India has a long and rich history. For thousands of years, many of its well-known cities and regions have had different names. For example, Patna was once known as Pataliputra, which was the capital of powerful empires. Every part of India has a story behind its name. Do you know what Jammu and Kashmir were called in the past? In this article, we will look at the original name of this beautiful region and learn how it got its identity.
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What Is The Old Name Of Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is a region with a rich history and has had many names over the centuries. Ancient texts and local legends say its most well-known old name is Kashyapa-mira or Kashyapa-pura.
The name comes from the respected Vedic sage Rishi Kashyapa. According to old stories in the Nilamata Purana, one of the region’s oldest texts, the Kashmir Valley was once a vast lake called Satisar.
Sage Kashyapa is said to have drained the water, making the land suitable for human habitation. Over time, the name changed from Kashyapa-mira, meaning the sea of Kashyapa, to Kashmir.
Historical Records of the Name
Various ancient travellers and historians recorded the name of the region in their own languages:
| Source / Traveller | Ancient Name Recorded | Time Period |
| Nilamata Purana | Kashyapa-mira / Satisar | Ancient Era |
| Hecataeus (Greek) | Kaspapyros | 500 BCE |
| Herodotus (Greek) | Kaspatyros | 400 BCE |
| Xuanzang (Chinese) | Ka-shi-mi-lo | 630 CE |
Key Points to Remember
- According to mythology, Sage Kashyapa reclaimed the land from a lake.
- "Ka" means "water", and "Shimir" means "to dry up" or "desiccate".
- Modern geological studies of the Karewa formations in the valley show that this region was once covered by a large lake thousands of years ago.
What Is The Old Name Of Jammu?
Jammu's origin story goes back thousands of years. Local tradition and historical texts say the city was once called Jambupura, or sometimes Jambu-Nagar.
The city is named after Raja Jambu Lochan, a king who lived in the 14th century BCE. The most well-known legend says that while hunting near the Tawi River, the Raja saw a tiger and a goat drinking from the same pond at the same time.
They did not fight and simply walked away. Inspired by this peaceful scene, the Raja chose to build his capital there, believing the land was special and peaceful.
Evolution of the Name
The transition from the ancient name to the modern one happened gradually over centuries:
| Period | Name Used | Significance |
| Ancient (14th Century BCE) | Jambupura | Named after Raja Jambu Lochan. |
| Medieval Era | Jambu-Nagar | Used in various regional chronicles. |
| Modern Era | Jammu | A simplified version of the original "Jamboo". |
Key Historical Facts
- Raja Jambu Lochan founded the city. His brother, Raja Bahu Lochan, is known for building the famous Bahu Fort on the other side of the Tawi River.
- The name 'Jammu' and its surrounding areas are mentioned in the Mahabharata, indicating the region's antiquity.
- Archaeologists have found artefacts at Akhnoor, near Jammu, from the Harappan civilisation and the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. This shows people have lived in the region for more than 3,000 years.
How Did Jammu and Kashmir Get Their Names: The Ancient Identity of J&K
Jammu and Kashmir's history combines old legends with written records. Each area has its own story about how it got its name.
- Kashmir's Origins: In ancient times, the valley was known as Satisar, a vast lake. According to the Nilamata Purana (6th–8th Century CE), the sage Rishi Kashyapa drained the water around 3000 BCE. The land was then named Kashyapa-mira (Kashyapa's Lake) or Kashyapa-pura. Over centuries, linguistic shifts turned it into Kashmir.
- Jammu's Origins: Jammu was founded in the 14th Century BCE by Raja Jambu Lochan. He named the city Jambupura after himself. Legend says he chose the spot after seeing a tiger and a goat drink from the Tawi River together, symbolising peace.
- The Transition: Names remained largely consistent throughout the Mauryan and Kushan eras. During the mediaeval period, Persian and Mughal influence simplified the phonetic sounds.
- Official Change: The two regions were formally unified as the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir in March 1846 following the Treaty of Amritsar. This was when the modern political name was officially established under the Dogra dynasty.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: How Jammu & Kashmir Got Its Name? Check its History, Location, and Facts
7+ Lesser-Known Facts About Ancient Jammu and Kashmir
- Modern science confirms the valley was once a lake; studies of Karewa lake deposits prove the land was underwater 4 million years ago.
- Kashmir is home to the Rajatarangini (written by Kalhana in 1148 CE), which is considered India's first authentic historical record.
- Archaeological sites like Burzahom (3000 BCE) show that ancient inhabitants lived in unique underground pit dwellings to survive the cold.
- The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir around 72 CE, making it a global centre for learning and philosophy.
- The Tawi River, flowing through Jammu, is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the "Surya Putri" (Daughter of the Sun).
- The name Jambupura was chosen specifically because of an early ecological observation of interspecific harmony at a watering hole.
- Stone tools found in the Lidder Valley suggest that early humans were active in this region over 20,000 years ago.
- The ancient Martand Sun Temple (8th Century) was built using massive limestone blocks that aligned perfectly with solar movements.
Who Ruled Jammu & Kashmir Before Raja Hari Singh?
| Era | Dynasty / Ruler | Key Characteristics |
| Ancient | Mauryan Empire | Emperor Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the valley in the 3rd Century BCE. |
| Ancient | Kushan Empire | Under King Kanishka, Kashmir became a major center for Buddhist learning. |
| Early Medieval | Karkota Dynasty | King Lalitaditya built the famous Martand Sun Temple and expanded the kingdom. |
| Early Medieval | Lohara Dynasty | A long-lasting dynasty that ruled during a period of many internal changes. |
| Medieval | Shah Mir Dynasty | This was the start of the Sultanate period in Kashmir during the 14th Century. |
| Medieval | Chak Dynasty | A local dynasty that ruled before the arrival of the Mughals. |
| Imperial | Mughal Empire | Emperors like Akbar and Jahangir built the famous Mughal Gardens (Shalimar & Nishat). |
| Late Medieval | Afghan (Durrani) | A period of strict rule that lasted for about 67 years. |
| Early Modern | Sikh Empire | Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Kashmir in 1819, ending Afghan rule. |
After the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British sold the rights to Kashmir to Gulab Singh for 7.5 million Nanakshahee rupees, leading to the formation of the modern Jammu and Kashmir state.
Before Maharaja Hari Singh became ruler in 1925, his uncle Maharaja Pratap Singh was in charge. They were both part of the Dogra Dynasty, founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh.
The dynasty governed the princely state for nearly a century, from 1846 to 1947, overseeing its borders and administration while under British rule.
What is the Capital of Jammu and Kashmir?
Jammu and Kashmir stand out because it has two capitals. From May to October, Srinagar is the Summer Capital and is famous for its lakes and gardens. From November to April, Jammu becomes the Winter Capital. This practice, called the "Darbar Move", began with the Dogra kings, who wanted to avoid the harsh weather in both areas.
What is Jammu & Kashmir Famous For?
This region is known around the world for its stunning natural beauty, which is why it is often called "Paradise on Earth". It is famous for Pashmina shawls, top-quality saffron, and hand-carved walnut wood crafts.
Who Founded Jammu & Kashmir?
Maharaja Gulab Singh founded the modern state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846. As a Dogra leader, he signed the Treaty of Amritsar with the British East India Company. This agreement gave him control of the Kashmir Valley, which he joined with Jammu and Ladakh to form one large kingdom.
What was J&K Before 1947?
Before India became independent in 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a Princely State. This meant it was a self-governing kingdom led by a Maharaja. The King oversaw local laws and taxes, while the British Empire handled foreign affairs. Jammu and Kashmir was also one of the largest and most important princely states in the region.
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