Ancient History of Kashmir
Mahabharata Period
· Kalhana had written a very detailed history of Kashmir before the Mahabharata war in his book named Rajtarangini.
· In this book he has mentioned Gonanda. who was killed in a battle along with his son.
· At the time of the initiation of the Mahabharata war. Gonanda II was ruling Kashmir. After his death, Kalhana wrote in his book that 35 kings have ruled Kashmir.
· Pir Zada Hasan was a modern scholar. He had written a short story about these kings in the Persian language during the reign of Sultan Zain ul Abedin.
· Mulla Ahmed, the writer of this work, had written the name of all the kings in the old times in this Sanskrit work as Ratnakar.
Mauryan Empire
· Ashoka was the great emperor who ruled Kashmir during the Mauryan Empire.
· Ashoka founded the old city of Srinagar, which is now named “Pandrethan” (Puranadhistan).
· Ashoka built many vihars and temples, one of which was Shiva temple at Vijeshwari, nowadays it is called Bijbehara.
· After Ashoka's death, his son Jhaluka took over his throne in Kashmir.
· Jhaluka was a great king who saved a valley from oppression.
· After Jhaluka, his son named King Damodar II became the king.
· The place where King Damodar lived in a big palace. Nowadays Srinagar International Airport is built on that place which is called Damodar Karewas.
Kushan Empire
· After the Mauryans, Kashmir was captured by the Kushans.
· It is written about Turushka in Kalhana's book, which proves that the Kushans were the kings of Kashmir.
· The most important rulers of Kushans were Hushka, Joshika, and Kanishka. Hushakpur, Jaskapura and Kanishkpura were founded by the Kushans.
· The Kushans built many temples and viharas.
· During this time, the fourth Buddhist council was held by Kanishka and took place in Kundalvan, which is now called Harvan, very close to the Shalimar garden.
· In this council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
· Some of the great Buddhist scholars were also in this council included Ashvaghosha, Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, Sangamitra, and Jinamitra.
Karkota Dynasty
· Karkotas are also known as Nagas.
· Its founder was Durlabhavardhana (625-661).
· The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir through Baramullah during the reign of Durlabhavardhana. Where he founded a gate which was made by a big stone.
· Hiuen Tsang stayed in Kashmir for two years. He studied Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.
· After Durlabhavardhana, he was succeeded by Pratapaditya who founded the town of Pratapapura, now known as Tapar.
· The greatest leader of this dynasty was Lalitadiya Muktapida, who ruled Kashmir for 36 years.
Lalitaditya:
· Lalitaditya was the conqueror. There was an immense thirst within him to conquer the world. He conquered many countries.
· Without any doubt he was called “Samudra Gupta of Kashmir”.
· The states conquered by Lalitaditya are Punjab Kannauj, Tibet, Ladakh, Badakhshan (Orissa), South India, Gujarat, Malwa, Marwar and Sindh.
· He was the person who finally broke the power of Arabs In Sindh.
· Chankuyrya was his Commander-in-chief.
· Lalitaditya got the River Jehlum de-silted and bunds and embankments were constructed around low-lying areas for the welfare of his subjects.
· Lalitaditya built his capital near the shrine of Kheer Bhawani and gave it the name of Parihaspura (City of Pleasure). That’s why he was also a great builder.
· In this entire valley, Lalitaditya built a better and bigger temple which became famous in the whole world Its name was Sun Temple and it was built at Martand in Mattan Karevas. This reminds us of the splendor and wonderful times of Lalitaditya.
· Lalitaditya was a great patron of learning. There were many famous and larned people in his court who were from different countries.
· The court poet of Lalitaditya was Bhavabhuti.
· When Lalitaditya died there were no such a brave ruler after him. He was the only brave and good leader.
· After the Jayapida history of the Karkota dynasty is a very sad story.
