The Mongol Invasion of Kashmir (AD.1320)

Abstract

The paper deals with the causes and consequences of the Mongol invasion of Kashmir in 1320. Kashmir earlier had repulsed the great invaders like that of Ogatay, Mangatu, Tair, and Sali. Kashmiri rulers have even dealt seriously against the great invader like Mahmood of Ghazni who created so much destruction in India. So, in this paper I have highlighted the causes that why Kashmiri ruler Suhadeva unlike earlier rulers, was not able to organise resistance against this great Mongol invader ‘Dalucha’. The paper also highlights the consequences of the invasion because Kashmir witnessed a great loss of property and men during this invasion but at the same time it proved fatal blow for the Hindu rule in Kashmir and seeds of Islam and Muslim rule were sowed since this invasion. The paper also deals with how Kashmir was saved out of this invasion and what were the causes that the invading army left Kashmir.

Keywords: Kashmir, Mongol, Invasion, Zulju, Suhadeva, Massacre, Plunder.