Kashmir has over the ages has had a great influence on Tibet in the area of Religion and allied Religious Iconry. Infact Mahayana Buddhism traveled to Tibet from Kashmir via Central Asia after the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir. A large number of artisans and craftsmen were taken from Kashmir to Tibet to decorate the Monasteries as well.

First Lord Shiva on an Indic Coin

The Kushanas issued several other different versions of the Coins featuring Lord Shiva as well including him holding a damru and a Trident. And with Nandi Bull in the background. The whole irony of the whole situation is the fact that the first coin featuring the most revered Hindu God was coined in Bagram in Afghanistan (more Central Asian than Indic) on the foothills of the Hindu Kush and by an Emperor whose origin was Central Asian and not Indic.

Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018lord shiva, kanishka, kushans Comment

9th Century Vaishnava Avatar

One of the most priceless treasures on display is a 9th Century metal “Vaishnava Avatar” frame which is a Prabhavali of bronze metal alloy measuring 6’4″ in height and 4′ wide and 1’2″ thick weighing almost 100 kgs excavated from Devsara. As the name suggests it shows various Avatars of Vishnu. Devsara, which is in Kulgam district had been in the past a great center for the casting of Bronze images and other metal works.

Himalayan Art, Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018kashmir art, vishnu avatar, vasihnava, bronzeComment

The Legendary Map Shawl of Kashmir

The legendary Map Shawl of Kashmir which has a map of Srinagar city weaved on fine Pashmina. The Shawl was commissioned by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and 3 of these were made. One is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, one is with a private collector in Australia and one is on display at the SPS Museum in Srinagar.

Himalayan Tales, Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018map shawl, kashmir, pashmina, ranbir singhComment

The Great Temple Complex at Naranag

The Great Temple complex ruins at Naranag in Kashmir. Probably one of the finest set of Temples built in Kashmir. Mostly lost and forgotten.

Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018naranag, wangath, kangan, lalitaditya, kashmir Comment

Himachal Day : A Brief History of the Modern Times

A brief history of the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. A look into how different Hill states were combined to create one of the most beautiful and now amongst the most progressive states of the country.

Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018himachal pradesh, punjab, ranjit singh, history

The Treasures of the Shri Pratap Singh Museum

The SPS Museum Srinagar was established in 1898 AD in the Maharaja’s Summer guest house largely based on collections transferred from State Toshkhana. Approximately 79,595 artifacts and objects covering various subjects like Archaeology, Numismatics, Decorative Art, Arms and Armory, Paintings, Textiles etc are housed in the Museum. A must visit for anyone in Kashmir.

Himalayan HistoryPrashant MathawanApril 1, 2018harwan tiles, sps museum, map shawl, gigit manuscript

Kashmir : Between The Mughals and the Dogras

The history of Kashmir from the time of the rule of the Mughals till the time of the rule of the Dogras. And the Afghans and the Sikhs in between. A straight narrative of the complex history of the Kashmir Valley.