Keywords
Pir Panjal
Dykes
Embankments
Jhelum
How to Cite
Abstract
The Kashmir Valley, nestled in the north-western Himalayas, is a region renowned for its stunning beauty but also its vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Kashmir valley, often referred to as "Paradise on Earth," has a rich history dating back to ancient times, shaped by its unique geography and complex socio-political fabric. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges, the valley's singular water outlet through Baramulla via the Jhelum River has historically made it particularly susceptible to devastating floods and famines. From the earliest days of human habitation in the valley, these natural calamities have posed significant challenges to the region. During the early medieval period (6th to 13th century CE), Kashmir was marked by several such disasters, posing significant challenges to the region's rulers, which tested their governance and resilience. This paper examines the historical strategies and responses employed by the rulers of early medieval Kashmir to manage and mitigate the impacts of these natural disasters in Kashmir during this critical historical period.
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