Shaikh Muhammad Safdar
Kashmir transitioned through Durrani, Sikh, and Dogra rule. Amidst these shifting political tides and the evolution of regional trade networks, Bandipora’s fortunes gradually altered. From a thriving lakeside hub, a strategic Mughal pargana, and an ancient port on Wular Lake, the town eventually witnessed a stark decline in the 19th century transforming what was once a large and flourishing center into quiet settlements of log huts. Yet, beneath these changing landscapes lies a rich historical memory, bridging centuries of administrative records, royal chronicles, and resilient local identity.
Bandipora, located 57 km from Srinagar proper, is a town in northern Kashmir locally known as “The Port on the Wular Lake.” Situated on the eastern bank of the lake, it has traditionally served as an important trading centre due to its strategic position at the junction of a network of roads. However, its importance declined during the 19th century, possibly as alternative routes emerged. This decline transformed what was once described as a “large and flourishing town” into “a village of log huts.”[1]
Historical bandipora has been known by various names. According to the research conducted by Dr. Manzoor Fazili, an educationist and author belonging to the town, two sectors of the area were known as Erenaka and Khuyahama.[2] Dr. Sunil Chandra Ray has identified Khuyasrama as undoubtedly the ancient name of the modern Khuyahom Pargana, comprising the northern shore of Wular Lake and the valleys opening out from it.[3]
One of the earliest mentions of the present-day Bandipora region comes from the chronicler Kalhana, who records Naga of Khuyahama, a powerful nobleman from Bandipora who served at the court of King Jayasimha and played an influential role during the 12th century [4].
With time, as Kashmir came under the rule of Muslim sultans, Bandipora was known as the pargana of Khuyahom under the rule of the Shah Mir dynasty. During the reign of Sultan Shihabuddin, the jagir of the pargana of Khuyahom was granted to one of his commanders, Syed Hasan Bahadur. Later, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin—considered one of the greatest rulers of the Kashmir Sultanate—built a large palace called Zain Lanka in present-day Bandipora [5].
Following the fall of the Shah Mir dynasty, Ghazi Shah Chak became the new sultan of Kashmir, but his reign faced immediate internal challenges when his own brother and Chak nobles revolted against him. Although Ghazi successfully suppressed the revolt, Bahram Chak managed to escape to Khuyahom, where he was eventually captured [6]. He was subsequently brought to Srinagar and put to death, solidifying control over the region [6].
The 16th century saw the rise of Mughal imperialism in the subcontinent, culminating in the defeat of the last Chak ruler and the conquest of Kashmir. The region subsequently became a Mughal subah, and in Mughal chronicles, Bandipora was known as the pargana of Khoihama, comprising 55 villages throughout the Mughal rule [7].
According to historical administrative records, its land revenue was fixed at 83,670 kharwárs and 12 taraks in kind, alongside 15,522 kharwárs in money. Strategic defense was also maintained, with 50 cavalry and 1,000 infantry stationed at its thana [8].
As the centuries rolled on, Kashmir transitioned through Durrani, Sikh, and Dogra rule. Amidst these shifting political tides and the evolution of regional trade networks, Bandipora’s fortunes gradually altered. From a thriving lakeside hub, a strategic Mughal pargana, and an ancient port on Wular Lake, the town eventually witnessed a stark decline in the 19th century transforming what was once a large and flourishing center into quiet settlements of log huts. Yet, beneath these changing landscapes lies a rich historical memory, bridging centuries of administrative records, royal chronicles, and resilient local identity.
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