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Kashmir: An undisputed territory of ancient India

#Kashmir 
A region known to the world as a "disputed" territory if you follow the so called populist media. As recently as this week, Al Jazeera shamefully printed an article stating "Kashmir Muslims fear demographic shift as thousands get residency"

Yet, ignored by these so-called journalists is the historical fact that 'Kashmir valley is dotted with pre-historic pilgrimage centers and ancient ruins of Hindu temples and Buddhist Stupas and Viharas.' (source: Col Tej K Tikoo. Kashmir: Its Aborigines and their Exodus (Kindle Locations 316-317). Lancer Publishers LLC. Kindle Edition.) 

Ancient Kashmir 

Two great Indic religions, namely, Hinduism and Buddhism, thrived here and interacted with each other in a manner that affected their outlook on spiritual and temporal matters. (source: Col Tej K Tikoo. Kashmir: Its Aborigines and their Exodus (Kindle Locations 318-319). Lancer Publishers LLC. Kindle Edition.)

Here are just a few examples of ancient temples across the region of Kashmir (a note, not many realize Kashmir encompasses Kashmir, Jammu and Laddakh)

Did you know?

Martand Sun Temple, built during the 8th century CE by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida. The temple was destroyed on the orders of Sultan Sikandar Butshikan, as part of his efforts to forcibly convert Kashmiri people to Islam.



Did you know?

Ashoka came to Kashmir with 5,000 Buddhist monks to preach his newly embraced religion, Buddhism. He founded the capital town of Srinagar (City of Wealth) around 250 BCE at Pandrethan, where a centuries’ old temple in the middle of a spring still exists in excellent shape. (source: Col Tej K Tikoo. Kashmir: Its Aborigines and their Exodus (Kindle Location 402). Lancer Publishers LLC. Kindle Edition.)

Did you know?

Kota Rani (d. 1339), was the last ruler of the Hindu Lohara dynasty in Kashmir. She was regent during the minority of her son, and ruled as monarch until 1339. She was deposed by Shah Mir, who became the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir. (source: Wikipedia) Thus began the rise of Islam in Kashmir in 1339.

Kashmir: It's Aborigines and their Exodus is just the beginning of my journey in understanding this historical mystery and a geopolitical wreck. I'll continue my journey with the book that describes the war of 1947 when the newly created but ancient India fought off the illegal intrusions by the nascent Pakistan. 

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