Feudalism in early medieval Kashmir

The study attempts to analyse the nature of feudalism in Early Medieval Kashmir, presenting an exploration of its social and political dynamics. Contrary to typical European feudal models, Kashmir’s feudal system was characterised by a unique interplay between the monarch, feudal chiefs (Samantas), Damaras, and peasants. The research challenges traditional interpretations, such as Colonel James Tod’s comparison of Rajput governance with European feudalism, by introducing concepts like ‘feudalism from above’ and ‘feudalism from below’. Utilising a historical and analytical methodology, the study scrutinizes primary sources like the Rajatarangini and incorporates diverse perspectives from sociology, economics, and political science. It revisits various feudal aspects such as land ownership, military service, and social transformations, particularly focusing on the Damaras’ role and the centralisation of power under the monarch. The study sheds light on the enduring impact of feudalism in contemporary Kashmir, noting the survival of the Damaras and Lavanyas as agricultural castes in modern times. It critically assesses the notion of feudalism as a monolithic construct, emphasising its adaptive nature and contextual variations. The study offers a distinct interpretation of Kashmir’s feudal structure, indicating its deviation from classical models due to the central role of the monarch, the lack of strong hereditary trends, and the region’s specific socio-political context.