The astute political climate and winds of change have always impacted Kashmir. History is often neither fair nor accurate, as Napoleon’s saying, “history is a set of lies agreed upon,” aptly reflects the Kashmir situation. History’s lessons often obscure the truth, revealing a grim cover-up. Since India’s independence, successive governments have focused keenly on Kashmir, seeking to secure a foothold in this ancient land. As popular perception holds, Kashmir was supposedly sold by the British to Raja Gulab Singh for 75 lakhs in 1846. Kalahana’s “Rajatarangini” suggests that Srinagar was founded during Emperor Asoka’s reign. However, historical accuracy often leaves one questioning. The Mughals cherished Kashmir, establishing a permanent presence with annual visits and various recreational activities.
“Kashmir is neither past, nor future, it is the living soul essence of an ancient identity, culture and moreover a looming civilizational ethos, as British folds into the snobbery but light always and still dawns upon Kashmir.”
The splendor in stones and romance in concrete leaves the tourist as what Jahangir told 400yrs ago “if there’s a paradise on earth, that’s Kashmir”. Kashmir remained under the tutelage of Persian World until the arrival of the British. The historical court of Sultan Zaindubuidin is a decoration and moving legacy. The conquest of Kashmir by British and the subsequent imperialist darkness with LTE- loot, torture and exploit. The English gave up Kashmir to the Maharaja, a Hindu ruler of origins. In British general’s cliché remark, calling “Kashmir, a Spanish ulcer that is sucking out the blood” remains only a tact colonial perfidy. Kashmir had captured the vision of yesteryears, with coming down travelers, poets, administrations, emperors. They all felt the same wavering emotion, that’s to conquer the land, annex it to their territorial prudence. Kashmir is neither past, nor future, it is the living soul essence of an ancient identity, culture and moreover a looming civilizational ethos, as British folds into the snobbery but light always and still dawns upon Kashmir.
(The author is a civil service aspirant from Kochi Kerala. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
