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By Farooq Ganderbali
Kashmir is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted tradition of religious unity, peace, and coexistence. For centuries, the Valley has been home to diverse spiritual paths—Buddhism, Shaivism, Sufism, Islam, Sikhism, and the traditions of Kashmiri Pandits—all of which shaped Kashmir into a land of tolerance and harmony. This pluralistic identity clearly reflects that Kashmir’s soul has always rejected violence, extremism, and hatred.
A remarkable reminder of this glorious past has emerged through the discovery of an old, blurry photograph of three Buddhist stupas in Baramulla district, found in France. This rare image has revealed that Kashmir’s Buddhist heritage dates back nearly two thousand years. What people once considered ordinary tall mounds in Zehanpora, Baramulla, have now been identified as remains of large human-made Buddhist structures, filling every Kashmiri with pride over their cultural and historical legacy.
For years, these mounds stood silently, unnoticed and unexplored. One day, an archaeologist carefully observed them and sensed something unusual. This curiosity led to a scientific study using modern technology, including drones and aerial photography. As the land was mapped from above, surprising facts emerged—the mounds were not natural formations but the remnants of a vast Buddhist complex. The discovery of the Zehanpora complex stands as strong evidence of Kashmir’s ancient connection with Buddhism and its scholarly traditions.
Since ancient times, the Kashmir Valley has been a centre of intense religious and intellectual activity. Almost every major spiritual tradition—the Naga cult, Shaivism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and others—has found expression here. Although the exact time of Buddhism’s establishment in Kashmir remains uncertain, scholars widely agree that it spread during the Mauryan era when Ashoka sent Majjhantika to propagate Buddhism. Interestingly, Majjhantika discovered nearly twelve viharas already existing in Kashmir, many of which were constructed by the indigenous ruler King Surrendra, who ruled after the Buddha and before Ashoka (as noted by N.K. Singh).
Kashmir’s renowned chronicler Kalhana records that King Surrendra built two major viharas—one in present-day Soura, Srinagar, and another across Zojila Pass in the Dards region, once known as Narendrabhavana. These historical records confirm that Buddhism was deeply rooted in Kashmir even before imperial patronage.
Soon after the demise of the Buddha, Kashmir emerged as a prominent hub of Buddhist scholarship. Seekers and scholars travelled from nearby and distant regions, believing their education incomplete without learning from Kashmiri masters. Kashmiri monks played a crucial role in spreading Buddhist philosophy to Ladakh, Gilgit, Yarkand, Kashgar, and other regions, crossing difficult mountain terrains with dedication and courage (P. N. Ganhar).
Within India, Buddhism arose partly as a response to rigid socio-religious structures. In Kashmir, however, its growth was greatly strengthened by the political support of rulers such as Surrendra, Ashoka, and later Kanishka. Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang documented numerous stupas and monasteries in Kashmir during his visit in the 7th century A.D., many of which were originally built under Ashoka’s patronage.
After Ashoka’s death, Buddhism temporarily declined due to loss of royal support. However, with the rise of the Kushans, it regained prominence. Under Kanishka’s patronage, the Fourth Buddhist Council was convened at Kundalvan Vihara, likely at Harwan near Srinagar. This event marked a golden chapter in Kashmir’s Buddhist history, attracting eminent scholars such as Vasumitra, Ashvaghosha, and the great philosopher Nagarjuna, who resided in Kashmir during the Kushan period. This era is widely regarded as the golden age of Buddhism in Kashmir.
In modern times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mann Ki Baat programme, highlighted the discovery of the Baramulla stupas. He stated that the unearthing of such large human-made structures would fill the nation with pride and reaffirm Jammu and Kashmir’s extraordinary cultural and historical heritage. He recalled how these mounds were long seen as ordinary until an archaeologist recognized their true significance.
The Buddhist complex of Zehanpora is more than an archaeological discovery—it is a powerful reminder of Kashmir’s peaceful past and inclusive identity. It reinforces the truth that Kashmir has always been a land of knowledge, coexistence, and unity, not extremism.
Today, the people of Kashmir stand firm in their belief in peace, unity, and integrity, openly rejecting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, radicalism, and extremism. Kashmir’s history—from Buddhist monasteries to Sufi shrines—clearly proves that violence has no place in its culture. The Valley’s real strength lies in its shared heritage, enlightened youth, and unwavering commitment to harmony.
Kashmir remembers its past with pride—and chooses peace for its future.