“Paradise is a promise no god bothers to keep.
There’s only now, and tomorrow nothing will be the same, whether we like it or not.”
The quote goes very well with the story of Kashmir, the heaven on earth. Sitting as it were in the shadow of the Himalayas, abundant in lakes, rivers, and glaciers, Kashmir has always been one of the most beautiful places in the world. With its beauty and resources, it attracted many traders, scholars, rulers, and invaders.
History says an ascetic named Kashyapa reclaimed the land that came to be known as Kashyap Amar and, later, Kashmir. Invaded by many, occupied by some, and ruled by few. Kashmir has seen many wars and deaths for the power over the land. Even before the conflict between India and Pakistan, the region was always in the eyes of the invaders.
Today for a Pakistani, Kashmir is an unachieved dream of Jinnah and other freedom fighters, for an Indian Kashmir is a precious possession for the country, for foreigners Kashmir is a beautiful land with violence and deaths but for a Kashmiri, Kashmir is Home; a place where they find peace.
Kashmiris have mostly been ruled by the invaders starting from the Shah Mir from the Shahmiri dynasty to Maharaja Hari Singh. Kashmiri has seen a lot of violence in the state they have been hauled and pulled, abused, and destroyed by both India and Pakistan. But Kashmiris have never given up. They have shown extreme courage and love for their land and stood up against the fight with unity.
Kashmir is not only praised for its beauty but also for its culture and food. Kashmiris have great taste in food, clothing, and houses. They take great pride in Kashmir being called “the paradise on earth”. Kashmiris are very talented when it comes to art and craft. People of Kashmir are blessed with beauty as well as a talent which is why their work is famous in all parts of the world.
During the time of partition, The ruler of Jammu & Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh due to the fear of Pakistani invaders decided to accede to India by signing a document named Instrument of accession. Pakistan wants Kashmir but lost all three wars against India. The indo-Pakistan war of 1971 ended with a GUN-mediated ceasefire along a line that was eventually named the line of control. Article 370 of the Indian constitution gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was recently abolished. Kashmiri had a hard time believing the new reality as their identity and demographic composition of the state are no longer shielded by law.
Draped in myth, recorded in Puranas, coveted by kings, conquered by various religions and ideologies Kashmir has always been a land of many legends. It’s the heaven on earth that everyone wants to conquer. Kashmir has seen the birth of religions and the death of humanity. There is something very special about that place that despite the violence, you can’t help but fall in love with all over again.
AASTHA SINGH
