Kashmir Cultural Heritage ----- V

In spite of the mass conversions of Kashmir Hindus to Mohammedan faith for more than half a century and the worst treachery and carnage by kings and their cohorts to convert fully the Kashmir heritage by destroying almost all magnificent temples, burning all books and rich libraries which preserved the record of thousands of years of glorious Hindu period including rare literary manuscripts and finishing all established Hindu institutions of learning established for centuries Kashmir ethos didn’t change completely. It retained almost all essential traits of cherished Kashmir heritage especially the spirit of coexistence among the people of all faiths. The Hindus had now reduced to a miniscule minority but with the passage of time they learnt to live amicably with the majority community and enjoyed good relations and patronage from their neighbours mostly Muslims. With the passage of time and under favourable administrative control from time to time they gradually maintained the left over temples and religious institutions with their good mental capabilities. They never gave an occasion to take cudgels with the majority Muslim community on any issue and with their high academic brilliance they were able to hold many responsible jobs in the administration as everybody including the Muslim Lords trusted their ability and honest dealings. Sir Lawrence, who was the settlement Commissioner in Kashmir from 1889 to 1894 widely interacted with the people of Kashmir has written in his famous book ‘The valley of Kashmir’ that Kashmir Muslims still loved and cherished their ancestral ethos. The credit goes especially to Lalleshuri (Lalded) and her disciple Nunda Rishi who were widely honoured by all and sundry in the valley and who contributed greatly to the Hindu-Muslim amity by their unique poetic outpourings in the form of Vaakhs and Shrukhs. Kashmir has produced a good number of highly awakened saints and the influence of these saints and faquirs from both the communities has been tremendous and continues to be so even now in spite of severe reservations from the fanatic Muslims. People of all faiths visit these god men for their resurrection from worldly troubles and their word is widely respected by everyone. ------ (to be continued)