A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph: Mapping the Impact of Cholera on Kashmir’s Changing Landscape

Abstract

The inextricable link between humans and diseases is undeniable; no individual is entirely immune to illness. While diseases can range from mild to fatal, their spread within a population is influenced by numerous factors, including environmental conditions. Climate change, characterized by shifts in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods, and droughts, exacerbates the proliferation of infectious diseases. One such devastating disease is cholera, which has historically led to significant mortality rates. In the context of Kashmir, cholera has been a formidable threat, with the potential to claim thousands of lives. This paper contends that the cholera epidemic has left a lasting impact on Kashmiri society, fundamentally altering its sociological and environmental landscape. By examining Kashmir’s historical trajectory from the early medieval period to the Dogra rule this study argues that the region’s once-pristine environment and peaceful existence were violently disrupted by recurrent cholera outbreaks. Understanding these historical ramifications is crucial in framing contemporary public health strategies and mitigating future outbreaks in Kashmir and beyond.