By: Bilal Majid (Majid Marazi)
The origin of kashmiri people is as mysterious as the origin of Kashmir itself. Nothing is known of the early ages when aboriginal tribes dwelt on the banks of the mythic Kashmir lake or in the recesses of dense forests. Albeit the earliest accounts are Hindu, but when or how the cult was introduced is not known yet. However, the rock carvings and other material remains of prehistoric times found in many parts of Kashmir, like in Burzoham (3000 BC) show that the area has been inhabited from Neolithic times.There had been various opinions regarding the earliest inhabitants of Kashmir. According to one theory, the earliest inhabitants consisted of a mixed Indo-Aryan population of Mons and Dards who find mention in the works of Herodotus, Nearchus, Megasthenes, Pliny, Ptolemy, and the geographical lists of the Puranas. However, the theory, that the Aryans were central Asian invaders and kashmiri’s belong to this stock is challenged by the historians like M.K. Kaw, Baikunth Nath Sharga who uphold that Aryans were indigenous and not foreigners, and belong to the “ superior breed” with highly developed intellect. According to them Kashmiris, who belong to this group,where actually the decedents of those intellectual saints and sages who dwelt on the banks of mythological river,Saraswati, and migrated to Kashmir Valley after it became extinct around 2000 BC. According to another theory propounded by the Orientalist scholars like Francis Bernier and Francis Younghusband, that Kashmiris are the lost tribe of Israel. They cited many examples to justify their stand as they provided the evidences that the surnames of Kashmiris and various places are identical to that of Hebrew surnames and places.However, the theory, that the Kashmiris form a branch of the race which brought the languages of Indo-Aryan type into India, is a fact established by the evidence of their language and physical appearance. But the period of their immigration and the route they came by are still disputed points among the authorities on the subject. Suffice it to say that they have till now preserved a distinct form of culture and in ancient times would have produced a civilisation like those of ancient Greeks, which might have made a greater mark in the world history if they had been in contact with the sea, with ready access to other people and other civilisations. The kashmiris since the time immemorial have contributed to every branch of knowledge. In religious philosophy and understanding they have no match. The people of Kashmir had immensely contributed to the religious philosophies of Buddhism, Shavism. Tantaricism etc. and left a deep mark in there manifestation, growth and promulgation. With the spread of Buddhism, many scholars came to Kashmir from far-off lands for research and the study of the various schools of Indian philosophy. Being situated at the finest location, where three Empires meet ( China, India and Central Asia), Kashmiris came into touch with the Roman, Greek and Persian civilisations, and this synergy led to the commencement of composite culture.
The people of Kashmir are acknowledged for their phiz and fine forms. They are well built as Europeans, and their faces have neither Tartar flat nose nor the small pit eyes. Kashmiris are celebrated for wit and wisdom. They are considered much more enlightened and creative than the rest of Indians. In poetry they are not menial to Arabs and Persians and are very exertive and conscientious. In artistry they have no bout, the allurement of their palanquins, bedsteads, inkstands and other wooden and ivory crafts are really phenomenal and are are adding magnificence to many households across the globe.Superstitious by nature, Kashmiris are generally calm, modest and God-fearing. Regarded as peaceful in character, they are considered extremely warm, friendly, and hospitable. Ethnic penetration and conversion took place from time to time, when swarm of foreign intruders entered the vale from central Asia and India. The Huns, Chaks, Mughals, Pathans and Sikhs ruled Kashmir for some period, and tried their best to amend or change the cultural pattern of the Kashmiris, but no one could accomplish in altering the elegant and distinct character of the people. Sir Francis Younghusband concludes,“ kashmiris have remained as they were despite living with the proud Mughals, heartless Pathans, obstinate Sikhs and hard hearted Dogras.”
Kashmiri Pandiths have been profoundly religious people, religion has played a cardinal role in shaping their customs, rituals, festivals, fasts, ceremonies, food habits and the worship of their deities.live a simple and frugal life. Individualistic and largely intellectual, they avoid manual labor and cling to professional and administrative jobs. Due to the terrorist activities lately, many of them have been uprooted from their homeland but the government has been trying to relocate them here. The Kashmiri Pandits do not have castes like Hindus in the rest of India.
Kashmiri Muslims are generally more active, energetic and charismatic, and are considered unrivalled craftsmen, known for their time-honored intricate and beautiful designs that they produce on papier-mâché, wood, silver and gold. Shrews businessmen, they also indulge themselves in agriculture, sheep rearing, cattle rearing and other cottage industries. Ninety percent of the population in the valley professes Islam of both Sunni and Shia sects.
Kashmiri Woman often refered as ‘eve of the Asiatic Eden’ is renowned for her beauty all over the world. Bernier, who visited Kashmir in the late seventeenth century, wrote, the women especially are very beautiful; and it is from this country that nearly every individual, when first admitted to the court of grand Mughals, select wives and concubines, that the children may be alluring than the Indians. Kashmiri women generally have such adulation for jewellery that their headgear, ears, necks and arms sparked with ornaments. The typical ornament that Hindu women wear is the Dejharoo, a pair of gold pendants, hanging on a silk thread or gold chain which passes through holes in the ears pieced at the top end of the lobes. The Dejharoo symbolizes that the Kashmiri Pandit woman is married. Muslim women wear bunches of earrings, the weight of which is supported by a thick silver chain along with several bracelets and necklaces. The whole ensemble lends a most artistic effect to the appearance of Kashmiri women.
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