NEW DELHI, India
Perhaps the only region in South Asia with a written history dating back 5,000 years, the Kashmir Valley – also the center of a dispute between India and Pakistan – is known for its unique culture and heritage, as demonstrated by its art and architecture.
The mosques and shrines dotting the scenic Kashmir Valley are not known to have domes and minarets. Experts believe that Islamic architecture in this region has synthesized with the cultural practice of Hinduism and Buddhism.
An exhibition of Kashmir’s unique sacred architecture, held recently in the Indian capital New Delhi, brought out the material testament of the blend of traditions of the ancient Hindu practice of Shaivism, Mahayana Buddhism and the influence of Islam.
Talking to Anadolu Agency, Mohammad Saleem Beg, an organizer of the exhibition said many Islamic monuments in Kashmir have a Buddhist influence.
“If you look closely, you will see some of these monuments have gables with dragons on them, whereas Islamic architecture does not have any life form generally. Thus, just like its monuments, faiths in Kashmir are layered. This layering is harmonious and teaches us to be respectful towards sacred spaces. These monuments are a great example of tolerance and pluralism,” said Beg, who is also the convener of Kashmir-chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage).
Historical records suggest that Buddhism was introduced in Kashmir soon after Lord Buddha passed away in 400 B.C. But it attained dominance in the second century when the fourth Buddhist council was held in the region. The late 13th century saw the arrival of Islam in Kashmir, which retained spiritual linkages with the other two religions.
A true example of this is the Khanqah-i-Maulla, the first mosque of Kashmir in summer capital Srinagar. It is an example of traditional Kashmiri monumental wooden architecture, bearing resemblance to the spatial layouts of Buddhist chaitya halls. Instead of dome and minaret, there is a conical structure on top of the roof called brangh.
“The creative synthesis is a material testament to the spiritual dynamics of Kashmir. The multi-tiered pyramidical roof topped by a spire is reminiscent of the pre-Islamic architectural skyline retained in the architectural enterprise,” said Beg, an acclaimed scholar of Kashmir history and traditions.
Heritage faces neglect
He laments that the heritage of Kashmir was facing neglect.
“Kashmir is a bruised place. These monuments stand as an example of its rich cultural diversity and emphasize that the spiritual landscape of Kashmir is a melting pot of various religious and philosophical traditions. The conservation of all of this work requires funds. The current political situation is affecting the preservation of culture of Kashmir as well,” said Beg, a retired bureaucrat, who also headed the tourism department in the region.
The exhibition showcased years of conservation and restoration efforts undertaken by the INTACH and also provided a detailed context of every building in terms of drawings, photographs, and text. Some of the representative cases covered in the exhibition were mosques and shrines of Khanqah-i- Maulla, Peer Dastageer Sahib Shrine, Mosque of Madani among others.
