Dear Aspirants, Ancient History of Kashmir is one of the most important topics in Jammu and Kashmir General Knowledge (JK GK). Questions related to Kalhana, Ashoka, Kushans, Alchon Huns, Gonanda rulers, Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida, Jayapida, and the Damaras are frequently asked in JKSSB, JKPSC, JK Police, JK Bank, JK High Court, and other competitive examinations.

In this article, Exam Waves a leading Coaching Academy for Competitive Exams explains the ancient history of Kashmir in very simple language and easy to understand format.

Overview of Ancient Kashmir

The ancient history of Kashmir begins with the traditions recorded by Kalhana and continues through the rule of Ashoka, Kushans, Alchon Huns, Gonanda rulers, and the powerful Karkota Dynasty. The period of Lalitaditya Muktapida is considered one of the greatest phases in the history of Kashmir.

Chronological timeline

Period / Ruler	Important Feature
Kalhana	Rajatarangini and early Kashmir history
Ashoka	Spread of Buddhism
Kushans	Buddhist development and international trade
Alchon Huns	Huna rule in Kashmir
Gonanda Dynasty	Restoration of local rule
Karkota Dynasty	Powerful ancient Kashmiri dynasty
Lalitaditya Muktapida	Greatest ruler of Karkota
Jayapida	Last important Karkota ruler
Damaras	Powerful feudal lords

Kalhana

Kalhana is one of the most important historians of Kashmir.

Important facts

• Kalhana started the history of Kashmir from the Pre-Mahabharata period.
• The first king mentioned by him was Gonanda I.
• Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.
• Damodar I, the son of Gonanda, was also killed by Krishna.
• Krishna installed Damodar’s wife Yashovati on the throne.
• Yashovati is considered the first female ruler of Kashmir.
• After her, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Pandavas.

Note

Kalhana mentions that Ratnakar Purana records 35 kings of the Pandava line, but the records of these kings are not available.

Ashoka

Ashoka played a major role in the spread of Buddhism in Kashmir.

Important facts

• Ashoka was the son of Bindusara and grandson of Chandragupta.
• During his reign, Buddhism flourished in Kashmir.
• He sent Mahayantika to propagate Buddhism.
• According to Hiuen Tsang, 500 monks came to Kashmir.
• Ashoka founded Pandrethan (present-day Srinagar).
• He built viharas and temples.
• Important places associated with him include Vijayeshwara in Bijbehara and Shukaletra in Hushkar.
• Madhyantika introduced saffron cultivation in Kashmir.
• Ashoka organized the First International Buddhist Conference at Srinagar.

Succession

• Ashoka was succeeded by his son Jaluka.
• Jaluka cleared Kashmir from the Mlechhas.
• During Jaluka’s reign, Shaivism flourished.
• Jaluka was succeeded by his son Damodar II.

Kushans

The Kushans made Kashmir an important centre of Buddhism and trade.

Origin

• The Kushans belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
• They occupied Kashmir in 1 AD.

Kanishka

The greatest Kushan ruler associated with Kashmir was Kanishka.

Important facts

• Kanishka succeeded Kadphises in 78 AD.
• During his reign, Mahayana Buddhism flourished.
• Kashmir became closely connected with the Silk Route.
• Kushan rule helped the growth of trade and culture.

Fourth Buddhist Council

• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvan near Harwan in Kashmir in 72 BC during Kanishka’s reign.
• The council was presided over by Vasumitra.
• Ashvaghosha was his vice deputy.
• At this council, Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Kanishka’s sons

The book mentions three sons:

• Hushka
• Jushka
• Kanishka

They built:

• Hushkapur
• Jushkapur
• Kanishkapur

Kalhana referred to them as Trushka Kings.

Alchon Huns

The Alchon Huns were an important ruling group in ancient Kashmir.

Important facts

• They were tribes from Asia and South Asia.
• They established their rule during the 4th–5th century.
• They entered India through the Hindu Kush.
• Their ruler Toramana attacked the Gupta Empire.

Mihirkula

The most famous Alchon Hun ruler was Mihirkula.

Important facts

• He was succeeded by his son Mihirkula.
• Many historians compared him with “Indian Nero.”
• Mihirkula fled to Kashmir.
• He was known for his cruelty.
• Gopaditya built Jyestheshwara (present-day Shankaracharya Temple) on Gopadri Hill.

Yudhistra-I

Yudhistra-I was one of the last Hun rulers of Kashmir.

Gonanda Dynasty II (Book II of Rajatarangini)

The restored Gonanda Dynasty was revived under Meghavahana.

Important facts

• Meghavahana was the founder of the restored Gonanda Dynasty.
• He was the son of Yudhistra’s first grandson.
• He prohibited the slaughter of animals.

Karkota Dynasty (625–855 CE)

The Karkota Dynasty was one of the greatest dynasties in Kashmir.

Important facts

• It is also known as the Naga Dynasty.
• The founder was Durlabhavardhana (625–661 CE).
• Kalhana referred to the dynasty as Parihaditya.
• It is mentioned as Tu-lo-pu in Chinese records.
• Durlabhavardhana was the son-in-law of Baladitya.
• He married Ananglekha, the daughter of Baladitya.
• During his reign, Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir in 631 CE.
• Hiuen Tsang left Kashmir through Zojila Pass in 633 CE.

Pratapaditya (661–712 CE)

Pratapaditya succeeded Durlabhavardhana.

Important facts

• His original name was Pratap Aditya.
• He founded Pratapapura (Tapper).
• He was succeeded by Chandrapida.

Chandrapida (713–720 AD)

Important facts

• Also known as Vajraditya.
• During his reign, Kashmir faced threats from Arabs in the west and Tibetans in the east.
• He was succeeded by his brother Tarapida.

Lalitaditya Muktapida (724–761 AD)

Lalitaditya is considered the greatest ruler of the Karkota Dynasty.

Important facts

• He was the third son of Pratapaditya.
• Also known as the Greatest Ruler of Karkota.
• He shifted the capital to Parihaspora (City of Smiles).
• He is also known as Samudra Gupta of Kashmir.
• He ruled for 36 years.
• He built the Martand Sun Temple at Anantnag.
• He established Lalitpur (Lettipora).
• His court included famous scholars such as Chanakya, Bhavabhuti, and Vakpatiraja.
• He brought the Atigupta inscription of Abhinav Gupta to Kashmir.
• He is often called the Napoleon of Kashmir.

Jayapida

Jayapida was an important ruler of the later Karkota period.

Important facts

• He was the grandson of Lalitaditya Muktapida.
• He built Jayapura near Wular Lake, now known as Anderkot.
• He also built Malanpur, presently known as Malur, Srinagar.
• According to Kalhana, Jayapida was the last important ruler of the Karkota Dynasty.
• He was succeeded by Utpalapida.
• Pampore and Padmapur were founded by Padma, the maternal uncle of Cippata Jayapida.

The Damaras

The Damaras were powerful feudal lords of Kashmir.

Important facts

• They are mentioned in Book IV of Rajatarangini.
• They were feudal landlords.
• During the reigns of Sussala and Jayasimha, the kings spent a major part of their time fighting against the Damaras.

Important note

After the death of Jayapida, his five uncles Utpala, Mamma, Kalyana, Dharma, and Padma fought for the throne. Avantivarman, the grandson of Utpala, later became king with the support of his minister.

Quick revision table

Topic	Remember
Kalhana	Rajatarangini
Ashoka	Spread of Buddhism
Madhyantika	Introduced saffron cultivation
Kanishka	Mahayana Buddhism
Kundalvan	Fourth Buddhist Council
Mihirkula	Alchon Hun ruler
Meghavahana	Prohibited animal slaughter
Durlabhavardhana	Founder of Karkota Dynasty
Hiuen Tsang	Visited Kashmir in 631 CE
Lalitaditya	Greatest ruler of Karkota
Martand Temple	Built by Lalitaditya
Jayapida	Last important Karkota ruler
Damaras	Feudal lords

Important facts for competitive exams

• Kalhana began Kashmir history from the Pre-Mahabharata period.
• Gonanda I was the first king mentioned by Kalhana.
• Ashoka founded Pandrethan.
• Madhyantika introduced saffron cultivation.
• The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at Kundalvan.
• Vasumitra presided over the council.
• Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana.
• Kanishka’s sons were Hushka, Jushka, and Kanishka.
• Mihirkula was an important Alchon Hun ruler.
• Meghavahana prohibited animal slaughter.
• Durlabhavardhana founded the Karkota Dynasty.
• Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir in 631 CE.
• Lalitaditya shifted the capital to Parihaspora.
• Lalitaditya built the Martand Sun Temple.
• Jayapida built Jayapura near Wular Lake.
• Damaras were powerful feudal landlords.

Important MCQs on Ancient History of Kashmir For all JKSSB 2026

Q1. Which of the following statements correctly describe Kalhana and his contribution to the history of Kashmir?

1. Kalhana started the history of Kashmir from the Pre-Mahabharata period.
2. Gonanda I was the first king mentioned by him.
3. Yashovati is considered the first female ruler of Kashmir.
4. After Yashovati, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Pandavas.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describe the early rulers mentioned by Kalhana?

1. Gonanda I was killed by Krishna.
2. Damodar I was the son of Gonanda I.
3. Damodar I was also killed by Krishna.
4. Krishna installed Yashovati on the throne.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q3. According to the article, Ratnakar Purana mentions which of the following?

A) 35 Kushan kings

B) 35 Karkota rulers

C) 35 kings of the Pandava line

D) 35 Lohara rulers

Answer: C

Q4. Which of the following statements correctly describe Ashoka’s role in Kashmir?

1. He was the son of Bindusara.
2. He was the grandson of Chandragupta.
3. Buddhism flourished in Kashmir during his reign.
4. He sent Mahayantika to propagate Buddhism.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q5. Which of the following works are attributed to Ashoka in Kashmir according to the article?

1. Founding of Pandrethan (present-day Srinagar)
2. Construction of viharas
3. Construction of temples
4. Organization of the First International Buddhist Conference at Srinagar

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q6. Which of the following statements correctly describe Jaluka?

1. He was the son of Ashoka.
2. He cleared Kashmir from the Mlechhas.
3. Shaivism flourished during his reign.
4. He was succeeded by Damodar II.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Kushans?

1. They belonged to the Yuechi tribe of Central Asia.
2. They occupied Kashmir in 1 AD.
3. Kanishka succeeded Kadphises in 78 AD.
4. Kashmir became connected with the Silk Route during their rule.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q8. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Fourth Buddhist Council?

1. It was held at Kundalvan near Harwan in Kashmir.
2. It was held during the reign of Kanishka.
3. Vasumitra presided over the council.
4. Buddhism was divided into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q9. Match List I with List II.

List I

1. Hushka
2. Jushka
3. Kanishka

List II

a. Jushkapur

b. Hushkapur

c. Kanishkapur

A) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c

B) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b

C) 1-c, 2-b, 3-a

D) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a

Answer: A

Q10. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Alchon Huns?

1. They were tribes from Asia and South Asia.
2. They established their rule during the 4th–5th century.
3. They entered India through the Hindu Kush.
4. Toramana attacked the Gupta Empire.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q11. Which of the following statements correctly describe Mihirkula?

1. He was an important Alchon Hun ruler.
2. Many historians compared him with “Indian Nero.”
3. He fled to Kashmir.
4. He was known for his cruelty.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q12. Which temple was built by Gopaditya on Gopadri Hill according to the article?

A) Martand Sun Temple

B) Avantiswami Temple

C) Jyestheshwara (Shankaracharya Temple)

D) Vijayeshwara Temple

Answer: C

Q13. Which of the following statements correctly describe Meghavahana?

1. He founded the restored Gonanda Dynasty.
2. He was the son of Yudhistra’s first grandson.
3. He prohibited the slaughter of animals.

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Q14. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Karkota Dynasty?

1. It is also known as the Naga Dynasty.
2. Durlabhavardhana founded the dynasty.
3. Hiuen Tsang visited Kashmir during Durlabhavardhana’s reign.
4. Hiuen Tsang left Kashmir through Zojila Pass.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q15. Which of the following statements correctly describe Pratapaditya?

1. He succeeded Durlabhavardhana.
2. His original name was Pratap Aditya.
3. He founded Pratapapura (Tapper).
4. He was succeeded by Chandrapida.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q16. Which of the following statements correctly describe Chandrapida?

1. He was also known as Vajraditya.
2. Kashmir faced Arab threats from the west during his reign.
3. Kashmir faced Tibetan threats from the east during his reign.
4. He was succeeded by Tarapida.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q17. Which of the following statements correctly describe Lalitaditya Muktapida?

1. He was the third son of Pratapaditya.
2. He shifted the capital to Parihaspora.
3. He built the Martand Sun Temple at Anantnag.
4. He is also known as the Napoleon of Kashmir.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q18. Which of the following scholars were associated with the court of Lalitaditya Muktapida according to the article?

1. Chanakya
2. Bhavabhuti
3. Vakpatiraja
4. Vasumitra

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Q19. Which of the following statements correctly describe Jayapida?

1. He was the grandson of Lalitaditya Muktapida.
2. He built Jayapura near Wular Lake.
3. He built Malanpur (present-day Malur, Srinagar).
4. Kalhana considered him the last important ruler of the Karkota Dynasty.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Q20. Which of the following statements correctly describe the Damaras?

1. They are mentioned in Book IV of Rajatarangini.
2. They were powerful feudal landlords.
3. Sussala and Jayasimha spent much of their reign fighting them.
4. After Jayapida’s death, Avantivarman eventually gained the throne with the support of his minister.

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1, 2 and 3 only

C) 2, 3 and 4 only

D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D