A Study of Mughal and Local Chronicles on Mughal Kashmir

Historians of the Medieval India have long recognized the significance and importance of regional history because all the areas had their distinct and unique characteristics, that had a bearing on the administrative measures required for the effective control of the region. No two areas under the Mughals were identical in-terms of their historical past, culture, geographical location and economic potential or limitations. The valley of Kashmir, with well-defined geographical boundaries was one such region that got a fairly reasonable attention of the historians. Mughal period, that lasted from 1586-1753, marks one important phase in the history of Kashmir. The fair and exuberant beauty of Kashmir valley had been a great source of attraction for all the Mughal emperors including Babar and Humayun. However, they could not make any serious attempt to conquer Kashmir, as they remained busy in their wars against their rivals in other parts of India. As a result Kashmir remained outside their domain. But it was during the period of Akbar that Kashmir became the part of Mughal Empire. Following the use of full military might and ruthless massacre of forces of resistance, Mughals took over the charge of Kashmir into their own hands in 1586AD. Though for some time it remained a 2 part of the province of Kabul1, Kashmir assumed the status of full-fledged province under the emperor Jehangir (Suba)2