Shah Mir Dynasty

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History of Kashmir
Mythological history Nilamata Purana Mythological dynasties Legend of Kashap
Ancient period Pre-Mahabharat period Pre (3500 BCE) Mahabharat period Pre (3200–2000 BCE) Early dynasties Pre (2000–500 BCE)
Middle Republican period Middle Republic (326 BC) Late Middle Republic (34–17 BCE) Karakota Empire (489–920 BCE)
Medieval period Shah Mir Dynasty (1339–1535) Chakhs (1535–1589) Mughal rule (1589–1738) Afghan rule (1738–1819) Sikh rule (1819-1846)
Early modern period Jammu and Kashmir (princely state) (1846–1947)
Late modern period Kashmir conflict (1947–present)
Related articles Rajatarangini Religious history Kalhana Nilamata Purana Military history
Jammu and Kashmir

The Shah Mir Dynasty was a Muslim dynasty originally from Swat, who ruled on Kashmir for nearly 222 years from 1339 to 1561. During the rule of this dynasty, Islam was firmly established in Kashmir. Shah Mir, under the title of Sultan Shamas-ud-Din founded the dynasty.

As listed in the Rajataranginis he was succeeded by Jamshed 1342–1344, Alau-ud-Din 1344–1355, Shahab-ud-Din 1355–1373, Qutub-ud-Din 1373–1389, Sikandar Butshikan the book-burner 1389–1413, Alishah 1413–1419, Zain-ul-Abdin 1420–1470, Haidershah 1470–1472, Hassanshah 1472–1484, Mohammadshah 1484–1486, Fatehshah 1486–1495 Mohammadshah 1495–1496, Fatehshah 1496–1497, Mohammadshah 1497–1509, Ibrahimshah (s/o Mohammadshah) 1509 Nazukshah (s/o Fatehshah) 1529 (one year), Mohammadshah 1530–1535.^[1]

The reign of the Shah Mir Dynasty came to end in 1561, when Kashmir, like rest of the medieval Northern India was conquered by the Mughal Empire.

Shah

Historian A. Q. Rafiq thinks it more likely that Shah Mir, the founder of the dynasty was a descendant of Turkic or Persian immigrants to Swat.^[2] Other belief is that he was originally from Swat Valley in historical Afghanistan. Jonaraja, in his Dvitīyā Rājataraṅginī mentioned him as Sahamera. Some Persian chronicles of Kashmir describe Shah Mir as a descendant of the rulers of Swat.

Shah Mir arrived in Kashmir in 1313 along with his family, during the reign of Suhadeva (1301–1320), whose service he entered. In subsequent years, through his tact and ability Shah Mir rose to prominence and became one of the most important personalities of his time. Later after the death in 1338 of Udayanadeva, the brother of Suhedeva he was able to assume the kingship himself.^[3]

Shah Mir worked to establish Islam in Kashmir and was aided by his descendant rulers, specially Sikandar Butshikan. He reigned for three years and five months from 1339–42. He was the ruler of Kashmir and the founder of the Shah Mir dynasty. He was followed by his two sons who became kings in succession.^[4]

Jamshid

Sultan Shamsu'd-Din Shah was succeeded by his elder son Sultan Jamshid who ruled for a year and two months. In 1343, Sultan Jamshid suffered a defeat by his brother who ascended the throne as Sultan Alau'd-Din in 1347.^[5]

Alau'd-Din

Sultan Alau'd-Din, two sons became kings in succession, Sultan Shihabu'd-Din and Sultan Qutbu'd-Din.^[6]

Reign and successions

^[7]

Note: Muhammad Shah had five separate reigns from 1484 to 1537.^[8]

See also

• Sikandar Butshikan
• Zain-ul-Abidin
• Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani
• List of Sunni Muslim dynasties

References

External links

• Baharistan-i-Shahi: A Chronicle of Mediaeval Kashmir