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Understanding the Multi-Dimensional Reality of Jammu & Kashmir
4/3/2025 By Tejasv BhardwajOn February 22, 1994, the Indian Parliament passed a unanimous resolution affirming that Jammu & Kashmir was, is, and will always remain an integral part of India. It also asserted India's right to reclaim its legal territories of Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Gilgit-Baltistan. But, how well do we truly understand the multi-dimensional reality of Jammu & Kashmir? This article explores the lesser-known yet crucial aspects of the region, offering a deeper understanding of its many layers.
The Geography and Its Implications
When people think of Jammu & Kashmir, they often picture the snow-capped mountains of the Kashmir Valley, but this is only a tiny fraction of the region. The Kashmir Valley accounts for only about 7% of the total geographical area of Jammu & Kashmir. Yet, developments in the valley often come to represent the entire region, overshadowing the vast, diverse landscapes of Jammu, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Mirpur-Muzaffarabad, Akshai Chin, and Shaksgam Valley. This limited view distorts public discourse and marginalizes the distinct identities and cultures of the majority of the region's population. Let’s look at the unique identities and challenges of these areas to better understand their complexities.
Jammu: The Heart of Dogra Culture and Heritage
Jammu, predominantly Hindu, is known for its rich spiritual heritage, housing significant pilgrimage sites like the Vaishno Devi Temple and the Raghunath Temple. It is also the seat of the Dogra dynasty, founded by the warrior-king Gulab Singh, who played a key role in consolidating the territories of Jammu and Kashmir. The Dogras ruled the region for over a century, with Maharaja Hari Singh being the last Dogra ruler. His signing of the Instrument of Accession in 1947 legally integrated Jammu & Kashmir into India.
The Dogra people, making up nearly 50% of Jammu’s population, have a distinct cultural identity that is separate from the Kashmiri Muslims. Their historical ties to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh further contribute to this uniqueness. Additionally, Jammu is home to nomadic Muslim communities like the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who were granted Scheduled Tribe status by the Indian government. Their presence adds to the region’s rich cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
Kashmir Valley: More Than Just a Valley
Despite its prominence in global narratives, the Kashmir Valley makes up only a small part of the entire region. With a predominantly Sunni Muslim population, the valley has a complex history shaped by both Hinduism and Buddhism. Before Islam arrived in the 13th century, Kashmir was a thriving center of Hindu philosophical thought and Buddhist traditions. The turbulence of the 1990s, marked by terrorism and the mass exodus of Hindus, significantly altered the region’s demographic and cultural landscape.
However, there is hope. In recent years, improved security has led to socio-economic development and a revival of cultural practices. Infrastructure has expanded, grassroots democracy has flourished, and tourism has surged. Events such as the revival of the Shia mourning procession after 34 years and the celebration of Navratri Puja near the Line of Control have demonstrated the region’s diverse heritage reclaiming its space in public life.
The Overlooked Pakistan-Occupied Territories
The Pakistan-occupied territories like Mirpur-Muzaffarabad and Gilgit-Baltistan remain integral yet often overlooked parts of the Jammu & Kashmir region. These areas have unique geopolitical and cultural characteristics.
Mirpur-Muzaffarabad is geographically and linguistically diverse, with about two-thirds of its land belonging to Jammu, and the remaining one-third to Kashmir. The primary language here is Mirpuri (Pahari), with fewer than 5% of the population speaking Kashmiri. The region’s history includes the displacement of thousands due to the construction of the Mangla Dam, many of whom now reside in the UK. Sites like the submerged Shivala and Bal Ganga temples in old Mirpur stand as silent witnesses to the region’s ancient history. One of its most significant historical sites is the Sharada Peeth, an ancient Hindu temple and center of learning, where scholars like Hiuen Tsang and Al-Biruni once studied. The Sharada script originated here, and in antiquity, Kashmir was known as ‘Sharada Desh,’ underscoring its rich intellectual and spiritual heritage.
Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically located at the crossroads of South, Central, and East Asia, holds immense historical and geopolitical significance. Known as Bolor in ancient times, it was a center for Bon shamanism and played a key role in spreading Buddhism. Thousands of rock carvings, inscriptions, and petroglyphs scattered across these regions stand as lasting evidence of the long-standing influence of Hindu and Buddhist faiths and their rulers since ancient times. Though predominantly Islamic today, it remains home to diverse sects, including Ismaili, Shia, and Sunni communities. The region boasts rich linguistic diversity with languages such as Shina, Domaaki, and Burushaski spoken across its valleys. Despite its vast potential—abundant freshwater resources, rich mineral deposits, tourism, and hydroelectric power—the region remains underdeveloped.
Ladakh: A Bridge Between Cultures
Ladakh, often called the 'Land of Lamas,' is home to a predominantly Buddhist population, reflected in its religious practices, language, and architecture. The numerous monasteries of Ladakh stand as enduring symbols of this rich Buddhist heritage. However, the region’s Western part presents a unique contrast with its primarily Shia Muslim population. Additionally, Ladakh shares deep historical and cultural ties with Baltistan, evident in linguistic similarities and centuries-old intermarriages between royal families. This interconnectedness emphasizes the complex fabric of Ladakh’s identity.
A Call for a Comprehensive Perspective
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of Jammu & Kashmir is essential for crafting policies that truly address the needs of its diverse population. The region cannot be understood through a narrow, valley-centric lens. It is a place with varied landscapes, cultures, religions, and histories—each contributing to its collective identity. By embracing this broader perspective, we can honor the full spectrum of territories and communities that make up Jammu & Kashmir. Only then can we hope to achieve a more inclusive, accurate, and just representation of its legacy and future.
