History of the Jews in Kashmir

The history of the Jews in Kashmir began before the advent of Islam in Kashmir. With the advent of Islam, Jews and Judaism declined.

Background

Jews arrived after the destruction of the Second Temple and through the Silk Route. As a merchant class they were among the only people allowed to enter Kashmir by local rulers. There were a number of Jewish communities. Until the arrival of Islam, Jew remained but after it many converted and become Muslims. There are stories about Jews in the region earlier than the Second Temple, for instance that Moses died in Kashmir or Solomon visited Kashmir. Israelites influenced the culture of Kashmir.[1]

Israelite influence on Kashmir tribes and culture


By the 17th century there was no longer a distinct Jewish population in Kashmir due to conversions to Islam.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Jews in Kashmir". Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  2. ↑ "Jews in Kashmir". Jewish Virtual Library. Retrieved 19 November 2011.


This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Wednesday, April 13, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.