AN OVERVIEW OF CULTURAL IMPACT OF AFGHAN RULE (1752-1819) OVER KASHMIR

Abstract

Kashmir, the kingdom of fairies and Heaven on Earth, has an extensive history of being ruled by several dynasties. Dynasties of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists have all ruled it in past. Every dynasty has a distinct culture that embodies its unique nature. The way of life of the residents of any community is referred to as its culture. Afghan rule and the Kashmiri cultures are built entirely on Islamic principles and beliefs. The goal of the current study is to highlight the cultural values of Afghans and its impacts on Kashmir from 1752 to 1819. History has shown that Kashmiri society experienced some cultural and social changes during this time. The Kashmiri culture was influenced directly or indirectly by the social composition, attitudes, customs, early marriages, status of women, language and literature, food and drink, issuance of the coin, archaeological artifacts, monuments, architecture, recreational activities, theatres, the thriving shawl industry, and the taxation system. Kashmir was a peaceful, harmonious place that welcomed many cultural values and developments openly. Information from secondary sources is the foundation of this study.