History of J&K — Study Notes for JKTET Paper I
Overview
The history of Jammu and Kashmir spans thousands of years, from ancient Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms through medieval sultanates and Dogra rule to modern integration with India. For JKTET Paper I, this topic falls under Environmental Studies, where candidates must understand the region's historical evolution in a manner suitable for teaching primary-level children.
Exam questions typically focus on key rulers, important events, dates of major political changes, and the accession process. You should know the chronological flow—ancient period → medieval sultanates → Dogra rule → accession to India → modern reorganisation. Questions often test factual recall: who founded which dynasty, when did accession occur, and what were the major administrative changes in recent years.
This topic connects history with the local environment, helping students appreciate how J&K's geography shaped its kingdoms, trade routes, and cultural exchanges. Mastering this content allows future teachers to make history relatable to young learners in the region.
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Key Concepts
- **Nilmat Purana as historical source**: The earliest written account of Kashmir's history, describing the valley as a lake (Satisar) drained by the sage Kashyap, giving the region its name "Kashyap-mar" (later Kashmir).
- **Karkota Dynasty significance**: Founded by Durlabhvardhana (early 7th century), this dynasty produced Lalitaditya Muktapida, who expanded the kingdom across Central Asia and built the famous Martand Sun Temple.
- **Lohara Dynasty and Kalhana**: Kalhana wrote the Rajatarangini (1148-1150 CE), the first systematic historical chronicle of any Indian region, during Lohara rule.
- **Shah Mir Sultanate**: In 1339, Shah Mir founded the first Muslim dynasty of Kashmir, marking the beginning of the medieval sultanate period that lasted until 1586.
- **Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah)**: The most celebrated sultan (1420-1470), known for religious tolerance, abolishing jizya, promoting arts, and introducing shawl weaving—called the "Akbar of Kashmir."
- **Dogra Rule (1846-1947)**: Through the Treaty of Amritsar, the British sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh for 75 lakh rupees, establishing Dogra rule over J&K.
- **Instrument of Accession (1947)**: Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, legally integrating J&K with India during the tribal invasion.
- **Reorganisation Act 2019**: On 5 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and J&K was reorganised into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).