Kashmir and Its Economy under Hindu Rule (Ancient Period)

Abstract

The valley of Kashmir is truly a dream of beauty, set in the heart of Himalayas. The land came to be known after the name of Sage Kashayapa as “Kashayapmar”. The name was born out from two Sanskrit words “Ka” (water) and “Shimira” (Dry up) i.e. dried up land. The valley like other territories of the world too passed through pre and proto-historical periods of study. Under the proto-historical period it witnessed ancient, medieval and modern ages. During the period under discussion the economy of the land which functioned a key to the fiscal policy of the rulers witnessed many ups and downs. The people engaged in agriculture, industry and trade as prime factors of its economy experienced various hardships. There was no end to their miseries as majority of the rulers through their revenue agencies sucked their blood by imposing vicious taxes over them.