Ancient History of Jammu and Kashmir

The ancient history of Jammu and Kashmir is known from literary texts, archaeological remains, and ancient structures. The region was ruled by many dynasties like the Mauryas, Kushanas, and Karkotas.

Early History

  • The Mahabharata mentions that Kashmir was ruled by Kambojas, with Rajapura (now Rajouri) as their capital.
  • Later, the Panchalas ruled the region, giving rise to the name Pir Panjal.
  • Kalhana, a historian from the 12th century AD, wrote Rajatarangini, the first detailed historical record of Kashmir.
  • Another old text, Nilamata Purana, says that Kashmir was once a lake, drained by Rishi Kashyapa, after which people settled in the valley.
  • Ancient Greeks called the region Kasperia, while the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang (631 AD) called it Kashi-Mi-Lo.

Prehistoric Period

  • Archaeological evidence like coins and ancient remains suggest that Kashmir had settlements thousands of years ago.
  • The Karewa formations in the valley indicate past glacial activity.

Neolithic Age (Around 2375 BC)

  • The Burzahom site (Srinagar) is one of India’s earliest settlements.
  • Excavations found pit dwellings, stone tools, pottery, and evidence of farming (wheat, barley, lentils).
  • Copper tools and bone needles for sewing were discovered. A skull with a hole suggested early brain surgery (trepanation).

Megalithic Age

  • People built large stone monuments (menhirs) for rituals and memorials.
  • Discoveries from this period include mudbrick houses, red pottery, and metal tools.

Ancient Empires in Jammu and Kashmir

Mauryan Empire (304-232 BCE)

  • Ashoka the Great ruled Kashmir and built the city of Srinagari (Pandrethan).
  • He promoted Buddhism and sent Majjhantika, a Buddhist missionary, to Kashmir.

Kushan Dynasty (1st-3rd Century CE)

  • The Kushan rulers of Kashmir were Hushka, Jushka, and Kanishka.
  • Kanishka (127-150 CE) organized the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalvana (Harwan, Kashmir), where Buddhism split into Mahayana and Hinayana.

Hepthalite Huns (5th-6th Century CE)

  • Toramana and his son Mihirakula invaded Kashmir. Mihirakula was known for his destruction of Buddhist shrines.

Gonanda Dynasty

  • The first king of Kashmir was Gonanda-I, as mentioned in Rajatarangini.
  • Other rulers included Meghavahana, Pravarasena-I, and Pravarasena-II, who founded Pravarasenpura (modern Srinagar).

Karkota Dynasty (598-855 AD)

  • Founded by Durlabhavardhana.
  • Lalitaditya Muktapida (724-760 AD) was the greatest ruler, called the Samudragupta of Kashmir. He conquered Punjab, Tibet, Bengal, South India, Iran, and Sindh.
  • He built Parihaspur (City of Pleasure) and the Martand Sun Temple (Mattan Karewa).

Kashmiri Shaivism (8th-9th Century AD)

  • Kashmiri Shaivism believes in the unity of the soul with Lord Shiva.
  • Important texts include Shivasutra by Vasugupta, Spanda-Karika by Kallata, and Tantraloka by Abhinavagupta.
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