Kashmiriyat
Topic: Regional Aspirations: J&K, Punjab, the North-East and Accommodation · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 7 "Regional Aspirations"
Meaning
Kashmiriyat is a shared Kashmiri identity and culture that cuts across religion. People from different faiths see themselves first as Kashmiris. It matters because it challenges the idea that religion alone should decide which country a region belongs to.
Example
In 1947 Pakistan claimed Jammu and Kashmir because most of its people were Muslim. But people in the valley saw themselves as Kashmiris first. The secular National Conference also opposed joining Pakistan.
Related concepts
- National Conference
- Accession of Jammu and Kashmir
- Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir
- Delhi Agreement 1952