مسلم و غیر مسلم حکمرانوں کا رعایا سے سلوک: کشمیر کی تاریخی حکمرانی، سماجی رویّوں اور سیاسی تعاملات کا تقابلی مطالعہ

Treatment of Subjects by Muslim and Non-Muslim Rulers: A Comparative Study of Kashmir’s Historical Governance, Social Attitudes, and Political Interactions

Abstract

This study examines the treatment of subjects by Muslim and non-Muslim rulers with a specific focus on the historical context of Kashmir. The research explores patterns of governance, socio-political behavior, and administrative priorities across different ruling traditions. Non-Muslim rulers, belonging to various dynasties and cultural backgrounds, often shaped their governance models around local customs, caste hierarchy, and regional political necessities. Their treatment of subjects reflected a blend of authority, cultural preservation, and control mechanisms intended to strengthen their rule. In comparison, Kashmiri Muslim rulers—particularly from the Sultanate period—introduced new administrative practices influenced by Islamic legal, moral, and social norms. Their governance emphasized justice, welfare, taxation reforms, and protection of minority communities. This study pays special attention to rulers from Sultan Qutb al-Dīn to Sultan ʿAlī Shāh, highlighting their political strategies, socio-religious contributions, and their interaction with the diverse population of Kashmir. By comparing Muslim and non-Muslim rulers, the study reveals that while each group operated under different ideological frameworks, both sought stability, loyalty, and political legitimacy. However, their administrative styles varied significantly due to differing worldviews, cultural influences, and approaches to religious plurality. The comparative analysis shows that Muslim rulers often adopted inclusive policies aligned with Islamic ethical principles, whereas non-Muslim rulers tended to rely on traditional socio-cultural structures. Understanding these governance models provides deeper insight into Kashmir’s historical evolution, communal relations, and the shifting dynamics of political authority. Ultimately, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how rulers' religious identities shaped the social and administrative fabric of one of South Asia’s most culturally rich regions.