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Kashmir is undoubtedly an enchanting place of visit in Asian sub continent. A remarkable tourist destination with the charm of the hills, snow of winter, and fruits bearing valley plants, Kashmir valley is a paradise to international tourists. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Kashmir has a rich past with significant relevance to the present era. History of Kashmir before 1947 is an insight into Mughal rule with considerable Muslim invasions and then the colonial rule by the British.
Early history of Kashmir
On the physical history of Kashmir, it is known to have been a grand lake. After the inclusion to the Mughal Empire by King Ashoka, it had the first city with Srinagar in the 250 B.C. Much before the concept of tourism ruled Kashmir valley, it developed as pilgrimage place where monks were laying foundation to Buddhism. The religion further gained prominence under the rule of the Kushans. In the 7th century India, famous ruler from the Kartoka Dynasty called Lalitaditya built the most famous sun temple, presently a historical and pilgrimage site. Under the Hindu rulers, Kashmir had a tumultuous history until 1003 A.D with the rule of Didda queen ending. The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Queen Kota Raniwas until 1339. The Muslim invasion began by 1322 and Mirz Haidar constructed the Mughal Empire rule in Kashmir only in 1540. He was a relative of Humayun and who successfully incorporated Kashmir into Mughal territory ruling for at least the next five centuries.
Kashmir before 1947
Sikh community annexed Kashmir under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the year 1820. However, after the Treaty of Amrtitsar was enforced in 1846, Kashmir was won and ruled by the Dogras from the British. The British gave away Kashmir for Rs 75 lakhs to Ghulab Singh under Dogra rule. They ruled under the British took over the reigns of colonial rule of India.
Hari Singh became the successor of Partab Sigh and ascended the throne in 1925. With this, the rule shifted back to the hands of Hindu rulers of Kashmir. He governed without any other invasions until 1950. A major political party was formed during his rule in the place called the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference.
The territory covering Kashmir was connected to India from Punjab having around 75 per cent of Muslims. As the British proposed for two dominions of India and Pakistan, Maharaja Hari Sign refused to go for Pakistan. A ceasefire was eminent when Mountbatten, the last British general suggested that he sided with the Indian Territory. . The partition of India and formation of Pakistan agreed with India gaining independence on August 15, 1947.
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History of Kashmir
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