Dear aspirants, if you are preparing for JKSSB, JKPSC or any other competitive exam, the Deva Dynasty and the rise of Rinchin are important topics in the Medieval History of Kashmir.
In this article, Exam Waves Academy provides simple and exam-focused notes on the Deva Dynasty, Dulacha’s invasion, Rinchin, Bulbul Shah, Kota Rani and Udayan Dev. The important facts have been arranged in an easy way so that you can revise them quickly before your examination.
Deva Dynasty (1171–1339)
The Deva Dynasty is an important phase in the medieval history of Kashmir. According to the given notes, its period extended from 1171 to 1339.
Founder of the Deva Dynasty
- Vuppadeva was the founder of the Deva Dynasty.
- His period is given as 1171–1339.
Important Rulers
Some important developments mentioned in the notes are:
- Srimadeva assumed the throne of Kashmir in 1286 AD.
- His brother Suhadeva succeeded him in 1301 AD.
- During the rule of Suhadeva, Kashmir faced a major foreign invasion.
Dulacha’s Invasion of Kashmir
One of the most important events during this period was the invasion of Dulacha.
- Dulacha was a Mongol invader from Turkistan.
- He invaded Kashmir during the reign of Suhadeva.
- The invasion took place in 1320.
- According to the notes, Dulacha stayed in Kashmir for about eight months.
- He left Kashmir through the Banihal route.
- The invasion caused serious destruction in Kashmir.
Important Exam Fact
Dulacha invaded Kashmir in 1320 during the reign of Suhadeva.
This ruler–invader combination is particularly important for competitive examinations.
Political Situation After Dulacha’s Invasion
The period following Dulacha’s invasion witnessed considerable political instability in Kashmir.
The notes mention that during this period:
- Districts remained under Ramachandra, the commander-in-chief of Suhadeva.
- Political conditions created an opportunity for new personalities to emerge.
- Among the most important of these personalities were Rinchin and Shah Mir.
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Important Developments During the Deva Period
Several developments are associated with this period in the provided notes.
Rinchin from Ladakh
- Rinchin Chak came from Ladakh into Kashmir.
- He became an important political figure during this period.
Lankar Chak
- Lankar Chak came from Dard territory to Kashmir.
Shah Mir
- Shah Mir came to Kashmir from Swat territory.
- He later became one of the most important personalities in the political history of medieval Kashmir.
Other Important Facts
- Suhadeva fled to Kishtwar.
- Kashghir rulers were busy in mutual quarrels during this period.
Kota Rani or Rinchin
The rise of Rinchin represents an important turning point in the medieval history of Kashmir.
Rinchin’s Arrival in Kashmir
- Rinchin was a prince of Ladakh.
- During the invasion of Kashmir by Dulacha, Rinchin entered Kashmir.
- He initially took refuge under Ramachandra.
- Ramachandra was subsequently killed, and Rinchin acquired political power.
Marriage with Kota Rani
- Rinchin married Ramachandra’s daughter.
- She was Kota Rani.
This marriage further strengthened Rinchin’s political position in Kashmir.
Rinchin Becomes Sadr-ud-din
One of the most important developments associated with Rinchin was his conversion to Islam.
- Rinchin converted to Islam under the influence of Bulbul Shah.
- Bulbul Shah is identified in the notes as Syed Sharfuddin Abdul Rehman.
- After conversion, Rinchin adopted the name Sultan Sadr-ud-din.
Shah Mir as Minister
- Shah Mir served as a minister during Rinchin’s period.
Contributions of Rinchin
Several important developments are associated with Rinchin’s rule.
Construction of Bud-Masheed
Rinchin built the first mosque of Kashmir known as Bud-Masheed.
Bulbul Lankar
- Rinchin built a lankar in memory of Bulbul Shah.
Death of Rinchin
- Rinchin died in 1323.
Therefore, Rinchin’s rule was relatively short, but it represented a major political and religious transition in the history of Kashmir.
Udayan Dev
After the death of Rinchin, another important phase began under Udayan Dev.
Return to Kashmir
- Suhadeva’s brother Udayan Dev returned to Kashmir.
- He married Kota Rani after the death of Rinchin.
Kota Rani as De Facto Ruler
Although Udayan Dev was the ruler, according to the notes:
- Kota Rani was the de facto ruler of Kashmir.
This makes Kota Rani an extremely important personality for JKSSB and JKPSC examinations.
Administration Under Udayan Dev and Kota Rani
Important administrative appointments mentioned in the notes include:
- Kota Rani — De facto ruler
- Bhatta Bhikshana — Prime Minister
- Shah Mir — Captain
These appointments show the important political position already enjoyed by Shah Mir before his eventual rise to power.
Achal’s Invasion of Kashmir
During the reign of Udayan Dev, Kashmir faced another invasion.
- Achal invaded Kashmir.
- He is described as a Mongol invader in the notes.
- Udayan Dev fled to Tibet during the invasion.
This further increased the importance of Kota Rani in Kashmir’s administration.
End of Udayan Dev’s Rule
- Udayan Dev died in 1338.
- His death further changed the political situation in Kashmir.
- The period was approaching the end of the Deva phase and the beginning of a new chapter in Kashmir’s medieval political history.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| Deva Dynasty | 1171–1339 |
| Founder | Vuppadeva |
| Srimadeva | Assumed throne in 1286 AD |
| Suhadeva | Succeeded Srimadeva in 1301 AD |
| Dulacha | Mongol invader from Turkistan |
| Dulacha’s invasion | 1320 |
| Dulacha’s stay | About 8 months |
| Dulacha’s exit route | Banihal |
| Suhadeva | Fled to Kishtwar |
| Rinchin | Prince from Ladakh |
| Kota Rani | Daughter of Ramachandra |
| Rinchin’s Muslim name | Sultan Sadr-ud-din |
| Rinchin’s spiritual influence | Bulbul Shah |
| Bulbul Shah | Syed Sharfuddin Abdul Rehman |
| First mosque mentioned in notes | Bud-Masheed |
| Death of Rinchin | 1323 |
| Udayan Dev | Brother of Suhadeva |
| Kota Rani | De facto ruler |
| Bhatta Bhikshana | Prime Minister |
| Shah Mir | Captain |
| Achal | Mongol invader |
| Udayan Dev | Fled to Tibet during Achal’s invasion |
| Death of Udayan Dev | 1338 |
Important Facts for JKSSB & JKPSC Exams
- Vuppadeva was the founder of the Deva Dynasty.
- Srimadeva assumed the throne in 1286 AD.
- Suhadeva succeeded Srimadeva in 1301 AD.
- Dulacha invaded Kashmir in 1320.
- Dulacha was a Mongol invader from Turkistan.
- Dulacha remained in Kashmir for about eight months.
- Dulacha left Kashmir through the Banihal route.
- Suhadeva fled to Kishtwar.
- Rinchin was a prince of Ladakh.
- Rinchin married Kota Rani, daughter of Ramachandra.
- Rinchin converted to Islam under the influence of Bulbul Shah.
- Rinchin adopted the name Sultan Sadr-ud-din.
- Bulbul Shah’s name is given as Syed Sharfuddin Abdul Rehman.
- Shah Mir served as a minister during Rinchin’s period.
- Rinchin built Bud-Masheed.
- Rinchin died in 1323.
- Udayan Dev was the brother of Suhadeva.
- Udayan Dev married Kota Rani after Rinchin’s death.
- Kota Rani was the de facto ruler.
- Bhatta Bhikshana served as Prime Minister.
- Shah Mir served as Captain.
- Achal invaded Kashmir during Udayan Dev’s period.
- Udayan Dev fled to Tibet.
- Udayan Dev died in 1338.
Conclusion
The Deva Dynasty and the period of Rinchin form an important transition in the Medieval History of Kashmir. The invasions of Dulacha and Achal, the rise of Rinchin, his conversion under Bulbul Shah, the political role of Kota Rani, and the growing influence of Shah Mir are especially important for competitive examinations.
Important MCQ’S on Deva Dynasty in Kashmir for all Competitive Exams
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Deva Dynasty in Kashmir:
- Vuppadeva was the founder of the Deva Dynasty.
- Srimadeva assumed the throne of Kashmir in 1286 AD.
- Suhadeva succeeded Srimadeva in 1301 AD.
- Suhadeva was succeeded directly by Zain-ul-Abidin.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q2. Match the following personalities with the facts associated with them:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Dulacha | 1. Prince of Ladakh |
| B. Rinchin | 2. Commander-in-Chief of Suhadeva |
| C. Ramachandra | 3. Mongol invader from Turkistan |
| D. Shah Mir | 4. Came to Kashmir from Swat territory |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
B) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
C) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
D) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
Answer: B
Q3. Arrange the following developments associated with the Deva period in the correct chronological order:
- Dulacha invaded Kashmir.
- Srimadeva assumed the throne.
- Suhadeva succeeded Srimadeva.
- Rinchin died.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
A) 3 → 2 → 1 → 4
B) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
C) 2 → 3 → 1 → 4
D) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
Answer: C
Q4. Consider the following pairs regarding Dulacha’s invasion of Kashmir:
- Year of invasion — 1320
- Dulacha — Mongol invader from Turkistan
- Duration of stay — About eight months
- Route used while leaving Kashmir — Zoji La
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the political developments during the reign of Suhadeva:
- Dulacha invaded Kashmir during Suhadeva’s reign.
- Suhadeva fled to Kishtwar.
- Ramachandra was associated with Suhadeva as his commander-in-chief.
- Suhadeva converted to Islam under the influence of Bulbul Shah.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q6. Match the following personalities with the regions from which they came to Kashmir, as mentioned in the notes:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Rinchin | 1. Swat territory |
| B. Lankar Chak | 2. Ladakh |
| C. Shah Mir | 3. Dard territory |
| D. Dulacha | 4. Turkistan |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
B) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
C) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
D) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Answer: B
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Rinchin’s rise to political power in Kashmir:
- Rinchin was a prince of Ladakh.
- He entered Kashmir during the period of Dulacha’s invasion.
- He initially took refuge under Ramachandra.
- Ramachandra voluntarily transferred the throne of Kashmir to Rinchin.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Q8. Consider the following pairs associated with Rinchin:
- Kota Rani — Daughter of Ramachandra
- Bulbul Shah — Associated with Rinchin’s conversion to Islam
- Sultan Sadr-ud-din — Name adopted by Rinchin after conversion
- Bhatta Bhikshana — Religious teacher responsible for Rinchin’s conversion
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q9. Match the following persons or places with their correct associations during Rinchin’s period:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Bulbul Shah | 1. Minister |
| B. Shah Mir | 2. Syed Sharfuddin Abdul Rehman |
| C. Bud-Masheed | 3. Wife of Rinchin |
| D. Kota Rani | 4. Mosque built by Rinchin |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
B) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
D) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
Answer: A
Q10. Arrange the following events associated with Rinchin and the subsequent political developments in their logical chronological order:
- Rinchin married Kota Rani.
- Rinchin came to Kashmir from Ladakh.
- Rinchin adopted the name Sultan Sadr-ud-din.
- Rinchin died in 1323.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
A) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4
B) 2 → 1 → 3 → 4
C) 2 → 3 → 1 → 4
D) 3 → 2 → 1 → 4
Answer: B
Q11. Consider the following statements regarding the religious and architectural developments associated with Rinchin:
- Rinchin converted to Islam under the influence of Bulbul Shah.
- After conversion, he became known as Sultan Sadr-ud-din.
- He built Bud-Masheed.
- He constructed the Avantiswami Temple in memory of Bulbul Shah.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Q12. Match the following personalities associated with the period of Udayan Dev and Kota Rani:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Udayan Dev | 1. Prime Minister |
| B. Kota Rani | 2. Captain |
| C. Bhatta Bhikshana | 3. De facto ruler |
| D. Shah Mir | 4. Brother of Suhadeva |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
B) A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3
C) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
D) A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
Answer: D
Q13. Consider the following statements regarding Udayan Dev and Kota Rani:
- Udayan Dev was the brother of Suhadeva.
- He married Kota Rani after the death of Rinchin.
- Kota Rani functioned as the de facto ruler of Kashmir.
- Udayan Dev was the Mongol commander who invaded Kashmir in 1320.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q14. Consider the following pairs regarding the invasion faced during the period of Udayan Dev:
- Achal — Mongol invader
- Udayan Dev — Fled to Tibet
- Kota Rani — Remained an important political authority
- Dulacha — Defeated Achal and restored Udayan Dev to the throne
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Q15. Arrange the following major events of the later Deva period in the correct chronological order:
- Udayan Dev died.
- Dulacha invaded Kashmir.
- Rinchin died.
- Suhadeva succeeded Srimadeva.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
A) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
B) 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
C) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
D) 3 → 2 → 4 → 1
Answer: C






