Kashmir has a rich past, the history of which can be traced back to prehistoric times. It has been designated as one of the earliest cradles of Indian civilisation. Despite this, the history of ancient Kashmir has not been accorded its due, which remained a closed book for most of us. The earliest Sanskrit literature of the valley is the Nilamatapurana that helps us to construct the social, religious, and spiritual history of this ancient land. The Rajatarangini by Kalhana is regarded as the only historical work that could legitimately be said to have emerged from ancient India. This exquisite work of art created by Kalhana in the twelfth century gives us an unparalleled insight into the historiographical account of Kashmir’s kings.
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