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Abstract:

The introduction of Sufi Islam directly from Central Asia into Kashmir's valley in the fourteenth century gave Kashmir's culture and legacy a new depth. In Kashmir's towns and villages, the Shahmiri Dynasty built a large number of mosques, shrines, and khanqahas. In those days, Srinagar, also known as Shehr-i-Kashmir, attracted scholars, preachers, and traders from the centres of culture in Central and Middle Asia. Their arrival had an impact on Kashmir's elaborate craft traditions. The legacy Sultan Zainul Abidin, often known as Budshah, left behind is unmatched by any other sovereign. He supported the arts, crafts, literature, and architecture. The utilization of colours, themes, and techniques that would later come to dominate Kashmiri crafts were developed during this time. The most significant art forms in India, along with miniature paintings, have been said to be Kashmir's artisan legacy, particularly its textiles. It has kept some Central Asian characteristics in terms of dress, food, way of life, and to some extent in architecture. The missionaries of Central Asian descent had a significant impact on Kashmir's court and cultural scene during this time. The cultural landscape of the Valley over time showed a particular combination of local and Persian elements. Even now, the inhabitants still exhibit the impacts of this synthesis in their daily activities, including their cuisine, attire, and modes of celebration. From Bukhara, Samarkand, and other Central Asian cities, a large number of Sufi saints migrated to India. In this regard, Sayyid Ali Hamdani, who migrated to Kashmir from Kulyab in Tajikistan, made a substantial contribution and majority of people accepted Sufi Islam in landlocked Kashmir Valley.