Monday, November 2, 2009

Jammu & Kashmir History

















Jammu & Kashmir History enlists a wide gamut of ancient invasions and other historical events that took place in the state many decades back. The original history of Jammu & Kashmir dates back to 3rd century BC when the Maurya Dynasty took the reign of the state. King Ashoka ruled the state for a considerable period of time and Buddhism became a dominant faith of the inhabitants.

Maurya Empire
Maurya Empire begun its rule on the landscape of Jammu & Kashmir in as early as third century BC. Ashoka, the great ruler spread his immense power and influence in the state of Jammu & Kashmir during this period. Buddhism became the prime religion of the place. King Ashoka stepped into the serene valley of Jammu & Kashmir in the 3rd century BC. With his foresightedness and acumen, Ashoka handled the stately affairs of Jammu & Kashmir quite deftly. The vast natural reserves, the snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows, all captured the attention of Ashoka and he decided to took charge of the state. Since Ashoka was a staunch follower of Lord Buddha he thought it right to spread the holy messages of Buddhism among the local inhabitants of Jammu & Kashmir. This way he wanted to imbibe the teachings of Lord Buddha in the minds and hearts of the Jammu & Kashmir people. Within a very short span of time, Buddhism became one of the widely-practiced religion in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir state. The peace message of Lord Buddha helped the people of the state to lead themselves on the way of brotherhood.

Jammu & Kashmir also developed in the field of trade and industry under the Maurya Dynasty. It can be said that Ashoka, as an apt symbol of the grandeur of the Maurya Empire, proved his mettle and gave the Jammu & Kashmir history a prominent and interesting dimension.

Kushan Empire
Kushan Empire remained one of the most interesting Dynasties which ruled over the land of Jammu & Kashmir ever. Initiating its ruling journey in the period of first to second century AD, the Empire of Kushan extended its reach to each and every corner of the valley. The influence of Buddhism was at its peak during the reign of the Kushan Kingdom. Kanishka, a prominent ruler of the Kushan Dynasty achieved some remarkable milestones in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The historical archives of the state still describes the multi-dimensional importance of this Dynasty.

The socio-economic platform of Jammu & Kashmir gained a new face in the times of the Kushan rulers. From trade to culture to religion, every single aspect of human civilization in Jammu & Kashmir went through a positive transformation during the reign of the Kushan Empire. The chapter of Kushan Empire is truly a glorious one in the Jammu & Kashmir history.

Lalitaditya Muktapida
The Empire of Lalitaditya Muktapida emerged on the political and geographical scenario of Jammu & Kashmir in the 8th century. Representing the Karkota Kingdom, King Lalitaditya Muktapida begun expanding his rule from the Central Asian regions to the north of India. Jammu & Kashmir became a vital ruling ground of this brave Hindu ruler. During his reign, Jammu & Kashmir had been facilitated with some remarkably viable socio-economic sources.

Due to the diligent efforts of Lalitaditya Muktapida in the agricultural front, the crop yield in the fields of Jammu & Kashmir increased manifold. Also, the the plantation of saffron which requires extra farming care was possible. The farmers also started growing some fruits that needed special temperature variations. All these were possible only because of the foresightedness of Lalitaditya Muktapida. In the time period of Lalitaditya Muktapida, Jammu & Kashmir achieved a fresh identity in the domain of art and culture too. Being a veteran player of veena and a brilliant writer himself, Lalitaditya Muktapida propounded a whole genre of artistic expressions like sculpture-making and painting. Evidences of the establishment of various educational institutions were also found in the reign of Lalitaditya Muktapida. In almost all core areas and much beyond, Lalitaditya Muktapida left his outstanding mark and is today regarded as one of the most popular empirical figures in the Jammu & Kashmir history.

Mughal Empire
Mughal Empire begun its journey in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir in around 1586 AD. However, the exponents of Islam faith had arrived in the state much before. As per the historical archives, Jammu & Kashmir was visited by several Sufi saints in the early hours of 14th century itself. In 1327 AD, Rinchen Shah, who was the then Emperor of the valley, decided to become a devout Muslim follower. With the onset of this incident, Jammu & Kashmir started experiencing a new era of Islam in general and Mughal Empire in particular.

The later part of sixteenth century saw the appearance of great Mughal warrior - Akbar - on the land of Jammu & Kashmir. Ever since Akbar took the reign of the state, the land reform rules and the administrative powers changed to a considerable level. Sheikh Nooruddin was considered a prime personality who was the founder of the Sufi school in the state. A prominent poetess of the state - Lal Ded - is still remembered for her excellent devotion towards Sifism. From intellectual point of view, Jammu & Kashmir proceeded towards a better horizon where the Kashmiri pandits were honored by the Mughal rulers and were given prestigious posts in the court of the Emperor. Mughal Empire dominated the valley for quite long time and made a special place in the Jammu & Kashmir history.

Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh was one of the brave warriors of the Sikh clan who took over the charge of Jammu & Kashmir in around 1815. Till 1780, Ranjit Deo ruled the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The advent of the reign of Ranjit Singh brought a new air of change in the valley.

He was a man of principles. He was interested in forming a regiment which would resemble the traits of European soldiers. Accordingly, the Sikh troops under Ranjit Singh were known to have been made in a true European style. Apart from their bravery, the soldiers also had a strict obedience level. This has helped Ranjit Singh to extend his geographical reach. The state flourished to a large extent in the ruling time of Ranjit Singh, yet, this prosperity could not last for long. In around 1839, Ranjit Singh took his last breathe. This way the reigning sojourn of Ranjit Singh in the Jammu & Kashmir history came to an end.

Anglo-Sikh War
It describes the invasion of British troops and the courageous combat by the Sikh rulers. Since Ranjit Singh, the great Sikh ruler could not provide an apt successor to his Kingdom, Lahore became a place of interest for the British empire. Although Gulab Singh was the then ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, yet he did not took interest in the 1845 Anglo-Sikh war. The indifference of Gulab Singh was a major reason behind the tragic results of Anglo-Sikh war. During the Anglo-Sikh war, Gulab Singh engaged himself in making a strong base in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Anglo-Sikh war gave way to the creation of two significant treaties that eventually finished the battle for the time being. Shifting all powers to the British Empire, the first one also indicated a sum of rupees one crore to compensate the war damages. The second treaty included the deal between Gulab Singh and British force in which the former had to pay the latter an amount of rupees of seventy five lakhs in lieu of which he would be declared as the sole and free ruler of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. In this way the Anglo-Sikh war finished having its important impact in the history of Jammu & Kashmir.

Battle of Sobraon
The historic Battle of Sobraon on the 10th of February in the year 1846 ultimately decided the fate of the Anglo- Sikh war which had begun in the year 1845. The important Battle of Sobraon was valiantly fought between the army of Punjab, popularly known as the Khalsa army and the British army that comprised of English and Indian soldiers.

The valiant and brave soldiers of the Khalsa army had to ultimately succumb to the continued attacks of the British force. The British soldiers were successful in their missionAn important part of the rich Jammu and Kashmir history, the Battle of Sobraon brought the end of the bloody First Anglo- Sikh War.

Indo-Pakistan War
The Indo- Pakistan war was one of the bloodiest battles between India and Pakistan. It is an integral part of the Jammu and Kashmir history. The war Started on the 5th of August in the year of 1965. The Indo- Pakistan war proved to be a turning point in the intensity of the relationship of the two countries. There was no formal announcement of the Indo- Pakistan war. The war was started by the Pakistani soldiers who were under the impression that the Indian army would not be able to counter attack the strong contingent of the well prepared force. Under the leadership of General Ayub Khan, the Pakistani army attacked India with full strength and force.

The Pakistani army had formulated a plan, according to which about twenty six to thirty three soldiers were dressed in the traditional attire of the local inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir. These soldiers then crossed the Line of Control as local population of the hilly region. With the intervention of the United Nations, the Indo- Pakistan War came to a dramatic halt with no definite outcome. According to mandate of the United Nations, both the countries consented to stop the war. The Indo- Pakistan War of 1965 showed the strength and determination of the Indian Army.

Kargil War
The Kargil War which took place in the year 1999 was one of the most victorious events which made a mark of its own in the state. Ignoring all the adversities of the high altitude of Kargil which is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir the Indian Army fought a great battle and conquered the Pakistani soldiers.

No comments:

Post a Comment