Shakeela wani
The Mughal period in Kashmir is a significant chapter in the history of the region, characterised by a robust trade network that connected the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the Indian subcontinent and beyond. The trade routes during this era played a pivotal role not only in the economic prosperity of Kashmir but also in the cultural and religious exchanges that flowed through these pathways.
Kashmir, nestled between the towering Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range, was not only a strategic military outpost for the Mughal Empire but also a vital economic hub. The valley’s natural beauty, coupled with its renowned craftsmanship in shawls, carpets, and other textiles, made it an attractive destination for traders from across the world. However, the region’s difficult topography presented significant challenges for trade and travel. The Mughals, recognising the economic potential of Kashmir, undertook several initiatives to develop and maintain trade routes that facilitated the flow of goods and people in and out of the valley. The trade routes of Kashmir connected the region with Central Asia, Tibet, China, and the Indian subcontinent, making it a crucial link in the larger trade network of the Mughal Empire.
One of the most important trade routes during the Mughal period was the Kashmir-Bhimbar route, also known as the Mughal Road. This route connected the Kashmir Valley with Gujarat (Lesser Gujarat in Lahore) via the Pir Panjal Pass. The route passed through Bhimbar, Adidak (Adi Dat), Jogi Hati, Naushahra, Chingus Hati, Rajouri, Thana, Bahramgala, and Poshiana. The Kashmir-Bhimbar route played a crucial role in the economic life of the region, as it was used for the transportation of goods such as salt, wool, and textiles. Salt, in particular, was a valuable commodity in Kashmir.
The Baramula-Pakhli route connected Kashmir with the regions of Hazara, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, making it an important trade route for the exchange of goods between Kashmir and the western parts of the Mughal Empire. The route began at the ferry of the Indus River near Attock and passed through several key points, including Hasan Abdal, Sultanpur, Nawashahr, Dhamtaur, Pakhli, and the Kunhar River, before crossing the Kishan Ganga River and reaching Baramulla. From Baramulla, the route split into two paths one followed the Jhelum River, passing through Wular Lake and reaching Srinagar, while the other passed through Noupora, Pattan, and Sopur, before reaching the valley. This route was favoured by traders dealing in light goods, such as cotton and silk. Jahangir mentions in his memoirs that cotton traders used this route extensively.
The Kashmir-Central Asia route, connected the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, Baltistan, Tibet, China, and the Central Asian regions of Samarkand, Bukhara, Kashghar, and Yarkand. This route was of immense commercial and strategic importance, as it was the primary conduit for trade between Kashmir and Central Asia. The wool trade, particularly shawl wool, was one of the most important industries in Kashmir, and this route was vital for the transportation of wool from Ladakh to the valley. In addition to wool, other goods such as musk, silk, crystal, and gold were traded along this route.
Another important trade route during the Mughal period was the Kashmir-Kashghar route, which connected Kashmir with Kashghar (in present-day Xinjiang, China). This route was an alternative to the Central Asia route and was used extensively during periods of political instability. The route passed through several key points, including Srinagar, Paraspur, Gurais, Skardu, Baltistan, and Toghnak, before reaching Kashghar.
In addition to facilitating the exchange of goods, the trade routes of Mughal Kashmir also played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of the region. Travelers and traders from Central Asia, Tibet, China, and the Indian subcontinent brought with them new ideas, religious practices, and cultural traditions, contributing to the rich cultural diversity of Kashmir. The spread of Buddhism from Tibet into Kashmir is one example of how the trade routes facilitated the exchange of religious ideas. Similarly, the arrival of Central Asian merchants brought new cultural practices, such as the use of silk and other luxury goods, which became an integral part of Kashmiri society. The trade routes also facilitated the movement of religious scholars and Sufi mystics, who traveled to Kashmir to spread their teachings.
The movement of people and ideas helped shape the religious landscape of the region, contributing to the development of a unique syncretic culture blending elements of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Central Asian traditions. The trade routes of Mughal Kashmir were more than just pathways for the exchange of goods. They were vital arteries that connected the valley with the rest of the world, facilitating economic growth, cultural exchange, and religious interaction. The Mughals, recognising the importance of these routes, invested heavily in their development and maintenance, ensuring that Kashmir remained a prosperous and culturally vibrant region. Today, the legacy of these routes can still be seen in the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir, which stands as a testament to the region’s historical role as a hub of trade and cultural exchange.
