Growth and Development of Political Awareness among Muslims during Dogra Regime in Kashmir – An overview

The valley of Kashmir witnessed oppressive rule since Mughals occupied valley first time underEmperor Akbar in 1586.It continued during Afghans, Sikhs and then it was handed over to Dogra’s of Jammu by the British East India Company through ill-famed transaction which came to be known as Treaty of Amritsar. The rule of Dogra’s started with the declaration that they will treat Kashmir as their purchased property and this prerogative was exercised with impunity by their male descendants in letter and spirit. They never permitted public opinion to get evolved among people and put breaks on all forms of rights,whatsoever,on the people of Kashmir. The paper will highlight most of such restrictions which they imposed on the people of Kashmir. It will also bring forth how these factors prepared a ground for creating a viable atmosphere in awakening the people of Kashmir against tyrannical rule. Moreover, paper will highlight the pivotal role played by non Kashmiri political associations and different newspapers published by non Kashmiri activists mainly from the soil of Punjab.Last but not least, paper will point out several other reasons which triggered the political conscience among the people of Kashmir.