Volume IV Special Issue IV April 2024

Name of Author : Raise Ahmad Mir

Title of the paper : History of Ancient Kashmir: A Historical Study

Abstract: Right from the ancient times Kashmir has occupied a unique position among the nations which encircled and surrounded it. It is said that Kashmir was once a vast lake called Satisar which was occupied by a demon called Jalodbhava who has destroyed all the humans in the valley. It was by chance that Kashyapa the grandson of Brahma visited the valley and see the terrible conditions that were created by the demon. So, with the help of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva they killed this demon and drained off the valley and the land came to be known as Kashmir after Kashyapa. The paper will highlight the history of ancient Kashmir in a historical perspective and throw the light on the great kings of Kashmir of various dynasties such as Pandavas, Mauryans Indo- Greeks, Parthians, Shakas and the Kushans who ruled over it from time to time respectively. The Kashmiri historian Kalhana in his Rajatarangini pays a high tribute to the valley of Kashmir and says that the things which are rare even in heaven, are common in Kashmir. Kailasa is the best place in the three worlds, Himalaya the best part of Kailasa, and Kashmir the best place in the Himalaya.

Keywords : Kashmir valley, Kalhana, Rajatarangini, Kashyapa, Kings.

DOI :

Page Number : 138-143