Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most historically rich and culturally diverse regions in South Asia. Over thousands of years, it has been known by different names, each reflecting its geography, mythology, and political history. Understanding the old names of Jammu and Kashmir gives us a deeper insight into its past and how its identity evolved over time.
Ancient Name of Kashmir: Kashyapamara
The oldest known name of Kashmir is Kashyapamara. This name comes from ancient Sanskrit texts and is closely linked with Hindu mythology. According to legend, the region was once a vast lake called Satisar. The sage Kashyapa, a revered figure in Indian mythology, is believed to have drained this lake to make the land habitable.
The word “Kashyapamara” can be broken down into:
- Kashyapa – the sage who reclaimed the land
- Mara – meaning lake or sea
So, Kashyapamara essentially means “the land of Kashyapa” or “the land drained from water by Kashyapa.”
Over time, this name gradually evolved into “Kashmir,” which is the modern name we use today.
Other Historical Names of Kashmir
1. Kasmira
In ancient Sanskrit literature, especially in texts like the Rajatarangini written by Kalhana, Kashmir is referred to as Kasmira. This name is considered one of the earliest literary references to the region.
“Kasmira” is believed to be derived from “Kashyapamira,” again pointing to the same legendary origin linked with sage Kashyapa.
2. Kashmir (Classical and Medieval Period)
During the classical and medieval periods, the name Kashmir became widely used. This version appears in many historical records, including:
- Persian chronicles
- Chinese travel accounts
- Mughal-era documents
Famous travelers like the Chinese monk Xuanzang mentioned Kashmir in their writings, showing that the name had already gained international recognition.
Old Names of Jammu
While Kashmir has mythological roots in its naming, Jammu also has its own historical identity.
1. Jambupura / Jambu
The old name of Jammu is believed to be Jambupura or simply Jambu. According to local legends, the city was founded by King Jambulochan. One famous story tells how he saw a lion and a goat drinking water peacefully at the same place, which inspired him to establish a city there.
The name “Jambu” is also linked to the Jambu tree (a type of fruit tree), which was believed to be abundant in the region.
2. Duggar Desh
Another traditional name for the Jammu region is Duggar Desh. The people of this region are called Dogras, and their language is Dogri. Even today, Jammu is often culturally associated with Duggar heritage.
Combined Identity: Jammu and Kashmir
The modern name “Jammu and Kashmir” came into use during the Dogra rule in the 19th century. In 1846, after the Treaty of Amritsar, Maharaja Gulab Singh became the ruler of a large princely state that included Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and other regions.
From that point onward, the combined political entity was known as the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Linguistic and Cultural Evolution
The transformation of names—from Kashyapamara to Kashmir and from Jambupura to Jammu—shows how language, culture, and history shape place names over time. Different rulers, languages (Sanskrit, Persian, Dogri), and traditions all influenced how the region was identified.
Importance of These Old Names
Understanding the old names of Jammu and Kashmir is important because:
- It connects us to ancient mythology and traditions
- It reflects historical changes and cultural influences
- It helps in studying ancient texts and historical geography
- It preserves the heritage and identity of the region
Conclusion
The old name of Kashmir is Kashyapamara (later Kasmira), rooted deeply in mythology and Sanskrit literature, while the old name of Jammu is Jambupura or Jambu, associated with local legends and early rulers. Together, these names tell a fascinating story of how one of India’s most beautiful regions evolved through time.
Jammu and Kashmir is not just a place—it is a living record of history, mythology, and cultural transformation, preserved through its ancient names and enduring identity.
FAQs
1. What is the old name of Kashmir?
The old name of Kashmir is Kashyapamara, derived from sage Kashyapa in Hindu mythology.
2. What does Kashyapamara mean?
Kashyapamara means “the land of Kashyapa” or land reclaimed from a lake.
3. What is the ancient name of Jammu?
The ancient name of Jammu is Jambupura or Jambu.
4. Why was Kashmir called Kasmira?
Kasmira is a Sanskrit form of the name derived from Kashyapamara and used in ancient texts.
5. What is Duggar Desh?
Duggar Desh is a traditional name for the Jammu region, linked with Dogra culture.
6. When did the name Jammu and Kashmir come into use?
The name became popular during the Dogra rule in the 19th century after the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846.