Kashmir History – The Forgotten Hindu Glory

Kashmir Before Islamic Invasions 

When we think of Kashmir, the first images that come to mind are snow-covered mountains, breathtaking valleys, and sparkling lakes.

But beyond its natural beauty lies a glorious history – a land sanctified by sages, adorned with temples, enriched with philosophy, and ruled by powerful Hindu kings.

This is the story of Kashmir’s Golden Age before the Islamic invasions.

The Sacred Lake – Satisaras

Ancient texts describe Kashmir not as a valley, but as a vast lake known as Satisaras.

According to the Nilamata Purana, sage Kashyapa drained the waters of this lake after destroying the demon Jalodbhava. Thus, fertile land emerged, which came to be known as Kashmir – literally, “the land drained of water.”

From then, the valley became a holy abode for humans, sages, and divine beings.

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Nagas, Yakshas, and the Arrival of Sages

Legends say that Nagas, Yakshas, and Pisachas were the first inhabitants of Kashmir.

• To protect the Nagas from Garuda, Lord Vishnu allowed them to live safely in the sacred Satisaras.
• Later, sages arrived, bringing with them the Vedic culture. The first yajnas (sacrificial rituals) echoed across this sacred valley.
• Goddess Durga herself is believed to have blessed the land by creating Hari Parbat near Dal Lake.

The very name Kashmir is said to be derived from Ka (water) + Shimir (dried up) – “the land from which water receded.”

Burzahom – Proof from Archaeology

While myths form the foundation of Kashmir’s identity, archaeology adds weight to its history.

Excavations at Burzahom (3000 BCE) revealed:

• Stone tools
• Animal bones
• Pit dwellings used for rituals

This shows that Kashmir has been a cradle of civilization for over 5000 years, making it not just a mythological land, but a historically inhabited region.

Gonanda Dynasty – The First Kings

The history of Kashmir’s rulers comes alive in the Rajatarangini, a 12th-century chronicle written by poet-historian Kalhana.

According to it:

• The Gonanda dynasty ruled Kashmir for nearly 3700 years, starting from around 1182 BCE.
• During the Mahabharata war (3138 BCE), Kashmir’s ruler was too young, and hence its army did not participate.

For centuries, Hindu dynasties like the Karkotas, Utpala, and Loharas shaped the destiny of Kashmir.

Karkota Dynasty – The Golden Era

From 252 CE to 852 CE, Kashmir flourished under the Karkota dynasty.

The greatest of them was Lalitaditya Muktapida (431–467 CE):

• Expanded Kashmir’s influence as far as Central Asia
• Patronized literature and culture
• Built the grand Martand Sun Temple, which remains a symbol of Kashmir’s lost glory

Later dynasties like the Utpala and Loharas continued temple-building and patronage of Sanskrit literature.

Philosophy and Spiritual Wisdom

Kashmir was not only a political power but also a spiritual beacon.

• The valley became the birthplace of Kashmir Shaivism (Trika philosophy) – teaching that the Supreme Shiva exists within every soul.
• Great philosophers like Abhinavagupta enriched Indian thought, combining Shaiva philosophy, Tantra, and aesthetics.

This made Kashmir a true center of knowledge, mysticism, and spiritual exploration.

Temples of Kashmir – A Land of Divinity

The valley once glittered with magnificent temples:

• Martand Sun Temple built by Lalitaditya
• Avantipur temples built by Avantivarman
• Shankaracharya Temple standing atop a hill, still a symbol of Hindu faith

So sacred was Kashmir that it was often called “Uttara Kashi” – the Northern Kashi.

The End of Hindu Rule

By the 14th century, political instability weakened Hindu rulers.

• In 1322 CE, Mongol invader Dulcha (Zulfiqar Khan) raided Kashmir, killing thousands of Brahmins.
• Soon after, local ruler Rinchana converted to Islam, taking the name Sadruddin.
• By 1347 CE, with the death of Udayadeva, Hindu rule in Kashmir came to an end, paving the way for centuries of Islamic rule.

Conclusion – Kashmir’s Forgotten Golden Age

Kashmir was not always the land of conflict we know today.

It was once a golden land – born from the sacred lake Satisaras, nurtured by sages, glorified by Hindu kings, enriched by temples, and illuminated by philosophy.

The real question is:

👉 Is it not our duty to remember and share this forgotten Hindu heritage of Kashmir?

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