A HISTORICAL STUDY OF ANCIENT RELIGIONS OF KASHMIR

Abstract

The study aims to explore the religions and religious evolution in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in its known history. The names of places in today’s Kashmir, such as Anantanāga (city now Islamabad), Verinag (a spring), and University in Sharda Neelum AK, and similar remains in Kashmir depict the diversity and evolution of the religions in the state and pre-Islamic religious significance. The transformation of the culture and civilization of the state revolves around the transformation of religions in different times.  Religions have been evolving for centuries in phenomena of both peace and war. The influence of Governments with the support of the locals has also been playing their role in spreading the religion. The study is carried out using historical and analytical parameters. Historically Six different faiths have been merged in the state. The very first known religion was Nagmat, the remains of this religion in Taxila, Pakistan can be witnessed. The religious pluralism of Kashmir throughout history is indebted to the existence of various religions in the state.

Keywords: Kashmir, Religions, Pre-Islamic History, Evolution, Analysis.