Early Historical Sources of Kashmir
(Most Important Topic for JKSSB / JKPSC Exams)
The earliest and most authoritative history of Kashmir is Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana around 1148–1150 CE in Sanskrit.
It provides a continuous account of Kashmir’s rulers from ancient times up to the 12th century.
Another important early source is the Nilamata Purana (c. 6th–7th century CE).
Later historians like Jonaraja, Srivara, Prajyabhatta, and Suka continued the historical record until the Mughal conquest in 1586.
🔹 1. Nilamata Purana (c. 500–600 CE)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Attributed to Nila |
| Period | 6th–7th Century CE |
| Nature | Puranic Text |
| Importance | Early geography & mythology of Kashmir |
| Exam Focus | Oldest source mentioning Kashmir traditions |
🔹 It describes the origin of Kashmir valley.
🔹 Contains religious customs, festivals, and early socio-cultural life.
🔹 Mix of mythology and early history.
🔹 2. Rajatarangini (1148–1150 CE)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Kalhana |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Verses | ~8000 shlokas |
| Meaning | “River of Kings” |
| Coverage | Ancient times to 12th century |
🔹 Considered the foundation of Kashmiri historiography.
🔹 First historical text in India written with historical method and chronology.
🔹 Covers dynasties like Gonanda, Karkota, Utpala, Lohara etc.
🔹 3. Continuation of Rajatarangini
After Kalhana, the chronicle was continued by later historians:
| Historian | Work | Period Covered | Important Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonaraja | Jaina-Rajatarangini | Up to 1459 CE | Commissioned during Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin |
| Srivara | Jaina-Rajatarangini | 1459–1486 CE | Student of Jonaraja |
| Prajyabhatta | Rajavalipataka | 1486 onwards | Covers late Sultanate period |
| Suka | Continued Rajavalipataka | Till 1586 CE | Mughal conquest period |
🔹 The Mughal conquest of Kashmir occurred in 1586 CE under Akbar.
Complete Timeline Table (Exam Ready)
| Century | Work | Author | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th–7th CE | Nilamata Purana | Nila (Attributed) | Early mythical & cultural history |
| 12th CE | Rajatarangini | Kalhana | First authentic history |
| 15th CE | Jaina-Rajatarangini | Jonaraja | Continuation |
| 15th CE | Jaina-Rajatarangini | Srivara | Sultanate period |
| 16th CE | Rajavalipataka | Prajyabhatta & Suka | Till Mughal conquest |
JKSSB / JKPSC Exam Point of View (Very Important)
| Point | Why Important? |
|---|---|
| Author of Rajatarangini | Direct MCQ |
| Year of Rajatarangini | 1148–1150 CE |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Oldest source of Kashmir | Nilamata Purana |
| Mughal Conquest | 1586 CE |
| Commissioned by Zain-ul-Abidin | Jonaraja’s work |
Important MCQs (Practice Table)
| Q.No | Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajatarangini was written by? | A) Kalhana B) Jonaraja C) Srivara D) Suka | A) Kalhana |
| 2 | Rajatarangini was written in which language? | A) Persian B) Sanskrit C) Urdu D) Pali | B) Sanskrit |
| 3 | Nilamata Purana belongs to which century? | A) 2nd CE B) 4th CE C) 6th CE D) 10th CE | C) 6th CE |
| 4 | Jonaraja wrote during the reign of which ruler? | A) Akbar B) Zain-ul-Abidin C) Lalitaditya D) Avantivarman | B) Zain-ul-Abidin |
| 5 | Mughal conquest of Kashmir took place in? | A) 1526 B) 1556 C) 1586 D) 1605 | C) 1586 |
| 6 | Rajatarangini contains approximately how many verses? | A) 2000 B) 5000 C) 8000 D) 12000 | C) 8000 |
One Line Revision (Home Academy Style)
Oldest source of Kashmir → Nilamata Purana
Father of Kashmiri history → KalhanaRajatarangini written in → Sanskrit
Year → 1148–1150 CE
Mughal annexation → 1586 CE
Continuation authors → Jonaraja, Srivara, Prajyabhatta, Suka
🏆 Expected JKPSC Analytical Question
Discuss the importance of Rajatarangini as a historical source.
Compare Nilamata Purana and Rajatarangini.
Explain the contribution of later chroniclers in preserving Kashmir’s history