According to vedic knowledge the valley of Kashmir was once inhabited by demon Jalodbhav. Rishi Kashyap saved the land and its people from the fierce demon and hence the valley of Kashmir derived its name from the sage Kashyap. Kashmir is also known as the crown fountain of Indian Peninsula and has historic relevance in Mahabharata.
Later, it is believed that Srinagar (the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir) was built by King Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is widely believed that Ashoka spread Buddhism in the region.
There was a series of invasion from the Central Asian tribes, Sultan Shams-ud-din captured Kashmir in 1931 thus ending the Hindu rule and established Shah-Miri dynasty which ruled the region for 200 years. Most Muslim rulers encouraged literature, crafts, arts, music in the region. They were quite tolerant towards the Hindu subjects and thus there was a very strong secular tradition that flourished.
When the Mughals invaded India – it was Akbar who tricked Yusuf Shah Chak an Independent Kashmiri ruler as he failed to conquer Kashmir by force in 1588. Jahangi the successor of Akbar was very fascinated by the beauty of Kashmir valley – and the very enchanting Mughal gardens of Kashmir flourished in his era which he dedicated towards his beloved wife Nur Jahan.
The decline of Mughal Raj, the Pathans and Afghas invaded Kashmir it was period of great misery for the people of Kashmir. Subsequently Raja Ranjit Singh established the Sikh rule in Kashmir which was defeated by the British in 1846.
Post Independence there had been constant conflict over the accession of Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Kashmir has always been part of the Punjab province, the then Maharaj Hari Singh seeked helpfrom the Indian Army to defend Kashmir from Pakistan invasion. The assistance was granted on a term that Kashmir to accede to India. The Indian Army successfully claimed back territories however the warwas intervened by then Indian Prime Minister Nehru and the matter was taken to the UN. After UN intervention cease-fire was established and a Line of control has been drawn in 1947. However Pakistancreated ISI and there has been proxy war via terrorists. Thanks to the media across both the borders Kashmir bears an image of rampant militancy. However Kashmiri’s by far are the most tolerant community and hence it is said by many tourists who visit Kashmir “The conflict has not changed the hospitality of Kashmiris”.
