Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects: Islam, Rights, and the History of Kashmir

by Mridu Rai

Disputed between India and Pakistan, Kashmir contains a large majority of Muslims subject to the laws of a predominantly Hindu and increasingly "Hinduized" India. How did religion and politics become so enmeshed in defining the protest of Kashmir's Muslims against Hindu rule? This book reaches beyond standard accounts that look to the 1947 partition of India for an explanation. Examining the 100-year period before that landmark event, during which Kashmir was ruled by Hindu Dogra kings under the aegis of the British, Mridu Rai highlights the collusion that shaped a decisively Hindu sovereignty over a subject Muslim populace. Focusing on authority, sovereignty, legitimacy, and community rights, she explains how Kashmir's modern Muslim identity emerged.


Rai shows how the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was formed as the East India Company marched into India beginning in the late eighteenth century. After the 1857 rebellion, outright annexation was abandoned as the British Crown took over and princes were incorporated into the imperial framework as junior partners. But, Rai argues, scholarship on other regions of India has led to misconceptions about colonialism, not least that a "hollowing of the crown" occurred throughout as Brahman came to dominate over King. In Kashmir the Dogra kings maintained firm control. They rode roughshod over the interests of the vast majority of their Kashmiri Muslim subjects, planting the seeds of a political movement that remains in thrall to a religiosity thrust upon it for the past 150 years.

Genres: India, History, Nonfiction, Islam, Politics

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Hafsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing scholarly work and a book that disrupts a number of "myths" that arise when discussing the Kashmir issue. The author focuses on the period between the mid-1800's (when Kashmir was sold by the British to the Dogras) and Partition to show the ways in which religion was manipulated by the powers in that time period--leading to a development of a Kashmiri Muslim identity pitted against the oppressive Hindu rulers and what became for all purposes a "Hindu state". This alone is an important theoretical contribution of the book as modern day mythologizers of Kashmir (of which Indian national discourse is a leading contributor) state that Kashmir's "Muslim" identity is due to the Islamic resurgence in the late 1970's.

Also makes a significant contribution to colonial rule in the subcontinent by exploring the nuanced relations between the Indian princes and the British state.

[Kushagra Manchanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very poor work of literature with a biased view of the contemporary Kashmir, absolutely not taking into the account the traditional Hindu way of life in Kashmir before the onslaught of Islam. The talk of “Hinduized” Kashmir is the liberal song of the book without discussing any facts or considering the aftermath of population boom of muslims in Kashmir. Unfortunate enough to have read this book.

[Naveed Qazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The written language slips to very verbose narrative, at times, however, I will give author full points, for her extensive research, by perceiving Kashmiri Muslims as aggrieved, in a Hindu State, and the narrative surrounding it. She has researched some important historical events, and thus, for me, is on par with other excellent non-native researchers, on Kashmir conflict, such as Snedden, Schofield, etc. The book carries a neutral, non-conformist viewpoint, until the end. I like those kind of books, personally.

[maryum · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book!!! really worthwhile reading and very meticulous research on the impact of colonialism on kashmir. one of the few books that looks at the kashmiri conflict from the perspective of the kashmiris and not as a pawn in an india-pakistan chess match.

[Waqar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Azin Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literature on Kashmir is usually tricky. It's difficult to understand which side of the story to begin with.

Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects is an academic piece of writing consisting of a historical account of the politics in Kashmir through a socio cultural lens. The book depicts the intersectionality of religion and class in a close relationship with the Kashmir conflict which is decades old now. The 100 years of Dogra rule consisted of a Hindu, Land Owning Elite with access to power and resources through education and revenue administration. The Masses, on the other hand, comprised of the Muslim Peasantry and Artisans with limited access to land and resources.

Mridu Rai's description poses questions on how 'personal' religion is when it is institutionally and systematically a part of our lives. She delves directly into how political conflicts have a close link with access to resources and power. Finally, she strikes a thought within the minds of the reader whether we really get to separate our identities from ourselves if we are incessantly differentiated and distinguished on their basis?

It's a must read for people wanting to understand the conflict beyond the geo politics and idealogies

[Ejaz Gul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Specifically deals with the period of Jammu and Kashmir's history regarding Dogra Rule. It proves without any doubt that JK under Dogra was a pure Hindu State. Another significant point that the authors raise is that Muslims of JK have always seen their Muslim identity first and the concept of Kashmiriyiat as propagated by some Indian Secularists is flawed.

[Imran · Rating 4 out of 5]

authentic text to read.....

[Kabir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent scholarly work on Dogra rule in Kashmir

[Iqra Tasmiae]

https://indianculturalforum.in/2019/0...

[Abhishek Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched with Biasedness..

[Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for an examination of the Dogras in Jammu & Kashmir as well as India's princely rule under the Raj. Rai's scholarship relates to Partha Chatterjee's discussion on nationhood and communities and refutes Nicholas Dirks's "hollow crown" thesis (that royals were rulers in name only). To someone interested in learning about princely states of India, particularly the question of legitimacy and power, this would be my first recommendation.