History of Kashmir: Sources of Kashmir History

History of Kashmir

Sources of Kashmir History

• Important books on Kashmir history include Nilmat Purana, Rajatarangini, Twarikh-I-Kashmir, Waquat-I-Kashmir, Tarikhi-I-Hassan, Mukhtasar-Tarikhi-I-Kashmir, Zaffar Nama, Valley of Kashmir, and Land of Lamas.

Nilmat Purana

• The Nilmat Purana is the earliest known text on Kashmir, shedding light on the pre-Rajatarangini era.
• The Nagas were the original inhabitants of the Kashmir valley according to the Nilmat Purana.
• The valley was originally a huge lake called "Satisar" where a demon called Jalod Bowa lived.
• Jalod Bowa tortured and killed people living near the mountain slopes.
• Saint Kashyap Reshi rescued the people by performing penance and was blessed to cut the mountain near Varahmulla, stopping the lake water from flowing into the plains below.
• The lake was drained, the land appeared, and the demon was killed.
• The people named the valley as Kashyap-mar and Kashyap-Pura.
• The word Kashmir implies land desiccated from water, with "Ka" meaning water and "Shimeera" meaning desiccate.

Rajatarangini

• The Rajatarangini is the most important source of Kashmir history.
• It was written by Kalhana Pandit, regarded as the Kashmir's First Historian.

This quiz covers the important books and authors that provide valuable insights into the history of Kashmir. Test your knowledge of these historical sources.