Jammu & Kashmir History

The historical and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir represents one of the most complex and fascinating subjects within the Indian subcontinent’s broader narrative. For candidates preparing for examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), a profound understanding of the region’s transitions—from its prehistoric origins to its contemporary status as a Union Territory—is not merely academic but a prerequisite for administrative competence. The region’s history is a rich tapestry woven from Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences, further complicated by the strategic imperatives of the colonial era and the legal intricacies of the post-independence period. This report provides an exhaustive, narrative-driven analysis of the historical facts, administrative milestones, and current affairs essential for the 2025-2026 examination cycle.   

Historiographical Foundations and Primary Sources

The reconstruction of Jammu and Kashmir’s past is anchored in a diverse array of literary, archaeological, and numismatic sources. The Nilmat Purana, likely composed between the 6th and 7th centuries CE, serves as the primary indigenous source for the valley’s early cultural and religious history. It provides the foundational legend of the valley’s origin, asserting that the region was once a vast lake known as Satisar, which was drained by the sage Kashyap Rishi. This text is indispensable for understanding the pre-Islamic social fabric and the rites prescribed by the mythical King Nila.   

Parallel to the Nilmat Purana is Kalhana’s Rajatarangini (The River of Kings), completed in 1148-1149 CE during the reign of King Jayasimha. Kalhana is uniquely recognized in Indian historiography for his attempt at a scientific approach to history, citing eleven earlier chronicles and inspecting inscriptions and coins to verify his claims. The Rajatarangini is divided into eight books (cantos) and provides a continuous record of the dynasties ruling Kashmir. For aspirants, it is critical to note that while the first three books contain legendary elements, the accounts from the 7th-century Karkota dynasty onwards are remarkably accurate and form the basis of recorded history in the region.   

The medieval period introduced Persian chronicles that expanded this historical record. Works such as the Tarikh-i-Kashmir by Sayyid Ali and the Baharistan-i-Shahi by an anonymous author offer insights into the Sultanate period and the arrival of Sufi saints. Mirza Haidar Dughlat’s Tarikh-i-Rashidi, completed in 1546 CE, provides a detailed account of the arts, crafts, and political shifts during the transition to Mughal influence. These literary sources are complemented by archaeological findings from the Neolithic site of Burzahom (c. 7000 BCE) and the Indus Valley Civilization link at Manda, Akhnoor, which push the region’s human history back into the prehistoric era.   

Ancient Governance and the Classical Age

The political history of ancient Kashmir is marked by the interplay between local dynasties and the major pan-Indian empires. The Mauryan Empire established its presence in the 3rd century BCE under Emperor Ashoka. Ashoka’s visit to the valley was a pivotal moment, as he introduced Buddhism and founded the original city of Srinagar, then known as Pandrethan (Purandhisthana). His governance was characterized by religious syncretism; while promoting Buddhist viharas, he also patronized local Shaivite traditions, notably building a Shiva temple at Vijeshwari, modern-day Bijbehra.   

Following the Mauryas, the Kushan Empire, particularly under Kanishka in the 1st century CE, turned Kashmir into a major center for Buddhist learning. The hosting of the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvana (near Harwan) was a landmark event that led to the codification of Mahayana Buddhism and the spread of the faith to Central Asia and China.   

The 7th century CE saw the rise of the Karkota dynasty, founded by Durlabhavardhana. This era is often termed the “Golden Age” of Kashmir, primarily due to the reign of Lalitaditya Muktapida (724-761 CE). Lalitaditya’s military genius extended the borders of the Kashmiri kingdom to include parts of Central Asia, Tibet, and the Indian plains. His most enduring legacy is the Martand Sun Temple, which reflects a sophisticated blend of Kashmiri, Gandharan, and Gupta architectural styles.   

The transition to the Utpala dynasty in the 9th century shifted the focus toward internal stability and agricultural reform. King Avantivarman is celebrated for his patronage of the engineer Suyya, who executed a massive drainage scheme to control the floodwaters of the Jhelum (Vitasta), thereby increasing the land available for cultivation and lowering the price of grain. This period emphasizes the early historical recognition of the vital link between hydraulic management and political stability in the valley.   

Medieval Transitions: The Advent of the Sultanates

The 14th century marked a definitive rupture in the political and religious continuity of the region. The decline of the Hindu Lohara dynasty and the subsequent chaos following the Tatar invasion led to the rise of Rinchana, a prince from Ladakh. Rinchana’s conversion to Islam under the influence of Bulbul Shah made him the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir, taking the name Sultan Sadr-ud-Din. However, it was Shah Mir, an adventurer from Swat, who founded the first stable Muslim dynasty (the Shah Mir dynasty) in 1339 CE.   

The Sultanate reached its apogee under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-1470 CE), known as “Budshah” (The Great King). His fifty-year reign was a period of unprecedented economic prosperity and social harmony. Zain-ul-Abidin is credited with introducing the handicrafts that define the Kashmiri economy today, including paper machie, silk weaving, and wood carving. He was a polyglot who promoted the translation of the Rajatarangini and the Mahabharata into Persian, reflecting a governance model based on pluralism and intellectual inquiry.   

Imperial Rule: Mughals, Afghans, and Sikhs

The local Sultanates eventually gave way to the expanding Mughal Empire. Emperor Akbar annexed Kashmir in 1586 CE, ending the rule of the local Chak dynasty. The Mughals integrated Kashmir into their imperial administrative structure, viewing it as a strategic retreat and a garden of the empire. They developed iconic sites like Shalimar and Nishat gardens, which remain central to the region’s tourism and cultural identity.   

With the decline of the Mughals, the region fell under the control of Ahmad Shah Abdali of Afghanistan in 1752 CE. The Afghan (Pathan) rule, which lasted 67 years, is frequently described in historical records as a period of extreme administrative hardship and high taxation. This was followed by the Sikh conquest in 1819 CE under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Sikh rule was significant for its military consolidation and for bringing the region under the influence of the Lahore Durbar, which eventually led to the rise of the Dogra dynasty.   

The Dogra Era and the Birth of the Modern Princely State

The modern geopolitical entity of Jammu and Kashmir was consolidated in 1846 through the Treaty of Amritsar, signed between the British East India Company and Gulab Singh, the Raja of Jammu. Following the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British transferred control of the Kashmir Valley to Gulab Singh for 75 lakh Nanakshahi rupees, recognizing him as the independent Maharaja of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This treaty unified three distinct regions—the Hindu-majority Jammu, the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, and the Buddhist-dominated Ladakh—into a single political unit.   

The Dogra period was characterized by significant administrative modernization. Maharaja Ranbir Singh established the foundation of the state’s judicial system and introduced a penal code modeled on the Indian Penal Code, known as the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Under Maharaja Pratap Singh, the infrastructure was transformed with the construction of the Jhelum Valley Cart Road and the Banihal Cart Road, which facilitated trade and movement between the valley and the rest of India. Maharaja Hari Singh, the final ruling monarch, focused on social reforms and the protection of local identity through the State Subject definitions, which restricted land ownership and government employment to permanent residents—a legal framework that would influence state policy for nearly a century.   

The Judicial Evolution: From the Maharaja’s Council to the High Court

The development of the judiciary is a vital topic for JKSSB aspirants, as it reflects the formalization of governance in the region. Prior to 1928, the Maharaja was the ultimate arbiter of justice. In 1889, the British influenced the appointment of a Council where the Judicial member exercised appellate powers. The transition to a modern judicial body culminated on March 26, 1928, with the establishment of the High Court of Judicature by Maharaja Hari Singh.   

Lala Kanwar Sein was appointed as the first Chief Justice, assisted by Puisne Judges Rai Bahadur Lala Bodh Raj Sawhney and Khan Sahib Aga Syed Hussain. The High Court’s independence was further bolstered by the Constitution Act of 1996 (1939 CE), which provided for the superintendence and control over the district judiciary. A unique milestone in Indian judicial history occurred in 1956 when a Special Bench of the Supreme Court of India, including Chief Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan (himself a former Prime Minister of the state), held a sitting in Srinagar to resolve pending appeals—the only such instance of the Supreme Court sitting outside New Delhi.   

Partition, Accession, and Constitutional Special Status

The partition of British India in 1947 brought the state into the center of a geopolitical conflict. Maharaja Hari Singh initially signed a Standstill Agreement with Pakistan but was forced to seek Indian intervention following a tribal invasion launched from across the border in October 1947. On October 26, 1947, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, formally joining the Union of India. This led to the first Indo-Pak war and the subsequent temporary administration of a ceasefire line by the United Nations.   

In the post-accession period, the region was governed under a unique constitutional framework. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, granted the state a significant measure of administrative autonomy, including its own constitution, flag, and the power to define permanent residents through Article 35A. The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was formally adopted by the state’s Constituent Assembly on November 17, 1956, and came into effect on January 26, 1957. During this era, the titles of the state’s executive heads were unique: the head of state was the Sadr-e-Riyasat and the head of government was the Prime Minister, until these were changed to Governor and Chief Minister, respectively, in 1965.   

The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019: A Paradigm Shift

A historic transformation occurred on August 5, 2019, when the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, concurrently with the abrogation of Article 370. This Act dissolved the state of Jammu and Kashmir and reconstituted it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly) and Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly).   

The Act is highly technical and contains 103 sections and 14 parts, which aspirants must study in detail. It provides for a Lieutenant Governor (LG) as the administrator of both UTs. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir follows the administrative model of Puducherry under Article 239A of the Constitution.   

Detailed Structure of the Reorganisation Act, 2019

The Act mandates the extension of 106 central laws to the UTs, the repeal of 153 state laws, and the abolition of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council (the Upper House).   

Under Section 14, the Legislative Assembly of J&K consists of 107 seats (raised to 114 following the Delimitation Commission), with 24 seats reserved and kept vacant for Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). The Assembly has the power to pass laws for the UT on matters in the State List, except for “Police” and “Public Order,” which remain under the purview of the Union Government. Furthermore, the LG is empowered to nominate two women members to the Assembly if they are not adequately represented.   

Economic Geography: Rivers, Passes, and Horticulture

The physical geography of Jammu and Kashmir is inextricably linked to its historical and economic development. The region is defined by the three principal rivers—the Jhelum, the Chenab, and the Ravi—which originate in or flow through the UT’s diverse terrain. These rivers are not only essential for the agrarian economy but are also central to the hydroelectric potential of the region, which has been a focus of development since the construction of the first hydroelectric project in 1905.   

Strategic Mountain Passes

The mountainous terrain necessitates the use of high-altitude passes, which have historically served as trade routes and military passages. For candidates, knowing the connectivity of these passes is essential for the geography and history sections of the JKSSB exams.

The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is heavily reliant on horticulture, contributing nearly 8% to the state’s GDP. The region is a global hub for temperate fruits, particularly apples and walnuts. Saffron cultivation in the Pampore uplands (locally known as Wudar) is a significant source of revenue and cultural pride, with the “Kashmir Saffron” receiving a GI tag in 2020 to protect its unique quality.   

Cultural Heritage and the GI Tag Registry (2024-2025)

The preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique cultural artifacts has been bolstered by the Geographical Indication (GI) registry. As of March 2024, the region has over 17 registered products, reflecting a diverse range of handicrafts and agricultural goods. These tags are vital for administrative exams as they represent the government’s efforts toward economic empowerment and cultural preservation.   

1. Handicrafts: Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozani Craft, Kani Shawl, and Kashmir Paper Machie were among the first to be registered. Pashmina is particularly noteworthy, extracted from the Changthangi goats and hand-processed using techniques dating back centuries.   
2. Recent 2023-2024 Updates: New additions include Basohli Paintings (miniature art), Basohli Pashmina woolen products, and the Rajouri Chikri wood craft.   
3. Agriculture: Beyond Saffron, recent GI tags have been granted to Mushqbudji Rice (a short-grain aromatic variety from Anantnag), Bhaderwah Rajmash (small sweet kidney beans), and Ramban Sulai Honey (harvested from Acacia flowers).   
4. 2025 Outlook: Products like the “Gucci” Mushroom from J&K are currently in the process of acquiring GI tags, reflecting an ongoing initiative to brand the region’s niche commodities for the global market.   

Current Affairs and Recent Administrative Developments

For exams in 2025 and 2026, aspirants must be conversant with the latest governance updates and social milestones. The transition from a state to a Union Territory has led to a focus on transparency, digital governance, and infrastructure.   

Heritage Restoration Projects

The government has launched extensive schemes for the revival and restoration of religious and historical sites. In March 2025, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that 45 projects were currently underway, with 73 more identified for phase II. Notable projects include the restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex in Jammu, for which ₹59.69 crore has been sanctioned. In the Kashmir division, the restoration of the centuries-old Vachar Nag Temple and the Aali Masjid at Eidgah are prominent examples of efforts to reclaim the valley’s pluralistic cultural heritage.   

Infrastructure and Strategic MOU

In January 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the integrated development of road and rail infrastructure in the region. This cooperation focuses on the construction of strategic tunnels and bridges, essential for overcoming the geographical hurdles that have historically isolated parts of J&K. The continued progress on the Zojila Tunnel, which aims to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, remains a top-tier current affairs topic.   

Administrative “Firsts” in Jammu and Kashmir

Candidates should memorize the following “firsts” as they are staples of the JKSSB General Knowledge section.

The first general elections to the J&K Legislative Assembly were held in 1957, with the J&K National Conference winning the majority. The first university in the state was the University of Jammu and Kashmir, established in 1948, which later bifurcated into the University of Jammu and the University of Kashmir in 1969.   

Demographic and Economic Synthesis

As per the 2011 Census—the most recent complete data set for examination purposes—Jammu and Kashmir had a population of over 12.5 million. The population density stands at approximately 124 persons per square kilometer, with a sex ratio of 889. The literacy rate is recorded at 67.2%, with male literacy at 76.8% and female literacy at 56.4%. These statistics are crucial for understanding the social challenges and the targeted administrative interventions required in the region.   

The economy is currently diversifying beyond agriculture and handicrafts. The recent discovery of high-grade sapphire mines in the Doda district and the focus on “Purple Revolution” (lavender cultivation) in regions like Doda and Reasi are emerging as vital economic trends for the future. The integration of the region into the national power grid and the focus on the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) are key indicators of the region’s trajectory toward fiscal self-reliance.   

Synthesis for Competitive Success

The history of Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a record of past events but a living narrative that continues to shape current administrative and legal frameworks. For a JKSSB aspirant, the challenge lies in synthesizing ancient dynastic records with modern legislative changes. The transition from the era of the Nilmat Purana to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 illustrates a journey of complex integration and evolving identity. 

Success in the upcoming examinations will depend on a nuanced understanding of these historical facts, paired with a diligent tracking of recent current affairs and governance reforms. By mastering the details of primary sources, administrative “firsts,” and the specific clauses of the Reorganisation Act, candidates can demonstrate the expertise required to serve in the Union Territory’s diverse and dynamic administrative landscape.   

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Sahil Digra

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