).
  • Ashoka was succeeded by his son Jaluka, who cleared the valley of oppressive foreign tribes (referred to as “Malechas”).
  • Jaluka’s son, Damodhar II, later ruled, and the present Srinagar airport is located on a Karewa named after him as Damodhar Karewa, where the king reportedly lived.

3. Kushan Empire

  1. After the Mauryas, Kashmir was occupied by the Kushans.
  2. Kushans are considered to be one of the five
    branches of the Yuezhi tribe who lived in the Chinese frontier or Central Asia.
  3. Kujula Kadphises was the first Yuezhi chief to lay the foundation of the Kushan Empire in India.
  4. The literary and numismatic evidence testifies to the fact that Kashmir was incorporated with the Kushan Empire by its illustrious
    founder Kujala Kadphises.
  5. Recently a hoard of copper coins of Kujala Kadphises has been found from the
    ancient site of Tarakpura on Sopore – Bandipore link road. It is worth noting
    that one of the main routes which linked Kashmir with Astor, Gilgit, Chitral,Yasin, and Badakshan, Tibet and further to Central Asia and China was Bandipore route passing through Gurez.
  6. There are 103 coins of Kujala Kadphises housed in SP Museum, Srinagar – next only to Kanishka’s in number. The recently established, Central Asian Museum of Kashmir University also contains 3 coins belonging to Kujala Kadphises.
  7. The term Khadphench used in Kashmir to denote an authority is perhaps the Kashmiri version of Kadphises.
  8. Three great Kushan rulers are :- 1) Kanishka: – Founded Kanishkapura (modern day Kamu-Pora village in Tangmarg). The 4th Buddhist council was held by Kanishka at Kundalvan (modern day Harwan), presided by Vasumitra, Asvaghasa was his deputy. This council divided Buddhism into two sects Mahayana sect & Hinayana sect. 2) Hushka: – Founded Hushkapura. 3) Jushka: Founded Jushkapura.
  9. Kalhana called Kushan Empires as Turushka-Kings.

4. Karkota Dynasty

  • The Karkotas, also called Nagas, also ruled Kashmir.
  • The dynasty was founded by Durlabhavardhana (625–661 AD).
  • During his reign, Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir, entering through Baramulla, where he saw a large stone gate.
  • Hiuen Tsang stayed in Kashmir for two years, studying Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.
  • Durlabhavardhana was succeeded by Pratapaditya, who founded the town of Pratapapura (modern-day Tapar).
  • The most famous ruler of this dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida, ruled for an impressive 36 years.

Medieval History of Kashmir

1. Utpala Dynasty

  • Avantivarman was the founder and most notable ruler of the Utpala dynasty.
  • His reign marked a period of peace, stability, and prosperity, rescuing Kashmir from political and economic turmoil.
  • Sheru served as the Prime Minister under Avantivarman.
  • Avantivarman established the town of Awantipora along the banks of the Jhelum River, about 25 km from Srinagar. He built two temples here, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu.
  • Suyya, one of ancient Kashmir’s greatest engineers, played a vital role during this era by managing recurring floods and famines in the valley.
  • Avantivarman was succeeded by his son Shankaravarman, under whom the dynasty began to decline.
  • Queen Sugandha, Shankaravarman’s queen, ascended the throne after his death but was eventually deposed.
  • The last ruler of the Utpala dynasty was Suravarman.

2. Gupta Dynasty

  • The Gupta dynasty in Kashmir was founded by Parvagupta.
  • He was succeeded by his son Kshemagupta, who was considered a mediocre ruler.
  • Kshemagupta married Queen Didda, daughter of the ruler of Lohara (Poonch).

Important points about Queen Didda (Didda Rani)

  • Queen Didda was a dominant and influential figure, effectively ruling Kashmir even during her husband’s reign, earning her the nickname “Deed-Khema.”
  • She is remembered as a highly influential ruler who held power as queen, queen mother, and eventually as the sole ruler of Kashmir.
  • The term “Didda” (or “Ded”) is still used in Kashmir to refer to a motherly or highly revered woman.
  • After Kshemagupta’s death, Didda ruled on behalf of her infant son Abhimanyu, eventually assuming full power in 980 AD.
  • Despite her controversial reputation for being unscrupulous, she was an able and strong leader who ruled firmly.
  • Didda passed away in 1003 AD, leaving the throne to her family in an undisputed succession.
  • As all her children had died young, she transferred power to Sangram Raja, the son of her brother Udairaj, ruler of Lohara (Poonch).
  • During Didda’s time, Mahmud of Ghazni attempted to capture Kashmir twice.

3. Lohara Dynasty

  • The Lohara dynasty, centered at Loharan, was founded by Sangram Raja, the nephew of Queen Didda.
  • During the reign of King Harsha, the region suffered from plague, disastrous floods, and severe famine, worsening the hardships of the people.
  • Harsha and his son Bhoja were assassinated, and the throne passed to two princes, Uchchala and Sussala, who eventually met the same fate as Harsha.
  • An able ruler of the dynasty was Jaisimha, who ruled during a time of civil unrest and political strife but managed to establish stability for 27 years.
    • Jaisimha restored temples, shrines, and pious foundations.
    • He is regarded as the last great ruler of Hindu Kashmir, bringing relief to the people after years of turmoil.
    • The historian Kalhan Panditcompleted his Rajataringini in 1149–1150 AD during Jaisimha’s reign.
  • The last ruler of the Lohara dynasty, Vanitadeva, died in 1171 AD.

Decline of Hindu Rule in Kashmir

  • The period from 1171 to 1339 AD marked the decline of Hindu rule, led by weak rulers.
  • Among them, Sahadev ruled from 1301 to 1320 AD but faced severe challenges.
    • During his reign, Kashmir was invaded by the Tartar Chief Zulqadar Khan (Dulucha) from Central Asia.

Dulucha’s Invasion

  • In the early 14th century, Dulucha, a Mongol leader, invaded Kashmir with 60,000 soldiers through the Zoji La Pass.
  • His forces wreaked havoc with fire and sword, destroying towns, villages, and slaughtering thousands, effectively ending Hindu rule in Kashmir.

Role of Key Figures During Sahadev’s Reign

  • Shah Mir from Swat, Rinchin from Ladakh, and Lankar Chak from the Dard region near Gilgit entered Kashmir.
  • These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping the subsequent political history of the valley.

Rinchin’s Role

  • Rinchin, actually a prince from Ladakh, exploited the prevailing anarchy in Kashmir and seized power, marking the beginning of a new era in Kashmir’s history.
  • He accepted Islam and changed his name to Sultan Sadruddin.
  • He built “Bud Masjid”, the first mosque in Kashmir.

The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udyan Dev, whose queen Kota Rani actually ruled over the state. Kota Rani was a brave lady and tried her best to save her kingdom, but failed and it led to the beginning of Muslim Rule in Kashmir.

Muslim Rule in Kashmir

The Muslim rule in Kashmir began with the arrival pf Rinchin, but the first Mulsim Kingdom was established by Shah Miri dynasty.

1. Shah Miri Dynasty

  • Shah Mir, the founder of the Shah Miri dynasty, ascended the throne as Sultan Shams-ud-Din.
  • He started the “Kashmir Sana” or “Kashmiri era” to commemorate Rinchin’s conversion to Islam in 1320 AD.
  • Lankar Chak was his Commander-in-Chief.
  • Notable rulers of the Shah Miri dynasty include Sultan Shihab-ud-Din and Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen.

A. Shihab-ud-Din

  • Known as the Lalitaditya of Medieval Kashmir.
  • An accomplished general, he established control over neighboring countries.
  • Led an army to Sindh, defeating its ruler, and conquered regions including Kabul, Ghazni, Kandhar, Swat, and Multan.
  • Governed with firmness and justice, treating all subjects generously.
  • Important Hindu ministers included Kota Bhat and Udyashri.
  • Founded the town of Shihab-ud-Din-Pura, now Shadipur.

B. Qutub-ud-Din

  • Also known as Hindal, was the next ruler.
  • During his reign, Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, accompanied by about 700 Syeds from Hamdan, arrived and established missionary centers in the valley.

C. Sikandar

  • Succeeded Qutub-ud-Din and is known in history as the “Aurangzeb of Kashmir.”
  • Abolished the custom of Sati among Hindus.
  • Khankahi Mualla was built during his reign.

D. Zain-ul-Abideen (Budshah)

  • Ascended the throne by the title of Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen and ruled from 1420 A.D to 1470 A.D.
  • Known as “Budshah” (Great Sultan) and the “Akbar of Kashmir.”
  • Reorganized the army and reconquered regions like Punjab, Western Tibet, Ladakh, Balti region, Kulu, and Ohind (Hazara).
  • Maintained friendly relations with rulers of other countries, with exchanges of embassies and gifts.
  • Improved administration and appointed talented individuals regardless of caste or creed.

The last ruler of Shah Miri dynasty was Habib Shah, and he was a very weak ruler. He was deposed by his military commander called Gazi Chak, and it paved way for the establishment of Chak Dynasty in Kashmir.

2. Chak Dynasty:

  • Founder: Gazi Chak.
  • Duration: Ruled from 1561 to 1587.
  • Origin: Chaks were originally Dards from the Gilgit Hunza area and settled in Kashmir during Shah Mir’s time.
  • Notable Achievements:
  • Successfully resisted annexation attempts by Babur and Humayun.
  • Yusuf Shah Chak’s romantic but tragic career marked the penultimate flicker of the Chaks.
  • Yusuf Shah Chak married the celebrated poetess, Habba Khatu, and transformed Gulmarg and Sonamarg into holiday resorts.
  • Despite his efforts, Yusuf Shah Chak eventually succumbed to Akbar’s forces and died in a Bihar prison.
  • End: Mughal army under Qasim Khan Mir Baar defeated Shah’s army at Haripura, leading to Mughal rule in Kashmir.

Mughal Rule:

  • Duration: 1587 to 1752.
  • The Mughals entered Srinagar triumphantly on October 14, 1586, and Kashmir lost its independence, becoming a Mughal province.
  • Governance: Under Mughal rule, the people of Kashmir enjoyed peace and orderly governance.
  • Administrative Change: Kashmir became part of Kabul province, with Qasim Khan as the first governor.

The last days of Mughal rule in Kashmir were marked by chaos and misrule. Irked by it, two Kashmiri persons namely Mir Muquim Kant and Khwaja Zahir Didmari, went to Lahore to meet Ahmad Shah Abdali of Kabul and requested him to overthrow the Mughal rule in Kashmir.

So, this was all about the history of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). We are sure that you have found this article very useful.

MCQs On History Of Jammu and Kashmir

This section contains important MCQs on history of Jammu and kashmir (JK). Solve these important MCQs to check and enhance your level of preparation for competitive exams.

The battle of Hydaspes fought between Alexander and Porus was fought on the banks of:

  1. Jehlum
  2. Chenab
  3. Ravi
  4. Beas

Jehlum

Who has written Rajtarangni?

  1. Kalhana
  2. Lalitaditya
  3. Jaluka
  4. Ashoka

Kalhana

Srinagar was founded by:

  1. Ashoka
  2. Jehangir
  3. Jaluka
  4. Ajatshatru

Ashoka

The Greeks referred to Kashmir as:

  1. Kashyap MAr
  2. Kashyap Pura
  3. Kasperia
  4. Kashi Mi Lo

Kasperia

The first king of Kashmir according to Rajatarngni was:

  1. Meghavahana
  2. Pravarasena1
  3. Gonanda 1
  4. Lalitaditya

Gonanda 1

Pravarsena belonged to which of the following dynasties:

  1. Karkota dynasty
  2. Gonanda dynasty
  3. Utpala dynasty
  4. Lohara dynasty

Gonanda dynasty

Who was the founder of Lohara Dynasty?

  1. Jaisimha
  2. Bhoja
  3. Harsha
  4. Sangram Raj

Sangram Raj

Shah Mir ruled under the title of:

  1. Sultan Shihab ud din
  2. Sultan Shams ud din
  3. Sultan Zain ul Abideen
  4. Sultan Zilli ilaahi

Sultan Shams ud din

Which among the following is not true about “Rinchan”?

  1. He was the first muslim ruler of KAshmir
  2. He was actually a Ladakhi prince.
  3. He accepted Islam and changed his name to Sultan Shihab Ud Din.
  4. The founder of Shah Miri Dynasty, Shah Mir was his minister.

“he accepted ISlam and changed his name to Sultan Shihab Ud Din” is a wrong statement. He after accepting Islam changed his name to Sultan Sadruddin.

Who was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir?

  1. Udayanadeva
  2. Bhoja
  3. Vanitadeva
  4. Kshena Gupta

Udayanadeva

Who founded Chak Dynasty?

  1. Yusuf Shah Chak
  2. Yaqub Shah Chak
  3. Mohammad Ghazi Shah Chak
  4. Ali Shah Chak

Mohammad Ghazi Shah Chak.

Which of the following Mughal rulers conquered Kashmir from Chak Dynasty?

  1. Akbar
  2. Jehangir
  3. Humayun
  4. Babar

Akbar

The Mughals remained in power in Kashmir from:

  1. 1587 to 1752
  2. 1587 to 1762
  3. 1578 to 1752
  4. 1578 to 1762

1587 to 1752

So, this was all about the history of Jammu and Kashmir. If you found this article useful, share it with your friends and other aspirants.

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