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

by Mridu Rai

This is a remarkable work of scholarship which shows how Kashmir’s modern Muslim identity came into existence. In doing this, it demonstrates the complex manner in which politics can enforce the creation of religious identity. Kashmir is a hotbed of religious politics. Disputed between India and Pakistan, this territory comprises a large majority of Muslims who are subject to the laws of a predominantly Hindu and increasingly hinduised India. How did religion and politics become so inextricably enmeshed in defining and expressing the protest of Kashmir’s Muslims against Hindu rule? This book is a brilliant historical study of this central issue in the troubled politics of South Asia’s most picturesque—and most volatile—province. Mridu Rai argues that the origins of present political conditions and problems lie in the hundred-year period preceding the creation of India and Pakistan, when Kashmir was ruled by a succession of Hindu Dogra kings. The Dogras wielded power under the aegis of British imperialism, and the collusion of colonial state and collaborating vassals played no small part in shaping a decisively Hindu sovereignty over a subject Muslim populace. This sovereignty took a novel political form in Kashmir. It was characterized by an unprecedented degree of control by rulers intent on establishing and legitimizing their authority via Hindu forms of patronage, tradition, ritual, and related strategies. The region’s Muslims, unlike its Hindus, were left out of the power-sharing arrangements not simply because of their religion but because, as Muslims, they became irrelevant to the legitimizing devices installed by the Hindu Dogras and their British overlords. Therefore, the protest of Kashmiri Muslims historically represents not so much a defense of Islam as a defence of their rights by a community defined specifically as Muslims by an explicitly Hindu ruling hierarchy. This explains the development of a consciousness among Kashmiri Muslims of religiously-based neglect, as well as the emergence of their ongoing political protest. Everyone interested in Kashmir and its history will want this book, as will those who study religion, politics, legal rights, and community identities.

Genres: India, History, Nonfiction, Islam, Politics

383 pages, Kindle Edition

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.