Kashmiri Pandit and India
Kashmir which can be called head/crown of India, once again
is in news for last over two decades for the reasons which were supposed to be
dead after independence of India. History once again repeating itself. At the
time of creation of Kashmir valley a dispute arose between Naga and Pishaches,
local inhabitants and clan of rishi Kashyap who came from outside. This dispute
was settled amicably and peace returned to valley which remained in place till
advent of Islam in 1339AD in valley. During this long period of peace there was
all round development of culture, Art and philosophy in valley. Shaivism took
shape in valley quite distinct from Shaivism of south and Vedanta. This
Shaivism believes in reality of Shakti[ Prakriti] unlike Vedanta
which labels Prakriti as projection of Absolute Reality ,hence called it Mithya
[existence—nonexistence]. Kashmir Shaivism attained distinct position among
various philosophies of India. Buddhism introduced in valley by king Ashoka
continued side by side of Hinduism for long. Such was development that king
Kanishka of kushan dynasty organized a Buddhist conference in valley which was
presided over by Brahmin Vasumitra. Sharda University came in to existence. In
this university not only students from all over India came for studying but
students came from abroad also. This can
be seen from writings of Hein- Tsang, Chinese traveler who stayed in valley for
2 years to study Hinduism and Buddhism. It is from Kashmir Buddhism went to Ladakh,
Tibet a China and Central Asia. Even Jesus Christ is reported to have visited
valley in search of lost tribe. Sanskrit, language of Vedas flourished in
valley. If one has to believe Sir William Jones who said in 1786AD, that there
are only three basic languages in world—Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek and these
three have common source which no longer exists. The source of origin he
pointed to Kashmir. Such was the glory of Kashmir in olden times. Many Kashmir
kings have left behind huge legacy.
This pride and glory started getting eroded with advent of
Islam in valley [1339AD]. Systematic onslaught on Kashmiri Pandit started which
is continuing till today. All this was done in Muslim rule from 1346AD till
AFGHAN rule which finished in 1819AD.All that belonged to Kashmiri Pandit was
under plan destroyed with full patronage of rulers. Temples were burnt/destroyed,
books and other Hindu literature burnt. Men were forced to embrace Islam, women
raped. Those who resisted were killed and many fled away. Such was the scenario
of valley in Muslim rule. This is even attested by Muslim historians of times.
Even history books were/ are being distorted
in such a way that future generations would hardly believe that KP lived in
Kashmir.
It was hoped with independence of India in 1947AD miseries
of KP would end? Nope, union of India instead of addressing grievances of KP’S
started Muslim appeasement policy, what a tragedy? Union of India posing as
secular state accepted nonsecular Islamized Kashmir to the detriment of KP and
country at large. With this apathic
attitude of union of India silent exodus of KP’s continued from 1947 onwards
till 1990 when it took violent turn. Posters appeared in valley asking KP
---[RALIV ,GALIV, CHALIV] ,meaning mix ,die or run away. KP chose later as
union of India failed to protect him. New Delhi’s negligence of ground
realities of valley coupled with its inaction against separatists will have
severe consequences for country as whole in future.
It is important here to know a bit about history of Kashmir,
then we can discuss plight of KP from ancient times to modern times in detail.
Nilmat Puran tells us about creation of Kashmir valley.
Original inhabitants of valley were Nagas and Pishachas and Brahmins. Nilmat
Puran tells us valley was a big lake called, Satisar. It is rishi Kashyapa who
helped in breaking mountain barrier at Baramulla that drained water of this lake,
Satisar. Dry land was now available which was inhabited by Kashyapa’s descendants,
Nagas and Pishachas.
Nilmat puran gives us vivid account how life, religion,
customs evolved in valley. This puran possibly was written around 6th
century by a Kashmiri Brahmin. Kashmir became major Centre for Sanskrit
scholars. According to Mahabharata, Kambojas ruled Kashmir at the time of war.
Their capital was Rajpura, present day Rajouri. Later Panchalas ruled valley.
Panchal mountain range is named after them. According to Kalhana who is author
of historical chronicle Rajtarangni [written in in 12th century],
Gonanda 1 [653 kali yug] ruled Kashmir at epic time. Jonraja, SRIVARA and Prajnia Bhat completed Kashmir history
till Akbar time [1587AD]. Kalhana’s historical account starts from Mahabharata
time. Kalhana dates Gonanda 1 , 2449—2000BC.Rajtarangni was written in Sharda
script , translated in to Sanskrit by Govind kaul and Mukund Shastri in 1892.
Its English translation was done by Stein in 1900AD. At the time of Mahabharata
war Gonanda 2 ruled Kashmir followed by 35 kings of meagre importance.
King Ashoka of Magadha ruled Kashmir followed by his son and
grandson. His capital was Puranadisthan [present day Pandrethan].Ashoka brought
Buddhism in Kashmir from where it went to Ladakh , Tibet , Central Asia and China.
This rule was followed by Indo-Greek rule from 200BC-100AD. Yuezhi of Gansu
province of China came around 100AD and founded Kushan dynasty. Its first king
was Kujula Kadphises. He introduced Brahmi script for administration. He
adopted Buddhism. Kanishka was important ruler of kushan dynasty [127AD]. He
ruled north India, Bactria, central Asia and parts of China. His capital was at
present day Peshawar. He ruled for 23 years. He organized Buddhist conference in
Kashmir presided by Brahmin Vasumitra. Hinduism and Buddhism flourished side by
side in valley. Sharda university came up which had students from whole of
India and abroad.Kushan rule was followed by weak rulers. It was in 600AD that
a important dynasty came in power in valley, Karkota dynasty. Its important
ruler was Lalita ditya Mukhtapida. His rule extended to Tibet, North India, Gujarat,
Afghanistan, and Bactria. He was Hindu by faith and ruled from 724AD-761AD. His
capital was near present day Khir Bhawani. He built Martand temple. 2nd
chaitrya, a day of victory was started by him. His grandson was Jayadita, a
good ruler. Chinese traveler Hien-Tsang visited valley during Karkota rule.
Karkota rule ended by 855-856AD to be followed by Utpal dynasty. Avantivarman
was its important king. He brought back peace and pride in valley. He made
Shiva and Vishnu temples at Avantipur, ruins still seen even today. Surya,
engineer of repute lived in his times.
After eclipse of Utpal dynasty Lohara ruled valley till end
of Hindu rule in valley [1339AD].It was during the period of queen Didda that
Gaznavi’s two attempts to enter valley were foiled. Queen Didda transferred
power to son of her brother who ruled valley. From 1089—1101AD Harsha ruled
valley. It is during his reign rebellion arose in valley because of his
misdeeds. He was killed along with his son. When Kalhana completed his book [1149-1150],
king Jaisimha was ruling valley. Jaisimha’s rule ended 1155AD. From 1155-1339AD
rulers in valley remained busy with intrigues, debauchery incessant feuds.
Valley fell prey to foreign rule. A weak and worthless king Sahadeva ruled
valley when tyrant Dulucha [Mongol] ravaged valley. This was the start of
miseries of KP’s in valley which are continuing till today.
It is in king Sahdevas time three adventurers came to valley,
Rinchin from Tibet, Chak from Dard and Shah mir from Swat. Dulucha came with
60,000 strong army and looted, destroyed everything which came his way. Brahmins were looted, booted and killed. King
ran away. Rinchin took advantage of situation and installed himself as king.
Shah mir and Bulbul SHAH manipulated his conversion to Islam. He ruled for
three years [died 1323] Udyanadeva, brother of Sahadeva was made ruler with
Shah Mir as one of his ministers. Udyanadeva was a weak ruler, was killed. Kota
rani, his wife assumed power. Shah Mir defeated Kota Rani at present day Sumbal
in 1339 and installed himself as king. Kota Rani after defeat committed
suicide. Kota rani’s death also meant death of Hindu rule in valley.
Shah Mir founded Shamsdin dynasty which ruled for over 222
years. Now Muslim missionaries, Sayyid, Sufi’s started arriving in valley.
Their sole purpose was force Islam in valley, hence started conversions in
valley using brute force. Sayyid’s who came to valley were absconders looking
for safe havens. Rulers enforced Islamic laws to the detriment of Hindus.
Temple were burnt/destroyed, Hindu literature burnt and people were forced to
get converted to Islam. Those who refused were killed. Thus starts exodus of KP
from his mother Land.Suha Bhat who converted
and became Saifudin , leader of fresh converts’ unleashed terror on
Brahmins in Kashmir. Fanaticism of Muslim rulers was also stimulated by Sufi’s
,Sayyid’s and Hamdani. A conspiracy was hatched to persecute Hindus and force
Islamic laws. Stones and bricks of temples destroyed were used to build
Khanqah’s and mosques. Vijiveshwara temple became Vijiveshwara khanqah and so
on. From this shamsdin dynasty one king needs special mention. This king was
Sikander—better known as Butshikan. He ruled between 1389-1413AD. During his
reign brutality reached its peak. It is reported 7 maunds [ 2 maund=1 quintal]
of sacred thread of murdered Brahmins
were burnt on one occasion. This tells us magnitude of crime. Jazia was even
collected from converts. This was the start of first major exodus of KP’S from
their mother land.
Chaks who followed Shams dynasty converted people to Shia
sect with all ferocity. There was respite from these atrocities in early Moghul
period [ Akbar]. But this whole scenario changed when Aurangzeb came to
power. His governor Iftkar khan unlashed
terror again on KP’S in valley. This tranny reached to such limit that a KP
delegation headed by pandit Kripa Ram went to guru Tegbahadur, a Sikh guru to
intercede with king and save lives of Brahmins in valley. Guru jee got martyred
in process and his son Guru Gobind was forced to create khalsa panth to protect
Brahmins. Some of edicts during this rule were,”Hindu cannot ride horse, visit
garden , apply tilak, cannot go to school and so on”.
Then came AFGHAN rule [1752-1819AD] when cruelty against
Hindus [KP] had one more peak. It was reign of manslaughter. KP could not put on
shoes, use turban, had to pay Jazia even after conversion and his land was
seized. There were other brutal laws in place. Reader needs to place himself in
that period of history to have feel of atrocities on KP’s in that era. EXODUS of KP’S from valley had by now become
a continuous event.
It is obvious that Shams din’s, Chak’s , Moghul’s and
Afghan’s had one point agenda, “Convert or get killed” agenda for KP. A agenda
in which they succeeded. These events have left a deep scar in society. During
this brutal Afghan rule once again KP delegation headed by Birbal Dhar reached
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s palace and requested him to invade Kashmir and rule it.
When Sikhs arrived in valley it was Birbal Dhar who saved mosque of shah Hamdan
from destruction by Sikh soldiers. This speaks of character of a KP which is
not highlighted by writers. Even Muslim historians have acknowledged these
atrocities on KP’S in their write ups.
Distortions done in Kashmir history :-
. Kashmiri culture including pundit culture was looted and
destroyed. Names of places were/are changed. Anything which is connected to
KP is being systematically erased.
Impression is being created that everything in Kashmir is Islamic. Take the
case of Shankaracharya temple. This temple was built by king Gopaditya in
371BC. Hill was called Gopidari hill. It received its present name when temple
was dedicated to Adi Shankarya. King Sikander butshikan [1389AD-1413AD]
destroyed all Idols of this temple. This temple later was repaired in Sikh and
Dogra rule. Maharaja Ranbir singh installed present Shiva Idol in temple. Such
is history of this temple. Now Muslim fanatics are changing its name to
Takht-t-Suleiman [Throne of Solomon], Tarikhi Hassan confirms it. King Solomon
never visited India forget Kashmir. Then why this name? This Muslim fanatics
want to ensure to tell future generations about antiquity of Islam in Kashmir.
There are already some Muslims telling now that everybody is borne as
Muslim. We know Islam came just after
610AD. King Solomon died in 950BC when Islam was nowhere on scene. Preislamic
annals of Kashmir do not mention Solomon anywhere. This is the type of
distortion/corruption done by Islamists in Valley. Even there are some Islamic
write ups on internet telling King Solomon with the help of Jinn drained
SATISAR Lake. Kashmir already had
kingdom way back in 2449BC [EPIC TIME OF
Mahabharata], proved by historical documents including Kalhana’s Rajtarangni,
so role of Solomon who died 950BC in making valley is not only a blunt lie but
distortion and negation of history.
It is interesting to note here that King Jahangir dismantled
sculptured stone stairs of this temple and these stones were used by his wife
Noor jahan to build Pathar Masjid near zaina kadal. This Masjid was never used
for worship by Sunni Muslims of Kashmir as it was built by Shia women, Noor
jahan. Vishnu temple was destroyed and mosque built there, now known as Jamia
Masjid. Shah-i-hamdan mosque was built after destroying Mahakali temple near
Fateh kadal. What today is Dastgir sahib was once a Shiva temple at
Khanyar. All this done in Muslim rule of
Kashmir [1400AD—1819AD]. This list can get bigger and bigger .Kohi-i-Maran is
now name suggested to Hari Parbat, abode of Mata Sharika. Names of important
places and villages are/have been changed . Anantnag of yester year is
Islamabad of today. This list is getting
larger every day. Imagine a person visiting valley after 100 years .Would that
person believe that Kashmiri Pundit lived here and this land belonged to him
and this place once thrived on Hindu Philosophy?
Post independence:-
It was hoped in Independent India fortunes of KP will change
for good?. But what we have seen in reality, KP faced another mass exodus,
possibly last one as now valley is a full-fledged Muslim state. Hindu state has
been turned into Islamic state. KP constituted 10% of population in 1947 ,
reduced to 1% by 1990 and now a trickle [ just 4000 or so]. When all this was happening in valley Indian union
and so called secular media put a blind eye to this.
We were not able to
save our belongings and Temples even in independent India. Indian union has
accepted nonsecular Islamized Kashmir, providing liberal funding for mini
Pakistan at home. Home Land is a wishful thinking. It suites Indian so called
secularist politician not Kashmiri Pundit. So called secular media also sings
in favour of these opportunist politicians.
Sheikh Abdullah who befriended Nehru characterized India as
imperialist power. Indra-Sheikh accord of 1974 shattered dream of Islamists. A
hate India campaign was launched. A detailed report of sedition ,subversion and
treachery were being sent to centre periodically. Govt of day at center refused
to act on reports. Instead reporters were blamed/ punished for sending such
reports to centre. Center adopted a policy of inaction, fruits of which we are
seeing today. It may be mentioned here all policies of Abdullahs ,Gulshah’s and
others not only were damaging to KP but to Indian union too. With one stroke of
pen KP was deprived of land he possessed [Agrarian reform 1976]. KP was haunted
by administration and public at large. Various laws enacted deprived him of
admissions in professional colleges ,his job opportunities had a rapid decline.
His appeals to both state and centre fell on deaf ear. So a continuous exodus
from valley from 1947 continued till it took violent turn in 1986. Communal
rites broke out in Anantnag. Temple were
destroyed , KP was booted and looted.
Once again no action by union of India.
Pakistan to avenge defeat of Bangla Desh put Topaz operation in place. Thus started entry
of Mujahideens in Kashmir to help locals to fulfill their dream. Posters
appeared in newspapers telling KP—Raliv ,Galiv Chaliv [ join ,DIE , Runaway] in
1990. KP decided to leave as Indian union failed to protect him. Indian leadership
was a mute spectator to this KP dilemma. There were mass murders of KP’S and ethnic
cleansing of Kashmir was in full swing. Massacres at Sangrampora[1997] Udhampur
1997 ,PRANKOT 1998 Wandhama 1998 , Nandimarg 2003 are some examples of this
ethnic cleansing.
When this was all happening in valley Indian leaders cutting
across party lines described Kashmir problem a case underdevelopment and
unemployment. Even hinduist leaders like L.K.Advani said so. Whole world which
became aware of this KP problem asked Indian Union to save KP. Instead Indian
govt provided liberal funding for this miniature Pakistan at home. What in
return Indian union is getting nothing but humiliation by the beneficiaries of
its largesse. Indian union is not ready to acknowledge publically ethnic
cleansing of Kashmir. That speaks volumes for Indian secularism. Now Union is
talking of home land for KP. Homeland concept suites Indian union than KP. With
ground realities same as before who is going to accept this drawing board
concept? It is interesting to note here not only Kashmiri Muslim is denouncing
this home land idea, even Pakistan has started to oppose this. This all is
happening due to inaction of UNION of India. Politicians at Delhi are more
interested in their self-interests than nation as a whole. Indian media is in
full support of these politicians.
Hard earned
independence after a long spell of foreign rule is yet again at thresh hold of
making history but for wrong reasons. It is high time nation wakes up, see the
naked reality in front and act. We have to correct the distortions in history
books, challenge Islamic fundamentalism with iron hands and stop disruptive
elements in the way of national progress. That way only nation can be
saved. Appeasement is not solution to problem
but aggravator of problem.
KP IN DILEMMA:-
Even with this huge catastrophe KP has not learnt lessons.
Instead of forming unified force, there is mushroom of KP political parties.
All these parties have different agendas to suite their vested interested. We
have not been able to produce leaders like Birbal Dhār, Pundit Kripa, SRI Bhat
to name a few. Instead we are producing leaders like Sanjay Tickoo heading KPSS
organization, Moti Lal Bhat heading some Hindu welfare society. Both of these self-styled
leaders are based in valley telling world that there has been no genocide of KP,
nobody forced KP to leave valley, and Kashmiri Muslim is a sufferer, he is not
cause for KP plight and so on. Read their interview in Al Jazeera [why we never
fled Kashmir]. When whole world including UN body acknowledge ethnic cleansing
of VALLEY there are Sanjay’s/ Moti lal’s among us. It is high time KP’S give
befitting reply to such individuals. With myopic and greedy leaders at helm it
is extremely impossible to get deliverance from Indian union. We need to
organize ourselves and explain sinister fall out of this ethnic cleansing and
its repercussions for rest of India. Servility has destroyed us. It is futile
to run after Indian politicians for amoleration of our problems. We need to
rise above selfish and egoistic attitude and fight for our rights both at state
and at centre. At community level we need to preserve our culture, Language and
Ethos.
