Sufi Shrines of Kashmir: Analysing the Impact of Socioeconomic and Political Transformation on the Relationship Between the Shrines and the People.

Presenters:

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Abstract

The dissemination of Islam was considerably peaceful in Kashmir. Propagated by Sufi saints, Islam emerged as a rebellion against the caste system of the society. By the 14th century Kashmir came to be dominated by the Muslim rulers. The relationship between the shrines dedicated to the Sufi saints and the Kashmiri people has been one of veneration and succour during the difficult times. However, the priestly class associated with the shrines tended to have a relationship bordering on exploitative with the Muslim population of Kashmir. Receiving land grants and endowments from almost all rulers of Kashmir, the priestly class of the valley enjoyed a privileged status. The changing socioeconomic conditions after 1947, especially because of extensive land reforms, and political changes brought about by three decades old insurgency eroded the power of the priestly class significantly. This change also transformed the relationship of Kashmiri Muslim population with the shrines, with considerable inroads made by the Wahabi ideology into the valley. The resentment against the priestly class was extended to these hitherto much loved and respected shrines. This research analyses the dynamic nature of this relationship through an ethnographic survey to understand the reasons for the people of Kashmir to continue or discontinue the shrine worship. The religious aspect of the veneration of shrines and saints is explained through socioeconomic and political reality prevailing in Kashmir.