Evolution of J&K State: Historical Perspective | JKPSC KAS (Jammu and Kashmir): Preparation Course PDF Download

 Page 1


INTRODUCTION
The state of Jammu and Kashmir lie between 32º27´ and 33º30´ North latitudes
and 74º19´ and 75º20´ East longitudes. It is almost entirely a mountainous region.
Geographically, the state falls into four natural regions. In the south lies Jammu, the
winter capital of the state; in the centre is the valley of Kashmir which contains the
summer capital, Srinagar; to the north is Gilgit; and between the Kashmir valley and
Tibet is the province of Ladakh. The state has a population of over 59,87,389 and it
covers an area of 84,471 sq. miles. It has 58 towns 6758 villages. Situated at the
apex of the Indio–Pakistan sub-continent, Kashmir is of great strategic importance
owing to the fact, that to its east lie Tibet; to the north- east, Sinkiang, a province of
China; to the north-west, Afghanistan and a few miles from Afghanistan lies Russian
Turkestan. This actual and potential importance of Kashmir has caused the rulers of
adjoining countries to cast covetous eyes on it. In 1846, the state of Jammu and
Kashmir as it exists today was created by the British Government. To understand
politics of contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to study the history of
Kashmir, the mode of its creation, the history of its rulers and their efforts to get
established in and maintain their hold on the people and the territory.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is an uninterrupted series of an ancient Sanskrit written record of its
history, reaching back beyond the period of the Muhammadan conquests and deserving
the name of real chronicle. Kashmir has, therefore a Sanskrit chronicle of the Muslim
world or Hindu and reminiscent of the chronicle of the Muslims world or medieval
Europe .The earliest extent and most important of these chronicles is the Rajatarangini
(i.e. stream of kings) complied by Kalhana in about A.D. 1150. Kalhana had given an
account of the region up to A.D. 1006, whereas Jonaraja up to A.D. 1420, Pandit
Srivara upto A.D. 1489 and Pragya Bhatt upto A.D. 1586 when Kashmir was annexed
by the Great Mughal Akbar. Since then the history and chronicles of Kashmir have
Page 2


INTRODUCTION
The state of Jammu and Kashmir lie between 32º27´ and 33º30´ North latitudes
and 74º19´ and 75º20´ East longitudes. It is almost entirely a mountainous region.
Geographically, the state falls into four natural regions. In the south lies Jammu, the
winter capital of the state; in the centre is the valley of Kashmir which contains the
summer capital, Srinagar; to the north is Gilgit; and between the Kashmir valley and
Tibet is the province of Ladakh. The state has a population of over 59,87,389 and it
covers an area of 84,471 sq. miles. It has 58 towns 6758 villages. Situated at the
apex of the Indio–Pakistan sub-continent, Kashmir is of great strategic importance
owing to the fact, that to its east lie Tibet; to the north- east, Sinkiang, a province of
China; to the north-west, Afghanistan and a few miles from Afghanistan lies Russian
Turkestan. This actual and potential importance of Kashmir has caused the rulers of
adjoining countries to cast covetous eyes on it. In 1846, the state of Jammu and
Kashmir as it exists today was created by the British Government. To understand
politics of contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to study the history of
Kashmir, the mode of its creation, the history of its rulers and their efforts to get
established in and maintain their hold on the people and the territory.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is an uninterrupted series of an ancient Sanskrit written record of its
history, reaching back beyond the period of the Muhammadan conquests and deserving
the name of real chronicle. Kashmir has, therefore a Sanskrit chronicle of the Muslim
world or Hindu and reminiscent of the chronicle of the Muslims world or medieval
Europe .The earliest extent and most important of these chronicles is the Rajatarangini
(i.e. stream of kings) complied by Kalhana in about A.D. 1150. Kalhana had given an
account of the region up to A.D. 1006, whereas Jonaraja up to A.D. 1420, Pandit
Srivara upto A.D. 1489 and Pragya Bhatt upto A.D. 1586 when Kashmir was annexed
by the Great Mughal Akbar. Since then the history and chronicles of Kashmir have
been written by many Sanskrit and Persian scholars as well as by many Western
travellers. From the period of the first settlement in Kashmir to the region of Gonanda,
the first Prince, the region was governed by a succession of fifty two kings of the
Kaurava dynasty which ruled over it for a period of about 1266 years.
In ancient India, Kashmir had an honoured place. The chronicles speak of a
glorious king of Kashmir named Gonanda who was worshipped by the region which
Kailasha lights up and which the tossing Ganga clothes with soft garments. Kashmir
was a part of the empire of Ashoka who laid the foundation of city of Srinagar. He is
said to have introduced Buddhism in Kashmir and sent about five thousand Buddhist
disciples for its propagation. Many Buddhist monasteries, therefore, came up in
Kashmir during his time. He also introduced the cultivation of Saffron in the Valley
and took many steps to improve agriculture. The Buddhist faith had, however, received
an impetus at the hands of the Indio-Scythian rules, particularly Kanishka, Husk and
Juska. The Third Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage
and from that time Kashmir became the centre of Mahayana from where missionaries
carried the doctrine to distant China, Central Asia and Tibet. But all the subsequent
rulers were not supporters of Buddhism. As a result of the rise of Shiva cut and
philosophy, Buddhism though lingered on for some years, but was finally replaced by
the traditional Brahminism. Toleration, however, was the key note of religious policy
even in those remote years and the people of different religious faith lived together
amicably. After the commencement of the Christian era, the Valley was invaded by
Tartaras.
In the sixth century A.D. came the white Huns. The two other notable kings in
Kashmir were Pravarsena II and Lalitaditya. Whereas, Pravarsen all reigned about
700 A.D., and built his capital on the site of the present Srinagar. Lalitaditya, being
the most famous of the later Hindu Kings ruled over Kashmir in the middle of the
eighth century and distinguished himself by his successful campaigns in Central and
Western India and Central Asia. He is said to have subdued many kings in India in a
tour of conquest for 12 years and then turned his attention to Central Asia and returned
victorious via Tibet. It is recorded that he was a patron of art and culture and carried
Page 3


INTRODUCTION
The state of Jammu and Kashmir lie between 32º27´ and 33º30´ North latitudes
and 74º19´ and 75º20´ East longitudes. It is almost entirely a mountainous region.
Geographically, the state falls into four natural regions. In the south lies Jammu, the
winter capital of the state; in the centre is the valley of Kashmir which contains the
summer capital, Srinagar; to the north is Gilgit; and between the Kashmir valley and
Tibet is the province of Ladakh. The state has a population of over 59,87,389 and it
covers an area of 84,471 sq. miles. It has 58 towns 6758 villages. Situated at the
apex of the Indio–Pakistan sub-continent, Kashmir is of great strategic importance
owing to the fact, that to its east lie Tibet; to the north- east, Sinkiang, a province of
China; to the north-west, Afghanistan and a few miles from Afghanistan lies Russian
Turkestan. This actual and potential importance of Kashmir has caused the rulers of
adjoining countries to cast covetous eyes on it. In 1846, the state of Jammu and
Kashmir as it exists today was created by the British Government. To understand
politics of contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to study the history of
Kashmir, the mode of its creation, the history of its rulers and their efforts to get
established in and maintain their hold on the people and the territory.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is an uninterrupted series of an ancient Sanskrit written record of its
history, reaching back beyond the period of the Muhammadan conquests and deserving
the name of real chronicle. Kashmir has, therefore a Sanskrit chronicle of the Muslim
world or Hindu and reminiscent of the chronicle of the Muslims world or medieval
Europe .The earliest extent and most important of these chronicles is the Rajatarangini
(i.e. stream of kings) complied by Kalhana in about A.D. 1150. Kalhana had given an
account of the region up to A.D. 1006, whereas Jonaraja up to A.D. 1420, Pandit
Srivara upto A.D. 1489 and Pragya Bhatt upto A.D. 1586 when Kashmir was annexed
by the Great Mughal Akbar. Since then the history and chronicles of Kashmir have
been written by many Sanskrit and Persian scholars as well as by many Western
travellers. From the period of the first settlement in Kashmir to the region of Gonanda,
the first Prince, the region was governed by a succession of fifty two kings of the
Kaurava dynasty which ruled over it for a period of about 1266 years.
In ancient India, Kashmir had an honoured place. The chronicles speak of a
glorious king of Kashmir named Gonanda who was worshipped by the region which
Kailasha lights up and which the tossing Ganga clothes with soft garments. Kashmir
was a part of the empire of Ashoka who laid the foundation of city of Srinagar. He is
said to have introduced Buddhism in Kashmir and sent about five thousand Buddhist
disciples for its propagation. Many Buddhist monasteries, therefore, came up in
Kashmir during his time. He also introduced the cultivation of Saffron in the Valley
and took many steps to improve agriculture. The Buddhist faith had, however, received
an impetus at the hands of the Indio-Scythian rules, particularly Kanishka, Husk and
Juska. The Third Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage
and from that time Kashmir became the centre of Mahayana from where missionaries
carried the doctrine to distant China, Central Asia and Tibet. But all the subsequent
rulers were not supporters of Buddhism. As a result of the rise of Shiva cut and
philosophy, Buddhism though lingered on for some years, but was finally replaced by
the traditional Brahminism. Toleration, however, was the key note of religious policy
even in those remote years and the people of different religious faith lived together
amicably. After the commencement of the Christian era, the Valley was invaded by
Tartaras.
In the sixth century A.D. came the white Huns. The two other notable kings in
Kashmir were Pravarsena II and Lalitaditya. Whereas, Pravarsen all reigned about
700 A.D., and built his capital on the site of the present Srinagar. Lalitaditya, being
the most famous of the later Hindu Kings ruled over Kashmir in the middle of the
eighth century and distinguished himself by his successful campaigns in Central and
Western India and Central Asia. He is said to have subdued many kings in India in a
tour of conquest for 12 years and then turned his attention to Central Asia and returned
victorious via Tibet. It is recorded that he was a patron of art and culture and carried
out many public works and built many temples including Martanda temple. Mahmud
of Ghazni is said to have attempted to invade Kashmir, but failed to effect entry. The
subsequent political history of Kashmir for some hundreds of years was a succession
of violent changes in which dynasty succeeded dynasty and some adventurer or other
by his military talent acquired power. Towards the middle of 14th century the Muslim
rule was established over the valley. This religion had found a fertile soil to grow and
expand because the people had been groaning under the misrule of the later Hindu
rulers, when trade had languished and agriculture was at standstill. The most notable
of Muslim rulers was Sultan-Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 A.D.) who had worked
zealously for the greater benefit of greater number and said to have introduced the
vocations like carpet-weaving, paper-making, paper-mache, silk breading,
horticulture, stone-cutting, stone polishing, bottle-making, gold-heating, shawl-weaving
etc. in Kashmir. He was generous and brave and earned the goodwill of Hindus who
had been persecuted earlier. He encouraged learning, fine arts and polytechnics. He
had also invited to Kashmir skilled craftsmen viz. the weavers, embroiders, wood-
carvers and makers of brassware, carpets and paper-mache from Turkey, Mecca
and Egypt, who were the progenitors of skilled craftsmen of today’s Kashmir.
The death of this enlightened Sultan left Kashmir Valley a prey to the old
anarchical influence and it was not until the conquest to the territory by Emperor
Akbar towards the end of 16th century (in 1586), that a reign of order was established.
Akbar had visited Kashmir thrice and during his last visit he got constructed the fort
on the Hari Parbat Hill to attract the people who had fled from the valley because of
the atrocities committed by Chaks. He also laid down a sound revenue system through
his revenue Minister Todar Mal. Jahangir and Shah Jahan were very fond of Kashmir.
They built stately mansions, planted chinars and laid out various pleasure gardens
around the Dal Lake and elsewhere. The Mughal rule lasted until the middle of the
18th century, when in consequence of the decay of the imperial power, the governor
of the state became independent of Delhi.
Page 4


INTRODUCTION
The state of Jammu and Kashmir lie between 32º27´ and 33º30´ North latitudes
and 74º19´ and 75º20´ East longitudes. It is almost entirely a mountainous region.
Geographically, the state falls into four natural regions. In the south lies Jammu, the
winter capital of the state; in the centre is the valley of Kashmir which contains the
summer capital, Srinagar; to the north is Gilgit; and between the Kashmir valley and
Tibet is the province of Ladakh. The state has a population of over 59,87,389 and it
covers an area of 84,471 sq. miles. It has 58 towns 6758 villages. Situated at the
apex of the Indio–Pakistan sub-continent, Kashmir is of great strategic importance
owing to the fact, that to its east lie Tibet; to the north- east, Sinkiang, a province of
China; to the north-west, Afghanistan and a few miles from Afghanistan lies Russian
Turkestan. This actual and potential importance of Kashmir has caused the rulers of
adjoining countries to cast covetous eyes on it. In 1846, the state of Jammu and
Kashmir as it exists today was created by the British Government. To understand
politics of contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to study the history of
Kashmir, the mode of its creation, the history of its rulers and their efforts to get
established in and maintain their hold on the people and the territory.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is an uninterrupted series of an ancient Sanskrit written record of its
history, reaching back beyond the period of the Muhammadan conquests and deserving
the name of real chronicle. Kashmir has, therefore a Sanskrit chronicle of the Muslim
world or Hindu and reminiscent of the chronicle of the Muslims world or medieval
Europe .The earliest extent and most important of these chronicles is the Rajatarangini
(i.e. stream of kings) complied by Kalhana in about A.D. 1150. Kalhana had given an
account of the region up to A.D. 1006, whereas Jonaraja up to A.D. 1420, Pandit
Srivara upto A.D. 1489 and Pragya Bhatt upto A.D. 1586 when Kashmir was annexed
by the Great Mughal Akbar. Since then the history and chronicles of Kashmir have
been written by many Sanskrit and Persian scholars as well as by many Western
travellers. From the period of the first settlement in Kashmir to the region of Gonanda,
the first Prince, the region was governed by a succession of fifty two kings of the
Kaurava dynasty which ruled over it for a period of about 1266 years.
In ancient India, Kashmir had an honoured place. The chronicles speak of a
glorious king of Kashmir named Gonanda who was worshipped by the region which
Kailasha lights up and which the tossing Ganga clothes with soft garments. Kashmir
was a part of the empire of Ashoka who laid the foundation of city of Srinagar. He is
said to have introduced Buddhism in Kashmir and sent about five thousand Buddhist
disciples for its propagation. Many Buddhist monasteries, therefore, came up in
Kashmir during his time. He also introduced the cultivation of Saffron in the Valley
and took many steps to improve agriculture. The Buddhist faith had, however, received
an impetus at the hands of the Indio-Scythian rules, particularly Kanishka, Husk and
Juska. The Third Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage
and from that time Kashmir became the centre of Mahayana from where missionaries
carried the doctrine to distant China, Central Asia and Tibet. But all the subsequent
rulers were not supporters of Buddhism. As a result of the rise of Shiva cut and
philosophy, Buddhism though lingered on for some years, but was finally replaced by
the traditional Brahminism. Toleration, however, was the key note of religious policy
even in those remote years and the people of different religious faith lived together
amicably. After the commencement of the Christian era, the Valley was invaded by
Tartaras.
In the sixth century A.D. came the white Huns. The two other notable kings in
Kashmir were Pravarsena II and Lalitaditya. Whereas, Pravarsen all reigned about
700 A.D., and built his capital on the site of the present Srinagar. Lalitaditya, being
the most famous of the later Hindu Kings ruled over Kashmir in the middle of the
eighth century and distinguished himself by his successful campaigns in Central and
Western India and Central Asia. He is said to have subdued many kings in India in a
tour of conquest for 12 years and then turned his attention to Central Asia and returned
victorious via Tibet. It is recorded that he was a patron of art and culture and carried
out many public works and built many temples including Martanda temple. Mahmud
of Ghazni is said to have attempted to invade Kashmir, but failed to effect entry. The
subsequent political history of Kashmir for some hundreds of years was a succession
of violent changes in which dynasty succeeded dynasty and some adventurer or other
by his military talent acquired power. Towards the middle of 14th century the Muslim
rule was established over the valley. This religion had found a fertile soil to grow and
expand because the people had been groaning under the misrule of the later Hindu
rulers, when trade had languished and agriculture was at standstill. The most notable
of Muslim rulers was Sultan-Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 A.D.) who had worked
zealously for the greater benefit of greater number and said to have introduced the
vocations like carpet-weaving, paper-making, paper-mache, silk breading,
horticulture, stone-cutting, stone polishing, bottle-making, gold-heating, shawl-weaving
etc. in Kashmir. He was generous and brave and earned the goodwill of Hindus who
had been persecuted earlier. He encouraged learning, fine arts and polytechnics. He
had also invited to Kashmir skilled craftsmen viz. the weavers, embroiders, wood-
carvers and makers of brassware, carpets and paper-mache from Turkey, Mecca
and Egypt, who were the progenitors of skilled craftsmen of today’s Kashmir.
The death of this enlightened Sultan left Kashmir Valley a prey to the old
anarchical influence and it was not until the conquest to the territory by Emperor
Akbar towards the end of 16th century (in 1586), that a reign of order was established.
Akbar had visited Kashmir thrice and during his last visit he got constructed the fort
on the Hari Parbat Hill to attract the people who had fled from the valley because of
the atrocities committed by Chaks. He also laid down a sound revenue system through
his revenue Minister Todar Mal. Jahangir and Shah Jahan were very fond of Kashmir.
They built stately mansions, planted chinars and laid out various pleasure gardens
around the Dal Lake and elsewhere. The Mughal rule lasted until the middle of the
18th century, when in consequence of the decay of the imperial power, the governor
of the state became independent of Delhi.
THE FORMATION OF J&K PRINCELY STATE: MAJOR
LANDMARKS
After Mughals, Kashmir fell under Afghan despotism and the people were
oppressed by a succession of governors from Kabul, each more cruel, than his
predecessor. Their rapacity was inflicted on the people irrespective of religion or
caste and Hindus and Muslims were alike the victims of their cruel rule .It was said of
them that they thought no more of cutting off heads than of plucking flowers. When
their yoke become insupportable, the Kashmiris turned for aid to Ranjit Singh whose
rising star was then attracting the attention of India. As a consequence of this appeal
the Sikhs sent an army to Kashmir in 1814, the advance being made over the Pir
Panjal. The expedition was a failure and nothing further was done until 1819 when
Ranjit Singh’s best general, Misr Diwan Chand, accompanied by Gulab Singh of
Jammu, invaded Kashmir and after draining out the Afghan representative, Jbbar Khan,
established the Sikh rule. A terrible famine ravaged the valley in the early years of the
Sikh regime. The Sikh rule had been similar to that of the Mughal.
The governors for Kashmir were appointed from Lahore and as many as ten
governors were sent there during the Sikh rule. They used to govern according to
their own whims and caprices. Mian Singh was the most popular Sikh Governor, and
the grateful memories of his exertions to repair the damage, still linger among the
people. He was unfortunately assassinated by mutinous troops.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GULAB SINGH
While Kashmir was passing through the later vicissitudes in its history a new
power was growing in influence on the environs of the Valley. This was the authority
of the Dogra Prince, Gulba Singh, one of the Ranjit Singh’s favourite Lieutenants. He
was appointed as Raja of Jammu with the allowance of three lakh rupees in 1820 for
services rendered to the Sikh Darwar, Gulab Singh by force of character speedily
organized his territory on firm lines. Gulab Singh strengthened his rule however, by
adding Reasi, Rajouri, Chanani and Kishtwar to his growing empire. Kishtwar (a
place which Gulab Singh never visited in his entire lifetime, not even as king) was
Page 5


INTRODUCTION
The state of Jammu and Kashmir lie between 32º27´ and 33º30´ North latitudes
and 74º19´ and 75º20´ East longitudes. It is almost entirely a mountainous region.
Geographically, the state falls into four natural regions. In the south lies Jammu, the
winter capital of the state; in the centre is the valley of Kashmir which contains the
summer capital, Srinagar; to the north is Gilgit; and between the Kashmir valley and
Tibet is the province of Ladakh. The state has a population of over 59,87,389 and it
covers an area of 84,471 sq. miles. It has 58 towns 6758 villages. Situated at the
apex of the Indio–Pakistan sub-continent, Kashmir is of great strategic importance
owing to the fact, that to its east lie Tibet; to the north- east, Sinkiang, a province of
China; to the north-west, Afghanistan and a few miles from Afghanistan lies Russian
Turkestan. This actual and potential importance of Kashmir has caused the rulers of
adjoining countries to cast covetous eyes on it. In 1846, the state of Jammu and
Kashmir as it exists today was created by the British Government. To understand
politics of contemporary Jammu and Kashmir, it is necessary to study the history of
Kashmir, the mode of its creation, the history of its rulers and their efforts to get
established in and maintain their hold on the people and the territory.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is an uninterrupted series of an ancient Sanskrit written record of its
history, reaching back beyond the period of the Muhammadan conquests and deserving
the name of real chronicle. Kashmir has, therefore a Sanskrit chronicle of the Muslim
world or Hindu and reminiscent of the chronicle of the Muslims world or medieval
Europe .The earliest extent and most important of these chronicles is the Rajatarangini
(i.e. stream of kings) complied by Kalhana in about A.D. 1150. Kalhana had given an
account of the region up to A.D. 1006, whereas Jonaraja up to A.D. 1420, Pandit
Srivara upto A.D. 1489 and Pragya Bhatt upto A.D. 1586 when Kashmir was annexed
by the Great Mughal Akbar. Since then the history and chronicles of Kashmir have
been written by many Sanskrit and Persian scholars as well as by many Western
travellers. From the period of the first settlement in Kashmir to the region of Gonanda,
the first Prince, the region was governed by a succession of fifty two kings of the
Kaurava dynasty which ruled over it for a period of about 1266 years.
In ancient India, Kashmir had an honoured place. The chronicles speak of a
glorious king of Kashmir named Gonanda who was worshipped by the region which
Kailasha lights up and which the tossing Ganga clothes with soft garments. Kashmir
was a part of the empire of Ashoka who laid the foundation of city of Srinagar. He is
said to have introduced Buddhism in Kashmir and sent about five thousand Buddhist
disciples for its propagation. Many Buddhist monasteries, therefore, came up in
Kashmir during his time. He also introduced the cultivation of Saffron in the Valley
and took many steps to improve agriculture. The Buddhist faith had, however, received
an impetus at the hands of the Indio-Scythian rules, particularly Kanishka, Husk and
Juska. The Third Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka’s patronage
and from that time Kashmir became the centre of Mahayana from where missionaries
carried the doctrine to distant China, Central Asia and Tibet. But all the subsequent
rulers were not supporters of Buddhism. As a result of the rise of Shiva cut and
philosophy, Buddhism though lingered on for some years, but was finally replaced by
the traditional Brahminism. Toleration, however, was the key note of religious policy
even in those remote years and the people of different religious faith lived together
amicably. After the commencement of the Christian era, the Valley was invaded by
Tartaras.
In the sixth century A.D. came the white Huns. The two other notable kings in
Kashmir were Pravarsena II and Lalitaditya. Whereas, Pravarsen all reigned about
700 A.D., and built his capital on the site of the present Srinagar. Lalitaditya, being
the most famous of the later Hindu Kings ruled over Kashmir in the middle of the
eighth century and distinguished himself by his successful campaigns in Central and
Western India and Central Asia. He is said to have subdued many kings in India in a
tour of conquest for 12 years and then turned his attention to Central Asia and returned
victorious via Tibet. It is recorded that he was a patron of art and culture and carried
out many public works and built many temples including Martanda temple. Mahmud
of Ghazni is said to have attempted to invade Kashmir, but failed to effect entry. The
subsequent political history of Kashmir for some hundreds of years was a succession
of violent changes in which dynasty succeeded dynasty and some adventurer or other
by his military talent acquired power. Towards the middle of 14th century the Muslim
rule was established over the valley. This religion had found a fertile soil to grow and
expand because the people had been groaning under the misrule of the later Hindu
rulers, when trade had languished and agriculture was at standstill. The most notable
of Muslim rulers was Sultan-Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 A.D.) who had worked
zealously for the greater benefit of greater number and said to have introduced the
vocations like carpet-weaving, paper-making, paper-mache, silk breading,
horticulture, stone-cutting, stone polishing, bottle-making, gold-heating, shawl-weaving
etc. in Kashmir. He was generous and brave and earned the goodwill of Hindus who
had been persecuted earlier. He encouraged learning, fine arts and polytechnics. He
had also invited to Kashmir skilled craftsmen viz. the weavers, embroiders, wood-
carvers and makers of brassware, carpets and paper-mache from Turkey, Mecca
and Egypt, who were the progenitors of skilled craftsmen of today’s Kashmir.
The death of this enlightened Sultan left Kashmir Valley a prey to the old
anarchical influence and it was not until the conquest to the territory by Emperor
Akbar towards the end of 16th century (in 1586), that a reign of order was established.
Akbar had visited Kashmir thrice and during his last visit he got constructed the fort
on the Hari Parbat Hill to attract the people who had fled from the valley because of
the atrocities committed by Chaks. He also laid down a sound revenue system through
his revenue Minister Todar Mal. Jahangir and Shah Jahan were very fond of Kashmir.
They built stately mansions, planted chinars and laid out various pleasure gardens
around the Dal Lake and elsewhere. The Mughal rule lasted until the middle of the
18th century, when in consequence of the decay of the imperial power, the governor
of the state became independent of Delhi.
THE FORMATION OF J&K PRINCELY STATE: MAJOR
LANDMARKS
After Mughals, Kashmir fell under Afghan despotism and the people were
oppressed by a succession of governors from Kabul, each more cruel, than his
predecessor. Their rapacity was inflicted on the people irrespective of religion or
caste and Hindus and Muslims were alike the victims of their cruel rule .It was said of
them that they thought no more of cutting off heads than of plucking flowers. When
their yoke become insupportable, the Kashmiris turned for aid to Ranjit Singh whose
rising star was then attracting the attention of India. As a consequence of this appeal
the Sikhs sent an army to Kashmir in 1814, the advance being made over the Pir
Panjal. The expedition was a failure and nothing further was done until 1819 when
Ranjit Singh’s best general, Misr Diwan Chand, accompanied by Gulab Singh of
Jammu, invaded Kashmir and after draining out the Afghan representative, Jbbar Khan,
established the Sikh rule. A terrible famine ravaged the valley in the early years of the
Sikh regime. The Sikh rule had been similar to that of the Mughal.
The governors for Kashmir were appointed from Lahore and as many as ten
governors were sent there during the Sikh rule. They used to govern according to
their own whims and caprices. Mian Singh was the most popular Sikh Governor, and
the grateful memories of his exertions to repair the damage, still linger among the
people. He was unfortunately assassinated by mutinous troops.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GULAB SINGH
While Kashmir was passing through the later vicissitudes in its history a new
power was growing in influence on the environs of the Valley. This was the authority
of the Dogra Prince, Gulba Singh, one of the Ranjit Singh’s favourite Lieutenants. He
was appointed as Raja of Jammu with the allowance of three lakh rupees in 1820 for
services rendered to the Sikh Darwar, Gulab Singh by force of character speedily
organized his territory on firm lines. Gulab Singh strengthened his rule however, by
adding Reasi, Rajouri, Chanani and Kishtwar to his growing empire. Kishtwar (a
place which Gulab Singh never visited in his entire lifetime, not even as king) was
incorporated in 1821 when Raja Mohammad Teg Singh surrendered to him at Doda
without resistance. In June 1823, after some ineffectual rule, governorship of the
province then passed to Gulab Singh’s most trusted official, Zorawar Singh, who held
it for eighteen years until his death in battle.
At first the process of swallowing cities and territories under the Kingdom of
Jammu enjoyed Sikh support and was patronised by Ranjit Singh, under who Jammu
operated as a subordinate state. This alliance continued until Ranjit Singh’s death in
1838, by which time, Gulab Singh had served eighteen years under him and further
consolidated and secured his frontiers. Two years after his mentor’s (Ranjit Singh)
death, Gulab Singh conquered Ladakh and Dardistan in 1840. Ladakh, a Buddhist
area in Tibet, was populated by Chinese residents, not Indians. Zorawar Singh, a
leading general in Gulab Singh’s service, also annexed Baltistan, Skardu and Western
Tibet by 1841. Eventually he established a complete domination over nearly all the
regions between Kashmir and Punjab. With the result that Gulab Singh became
practically the master of all the territory surrounding Kashmir.
Treaty of Amritsar
When war broke out between the British and the Sikhs Darwar, Gulab Singh
took his stand very cleverly and refrained from taking sides and in 1846 after the
battle of Sobraon, he acted as a mediator between the British and the Sikhs. Lord
Hardinge’s private papers showed him as a spy of the British and call him a
‘geographical allay’. Accompanied by several other chiefs, Gulab Singh met with the
Governor General at Kasur. The governor General then communicate Gulab Singh
and the Sikh chief the terms of the peace which were subsequently embodied in the
Treaty of Lahore of March 9, 1846. The Treaty also ensured the Sikhs recognise
Gulab Singh as the rightful monarch of Kashmir, which was to be awarded him by the
British in a separate agreement with him personally.
The ‘Amritsar Treaty’, which followed a week later (16th March 1846),
formally released Gulab Singh from Sikh authority (although he had relinquished
loyalties to them years earlier) and gave him the highest official standing and rank he