Literary Sources on Early Medieval Kashmir's Polity
By Jasleen Kour
Summary
The article explores literary sources for studying early medieval Kashmir's polity, emphasizing the region's rich heritage often overlooked in contemporary narratives. While Kalhana's *Rajatarangini* remains the primary source, the study highlights other references, including classical accounts by Ptolemy, Herodotus, and Chinese travelers like Xuan Zang, who described Kashmir's geography, topography, and socio-political conditions. The text also examines etymological theories about the valley's name, tracing mentions in Sanskrit literature, including Panini's *Ashtaadyaya* and Puranas. Additionally, it discusses Muslim writers like Al-Biruni, whose accounts provide insights into Kashmir's 11th-century political and cultural landscape. The study underscores the need to revisit scattered literary references to better understand Kashmir's historical development, challenging the *Rajatarangini*-centric approach and highlighting the region's historical significance as a cultural and political hub.
Conclusion
This study highlights Kashmir's rich historical and cultural legacy through diverse literary sources, emphasizing its strategic importance as a trading hub and cultural center. By examining references from ancient Greek and Roman accounts to Chinese travelogues and Islamic writings, the analysis reconstructs Kashmir's historical narrative, revealing its geographical significance and political evolution. The research underscores the need to revisit and integrate scattered literary evidence, challenging the overreliance on Kalhana's *Rajatarangini* as the sole historical source. These findings not only enrich our understanding of Kashmir's past but also call for a more comprehensive exploration of its heritage, offering insights into its enduring cultural and historical importance in the region.