In this episode, we explore Kashmir’s transformation after the arrival of Mir Syed Ali Hamadani and the spread of Islam. Discover how Sufi masters rose to power, shaping both spiritual and political landscapes as rulers sought legitimacy from religious scholars.

We also dive into the turbulent 16th century, marked by the fall of Budshah’s rule, foreign interventions, civil wars, and the fierce power struggle among the Chak rulers—a real-life game of thrones in Kashmir’s history.

🎙️ Guest: Dr. Zubair Khalid PhD, Centre for Historical Studies, JNU Expert on the Kashmiri Sultanate, Islam, Sufism, and the region’s material and intellectual history.

2:28: How to read medieval history of Kashmir11:30: Frameworks of history around Kashmir's Sultanat period.23:45: The impact of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani and other Muslim scholars28:40: The role of Sayyids and Shaykh Hamza Makhdoom35:03: Shams-ud-din Araki vs Hamza Makhdoom
47:00: The arrival of Mirza Haider Dughlat53:59: Chak Game of Thrones
1:02:04: Did Sufis invite Mughals into Kashmir?1:12:18: The Mughal Rule brief1:16:35: Sultanat Top 5

Follow us on Instagram

Lala Ded or Lalleshwari or Lala Arifa, Kashmir's iconic mystic poet. In this episode, we explore her profound connection with Sufi saints, her fearless battle against caste and religious hierarchies, and the enduring impact of her vakhs.

We also uncover the politics of translating her work during the Dogra Empire. Discover the true essence of Lal Ded, a figure who transcended religious boundaries and continues to inspire generations.

Guests:

Shakir Mir

Kashmiri Journalist who works on history, law and human rights.

Dean Accardi

Assistant Professor at the Connecticut College, United States, Dean is a historian of religion and politics in Kashmir. His research highlights how historical and religious narratives constantly reconstruct the past to serve socio-political agendas in the present. Through this research, he aims to reexamine notions of mutually exclusive religions, hybridity, and syncretism as well as how regulation of bodily practices is used to shape ideas of gender, piety, authority, and sovereignty amidst political oppression.

You can find more info and a glossary of terms used in the podcast on our Substack

Welcome to the Museum of Kashmir podcast with Muhammad Faysal

We start our new podcast series, 'Sultanat' which does a deep dive into the medieval era of Kashmir. In our premiere episode, we explore the reign of the illustrious King Zain ul Abidin from the 15th century.

We are joined by Sameer Hamdani, a distinguished Kashmiri historian and Design Director at INTACH J&K. His expertise lies in Islamic religious architecture in South Asia. He has authored the insightful books “The Syncretic Traditions of Islamic Religious Architecture of Kashmir (Early 14th ‐ 18th Century)” and “Shi’ism in Kashmir: A History of Sunni‐Shia Rivalry and Reconciliation,” where he explores the rich tapestry of Kashmir’s Shia population and their historical narratives.

Shakir Mir is a seasoned journalist hailing from Srinagar, with a keen focus on politics, conflict, and history. His work has been featured in various Indian and international publications, providing critical insights into the socio-political dynamics of the region.

Subscribe and share with your friends.