Ancient & Medieval History of Jammu & Kashmir

1. Rajatarangini (Kalhana’s Work)

 Author: Kalhana (12th-century historian)

 Meaning: "River of Kings" (Sanskrit)
 Significance:
o First historical chronicle of Kashmir (written in Sanskrit).
o Describes the dynastic rule of Kashmir from ancient times till the 12th century.
o Covers kings, politics, wars, and society of Kashmir.
 Key Kings Mentioned in Rajatarangini:
o Gonanda I: Believed to be the first ruler of Kashmir.
o Lalitaditya Muktapida (Karkota Dynasty): Expanded Kashmir’s empire.
o Avantivarman (Utpala Dynasty): Known for irrigation works (restored Jhelum river banks).
 Importance:
o One of the oldest recorded historical texts of India.
o Provides insights into political, social, and religious aspects of ancient Kashmir.

2. Early Dynasties of J&K

(A) Karkota Dynasty (7th - 9th Century CE)

 Founder: Durlabhavardhana (627 CE)

 Most Famous Ruler: Lalitaditya Muktapida (724-760 CE)
o Expanded empire beyond Kashmir.
o Defeated Arabs & Tibetans.
o Built Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir.
 Decline: Weak rulers after Lalitaditya led to downfall.

(B) Utpala Dynasty (9th - 10th Century CE)

 Founder: Avantivarman (855 CE)

 Achievements:
o Improved irrigation; built canals & dams.
o Patron of art and architecture (Built Avantipur temples).
 Decline: Weak successors led to political instability.

(C) Lohara Dynasty (11th - 14th Century CE)

 Founder: Samgramaraja (1003 CE)

 Famous Rulers:
o Harsha (1089 CE): Encouraged literature & arts but later became cruel.
o Queen Didda: Ruled as regent; strong female ruler.
o Udayanadeva: Defeated by Mongols (Dalucha invasion, 1320 CE).
 Decline: Shams-ud-Din Shah Mir took over in 1339 CE, starting Muslim rule in Kashmir.
3. Dogra Rule (1846 - 1947 CE)
 Founded by: Maharaja Gulab Singh (First Maharaja of J&K).
 Treaty of Amritsar (1846): British gave Kashmir, Ladakh & Jammu to Gulab Singh for ₹75
lakh.
 Famous Dogra Rulers:
o Gulab Singh (1846-1857): Expanded the kingdom.
o Ranbir Singh (1857-1885): Introduced legal & administrative reforms.
o Pratap Singh (1885-1925): Modernized J&K (roads, railways, telegraph).
o Hari Singh (1925-1947): Last Maharaja; signed Instrument of Accession (1947) to join
India.
 Significance:
o Unified Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh under one rule.
o Introduced modern education, administration & military in J&K.

4. Sikh & Mughal Influence in J&K

(A) Sikh Rule (1819 - 1846 CE)

 Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir in 1819.

  Appointed Diwan Moti Ram as governor.
 Policies:
o Ended Afghan rule in Kashmir.
o Imposed heavy taxes on Kashmiris.
o Introduced military rule in J&K.
 Decline:
o British defeated Sikhs in First Anglo-Sikh War (1846).
o Sold Kashmir to Gulab Singh (Dogra Dynasty) in Treaty of Amritsar.

(B) Mughal Rule (1586 - 1752 CE)

 Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586 CE.

 Jahangir visited Kashmir multiple times (loved its beauty).
 Shah Jahan & Aurangzeb continued rule with Mughal architecture influence.
 Mughal Contributions:
o Built Shalimar Bagh & Nishat Bagh (Mughal gardens).
o Improved trade & administration in J&K.
 Decline:
o Mughal rule weakened in the 18th century.
o Afghans took over Kashmir in 1752 CE.

5. Quick Summary for Revision

 Topic Key Points
Rajatarangini Written by Kalhana, covers Kashmir's history till the 12th century.
Karkota Dynasty Lalitaditya Muktapida expanded empire, built Martand Sun Temple.
Lohara Dynasty Queen Didda, Mongol invasion in 1320 CE.
Dogra Rule Gulab Singh (1846-1947), Treaty of Amritsar, modern reforms.
Sikh Rule Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1819-1846), high taxation, military rule.
Mughal Rule Akbar annexed Kashmir (1586), built Mughal gardens.

6. Practice Questions for Self-Check

1. Who wrote Rajatarangini?
(a) Kalhana
(b) Harsha
(c) Lalitaditya
(d) Alberuni
2. Which Dogra ruler signed the Instrument of Accession to India?
(a) Gulab Singh
(b) Ranbir Singh
(c) Hari Singh
(d) Pratap Singh
3. Who was the most famous Karkota ruler?
(a) Avantivarman
(b) Harsha
 (c) Lalitaditya Muktapida
(d) Jayapida
4. Which Sikh ruler conquered Kashmir in 1819?
(a) Maharaja Gulab Singh
(b) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
(c) Maharaja Sher Singh
(d) Maharaja Dalip Singh