I am Kashmir, enriched with ancient heritage, culture and tradition as a part of Jammu & Kashmir. From the construction of Himalayas till the modern era, I have seen many dynasty and kingdoms. It was evident from the finding of northern Gilgit areas that my region has been developed by religious crossroads of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influencers.
The rock art hidden in the mountain ranges describes the evolution of various tribes & smooth transfusion of cultures dating back to 5000BC. Existence of heterogeneous cultures growing together has been seen deep in this land. From religious texts and secular literature to temple architecture, Sufi saints and contemporary developments, Kashmir’s unparallel aesthetic past and present have been explored.
With the introduction of various dynasties, various culture, customs and cuisines also arrived in the valley region. Cuisines have played an important role in J&K in blending of cultures very finely. Concept of defining the taste and preparation method has been adopted as per the geographical requirements. Since the old days, amalgamation of food culture has been adopted by the dynasties which brought communal harmony like Wazwan (believed to be mixture of culture). Even today, the ritual practices are being followed which were initiated by integral part of India.
The growth of the society in terms of business and cultural beliefs was influenced by various trade routes, through which various invaders also tried to capture and dominate the land. Only J&K has proven to be the state with the three major religious community existing together which has proved that if heaven lies on the earth, its in Kashmir. The demographic features provided harsh and cultivating land both in the region which supported farming and animal husbandry.
The well-established peace has however got disturbed by the foreign elements after partition but the heritage which the land has shared was unquestionable. People with malicious mentality have been trying their best to disturb the situation but the integrity of the people with ancient connectivity has never allowed them to do so. Indeed, the partition was the most historic and unfortunate event for both the nation. The event brought hate and selfish obsession to dominate the land by the neighbor which targeted the innocent people of J&K especially Kashmir by the means of Terrorism. The land has also provided the intellectual growth to the people residing from different cultures as per their capabilities. For example, the education got shared from Kashmiri pandits to the Islamic followers and learned business and cultivation from them. Relying upon each other mutually, they made the land heaven for everyone. As on today, majority of the population have been intellectually developed irrespective of their differences. The educational background has been able to motivate the citizens to come out of orthodox mentality and radical behavior. The anti-national elements have tried to influence people on their religion to dominate the land in the name of Freedom/Independence.
Time has changed now, everyone is capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. The wisdom has taken over the separatism. Land of communal harmony is again settling and rejuvenating itself to the path of peace and happiness. The misunderstanding, which was created by the hypocrites, has been observed clearly by the local populous. The belief in the traditional culture is again developing the act of kindness and the brotherhood as an integral part of India. The developments and rising socioeconomic status of the residents have proven to the world that we share the samepe that the same era of prosperity regenerates from the deserts of hate, separatism and terrorism and Kashmir again becomes heaven.
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