Chapter 4
Kashmir's Mighty Tradition

Kashmir can be conquered not through arms but through the power of the virtuous deeds. Residents of that place are scared of only heaven/hell and not of the armed men.
(Kalhana's Rajtarangani: Chapter I Verse 39)
 
Kalhana, the historian, has taken pride in the invincible strength and glorious traditions of Kashmir, the crown of mother India, Kashmir, with its head high, has enjoyed honourable independence for 4,000 years on the basis of its own strength. Its brave warriors have never bowed their heads in front of foreign invaders and their weapons. The battle sagas and cries of this sacred land have been heard in the entire world. The entire world has recognised the might of its soldiers in their war campaigns. For many centuries the warriors of this land of the brave have stopped with their swords terrible invasions of the blood thirsty and so called invincible communities and tribes from foreign lands. Here on this land, where, on one hand, the peaks of spiritualism were raised, on the other hand, its sons made bravado and bravery as part of their life. Many books in Sanskrit carry an account of the importance of Kashmir. Modern historians will have to write it one day that Kashmir gave to man the valuable doctrines of world peaoe and shaivite philosophy, on the other hand it demonstrated the picture of "trident" symbolising the capacity to fight inhuman and unjust trends and traits. The pages of modern history bear testimony to the fact that the blow of the Kashmiri sword had hit distant regions in oentral Asia. This glorious heritage cannot be ignored.

Gonand-I

The known history of Kashmir runs side by side with the period of Mahabharta. Kalhana has started his political history of Kashmir with reference to the emperor, Gonand-I, in his book, Rajtarangani. This period ooncided with the coronation of Yudhishtra. The death of Kashmiri ruler, Gonand, is linked with Lord Krishna's armed campaign against the cruel rulers with reference to the killing of Jarasandh. On the banks of Yamuna near Mathura, a battle between Jarasandh and Lord Krishna was on. Since Gonand was a friend and a relation of Jarasandh, he went with his big company of soldiers to help Jarasandh. Gonand surrounded Lord Krishna on all the sides. It encouraged Jarasandh and he too moved forward to kill Krishna. After a terrific battle the joint operation of Gonand and Jarasandh failed. Lord Krishna killed Jarasandh and Balbhadr, brother of Krishna, ended the life of Gonand.

Damodar

After emperor Gonand, his son Damodar, was installed as the king with full religious oeremonies. Damodar was sad because of the martyrdom of his father, Gonand, in the battlefield at Mathura. He, therefore, challenged Krishna to a fight. That time Lord Krishna was participating in a swayamvar (marriage) at Gandhar. Like a wise politician Damodar thought it fit to launch an attack on Lord Krishna at that very jucture. But as an adept in politics and warfare, Lord Krishna gave a befitting reply to Damodar. In the ensuing battle Damodar was killed.

Rani Yashowati

The amount of interest and concern Lord Krishna had in India's administration and people is borne out by the fact that he resolved the issue of succession to the throne of Kashmir after the death of Damodar. Damodar had no son at that time. Lord Krishna installed Damodar's wife, Yashowati, on the throne of Kashmir as per his plan and scheme. At that stage Rani Yashowati was pregnant. She gave birth to a son who was named Gonand. The same boy became famous in the history as Gonand-II. The presence of kings and rulers from whole of India at the coronation of Rani Yashowati indicates that Kashmir had friendly relations with rest of the states in India. By this time the family feud between the Korvas and the Pandavas had asaumed the shape of a major political struggle the result of which was the Mahabharta war. The reason for Kashmir having not taken part in this war was that Gonand II was young and nobody had told him to participate in the war. Possibly Lord Krishna's plan was to keep Kashmir away from the flames of war so that this seat of Indian philosophy was protected from the heat of the battlefield.

Supremacy of Pandav Kings

Historical facts are available in Rajtarangani denoting the rule of Pandav kings in Kashmir after the Mahabharat war. Sh. Gopinath Shrivastav has written in his book "Kashmir: problem and background" that after Gonand-II there were 35 kings and all the records about them have been destroyed. That is why there is no description about them. Kashmiris believe that kings of Pandav too had ruled Kashmir and among the 35 untraced kings 23 belonged to the Pandav dynasty. Martand and other temples in Kashmir are called Pandav palaces. Among those kings in oblivion was Harandev, son of Parikahat and grandson of Arjun, who had fought with his brother, Janamjai, over the state of Haatinapur. But when he could not face his brother, he fled towards the Chhamb hill and lived in a hut there where a Rishi was engaged in penance. The Rishi had predicted that one day he (Harandev) would become king of Kashmir. It is said that Harandev went to Kashmir and recruited himself in the army of Gonand-II. He became the Prime Minister because of his calibre. After Gonand-II he became the first Pandav ruler who ruled Kashmir for 30 years.

The Shankracharya temple in Kashmir can be still seen in disarray. This temple had been built under the superviaion of Pandav king, Sandeepan. During the time of Sandeepan the boundaries of Kashmir state had extended from Gandhar to Kanoj. In thia dynastic tradition there was a king Bhimsen who, on the strength of Kashmiri armed forces, annexed several big and important regions in Central Asia. The account of Pandav rule given in several books in Sanskrit reveals that there used to be one type of state administration and setup in entire India. In Kalhana's Rajtarangani there is a detailed account of the political and social conditions in India during that period.

Emperor Ashoka

According to Kalhana, Magadh emperor, Ashoka, annexed Kashmir in 250 A.D. The borders of Ashoka's kingdom had extended from Bengal to Hindukush mountain (Afghanistan). He had built the city of Shrinagri which was just five kms away from the present Srinagar city. It is clear that Srinagar is the new form of old Shrinagri. The capital of Kashmir at that time was "Purandhisthan" (now Pandrethan). The temple at thia place is a mute witness to the progress of that period. According to a Chinese traveller, Huen Tsang, who stayed in Kashmir for a number of years, 5,000 Buddhist monks had been settled in Kashmir during the reign of Ashoka. There was not an iota of friction between the Buddhist monks and the local people. Ashoka himself worshipped Lord Shiva. A temple got built by him was later named as Ashokkeshwar temple which remained famous. The proof of his sympathy and affection for the people is evident from the fact that he arranged construction of 16,000 reaidential houses. During Ashoka's time Kaahmir, while becoming a centre for Buddhist philosophy, turned to be a centre of encouragement in many countries of the world. After ruling for 40 years Ashoka died.

Shiva Worshipper - Jalok

Emperor Ashoka waa a Shiva worshipper. He wanted a brave successor for protecting Kashmir. He undertook rigorous penance for propitiating Lord Shiva for bestowing him a brave son. Kalhana has, in his Rajtarangani, given an account of it in lovely words.

Malechhas (polluted people) had polluted Kashmir. Therefore, the King, by undergoing rigorous penance, secured Jalok named son as a gift from Lord Shiva for annihilating them.

Towards the fag end of the rule of Ashoka the danger of invasion of Malechhas (foreigners) on Kashmir increased. By then the coronation of Ashoka's son, Jalok, had been completed. A daily worshipper of Shiva, Jalok was a brave and a fearless king and Malechh chieftains had to stoop in front of his calibre. Under the leadership of Jalok Kashmiri soldiers protected Kashmir against powerful invasions of foreigners. That time the boundaries of Kashmir had been extended from Kanoj to Gandhar.

Becauae of being a worshipper of Shiva and a strong supporter of Shaivism Jalok was regarded as a prophet of Shiva in Kashmir. Jalok emerged not only an expert on religious discourse but also influenced Buddhist scholars by Shaivism and initiated them to Shaivism. Jalok re-established Sanatan Dharam in Kashmir and he himself was a believer in nonviolence. In the understanding of Buddhism and in the study of administrative system under it, Jalok demonstrated tolerance and earned the degree of a great Buddhist scholar. Many scholars from different countries were encouraged by Jalok to come to Kashmir where they were provided with facilities. That time strong relations between Kashmir and Greece were established. Kalhana has written that after conquering Kanyakubz and other lands the King summoned residents, belonging to all four castes, and experts in religious affairs to his country.

Powerful Emperor Kanishka

After king Jalok the state administration in Kashmir functioned but there was no intelligent and famous king for three centuries. Taking advantage of the fluid political situation Kushans estahlished their foothold in Kashmir. Among the Kushan rulers Hushak, Jushak and Kanishka were famous and their nationality was Turkish. These three kings built Hushakpur, Jushakpur and Kanishkpur towns. In politics, state craft and military campaigns Kanishka proved the most able and powerful emperor. He expanded his kingdom from the entire northern India to distant places in Central Asia uith the help of his sound leadership and the strength of Kashmiris. While staying in Kashmir Kushans were influenced by the Indian culture. Kanishka adopted Buddhism and made Kashmir a powerful centre for prorogating this faith. He declared Buddhism as the State religion. He had invited the third Buddhist council. During the rule of Turkish kings Buddhism received full impetus. Buddhism spread in Sri Lanka, Burma, Java. During the time of Kanishka it was propagated in Tibet, Central Asia and China. According to Kalhana, under the supervision of Nagarjun Buddhisms spread in Kashmir and Mahayana was established. Kanishkpur, established by Kanishka, is now Kanispur in Baramulla district.

On the basis of the above mentioned facts it can be stated that by adopting Buddhism the Indianisation of Kushans was complete. Kushans fully mingled with the Indian society.

Cruel Ruler Mehrkul

In the beginning of the 6th century (515 A.D.) Huns conquered Kashmir and established their rule. In the history of Kashmir Mehrkul, leader of Huns, is known as a cruel ruler. In the mystery of conquest of Kashmir by Mehrkul, cruel ruler belonging to Huns, who perpetrated cruelty on followers of Buddhism and performed the dark deeds of inflicting pain on the people, lies the feeling of compassion of the Indians. During the initial invasions of the Huns, a famous king of Malav, Yashovarman, had halted their march by defeating them. The emperor of Magadh, Baladitya, not only defeated the Huns in the battlefield but also arrested Mehrkul. But he was released because of the orders from Baladitya's kind mother. From there Mehrkul reached Kashmir and became the king through political intrigues and conspriacies.

One Example is Enough to Highlight his Cruelty

During the time of one armed campaign his elephant slipped from the Pir Panjal mountain. Its terrible and painful cry excited and delighted Mehrkul so much that he ordered pushing down the mountain 100 elephants at a time. Such acts were part of his entertainment.

Such an inhuman trait of Mehrkul could not stand for more time in front of high values in India. In Kashmir shaivism was so powerful and strong that the united strength and capacity for work forced Mehrkul to surrender before Shiva. He not only adopted Shaivism but also established a famous Mehrashwar temple. This temple is known now as Mamleshwar temple at Pahalgam. This way Kashmiris Indianised Mehrkul and his Huns the way they did to Kanishka and his Kushans in making them followers of Shaivism.

After the death of Mehrkul Kashmir remained under the rule of local rulers for many years. These very local rulers established contact with king of Ujjain, Vikrmaditya, and apprised him of the political situation in Kashmir. Vikrmaditya sent one of his able ministers, Pratapditya, as head of the state of Kashmir. It is clear that at that time Kashmir state was a constitutional member of the joint setup of Indians. The head of this joint setup used to be main Indian emperor. Pratapditya ruled Kashmir ably.

Meghwahan, the Genius

During this period Kalhana wrote the third book of Rajtarangani in which he has made a reference to the wisdom of king Meghwahan. Meghwahan was born in Gandhar. Gandhar, at that time, was an important centre of Buddhism. Buddhism had spread upto Afghanistan and Turkey because of the efforts of Kanishka. Thus Meghwahan started a strange campaign for the spread of Buddhism which in the history of the world is novel and incomparable. He decided to ban human killings in the entire world (Rajtarangani -3/27). After banning killing of animals in Kashmir he went towards the south upto Sri Lanka to make this prohibitive order effective. Meghwahan camped on the southern bank of the sea. One aborigin (Shabr) was keen to perform human sacrifice. That time Meghwahan offered himself for the sacrifice and this had caused a major transformation in the mind of the aborigine who gave up indulging in human sacrifices. (Rajtarangani-3/57). He had offered his body for sacrifice to make sincere efforts to save the life of a Brahmin boy. (Rajtarangani-3/78). The king had alienated even the demons from the acts of violence. The king got issued a proclamation not only in Kashmir but in the whole of India that whosoever he may be, living beings are not meant for killing or sacrifice. (Rajtarangani-3/88).

The wife of Meghwahan, Amritprabha, was the daughter of king of Assam. That time Assam and Bengal were under the influence of Vaishnavism. Therefore, the advent of this sect in Kashmir was the result of efforts of Amritprabha. This faith could not become as influential as Shaivism. There was no conflict or differences between it and Shaivism or Buddhism. Amritprabha had built Amrit Bhawan named monestery for providing comfort and facilities to Buddhist monks. It was called Yukaang Vihar. The flagstaff of the flag that would be hoisted on the palace was gifted to king Meghwahan by the king of Sri Lanka. It is an example of unity in India from the Himalayas to the distant south.

King Durlabhvardhan

After the Meghwahan period, the 254-year rule of Karkota dynasty on Kashmir is regarded as a golden era. The founder of this dynasty, Durlabhvardhan (625 A.D.), ascended the throne of Kashmir. The fourth book of Kalhana's Rajtarangani begins from this period. The history of Karkota dynasty is factual and solid. The famous Chinese traveller, Huen Tsang, reached Kashmir in 631 A.D. He remained in Kashmir for two years as a state guest. He has made a mention of the reign of Durlabh-vardhan in his article. According to him, Takshilla, Hazara, Poonch and Rajouri and other distant areas were under the influence of the king. He was a powerful king who ruled a vast kingdom. The route from Kashmir to Kabul was under his control. But he was not fully independent. Emperor Harshwardhan, whose capital was Kanoj, exercised simple power on Kashmir. The economic condition in Kashmir was good. The valley was rich with fruit and flowers. Buddhism had good publicity impact.

It is clear from the account of Huen Tsang that the king of Kashmir would come under the central rule. Those modern historians, who take pride in saying that there was never any central rule in India, should learnt from it.

Chandrapeed Who Defeated Arab Invaders

In this very Karkot dynasty Chandrapeed named king set up an ideal and strong state in Kashmir. According to Sh. Gopinath Shrivastav, the king was so powerful that the King of China too would accept his importance. In 713 A.D. he sent his envoy to China with this hope that with the help of China he would attack Arab. Chandrapeed was a lover of justice. This period gives evidence to the glorious ideals of Kashmiris. It also reveals the strength and state craft of the king who demonstrated determination in excelling in valour in Arab and in forging a military treaty with China. In order to halt the march of Arab invaders Chinese troops reached Kashmir to assist Chandrapeed. A proof of this is recorded in official documents of "Ta-ang." Historian Bamzai has written that the king of China sent his troops to Kashmir and through a joint operation defeated the Arab invaders.

Kalhana in his Rajtarangani has given an account of the era of Chandrapeed in which there was justice in the state and ordinary peoples' rights were protected. These ordinary people enjoyed full rights and honour. Proper compensation used to be given to anyone whose land or property was acquired by the Government. Government employees would feel afraid in adopting unjust ways against the common people.

Rajtarangani carries a lovely description of a short story. One day the King required adequate land for the construction of a temple at a praper place. Government officers went out in search of the land to distant areas. The land they selected for the construction of the temple belonged to a cobbler. He had his hut on the same land. By rejecting the demolition of his hut, the cobbler refused to allow the Government acquisition of his land. When this news reached the king, he, at once, ordered that the acquisition of the land be stopped. The King visited the cobbler in his hut. The King, while talking to the cobbler, requested the cobbler for shifting the hut to another place in the interest of the nation. The King explained to him that the construction of the temple was in the interest of the nation and it would not be proper for him to be an obstacle in the work. The simple cobbler too understood the matter connected with the national interest. Under the orders of the King the cobbler was given a land slightly away from his hut where he shifted his luggage on the Government expenses.

Another event which speaks of broadmindedness of Chandrapeed

The king awarded strict punishnment to a Brahmin on charge of having committed a sin. The Brahmin felt annoyed went to the King's brother, Tarapeed. He was already busy in hatching conspiracies against the King. Under the misguidance of Tarapeed the Brahmin administered a dose of poison to the king. When the king came to know about the misdeed of the Brahmin he forgave him on the plea that he was innocent. This way the end came to him even while harbouring liberal and broadminded feelings. The wife of Chandrapeed, Prakashdevi, her teacher Mihrdatta and Minister, Kalidat, too, built several temples and places of national importance.