The State in Medieval Kashmir

This book provides a comprehensive account of political processes and their foundations in medieval Kashmir, examining how social and religious life interacted with political formations to produce peculiar structures of power and domination. It also analyses the problems the medieval state faced in Kashmir while evolving its ideological apparatus and legitimational tools.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of political processes and their diverse foundations in medieval Kashmir. It delves into the intricate interplay between the region's social and religious life and the prevailing political formations, resulting in unique power structures and dominance. The author also examines the challenges faced by the medieval state in Kashmir as it evolved its ideological apparatus and legitimational tools. Drawing from a wide range of Sanskrit, Persian, and other historical sources, the author employs a theoretical lens to provide a vivid focus and a long historical perspective. This book makes a significant contribution to medieval Indian history, particularly in the Kashmir region.

Introduction:
The book under review provides a detailed account of political processes and their varied foundations in medieval Kashmir. It examines the intricate relationship between the region's social and religious life and the prevailing political formations, resulting in unique power structures and dominance. The author also explores the challenges faced by the medieval state in Kashmir as it evolved its ideological apparatus and legitimational tools.

Social and Religious Life in Medieval Kashmir:
The book delves into the social and religious life of medieval Kashmir, highlighting the diverse practices and beliefs of the people. It discusses the influence of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions on the political landscape and the role of religious institutions in shaping society. The author also explores the social hierarchies, caste systems, and feudal relationships that existed in the region and their impact on political power and dominance.

Political Formations in Medieval Kashmir:
The book examines the various political formations that existed in medieval Kashmir, including the Sultanate, the Rajput dynasties, and the Sikh Empire. It discusses the political structures, governance systems, and administrative practices of these formations and their impact on the social and religious life of the people. The author also explores the conflicts and rivalries between these political formations and their contribution to the political evolution of Kashmir.

Power Structures and Domination:
The book explores the power structures and dominance that emerged in medieval Kashmir. It discusses the role of kings, sultans, and other political leaders in shaping the political landscape and the strategies they employed to maintain their power. The author also examines the influence of military power, economic resources, and social networks on political power and dominance.

Ideological Apparatus and Legitimational Tools:
The book discusses the ideological apparatus and legitimational tools that the medieval state in Kashmir employed to maintain its power. It explores the development of political ideology, the use of religious institutions, and the creation of a sense of identity and belonging among the people. The author also examines the challenges faced by the state in legitimizing its rule and the strategies it employed to consolidate its power.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of political processes and their diverse foundations in medieval Kashmir. It provides a valuable contribution to medieval Indian history, particularly in the Kashmir region. The book's detailed analysis and theoretical framework make it an essential read for scholars and researchers interested in the history of South Asia.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032292144
Edition number: 2 ed