Kashmir’s history is a long and complex one, marked by influences from various empires and religions. From ancient times, it has been a center of Hindu and Buddhist culture, with periods of Hindu rule and the introduction of Buddhism by Emperor Ashoka. Muslim rule began in the 14th century, with the establishment of the Shah Mir dynasty, followed by the Mughals and Afghans. The region was then annexed by the Sikhs and later the Dogras, with the Dogra dynasty ruling until 1947. The partition of India in 1947 led to the current territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. 
 
Here’s a more detailed look:
Ancient Period:
  • Early Inhabitants:
    Evidence suggests human presence in the Kashmir Valley as far back as 5,000 years ago, with early settlers practicing rudimentary agriculture. 
     
  • Hindu Influence:
    Kashmir was a prominent center of Hindu culture, particularly Shaivism, before the 14th century, with the region being considered a “spiritual crown of Bharat” according to a YouTube video. 
     
  • Buddhist Influence:
    Buddhism was introduced by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, and Kashmir later became a significant center for Buddhist learning and practice, with the third Buddhist council taking place there during the reign of King Kanishka according to JKTDC. 
     
Medieval Period:
  • Muslim Rule: The Shah Mir dynasty established Muslim rule in 1339, initiating a period of Muslim dominance that lasted for nearly five centuries. 
     
  • Mughal and Afghan Rule: The Mughal Empire annexed Kashmir in 1586, followed by the Afghan Durrani Empire. 
     
  • Sikh Rule: The Sikhs, under Ranjit Singh, annexed Kashmir in 1819. 
     
Dogra Rule and the Partition: 
 
  • Dogra Dynasty:
    After the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British sold Kashmir to Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu, establishing the Dogra dynasty. 
     
  • 1947 Partition:
    Following the partition of India in 1947, the ruler of Kashmir, Hari Singh, had to decide whether to accede to India or Pakistan. 
     
  • Accession to India:
    Faced with an invasion from Pakistani tribesmen, Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir. 
     
  • Partition and Dispute:
    The war resulted in the partition of Kashmir, with parts of it controlled by India and Pakistan, and a ceasefire line established (now the Line of Control). 
     
Contemporary Period:
  • Ongoing Conflict:
    The dispute over Kashmir continues to be a major source of tension between India and Pakistan, with various conflicts and insurgencies occurring over the years. 
     
  • Kashmir Conflict:
    The region has experienced armed resistance, mass protests, and militant activity, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s according to the BBC. 
     
This video provides a short history of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan:
 
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