Key One-Liners on Jammu & Kashmir History

The historical and political narrative of Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a collection of dates but a profound tapestry of cultural synthesis and legislative milestones that define the identity of the Union Territory today. For candidates preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) examinations, a deep-seated understanding of this subject is indispensable. The syllabus for various competitive roles, including the Junior Assistant, Sub-Inspector, and Finance Accounts Assistant, consistently allocates substantial weightage—ranging from 20 to 30 marks—to General Knowledge with a specific emphasis on the history, economy, and culture of Jammu and Kashmir. Mastering this domain requires a shift from superficial memorization to an integrated perspective that connects ancient legends with contemporary administrative shifts, such as the landmark Reorganisation Act of 2019 and the subsequent amendments of 2023 and 2025.   

Ancient Foundations: From Geological Origins to Neolithic Settlements

The early history of the Kashmir Valley is uniquely characterized by its geological transformation, which is documented in the oldest extant literary traditions of the region. According to the Nilmat Puran, the valley was originally a vast lake known as Satisar. This ancient text describes a geological event where a saint named Kashyap Rishi, after a long period of penance, cut a breach in the mountain at Khadanyar, near modern-day Baramulla (historically Varahmulla), allowing the lake’s waters to drain and making the land habitable for human settlement. This mythological foundation finds a degree of resonance in modern geological studies, which suggest that the valley was indeed a lacustrine basin during the Pleistocene epoch.   

The human footprint in the region dates back to the Neolithic era, with the site of Burzahom standing as a premier archaeological landmark. Located near Srinagar, Burzahom provides evidence of a unique civilization characterized by subterranean pit-dwellings, polished stone tools, and distinctive burial practices where domestic animals were interred alongside their masters. Aspirants should note that Burzahom represents the transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities, a fact that is frequently highlighted in JKSSB General Knowledge modules.   

The Classical Era: Dynastic Rule and the Spread of Learning

The written history of Kashmir’s classical period is anchored by Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, completed between 1148 and 1150 CE during the reign of King Jayasimha. This monumental work, consisting of eight books or Tarangas, is recognized as the first systematic history of an Indian region written by an indigenous author. Kalhana identifies Gonanda I as the first king of Kashmir, reigning around the time of the Mahabharata, and documents the rise and fall of several significant dynasties that transformed the region into a center of intellectual and religious excellence.   

The Mauryan Empire, led by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, marked the formal introduction of Buddhism to the Kashmir Valley. Ashoka is credited with founding the original city of Shrinagari, located near the current archaeological site of Pandrethan, and constructing numerous stupas and viharas. This era established Kashmir as a hub for Buddhist scholarship, a status further elevated by the Kushan ruler Kanishka in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. Kanishka convened the Fourth Buddhist Council at Kundalvan, which brought together nearly 500 scholars, including luminaries like Vasumitra and Nagarjuna, to codify Buddhist doctrines.   

The Karkota Dynasty (625–855 CE) represents the peak of Kashmir’s imperial expansion. Founded by Durlabhavardhana, the dynasty reached its zenith under Lalitaditya Muktapida, often hailed as the “Alexander of Kashmir”. Lalitaditya’s reign was marked by extensive military campaigns that reached as far as Central Asia and the Gangetic plains, but his most enduring legacy is the Martand Sun Temple. This architectural marvel, built on the Mattan Karewa, remains a symbol of the artistic and engineering prowess of the classical era.   

Following the Karkotas, the Utpala Dynasty, established by Avantivarman in 855 CE, shifted the focus to internal stability and agricultural development. Avantivarman’s reign is particularly notable for the contributions of the engineer Suyya, who devised innovative drainage and irrigation systems that successfully mitigated the frequent floods of the Jhelum (Vitasta) river, leading to the naming of the town Sopore (historically Suyyapur) in his honor.   

The Medieval Period: Islamic Transition and the Era of “Budshah”

The transition from Hindu to Muslim rule in Kashmir was a gradual process shaped by social movements and the arrival of Sufi missionaries rather than a sudden external conquest. The last prominent Hindu ruler of the medieval period was Udayan Dev, whose death in 1339 CE paved the way for the establishment of the Shah Mir Dynasty by Shah Mir, who ascended the throne as Sultan Shamas-ud-din. This period saw the introduction of Persian as the language of the court and a significant shift in the cultural landscape of the valley.   

The most revered figure of this era is Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420–1470 CE), popularly known as “Budshah” or the Great King. His reign is celebrated as a golden age characterized by religious tolerance, administrative reform, and the promotion of indigenous industries. Budshah is credited with reclaiming the religious diversity of the valley by recalling the Pandits who had fled during previous reigns, abolishing the Jizya tax, and encouraging the study of both Islamic and Hindu philosophies. He also established new crafts, such as silk weaving, paper-making, and shawl-making, often by bringing expert artisans from Samarkand to train local workers.   

The Chak Dynasty followed the Shah Mirs, gaining prominence for their military resilience. The reign of Yousuf Shah Chak is particularly famous in Kashmiri folklore due to his marriage to the celebrated poetess Habba Khatoon, the “Nightingale of Kashmir”. However, the internal weaknesses of the Chak rulers eventually led to the annexation of Kashmir by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1586, marking the beginning of nearly two centuries of Mughal hegemony.   

Imperial Power and the Evolution of Modern Jammu

The Mughals integrated Kashmir into their imperial administrative framework, viewing the valley as a strategic summer retreat and a bastion of natural beauty. Emperor Akbar, during his visits, commissioned the construction of an outer wall for the Hari Parbat Fort and established the town of Nagar-Magar. His successor, Jahangir, had a deep personal affinity for the valley, commissioning the Shalimar and Nishat Baghs and famously describing Kashmir as a “paradise on earth”. Shah Jahan continued this architectural legacy by building the Chashma Shahi garden and the Pari Mahal observatory.   

While Kashmir flourished under the Mughals, the Jammu region saw the rise of independent Rajput dynasties. The founding of Jammu city is attributed to Raja Jambu Lochan, who, according to legend, witnessed a tiger and a goat drinking water from the same spot on the banks of the Tawi river, a symbol of peace that inspired him to establish his capital there. Jammu’s history is further documented in literary sources such as the Rajadarshini, which details the reigns of the Rai and Dhar dynasties before the emergence of the Dev dynasty in 840 CE.   

The decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century left a power vacuum that was filled by the Afghans. Ahmad Shah Abdali established Afghan (Durrani) rule in Kashmir in 1752. This period, lasting until 1819, is often described by historians as a “dark age” characterized by extreme taxation, administrative brutality, and a decline in the cultural life of the valley. Afghan rule was eventually ended by the Sikh forces of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who annexed Kashmir to the Sikh Empire of the Punjab in 1819. The Sikh period (1819–1846) introduced new administrative structures and prepared the ground for the emergence of the Dogra dynasty.   

The Dogra Era and the Formation of the Modern State

The modern geopolitical entity of Jammu and Kashmir was formally created in 1846 through the Treaty of Amritsar, following the conclusion of the First Anglo-Sikh War. By the terms of this treaty, the British government transferred the control of the Kashmir valley to Maharaja Gulab Singh, the Dogra ruler of Jammu, in exchange for a sum of 75 lakh Nanakshahi rupees. Gulab Singh, who had already consolidated the Jammu region and expanded into Ladakh through the military genius of General Zorawar Singh, thus became the founder of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.   

The Dogra rulers implemented significant modernization efforts that shaped the contemporary infrastructure of the region. Maharaja Ranbir Singh is remembered for introducing the ‘Darbar Move’—the biannual shifting of the capital between Srinagar and Jammu—and establishing a modern judiciary. Maharaja Pratap Singh oversaw the development of the Jhelum Valley and Banihal roads, which connected the valley to the outside world, and established the department of agriculture and horticulture. The last ruling Maharaja, Hari Singh, is notable for his progressive social reforms and the critical role he played during the decolonization of India in 1947.   

Accession and the Constitutional Framework (1947–2019)

The end of British paramountcy in 1947 placed Jammu and Kashmir at a historical crossroads. Faced with a tribal invasion supported by Pakistan, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26/27, 1947, formally making the state a part of the Union of India. This led to the deployment of Indian troops to counter the invasion and the appointment of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as the Prime Minister of a popular interim government in March 1948.   

The constitutional relationship between the state and the Union was defined by Article 370, which was incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1950. This article granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status, allowing it to have its own constitution and a significant degree of autonomy over internal matters, with the exception of defense, foreign affairs, and communications. Over the following decades, several administrative changes took place, including the Delhi Agreement of 1952 and the 1965 amendment that redesignated the ‘Sadar-i-Riyasat’ as the Governor and the Prime Minister as the Chief Minister.   

The era of special status concluded on August 5, 2019, when the Government of India revoked the special status under Article 370 and passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. This act reorganized the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislative assembly) and Ladakh (without a legislature), a move that came into effect on October 31, 2019.   

Deep Dive: The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019

The 2019 Act is a foundational document for any aspirant, as it details the current governing structure of the Union Territory. It consists of 14 Parts, 103 Sections, and 5 Schedules. A key feature of the Act is the applicability of Article 239A of the Indian Constitution—originally formulated for Puducherry—to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.   

The Act abolished the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council (the upper house), transitioning the region to a unicameral legislature. It also mandated that the Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the President of India, would be the head of state, while the Chief Minister and a Council of Ministers (not exceeding 10% of the total assembly strength) would advise the LG on state matters, excluding “public order” and “police,” which remain under central control.   

Legislative Evolution: Amendments of 2023 and 2025

The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has continued to evolve through significant legislative amendments aimed at ensuring broader representation and stricter accountability.

The 2023 Amendment and Political Inclusion

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the Reservation (Amendment) Act of the same year introduced several transformative changes. For the first time in the history of the region, nine seats in the Legislative Assembly were reserved for Scheduled Tribes, a move that specifically benefited marginalized communities such as the Gujjars and Bakarwals. Additionally, the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes was increased from six to seven.   

One of the most notable provisions of the 2023 amendment is the power granted to the Lieutenant Governor to nominate representatives for communities that have faced historical displacement. This includes:

• Two members from the Kashmiri Migrant community (one of whom must be a woman).   
• One member representing displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The total number of nominated members in the assembly can now reach a maximum of five, aimed at fostering social inclusion and reconciliation in the post-2019 era.   

The 2025 Accountability Amendment

In August 2025, the Union Home Ministry introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill seeks to address a critical gap in the 2019 Act regarding the accountability of high-ranking ministers. It proposes to amend Section 54 of the Act to provide a legal framework for the removal of the Chief Minister or any Minister if they are arrested and detained for a period of 30 consecutive days on account of serious criminal offenses (punishable by five years of imprisonment or more).   

The bill stipulates that a Minister must be removed by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister by the 31st day of custody. In the case of the Chief Minister, they are required to resign by the 31st day; failure to do so results in them automatically ceasing to hold office. This amendment, currently referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, reflects a broader national shift toward ensuring that those holding executive power are beyond reproach.   

Geographical and Cultural Landmarks: A Revision Hub

Geography is intrinsically linked to history in Jammu and Kashmir, and many questions in JKSSB exams focus on the intersections of these fields. The region is divided into two divisions—Jammu and Kashmir—comprising 20 districts in total.   

Rivers and Lakes: Lifelines of the Region

The Jhelum River (known in Sanskrit as the Vitasta and in Greek as the Hydaspes) is the primary waterway of the Kashmir valley. It is described as a historic “Silk Route trade artery,” a fact reinforced by recent archaeological finds along its banks.   

ASI Monuments and Heritage Sites

As of 2026, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects 56 monuments of national importance in Jammu and Kashmir. These range from the ancient Neolithic settlements to medieval mosques and Dogra forts.   

• Ancient Sites: The excavations at Ushkur and Kanispora near Baramulla have revealed artifacts from the Kushan era. The “Dragon Stones” or vishaps found in high-altitude pastures are linked to ancient water cults.   
• Forts: The Akhnoor Fort in Jammu and the BhimGarh Fort in Reasi are significant Dogra-era structures. The Hari Parbat Fort in Srinagar features Mughal-era outer walls and a 19th-century Durrani fort.   
• Temples and Mosques: The Shankaracharya Temple on the Kothi Bagh hill is a landmark of ancient Shaivism. The Pathar Masjid in Srinagar, built of grey limestone, and the Khanqah of Shah Hamdan are iconic examples of Islamic architecture in the valley.   

Latest Current Affairs: Updates from 2025 and 2026

The historical record of Jammu and Kashmir is continually being expanded by recent events and archaeological discoveries. These “trending” topics are increasingly common in recent JKSSB question papers.   

Significant Archaeological Recoveries (December 2025)

In a remarkable month for regional archaeology, three ancient sculptures were recovered from the Jhelum river and its outskirts in December 2025. These include:   

• 13th-Century Memorial Stele: Found at Larkipora, Awantipora, depicting a warrior and his family. Experts suggest this find illustrates the prevalence of the Sati system during that period.   
• Goddess Durga Sculpture: A stone sculpture of the deity was recovered from the Jhelum in the Baramulla district on December 26, 2025.   
• Lord Vishnu Sculpture: Discovered near Gulmarg by a police patrol during the first week of December 2025.   

Administrative and Social Developments (January 2026)

The beginning of 2026 saw several administrative updates relevant to General Knowledge. The GAD issued Government Order No. 121-JK(GAD) of 2026 on January 28, updating the seniority list of the Secretariat (Gazetted) Service-II, a routine but essential update for bureaucracy-focused GK.   

In the social sphere, the “Pheran Party” trend in Delhi highlights the cultural resonance of Kashmiri attire in mainstream India. While this has boosted the demand for traditional woolen cloaks, it has also raised concerns about machine-made imitations threatening the livelihoods of authentic Kashmiri artisans. Furthermore, environmental accountability was in focus as the J&K Pollution Control Committee ordered the closure of 17 hotels in Jammu and 26 in Sonmarg for violating pollution norms in late January 2026.   

Exam Preparation: Strategy for History One-Liners

To excel in the JKSSB examinations, aspirants should adopt a thematic approach to these historical “one-liners,” ensuring they understand the context behind each fact.

Thematic One-Liner Mastery

Strategy for Analyzing Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Aspirants should observe that many PYQs focus on the “firsts” and “last” of dynasties, as well as the specific names of sites found in the Rajatarangini. For instance, knowing that Gonanda I was the first king mentioned by Kalhana and that Udayan Dev was the last Hindu ruler is essential. Similarly, the 2019 Reorganisation Act’s sections—such as Section 10 for Lok Sabha representation and Section 15 for women’s representation—are high-frequency topics in the current exam cycle.   

Synthesis and Conclusion

The history of Jammu and Kashmir is a dynamic narrative that moves from the Neolithic dwellings of Burzahom through the imperial grandeur of the Karkotas and Mughals to the complex constitutional reforms of the 21st century. For the JKSSB aspirant, this subject represents a significant portion of the General Knowledge component, requiring a balanced understanding of ancient heritage and recent administrative changes. The recent archaeological discoveries in late 2025 and the introduction of the 2025 Reorganisation Amendment Bill underscore the fact that history in this region is constantly being written and refined.   

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Sahil Digra

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