Persecution, Resistance, and Resilience: The Story of Kashmiri Pandits

 

Abstract - The history of Kashmir is marked by periods of religious persecution, forced conversions, and violence, particularly against the Kashmiri Pandit community and the broader Hindu population. This abstract provides an overview of the socio-political and religious dynamics that led to such events, highlighting key historical periods and figures. Under the reign of Sultan Sikandar in the 14th century, Kashmiri Hindus faced the destruction of temples, forced conversions, and the imposition of the jazia tax. Aurangzeb, in the 17th century, re-imposed jazia, destroyed Hindu temples, and enacted policies of forced conversion, leading to massacres of those who resisted.

Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, emerged as a symbol of resistance, sacrificing his life in 1675 to protect the religious rights of Kashmiri Hindus. His martyrdom underscored the resilience of the Hindu and Sikh communities against religious oppression. The forced removal and public burning of sacred threads (janeyu) symbolized the humiliation inflicted upon Hindus. Coercion, violence, and systemic oppression were integral to the mass conversion campaigns in Kashmir.

This historical analysis underscores the complexity of Kashmir’s religious transformation, accounts of forced conversions influenced by religious and political factors. The narrative reflects on the sacrifices of those who resisted, emphasizing the enduring cultural and religious identity of Kashmiri Hindus amidst centuries of persecution.

Keywords - Kashmiri Pandits, Religious persecution, Forced conversions, Sultan Sikandar, Aurangzeb, Jazia tax, Guru Tegh Bahadur, Hindu resistance

Introduction

The history of Kashmir is deeply intertwined with religious and political struggles, especially during the medieval period, when the region underwent significant transformations under Muslim rule. The Kashmiri Pandit community, a key group within the broader Hindu population, faced severe persecution, forced conversions, and violence, particularly during the reigns of certain Muslim rulers such as Sultan Sikandar and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. These events, which unfolded over centuries, led to the destruction of Hindu temples, the imposition of discriminatory taxes like jazia, and the brutal suppression of Hindu culture and religious practices.

Conversions to Islam were forced, Hindus were coerced into conversion through violent means, including massacres, public humiliation, and the threat of death. The plight of the Kashmiri Pandits reached a critical juncture during the reign of Sultan Sikandar in the 14th century, whose policies of iconoclasm and forced conversions left an indelible mark on the community. Similarly, under Aurangzeb in the 17th century, the imposition of the jazia tax and systematic religious persecution exacerbated the suffering of Hindus in Kashmir.

In the face of such oppression, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, emerged as a defender of religious freedom. His martyrdom in 1675, when he was executed for refusing to convert to Islam and protecting the rights of Hindus, stands as a defining moment in the struggle for religious tolerance and resistance to forced conversion. The overall climate in Kashmir during these periods was one of religious coercion, with mass conversions and violent retributions against those who refused to conform.

This account explores the multifaceted nature of religious persecution in Kashmir, focusing on the experiences of Kashmiri Hindus, particularly the Kashmiri Pandits, their resilience in the face of coercion, and the enduring role of figures like Guru Tegh Bahadur in protecting religious freedoms. The historical context reveals the complex relationship between faith, identity, and political power, shedding light on the lasting impact of these events on the region’s religious and cultural landscape.

History of Persecution of Kashmiri Pandits

Kashmiri Pandits, a Hindu community in Kashmir, have faced persecution, violence, and forced conversions over the centuries, especially during periods of Muslim rule in the region. The history of Kashmiri Pandits is marked by several phases of religious and political tensions that led to their suffering. Below is an overview of how and when the persecution started:

Early Persecution during Muslim Rule (14th-15th Century)

·        Sultan Shams-ud-Din Araqi (14th century): The first major persecution of Kashmiri Pandits took place during the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Araqi. He is said to have forced the community to either embrace Islam or face severe punishment.

·        Sultan Sikandar (15th century): During the reign of Sultan Sikandar (the iconoclastic king), there was significant destruction of Hindu temples and cultural symbols in Kashmir. Many Hindus were either forcibly converted to Islam or killed, and Kashmiri Pandits faced immense pressure to abandon their traditions. Sikandar's regime is infamous for his efforts to Islamize the region.

Mughal Rule (16th-19th Century)

·        Under the Mughals, particularly during the reign of Emperor Akbar, Kashmiri Pandits experienced a more tolerant environment, as Akbar promoted religious syncretism and accepted the Pandits as important advisors in his administration.

·        However, this period of relative peace was followed by more turbulent times, such as under the later Mughal rulers, who imposed heavy taxes and sometimes treated the Pandit community with suspicion. Though large-scale forced conversions were not widespread, there were still sporadic instances of violence and religious coercion.

Afghan and Sikh Periods (18th Century)

·        During the Afghan rule in the 18th century, under rulers like Ahmad Shah Durrani, Kashmiri Hindus faced brutal repression. The Afghans were known for their violent behavior towards non-Muslims, including the forced conversion of Hindus.

·        The Sikhs, who controlled Kashmir after the Afghan period in the early 19th century, also implemented some harsh policies, but their rule was relatively more benign in comparison to the previous Afghan period.

Dogra Rule (1846-1947)

·     The Dogra rulers, who were Hindus themselves, took control of Kashmir in the mid-19th century. The community of Kashmiri Pandits saw a period of relative peace and prosperity under Dogra rule.

Modern Persecution (1989-1990)

·        The most recent and perhaps the most devastating persecution of Kashmiri Pandits occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

·     Insurgency in Kashmir (1989-1990): As insurgency in Kashmir grew, fueled by separatist movements and external support from Pakistan, the Pandit community became a target. The rise of Islamic extremism in the region led to the forced migration of over 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in 1990. Pandits were subjected to threats, violence, and the destruction of their homes and properties.

·        Exodus of 1990: Following the rise of militant Islamic groups and their threats of violence, Kashmiri Pandits were given an ultimatum: either convert to Islam or leave the region. The mass exodus of the community from the Valley is one of the largest forced migrations in modern Indian history. Pandits were subjected to killings, rapes, and the destruction of their cultural and religious heritage during this period.

Current Situation

·        While the Kashmiri Pandit community remains largely displaced, with many living in camps outside Kashmir, there are ongoing efforts for their rehabilitation. However, tensions remain high, and the community continues to struggle with the trauma of the past, the loss of their ancestral land, and their rights in the region.

Timeline of Persecution, Conversion, and Torture of Kashmiri Pandits

Sultan Shams-ud-Din Araqi's Rule (14th Century)

·      Event: Sultan Shams-ud-Din Araqi ruled Kashmir in the 14th century. Early reports suggest he was among the first to impose Islamic rule in the region, putting pressure on Hindus, including Kashmiri Pandits, to convert to Islam.

·   Details: During his reign, there were forced conversions, violence against Hindus, and the destruction of temples. Hindu elites, particularly the Pandit community, were persecuted under this pressure.

·   Reference: The Tarikh-i-Kashmir (History of Kashmir) by Shaikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani provides insights into the conversion process during the rule of early Muslim sultans.

Sultan Sikandar’s Iconoclasm (15th Century)

·        Event: Sultan Sikandar (1389-1413), also known as "The Iconoclast," is infamous for his attempts to destroy Kashmir’s Hindu heritage and forcibly convert Hindus to Islam.

·        Details: Sikandar imposed severe measures against Kashmiri Hindus, including the destruction of temples and the forced conversion of many to Islam. Historical accounts suggest that he destroyed important Hindu temples like the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar.

·        Reference: The Rajatarangini by Kalhana (12th century) and the Tarikh-i-Kashmir by Shams-ud-Din Araqi provide details of the atrocities committed during his reign.

Mughal Rule: A Mixed Period (16th-17th Century)

·    Event: During the Mughal period, the situation for Kashmiri Pandits varied. While the reign of Emperor Akbar was relatively tolerant, later Mughal emperors like Aurangzeb imposed harsher policies.

·        Details: Under Akbar (reigned 1556–1605), there was a period of relative peace and acceptance of Kashmiri Pandits. Many Pandits were employed as scholars and administrators in Akbar’s court. However, under his successors, particularly Emperor Aurangzeb (reigned 1658–1707), policies became more repressive. Aurangzeb’s policies were anti-Hindu, and there are accounts of temples being destroyed and conversions being enforced.

·        Reference: The History of India by K.K. Aziz and The Mughal Empire by John F. Richards discuss the fluctuating relations between the Mughals and the Pandit community during this period.

Afghan Rule: Forced Conversions and Persecution (18th Century)

·     Event: The Afghan rule in Kashmir (1752–1819), under the Durrani dynasty, marked another dark chapter in the history of Kashmiri Hindus. Under Afghan rule, the region faced brutality and forced conversions.

·     Details: During this period, Kashmiri Hindus were targeted for their religious beliefs. Many were either forced to convert to Islam or were driven out of the region. Temples were destroyed, and Hindus were subject to high taxes, torture, and forced migration.

·  Reference: Accounts in the History of Kashmir by Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq and other contemporary sources document the oppression faced by Hindus under Afghan rule.

Sikh Rule in Kashmir (1819-1846)

·        Event: Kashmir came under Sikh rule in the early 19th century, following the defeat of the Afghans by the Sikhs. While the situation improved compared to the Afghan period, Kashmiri Pandits continued to face challenges.

·        Details: Sikh rule was more stable, but some harsh measures were imposed on Hindus. However, the Kashmiri Pandit community continued to thrive during this period, and several Pandit scholars gained prominence.

·        Reference: The History of the Sikhs by H.K. Kaul provides an analysis of the rule of the Sikhs in Kashmir and its impact on Kashmiri Hindus.

Dogra Rule (1846-1947)

·        Event: The Dogra rulers, who were Hindus, ruled Kashmir from 1846 until the partition of India in 1947. The rule was generally considered favorable to the Pandit community.

·        Details: During the Dogra period, Kashmiri Pandits regained influence in government, religion, and culture. However, tensions started building up as Muslim nationalism grew, especially with the rise of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the Muslim League.

·        Reference: The History of Jammu and Kashmir by Dr. Sohan Lal provides a detailed account of the Dogra rule and its effect on the Pandit community.

Insurgency and Exodus (1989-1990)

·        Event: The most significant and recent persecution occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The insurgency in Kashmir, fueled by separatist movements and foreign support, led to a violent exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

·        Details: In 1989, insurgent groups, influenced by Islamic militants, began targeting Kashmiri Pandits, leading to widespread killings, rapes, and forced conversions. The Pandit community was given an ultimatum: either convert to Islam or leave Kashmir. The result was the mass exodus of over 300,000 Pandits from the Valley by early 1990.

·        Reference: Reports by organizations such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, the National Human Rights Commission of India, and books like Our Moon Has Blood Clots by Nadia Hashimi document the exodus and its devastating effects on the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Post-1990 and Continuing Displacement

·        Event: Following the exodus, Kashmiri Pandits were forced into refugee camps, and many still live in exile. While the situation has improved to some extent in terms of rehabilitation, the community remains displaced, and many of the original issues of property loss, trauma, and cultural erosion persist.

·        Details: The mass migration and continued displacement of Kashmiri Pandits are tragic reminders of the community’s forced departure. Political, social, and economic challenges still hinder their return to the Valley.

·        Reference: Kashmir: A Tragedy of Errors by A.G. Noorani, The Kashmir Files documentary, and various reports by human rights organizations discuss the continued struggles of the Pandit community post-exodus.

The religious conversion of Kashmiri Pandits was not by choice. Conversions were result of political coercion, forced conversions, and social pressure under Muslim rulers. The situation was complex, and the community's experiences varied across different historical periods, with some facing violent persecution and others experiencing more gradual religious transformation due to political and social factors.

Conclusion

The religious history of Kashmir, particularly concerning the Kashmiri Pandit community, is marked by significant suffering and resilience. Over the centuries, Kashmiri Hindus endured intense persecution, forced conversions, and violence under various Muslim rulers, including Sultan Sikandar and Aurangzeb. The destruction of temples, the imposition of the jazia tax, and the coercion to adopt Islam through threats and massacres painted a grim picture of religious oppression. Despite these harsh conditions, the resistance of the Hindu community, exemplified by the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, highlighted the unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom and the preservation of cultural identity.

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice for the rights of Hindus to practice their religion without fear of forced conversion serves as a beacon of hope and resistance in the face of religious tyranny. The Kashmiri Pandits, though subjected to violent oppression and the burning of sacred threads as symbols of their faith, played a crucial role in maintaining the core values of Hinduism in the region.

Ultimately, the experiences of Kashmiri Hindus serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of a community committed to its faith, despite centuries of political and religious turmoil. The preservation of Hindu identity in Kashmir, despite periods of intense coercion and violence, speaks to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit in the face of persecution. These historical events continue to shape the region’s religious and cultural landscape, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and tolerance in the face of political oppression.