Assess the rule of Zainul Abedin in Kashmir.

Answer:

Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir from 1420 to 1470 and is affectionately remembered as Bud Shah or the Great King, gave the valley its most enlightened and prosperous reign in the medieval period, distinguished alike by religious tolerance, generous cultural patronage, sound administration and extensive public works.

Religious tolerance

• He reversed the persecutions of his predecessor Sikandar Butshikan.
• The jizya was abolished and Hindus were permitted to rebuild temples.
• Brahmanas who had fled the valley were invited to return with honour.
• He banned cow slaughter and permitted sati, respecting local custom.

Cultural patronage

• He had the Mahabharata and Kalhana's Rajatarangini translated into Persian.
• Persian and Arabic works were rendered into Sanskrit, encouraging exchange.
• Jonaraja and Shrivara, his court historians, continued the Rajatarangini tradition.
• He promoted Kashmiri crafts, shawl weaving, papier-mache, carpet making and paper, bringing artisans from Central Asia.

Administration and public works

• He built canals, bridges, embankments and the artificial island of Zaina Lank in the Wular lake.
• Prices were regulated, and famine relief and irrigation improved agriculture.
• He maintained justice impartially and kept the nobility under control.

Zain-ul-Abidin's rule therefore stands out as a golden age in Kashmir's medieval history. As historians note, his tolerance, encouragement of learning across religious lines and solid public works earned him the lasting affection of his people and a reputation comparable to Akbar's in northern India.