History of J&K

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).

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Formulas / Key Facts

Must-remember names:

• Ashoka → spread Buddhism in Kashmir (3rd century BCE)
• Avantivarman → founded Utpala dynasty, built irrigation works
• Rinchana → first Muslim ruler (converted, ruled briefly before Shah Mir)
• Sheikh Abdullah → "Sher-e-Kashmir," first Prime Minister of J&K

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Worked Examples

Example 1: Chronological ordering question

Arrange the following in chronological order: (i) Treaty of Amritsar, (ii) Rajatarangini written, (iii) Shah Mir Sultanate, (iv) Instrument of Accession

Solution:

• Step 1: Identify dates — Rajatarangini (1148-1150), Shah Mir (1339), Treaty of Amritsar (1846), Instrument of Accession (1947)
• Step 2: Arrange — (ii) → (iii) → (i) → (iv)
• Answer: Rajatarangini → Shah Mir Sultanate → Treaty of Amritsar → Instrument of Accession

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Example 2: Factual recall question

Who is called 'Budshah' and why?

Solution:

• Step 1: Identify the ruler — Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (ruled 1420-1470)
• Step 2: Explain the title — "Budshah" means "Great King" in Kashmiri
• Step 3: Give reasons — Religious tolerance, patronage of art and learning, abolished jizya tax, introduced crafts like shawl weaving and papier-mache
• Answer: Zain-ul-Abidin is called Budshah because of his just rule, secular policies, and promotion of Kashmiri culture and crafts.

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Example 3: Event-based question

What happened on 26 October 1947?

Solution:

• Step 1: Context — Tribal raiders from Pakistan invaded Kashmir; Maharaja Hari Singh sought India's help
• Step 2: Event — Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, legally merging J&K with India
• Step 3: Result — Indian Army airlifted to Srinagar; J&K became part of India
• Answer: Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, making J&K legally part of India.

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Common Mistakes

• Confusing Rinchana with Shah Mir → Rinchana was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir (converted to Islam) but ruled only briefly. Shah Mir founded the first Muslim dynasty in 1339. Remember: Rinchana = first Muslim ruler, Shah Mir = first Muslim dynasty founder.
• Wrong date for Treaty of Amritsar → Students often confuse 1846 with 1849 (annexation of Punjab). The Treaty of Amritsar was signed on 16 March 1846, specifically selling Kashmir to Gulab Singh.
• Mixing up Lalitaditya and Avantivarman → Lalitaditya (Karkota dynasty) built Martand Temple and was a military conqueror. Avantivarman (Utpala dynasty) was known for irrigation and peaceful governance. Associate Lalitaditya with "military + Martand."
• Assuming Article 370 was removed entirely → Article 370 was made inoperative (not deleted from the Constitution). The correct term is "abrogated" or "rendered inoperative," not "removed" or "scrapped."
• Forgetting the two-UT split → After 2019, J&K became two Union Territories: J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). Questions often test whether Ladakh has a legislature—it does not.

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Quick Reference

1. Rajatarangini = first Indian historical chronicle, written by Kalhana (1148-1150 CE)
2. 1339 = Shah Mir founds first Muslim dynasty of Kashmir
3. Budshah (Zain-ul-Abidin) = Golden Age ruler, religious tolerance, shawl weaving
4. 16 March 1846 = Treaty of Amritsar, Gulab Singh buys Kashmir for 75 lakh rupees
5. 26 October 1947 = Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh
6. 5 August 2019 = Article 370 abrogated; J&K split into two Union Territories