History of Kashmir

The history of Kashmir can be traced from numerous archaelogical sites and from the famous book Rajatarangini. The valley of Kashmir was the influential seat of several important dynasties. In 1947, Kashmir became a part of India and came to be known as the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This Section presents ancient, medieval and modern history of Kashmir.

Historical Sources of Kashmir

The history of Kashmir can be traced from different sources such as archaeological sites, literary sources, etc.

Archaeological Sites

There are some famous archaeological sites in Kashmir which shows that it was inhabited by people of pre-historic times. The archaeological sites are as follows

🟣 Burzahom (3000-2000 BCE) It is situated near Srinagar and contains many stone tools, pebbles, dwelling places and deep pits. It is the oldest archaeological site in India.

🟤 Gilgit (300-200 BCE) It is situated in Pok and contains manuscripts sealed in wooden boxes.

🔵Ancient Monastery (300-200 BCE) It is situated in Kashmir valley area and also contains Stupas.

⭕How Kashmir got its name?

The name 'Kashmir' first got its mention in Nilmata Purana as Kashyap Mar or Kashyap Pura. According to Purana, the valley was a huge lake called Satisara. It was drained out by Rishi Kashyap on whose name the entire valley got its name. In Brahit Samhita, Kashmir is mentioned as Kashmiras. Greek Historian Hecataeus refers it as Kaspapyros. Chinese traveller Hiuen-Tsang called it Kashi-Mi-Lo. In modern times, the name changed to Kasheer and then finally to Kashmir.

Early History of Kashmir 

🔵Early history of Kashmir can be divided into  three stages- pre-historic age, neolithic age

and megalithic age.

🟢Pre-Historic Age

Excavations at various sites in Kashmir began in 1960 by the Archaeological Department of India. According to Dr Sunil Chandra Ray, the valley has faced glacial cycles during the quaternary period and its clear evidence can be seen in sedimentary rock formations that are called Karewas.

They are divided into two groups. The Lower Karewas are of Pleistocene Age and the Upper Karewas are of the Second Inter-Glacial Age.

🟣Neolithic Age

Many evidences of Neolithic period have been found in Jammu and Kashmir, especially at Burzahom (Srinagar) which is the first archaeological site in the country. Burzahom has a neolithic settlement which dates back to 2375 BC.

⚪Seeds of wheat, barley and lentils have been found at Burzahom.

🔴In this period, Copper tools were invented. Important tools of this period were needles harpoons for fishing and arrow heads, spear heads, daggers for hunting purpose. Stitched hides have also been discovered at the place.

🟠A neolithic skull has also been found at Burzahom. The skull has a hole dug into it due to which historians suggest that surgical practices may have taken place.

🟦Underground circular pits of 3 meter depth have also been found at this site.

🟩 Besides Burzahom, other sites in Kashmir are Begagund, Pampur, Panzgom, Sombur Waztal and Brah.

Megalithic Age

🔵 In Megalithic culture, historians discovered massive stones called Menhirs which were a symbol of notable events of the community.

🟠These Menhirs were brought down from the hills and erected at various sites near the places where people lived.

🔴Important discoveries of this age in Kashmir are mudbrick structure, pottery (gritty red ware pottery) manufactured in a potter's wheel, rubble structures, metal objects and tools made of bone and stone.

🟢Megalithic structures, polished black pottery, wheel and copper objects were also found.

🟡Artifacts found in Burzahom also belong to Megalithic age.