Jammu and Kashmir :Historical Events
Abstract
The land of Kashmir is always remember for its nature and the events which happened in history. Kashmir issues have long been at the centre of conflict in history. The history of Kashmir is beyond which we thought, it has may things which we cannot conclude in one time but here in The Times News presented a documentary ‘ The Kashmir Story’ which is divide into six parts. It contain ten major events that happen in Kashmir till dated its major focus is on the war that fought for the land of Kashmir. The action which is taken by Pakistan for Kashmir and counter by India, all this we will discuss in this paper. Through this paper we will get to know that how these events affect Kashmir, thus events like agreement, terror attack, and meetings for keeping peace take place. This paper cover all aspects which covered by The Kashmir Story.
In this paper we will discuss documentary “The Kashmir Story” by the times news, which is Authentic source through a descriptive method. This paper provide an overview of historical events.
Key Words: Introduction, History, Dogra Dynasty, UN and Jammu & Kashmir, Parliament resolution 1994.
Introduction
In this paper we will discuss that the land of Jammu and Kashmir is independent since history and the origin of Jammu and Kashmir It is said to have all bagun with a sage KASHYAPA who drained a lake that covered the valley at Varaha mula or Baramullah to make a home for his people and so the name Kashyapa-mir or Kashmir. Another story goes that a certain king Jamboo lochan fell in love with the land while on a hunting trip near the river Tawi. He made it his home and founded a town in his own name the town of Jamboo or Jammu as we call it today.
Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its culture and nature it is said that the beauty of Kashmir it his nature and it attract many visitors in the state. Under the Durrani dynasty as one of the religious oppression, torture and enslaving of the native population recorded in history. This situation change when the Kashmir valley was taken away by the army of the Sikhs in 19th century. The region came under non Islamic rule for the first time and this was the beginning of Kashmir as we know it today.
Religion in as well play important role in Kashmir. Religion like seasons graced the valley of intervals. In the beginning it was a well-known seat of Shaivism an important pilgrimage for the followers of Shiva and when Emperor Ashoka brought Buddhism to the valley. Rajatarangini written by Kashmir’s own historian’s kalhana records Buddism as a prominent religion in the region and describes how it travelled from Kashmir over the mountains through Ladakh and Tibet to china taken there by monks. This was always this zone of transition between India and China. (Ali, 2015)
There are many legends on Kashmir. According to Hindu mythology, Kashmir was created by Kashyap Rishi (Nilmat Purana & Rajtarangini). Emperor Ashok ruled this state in 3rd century B.C. and introduced Buddhism in this valley. Later Kushan king Kanishka ruled this state. In the 6th century Kashmir came under the control of Huns and regained freedom in 530 AD. Thereafter Gupta dynasty ruled this state until the period of Vikramaditya. After the decline of Vikramaditya, Lalitaditya ruled this state in 697-738 A.D. He was a famous builder.
Muslims came to this area during 13th century A.D. Famous Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abedin was a noted patron of music and dance. He ruled this state in 1420-70 and his successor ruled till 1586. Kashmir passed into the hands of Mughals in the period of Akbar. Mughal rulers were strong in this region prior to 1752, when Afgan ruler Ahmed-Shah Abdali took control of this state. Within a month of partition of India into India and Pakistan in August 1947 Pakistan sent the raiders, later to be identified as Pakistan’s own troops, into Kashmir valley. But after October 24, 1947 Kashmir valley’s accession to India, the Indian army went into action. The Indian army pushed back the raiders until the UN enforced cease fire stopped fighting on January 1, 1949 when two-thirds of the state was cleared of the invaders.
The history of Jammu is quite old. It finds a mention in the epic Mahabharata. This region was ruled by Dogra rulers. Raja Maldev and Raja Ranjit Dev are the famous Dogra rulers. After Raja Ranjit Dev the Jammu’s Dogra regime became weak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab took over the state. Ranjit Singh handed over this state to one of his strongest governors and a scion of Dogra ruling family. His successors ruled the state till 1947. The Dogra King Hari Singh merged the state with the Indian Union. (Ali, 2015)
History
Kashmir has had a history of being an independent kingdom a sovereign state in every sense and whosoever tried to control it whether it was the Mughals or the Afghans or the Sikhs or later the Dogras has problems. [javed Iqbal columnist greater Kashmir]. Under the durrani dynasty as one of the religious oppression, torture and enslaving of the native population recorded in history. This situation change when the Kashmir valley was taken away by the army of the Sikhs in 19th century. The region came under non Islamic rule for the first time and this was the beginning of Kashmir as we know it today.
Jammu and Kashmir born when a sage drained a lake to make a home for a people draped in myth, recorded in the puranas coveted by kings conquered by various religions and ideologies, Kashmir has always been a land of many legends. Among her famous visitors were Emperor Alexander and Asoka and scholars like Sankarancharya home too one of the sub-continent’s greatest philosophers the mystic Abhinavagupta Kashmir has many stories to tell.
Traces of his history can still be found in places like Buffliaz on the old Mughal road legend has it that this town that lies between Jammu and Srinagar gets its name from Emperor Alexander’s horse Bucephalus which is supposed to have been buried here. Buffliaz is just the local name for a very Greek horse. Sitting at it were in the shadow of the Himalayas abundant in lakes, rivers and glaciers Kashmir had always been a popular route into the sub-continent for traders, scholars and invaders. Shah mir an immigrabt from across the mountains worked his way up to become king and establish the first Muslim dynasty. (Ali, 2015)
The sultan dynasty which lasted till the 16th century, this was also the dynasty that made Islam the prominent religion in the valley with some of its rulers even political clout to enforce it. As islam is not only faith in the land this lesson of tolerance and inclusivity between what would be sung by bards quoted by poets and internalized by a whole people as Kashmiriyat. Kashmiriyat here was a state of mind and a way of life that meant Jammu and Kashmir: Historical Events 2024 pg. 5 respecting all religious traditions and celebrating festivals of all faiths. This way of life is even said to have influenced the cuisine of the Kashmiri the wazwan the ingredients of which become over time those that were acceptable to all faiths. The time and tide were such that it also attracted travelers and visitors from central Asia leading to a healthy exchange of culture and craft in the region. Kashmir has a unique culture like food and cloth. This was also the reason dispute and conflict between states but it did not affect its culture. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
It’s around two months after independence, Kashmir was attacked by the armed tribesmen from Pakistan, and the situation forced Hari Singh, the present ruler of Kashmir to write to Governor General, Lord Mountbatten, asking India to provide military support. Attached to this letter asking for aid was the instrument of accession to India, which was signed by Singh. Mountbatten signed the instrument on 27 October 1947.
According to the document, under the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution Act 1939, only defence, foreign affairs and communications will be handed over to the Government of India while control over all other areas will be retained by the ruler.
First Anglo-Sikh war
The First Anglo-Sikh war was fought from 1845 to 1846 in between the Sikhs and the British. It began with the death of Ranjit Singh in 1839. The Sikh empire become weak and the British took this opportunity to conquer Punjab in order to expand their. It happen in two phase first Anglo Sikh war and second Anglo Sikh war.
The First Anglo-Sikh war involved five battles
1. Battle of Mudki: This was the first battle fought between the Sikhs and the British and it was fought in Mudki on December 18, 1845. The Sikhs were defeated in this battle.
2. Battle of Firozpur: This battle was fought in Firozpur on December 21, 1845 and again the Sikhs were defeated.
3. Battle of Baddowal: This battle was fought in Baddowal on January 21, 1846. The Sikh army under the leadership of Ranjit Singh Majithia defeated the British army.
4. Battle of Aliwal: This battle was fought in Aliwal on January 28, 1846. The British army defeated the Sikhs
5. Battle of Sobraon: This was the final battle and was fought in Sobraon on February 10, 1846. This was the decisive battle and the Sikhs were dispelled by the British.
Sikhs were defeated in the First Anglo-Sikh war by British because Lal Singh and Teja Singh of Sikh army were in League with British and they provided all the information regarding the war to them. Due to disloyalty Sikhs had to defeat in war.
Treaty of Lahore 1846
After defeated in war British captured Lahore and a treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikhs and the British on March 8, 1846. As part of the treaty, the Sikhs agreed to hand over Kashmir and Hazara and Jalandhar Doab to the British. By the Treaty of Lahore they took Kashmir and its dependencies. The treaty was signed basically on the fact that these two parties agreed to not shelter each other’s enemy and not interfere with each other’s affairs. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
Treaty of Amritsar 1846
A week after signing the Treaty of Lahore, British East India Company signed Treaty of Amritsar with Gulab Singh. He purchased Kashmir from the East India Company at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. He was also granted the title of Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to Gulab Singh’s neutrality during the Anglo-Sikh War, the British granted him dominion over Jammu and Kashmir through a sale deed, which was formalized through the Treaty of Amritsar. The state of Jammu and Kashmir was thus formed, a Muslim-majority state with a Hindu Dogra ruler. This treaty also transferred the ownership rights of everything between rivers Ravi and Indus from the Sikh empire to Gulab Singh, the Jammu Raja. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
Second Anglo-Sikh war 1848-1849
Even after the end of the First Anglo-Sikh war, neither of the sides was satisfied. The settlement of the state of Punjab after the first Sikh War neither fulfilled the imperialistic designs of the English nor did it satisfy the Sikhs. This resulted in a second battle between the Sikhs and the British in 1948–1949 and the Sikhs won this battle.
It include three major wars that were fought:
- The Battle of Ramnagar, headed by Sir Hugh Gough, the Company’s commander-in-chief. On November 22, 1848, the first fight between the English and the Sikhs was fought at Ramnagar. However, it remained undecided.
- Chillianwala Battle, On January 13, 1849, the second fight was fought at Chillianwala. It was likewise uncertain, but the English were successful in Multan.
- The Sikh army surrendered at Rawalpindi on February 21, 1849, and their Afghan allies were pushed out of India. Mulraj surrendered himself on January 22. The crucial fight, however, took place on February 21, 1849, at Gujrat, a town near the Chenab. The Sikhs were thoroughly beaten. Sher Singh, Chattar Singh, and the other Sikh leaders surrendered to the English in March 1849.
The second Anglo-Sikh war was the final conflict enforced by the English to expand their dominion inside India’s borders. The acquisition of Punjab stretched British India’s territory up to the country’s natural borders in the northwest. India’s independence in 1947, the Sikhs fought against the British side in the Revolt of 1857 and many subsequent conflicts and wars. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
Treaty of chusul 1842
We shall neither at present nor in the future have anything to do or interfere at all with the boundaries of Ladakh and its surroundings as fixed from ancient times and will allow the annual export of wool, shawls and tea by way of Ladakh according to the old established customs. The relationship between Maharaj Gulab Singh of J&K and the Lama Guru of Lhasa (Dalai Lama) is now established. Trade between Ladakh and Tibet will continue as usual. Tibetan traders coming into Ladakh will receive free transport and accommodations as before, and the Ladakhi envoy will, and same facilities are provided in Lhasa.
Dogra Dynasty
Jammu and Kashmir was one of the biggest Princely State in India which was under the power of Dogra Maharajas from 1846 -1947. The Four rulers of this dynasty have ruled over the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Maharaja Gulab Singh being the first one and founder of this dynasty through the Treaty of Amritsar in the year 1846. The Treaty of Amritsar had two important features in context in India;
- First, the foreign policy of these states (princely states) was subordinate to the British paramountcy in order to avoid any possible threat of the emergence of a united front on behalf of the princes against the British authority.
- Second, the rulers of these states were given free hand in their internal affairs.
But in case of the state of Jammu and Kashmir the treaty of Amritsar is,
- Article 4, of the treaty makes it clear that the limits of territories of Gulab Singh shall not be at any time changed without concurrence of the British Govt.
- Article 5, it says the British Govt. would be the final arbiter in any dispute or question that may arise within state or with any other neighboring state and the decision of British would be final.
- Article 6, it says Maharaja Gulab Singh engages for himself and heirs to join, with the whole of his military force, the British troops when employed within the hills or in the territories adjoining his possession.
- Article 10, it says Maharaja acknowledges the supremacy of the British Government.
The Dogra dynasty was a Hindu Dogra Rajput dynasty that was form the royal house of Jammu and Kashmir. The founder of this dynasty is Gulab Singh, he was an influential noble in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. Appointed by Ranjit Singh as the hereditary Raja of the Jammu principality, Gulab Singh established his supremacy over all the hill states surrounding in the Kashmir Valley. After the First Anglo-Sikh War in 1846, under the terms of the Treaty of Lahore, 1846, the British Indian government acquired Kashmir from the Sikh Empire and transferred it to Gulab Singh, recognizing him as an independent Maharaja of the state. Thus Jammu and Kashmir was established as one of the largest princely states in British India. It was ruled by Gulab Singh and his descendants till 1947. (Ali, 2015)
The last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir was Hari Singh, who contributed troops to the British war effort in World War II and served on Churchill’s Imperial War Cabinet. But Following the Partition of India in 1947, Hari Singh faced a rebellion in the western districts of the state and a Pakistan-supported tribal invasion, leading him to seek help from India and he signed Instrument of accede to the Union of India and receive military assistance.
1947 the independence
At that time Kashmir was in a state of confusion [Srinagar] that accede with one of the new nation and or stay sovereign. To understand this we need to go back Dogra dynasty Gulab Singh maharaja of this newly created political entity. In return British gain control over foreign affairs and communication of this state. While Gulab Singh remain its sovereign.
When partition happen many refugees from both sides was violent and bloody whether Hindu or Muslims. Western part of the Jammu district attacked by Pakistan because there is Hindu and Sikhs the state turns into a burning cauldron of the communal violence. But Jammu and Kashmir remain in confusion. On the other hand Pakistan want the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan wants Kashmir and for that he gave two reasons one for Muslims population, and the second is the six rivers that flow from Kashmir to Pakistan.
Pakistan Operation Gulmarg’s is plan to invade Jammu & Kashmir. It started in August 1947, General Thimayya visited Lahore to meet with Border Forces officers. He asked Pakistani officials about the deployment of their respective armies in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. At the same time, two senior commanders of the 11 Cavalry (Border Force) were asked to take part in the mission of Jihad-i-Bisabillah or ‘Freedom for Kashmir’. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
It include two other plans they are;
- Peshwar Plan
This Plan, conceived by NWFP Chief Minister Khan Abdul Qayoom Khan, involved use of tribal lashkars for invasion of Kashmir. Senior Britisher serving in Pakistan army and NWFP Governor Sir George Cunnigham were kept in loop about this plan.
- Lahore Plan
This plan had been prepared under the directions of Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan, a minister in West Punjab government. In this plan they talked about pincer attack from Kashmir and Jammu.
Aazad Kashmir
After independence Jammu and Kashmir often attacked by Pakistan Oct 1947 Pakhtoon tribesmen attack Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan Occupied Kashmir [POK] or Azad Kashmir is a Part located in Kashmir, an exceptionally contentious issue between India and Pakistan. It is found in west of India’s territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This part stopped existing because of the 1947 India-Pakistan battle over Kashmir. The POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) is officially separated into two sections are known in official languages as Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. ‘Azad Jammu and Kashmir’ is also acknowledged as Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. The Azad Kashmir Provisional Constitution Act, 1974, governs Azad Kashmir (AJK). Azad Kashmir (AJK) has a President, Prime Minister, and council, but the political structure has no power and is subject to the Pakistani government. The whole Population of Pakistan supports this Azad Kashmir campaign.
The rulers of the princely states acceded in India but Maharaja Hari Singh was not agree. He intended to rule the Princely State of Kashmir & Jammu as an independent nation after 15th Aug, 1947. He was not joining either of India and Pakistan. But when tribal army backed by the Pakistani Army invaded Kashmir. At that time Maharaja was left with no choice but to ask India for help. India agreed to provide troops but on the condition that the Maharaja sign the Instrument of Accession with the Union of India. Thus on 26th Oct, 1947, the Princely State of Kashmir & Jammu became an integral part of India.
UN Role in Peacekeeping
The first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru approach in UN December 1947 because we did not this want conflict to expand to become a more intensive to spread into act of war and In January 1948, the Security Council adopted resolution establishing the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan to investigate and mediate the dispute between India and Pakistan. In April 1948 by its resolution 47 UN Security council ask Pakistan to remove all states and non-state actors from Jammu and Kashmir. India is asked to reduce its forces to minimum to maintain law and order and to install an interim government with all genuine stakeholders.
After which the UN was to appoint a plebiscite administration to understand the wishes of the people. India had wanted UN to admonish Pakistan for interfering and Pakistan is happy about the UN suggestion of a plebiscite. Jammu and Kashmir: Historical Events 2024 pg. 9 Nevertheless the interim government is set up lead by sheikh Abdullah as prime minister and the maharaja as titular head of state. India is glad for the reprieve and Kashmir dares to hoe for a future but in 1948 Kashmir was more of a burring cauldron than paradise on earth even with UN intervention and an interim government on ground Kashmir was at war.
In July 1949, India and Pakistan signed the Karachi Agreement establishing a ceasefire line to be supervised by the military observers. These observers, under the command of the Military Adviser, formed the nucleus of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan.
The Karachi Agreement ; Under the provisions of Part I of the Resolution of 13 August 1948, and as a complement of the suspension of hostilities in the State of Jammu and Kashmir on 1 January 1949, a cease-fire line is established. That the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, in letter dated 2 July 1949, invited the Governments of India and Pakistan to send fully authorized military representatives to meet jointly in Karachi under the auspices of the Commission’s Truce Sub-committee to establish a cease-fire line in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, mutually agreed upon by the Governments of India and Pakistan. Both sides shall be free to adjust their defensive positions behind the cease-fire line as determined. There shall be no increase of forces or strengthening of defenses in areas where no major adjustments are involved by the determination of the cease-fire line. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
Lahore Declaration; This agreement provides the framework for peaceful relations between all issues including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir would be resolved by peaceful means. Towards this end, the parties agreed to strengthen dialogue processes, take immediate steps to reduce the risk of accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons, to elaborate confidence building measures and to strengthen the regional organization of SAARC.
Shimla Agreement; Shimla Agreement was signed between Indira Gandhi and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on 02 July 1972, at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. It was a peace treaty signed after the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Shimla agreement was signed 8 months after the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, which led to the splitting of Pakistan and the consequent creation of Bangladesh had ended. Any differences shall be settled by peaceful means and through bilateral negotiations. Both countries shall respect the territorial integrity of each other and not interfere in the internal matters of each other. The treaty also had some other terms like renewing communications, telegraph, postal, airline relations, etc. It also talked about having exchanges in the field of culture and science. India released 93000 Pakistani prisoners of war who were captured after the Bangladesh war.
Resolution 1994 Resolution on POK Parliament
Government’s consistent and principled position, as also enunciated in the Parliament resolution adopted by both Houses in 1994, is that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and shall be an integral part of India. Government monitors all developments taking place in the territories of India including in territories that are under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan. We have consistently called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal and forcible occupation, and to put an end to the human rights violations and desist from continued attempts to bring material change in these territories. (SNEDDEN, 2015)
Conclusion
Kashmir also known as “Paradise on Earth” because of its beautiful valleys, lakes, snowcapped peaks, invigorating climate, valleys, cool climate, opportunities for trekking fishing, skiing & number of archaeological, historical, cultural & religious places, cool climate & hospitable people. Among all industries, tourism is an important industry in the state. It also create conflict between nations. Kashmir has been subject of revival claims by Pakistan &India, both of which are nuclear powers. It can emphasis that in this documentary is focusing on those major events that change Jammu and Kashmir picture which we are seeing now. Those events which we have discussed is important in our history either India or Kashmir.
TANVI
M.A political Science
Reference
Ali, R. F. (2015). Kashmir :A Century Struggle(1846-1948). (R. F. Ali, Ed.) SSRN Electronic Journal. doi:10.2139/ssrn.2625479
Article 370: A Short History of Kashmir’s Accession to India. (2019, August 6). Economic Political Weekly. Retrieved from https://www.epw.in/engage/article/article-370-short-history-kashmirs-accession-india
SNEDDEN, C. (2015). UNDERSTANDING KASHMIR AND KASHMIRIS. United Kingdom: C. Hurst & Co. (Publishers) Ltd. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/44452952/UNDERSTANDING_KASHMIR_AND_KASHMIRIS
Notes: The original created goes to ‘THE TIMES NOW’ famous documentary which ‘The Kashmir Stories’ it cover every events that happen in Kashmir and its politics. Other than I have put my interpretation that prove it
