RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Found in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, Azad Kashmir is a region with a long and complex past spanning many centuries. From early societies to contemporary issues, Azad Kashmir has seen empires rise and fall, culture evolution, and the resilience of its public.
In this blog, we will examine the history of Azad Kashmir—including its early beginnings, trajectory across time, and current state as an autonomous region.
Ancient Civilizations (3000 BCE – 500 CE)
The history of Azad Kashmir goes back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which was active around 3000 BCE. The old city of Taxila was a major knowledge and cultural center; commerce and trade boomed there.
Different tribes and states existed in the region during the Vedic period following the Indus Valley Civilization. Since the Egyptians also overran the region in the 4th century BCE under Alexander the Great, their long-term impact on Greek culture and architecture is clear.
Medieval Period (500 – 1500 CE)
After the demise of the ancient empires, Azad Kashmir was overrun by several Muslim militaries including the Arabs, Turks, and Mongols. Having many mosques, madrasas, and Sufi shrines turned the neighborhood into a major Islamic cultural and educational center.
Emerging among several local empires also coming in the Middle Ages was the Kashmir Sultanate, which ruled the region from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Sikh and Mughal Empire between 1500 up to 1849 AD
Azad Kashmir was invaded by the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, which started a fairly long duration of tranquility and progress. Among the well-known Shalimar Gardens in Srinagar, the Mughals built several monuments, gardens, and public facilities. The Sikh Empire later subdued the area and ruled Azad Kashmir from 1819 to 1849.
British Colonies Rule (1849-1947 CE)
Administering the region as part of the British Indian Empire, the British East India Trading Company annexed Azad Kashmir along with the Sikh Empire collapse.
The setting up of a current educational system, infrastructural development, and support of trade and commerce were among the things the British introduced. The British too, however, exploited this area’s natural resources, thus provoking severe poverty and discontent among the people.
Partition and creation of Azad Kashmir (1947 CE)
India’s 1947 split left Azad Kashmir a disputed territory as both countries assert sovereignty over it. With its capital in Muzaffarabad, the local people under the Muslim Conference rebelled against India and founded the state of Azad Kashmir.
Since then, the region has been self-governing, having its parliament, constitution, and government.
Modern-Day Azad Kashmir (1947 CE – present)
Azad Kashmir is an independent territory now with over four million people. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure development have all been especially improved in several respects in the region. Still, Azad Kashmir suffers poverty, unemployment, and environmental decay.
The region is also a source of ongoing irritability between India and Pakistan Open hostile behavior between the two countries along with occasional violence help to keep it a sore spot in the India-Pakistan conflict dc.
In Conclusion
Azad Kashmir could be the subject of a complex and interesting story spanning several millennia. The region has been shaped by numerous empires, cultures, and events spanning old communities to modern disputes.
Though it faces challenges, Azad Kashmir has a strong and lively culture, a great cultural legacy, and a unique identity. Looking forward, dealing with history and working for a more peaceful and affluent future for the Azad Kashmir people is necessary.
