Medieval History of Jammu and Kashmir

The medieval history of Jammu and Kashmir is characterized by a series of Hindu, Muslim, and Mughal rulers, each leaving a significant impact on the region’s administration, culture, and architecture. The period saw dynastic changes, wars, religious transformations, and political instability.

1. Hindu Dynasties in Medieval Kashmir

A. Utpala Dynasty (855–939 AD)

  • Founded by Avantivarman (855–883 AD).
  • He restored peace and stability after the decline of the Karkota dynasty.
  • Built Avantipura city and two temples (dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu).
  • Suya, an engineer, developed Suyyapur (modern Sopore) and improved irrigation.
  • After Avantivarman’s death, his son Shankarvarman (883–902 AD) ruled, but his reign saw the beginning of decline due to civil war.

B. Brahminic Rule (939–948 AD)

  • Yashaskara was placed on the throne by Brahmin ministers in 939 AD.
  • Ended the civil war and restored peace.
  • Sangramadeva (948 AD) was later assassinated by his minister Parvagupta, marking the end of Brahminic rule.

C. Gupta Rule (948–1003 AD)

  • Parvagupta (948–950 AD) ruled briefly before his son Kshenagupta (950–958 AD).
  • Queen Didda, wife of Kshenagupta, was the real ruler and later took full control in 980 AD.
  • She was a strong administrator and resisted Mahmud Ghaznavi’s invasions.
  • Before her death in 1003 AD, she handed over the throne to Sangram Raj, her brother’s son, beginning Lohara Rule.

D. Lohara Dynasty (1003–1171 AD)

  • Founded by Sangram Raj from Poonch.
  • Saw construction of temples and administrative reforms.
  • Important rulers included Harsha (1089–1101 AD), known for his patronage of art and literature, but later fell to internal rebellion.

2. Muslim Dynasties in Kashmir

A. Shah Mir Dynasty (1339–1555 AD)

  • First Muslim ruling dynasty in Kashmir.
  • Shah Mir (1339 AD), a minister under Hindu ruler Rinchan, took over and established Islam in the region.
  • Important rulers:
    • Sultan Shihab-ud-Din (1354–1373 AD): Expanded Kashmir’s territory into Sindh, Kabul, and Gilgit.
    • Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420–1470 AD): Known as Budshah (Great King). Promoted arts, crafts, and religious harmony.
    • Built Zainakadal Bridge, Zainapur, Zainagir, and Nowshaderi cities.
    • Established a royal kitchen for Hindu pilgrims in Rainawari, Srinagar.

B. Chak Dynasty (1555–1586 AD)

  • Founded by Mohammad Ghazi Shah Chak.
  • The Chaks were originally from the Dard region (Gilgit) and were warriors.
  • Yusuf Shah Chak (1579–1586 AD):
    • Captured by Mughal Emperor Akbar, marking the end of independent Kashmir.
    • His son Yaqub Shah Chak resisted but was defeated in 1587 AD, leading to Mughal rule.

3. Mughal Rule in Jammu and Kashmir (1586–1752 AD)

A. Akbar (1586–1605 AD)

  • Annexed Kashmir in 1586 AD after defeating the Chak Dynasty.
  • Introduced land revenue reforms through Raja Todarmal.
  • Built Hari Parbat Fort (Srinagar) and established Nagar-Magar town.

B. Jahangir (1605–1627 AD)

  • Visited Kashmir 13 times, loved its natural beauty.
  • Built famous Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh on Dal Lake.
  • Achabal and Verinag gardens were also built.

C. Shah Jahan (1628–1658 AD)

  • Expanded Chashme Shahi garden (1632 AD).
  • Modified Shalimar Bagh and Verinag gardens with fountains and cascades.

D. Aurangzeb (1658–1707 AD)

  • Ruled Kashmir with an iron hand, leading to unrest.
  • Introduced religious policies that led to tensions.
  • Mughal governors became corrupt and misruled the valley.

E. Decline of Mughal Rule (1707–1752 AD)

  • After Aurangzeb’s death, Mughal control weakened.
  • In 1752 AD, Ahmad Shah Abdali of Afghanistan captured Kashmir, marking the beginning of Afghan rule.
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