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Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online)
Vol.14, 2014
1
Kashmir Peasant Economy under Dogra’s: A Case study of
Agrarian produce and Livestock 1885-1925 A.D.
Jamsheed Bhat¹* S.A.Khanday²
1. Lecturer History, Govt Degree College Khan Sahab Budgam Srinagar J&K 190001, India.
2. Lecturer History, Govt. College for Women Nawakadal Srinagar J&K 190001, India.
E-mail of corresponding author: khandayshaafi@gmail.com
Abstract
Just as the Indian economy which is mainly agrarian based, the economy of the princely state of Jammu &
Kashmir was/is primarily agricultural. The bulk of the people in the state lived on agriculture. Agriculture
therefore, constituted the backbone of the Kashmir’s economy and prosperity of the state depends up on the
well-being of its peasant. The socio-economic life in Kashmir has always been very deeply rooted in agrarian
sector, the peasant’s main domain. The present study entitled “Kashmir Peasant Economy under Dogra’s: A
Case study of Agrarian produce and Livestock 1885-1925 A.D.”, is a humble yet sincere attempt by the
researcher to critically examine the agricultural produce and livestock of peasant economy and to assess the
validity of the statement of ‘the dawn of modernism’. The Third study is devoted for assessment of the peasant
economy in the light of rural produce and livestock. It elaborates on a wide variety of crops (both Kharif and
Rabi) cultivated by Kashmiri peasant. Furthermore makes it clear how the nature of agrarian produce, the
productivity of land and yield per acre was significantly controlled and determined by the regimes, and also
discusses the role of animal husbandry, the backbone of rural economy. The study is based on sources both
conventional and non-conventional. A good use of primary sources like archival material, contemporary works ,
biographies, travel accounts, poetic literature have been made use of for putting the history of this period into
proper perspective and to formulate the conceptual framework for this study.
Keywords: Livestock, Rabi, Kharif, Production, Acre, Cultivation, Kashmir
Introduction
The nature and types of land, geo-climatic conditions, irrigation facilities all determined the nature of Kashmiri
agriculture and thereby had a significant bearing on peasant economy. These regimes not only had their share in
determining the standard of peasant economy but their role intruded into what the peasant produced through
agriculture. In order to evaluate the significance of agriculture in the economy of Kashmiri peasant, it is
rewarding to discuss the rural produce in the form of agricultural production and livestock. In this chapter an
effort has been made to study the agricultural produce and livestock as the dominant sectors of peasant economy.
1.1 Agrarian Produce
Agrarian produce may include all that the peasant produced directly or indirectly from agriculture. But
the present account is confined to the agricultural production in the form of different crops including both cash
crops and food grain. There were two types of crops—Kharif or autumn crops which included rice, maize,
cotton, pulses, saffron, millet and sesame; and Rabi or Spring crops which include wheat, barley, opium, rape
and beans. Since snow fell so soon after the Kharif crops were harvested, Rabi crops could only be planted in
fields that had not been under kharif cultivation. As a result, Kashmiri cultivators had to subsist on a one-crop
economy, either Kharif or Rabi.
Rice: Shali (un-husked rice) was the main crop cultivated in the Kashmir valley, since the physical
characteristics and climate of the valley lent itself to rice cultivation while preventing the intensive farming of
most of other crops.1
Cultivators realised that their labour would not be repaid if they sowed crops other than rice
and chose to concentrate on the kharif production of rice, this being the main food grain of consumption, and the
market for other crops was not really sufficient to make their cultivation profitable.2
1. Walter R. Lawrence. 1905 Assessment Report of Baramullah Tehsil. Jammu p. 9
2. Walter R.Lawrence.1895. The Valley of Kashmir .London.P.330.
3. Charles Ellison Bates. 1873(reprint.1980). A gazetteer of Kashmir and the adjacent Districts of Kishtwar,
Badrawa ,Jammu, Naoshera ,Punch and the Valley of Kishenganga. NewDelhi: Light and Life. P.55 cited in
Zutshi.2003. Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity, and The Making of Kashmir History. New Delhi:
Permanent Black.P.61, fn.6.
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Vol.14, 2014
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Most importantly, rice had the greater yield per acre than any other crop in the valley. While 27 seers of
wheat sown per acre yielded only 2 kharwars (1 kharwar =80kg’s) of the crop per acre, 22-24 seers of Shali
yielded 15 kharwars per acre3
. As a result, rice accounted for three-fourths of the cultivable area during Sikh
period and was the most important crop among food grains in terms of value in the early Dogra period.4
Walter
Lawrence, Settlement Commissioner for the Jammu and Kashmir state, described that Kashmiri cultivator
devoted all his energy to rice cultivation: “For rice he will terrace the fields, expand greater labour in digging
out irrigation channels, spend his nights out in the fields watching the flow of water, and will pass laborious
days in the wet deep mud.”5
Although other crops such as maize, saffron, cotton, sesame and fruits were grown and harvested, their
importance to the peasant economy remained marginal due to the absence of a substantial market for these
products6
. Rice cultivation was confined to the flat portions of the valley with alluvial soil, where water could
reach with ease and in plenty. It required warm moist climate which was characteristic of this part of the
subcontinent7
. The quantity of seed sown per acre was twenty to twenty four seers and the yield varied from five
to thirty kharwars8
.In hilly areas where rice was grown, the yield was less and the rice was also of inferior
quality. In Kashmir ninety four varieties of rice were grown9
. Among all these varieties Kunjidanyi, Basmati and
Chogul were considered the best. All most all lands under rice cultivation produced only one crop in the year and
remained lea during winter when no cultivation was impossible10
.
Maize: In order of priority and importance maize came next to rice. On the slopes, the uplands and all those
areas in mountains where some amount of cultivation was possible, maize and pulses were grown. Generally the
reclaimed swamps and peaty soils are suited for its cultivation because it needed no regular irrigation11
. The
Kashmiri cultivators did not like it and opted indifferently to the maize fields12
. However, the Gujjars who
applied heavy manure grew it abundantly as it formed their main diet and maize cultivation was significant part
4. R.L.Hangloo.1995. Agrarian System of Kashmir (1846-1889).New Delhi:Commonwealth Publishers.PP:17-26.
5. Lawrence, Valley op.cit.
6. Zutshi .op.cit. P.61.
7. Walter Lawrence, Imperial Gazetteer, PP: 49-50.See also A.N.Raina, Geography of Jammu and Kashmir State. PP:
100-101.
8. Lawrence, Valley, op.cit.P.159
9
Some of the rice varieties were: Larbyol, Mushkabudji, Lolianzun, Raban, Yimberzal, Pothibrar, Sukhdas,
Basmat, Braz, Zag-Danyi, Rani, Kunji-Danyi, Gurukoun, Chogul, etc.
10
F.Drew, Northern Barrier of India, pp: 170-173
11
In absence of rains this crop would wither away, soil and climate did not present much difficulty in cultivation.
Only timely rains could help in bumper produce of this crop, Francis Younghusband1909.
Kashmir.Edinburgh.P.34.
12
Dr. Parvaz Ahmad.2007.Society and Economy of Kashmir (1885-1925) Srinagar: Oriental Publishing
House.P.114.
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ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online)
Vol.14, 2014
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of their economy. The stalk and leaves of the plant were consumed by their cattle13
. The Gujjars and cultivators
of this crop exchanged it with the rice cultivating peasants. The average yield per kharwar of land was 24
kharwars of maize14
. Besides, the shepherds, cowherds and Gujjars, it was consumed by large sections of
population in regions where little paddy was grown15
.
There were two varieties of maize—one red in colour which is tasty and the other is white in colour and
called ‘bad’eh mak’kaie’ (maize in white colour). The former was preferred by the Kashmiri peasants16
.
Wheat: Topographically, Kashmir does not belong to the wheat growing regions of the sub-conmtinent17
.
Nonetheless it did grow considerable amount of wheat next in importance only to maize. Certain specific areas
were reserved for wheat cultivation. Its cultivation in Kashmir was mostly confined to Dachanpora and
Khourpora Parganas18
. It required a climate which is neither too warm nor too cold. Wheat was looked down
upon by the Kashmiris as a food, but was mainly grown for bakeries as Kashmiris were fond of taking baked
bread along with their salt tea19
. One kharwar of land could produce eight kharwars of wheat20
.
Barley: It was grown throughout the valley on barani (add to glossary) lands which were dependent on rain for
moisture. However, in the villages situated at an elevation of 700 ft, a peculiar type of this crop known as ‘grin’
or ‘Tibetan barley’21
was grown which was the staple food for the people living there22
. The average yield of
land was 8½ mounds of barley and about 4 mounds of ‘grin’23
.It’s price varied from 23 seers to two maunds a
rupee24
.
Buck Wheat (Tromba): Buck wheat was most useful plant grown in the hilly areas requiring less irrigation. It
was of two verities-one called sweet Tromba and another white or pinkish in colour.25
The latter was often
grown as a substitute for rice, in areas where water was scarce. It was mostly consumed in the form of porridge
by the people inhabiting Kandi Illaqas that is hilly areas26
. The average yield per acre of land was 4½ maunds 27
.
Amaranths (Ganhars): It was grown in cotton fields and also in the maize growing plots. It required no
irrigation or manure. With timely rains a good yield of crop was harvested. It also provided an alkaline substance
from its stalk which was used by the washer men and the villagers as a soap28
.
Kangni (Shol): Kangni was an extremely useful product sown during the years when there used to be scarcity of
water for rice cultivation. It was dry crop and required much labour and weeding. There were two varieties-
smaller of red colour, preferred as a food and larger one of white colour. The average yield was 4 ½ maunds to
an acre.29
China or ‘ping’ was another kind resembling Kangni, but such crops were denounced by the Kashmiris
for one reason or the other.
13
Ibid.
14
A Kharwar would mean16 Treks i.e., one Trek was of 5 Seers and three Chhataks. As a unit of land one
Kharwar of land was equal to 32 Kanals or 4 acres. Lawrence, Valley, P.37, 242-243.
15
Ibid.PP:336-337.See also Lawrence, Gazetteer, PP:49-50
16
Lawrence, op.cit. P.337.
17
Hangloo, op.cit. P.20.
18
Ibid.
19
Lawrence, Valley. op.cit.P.342.
20
Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, P.61.
21
The difference between the ordinary barley and “grin” is that the latter is Like wheat while the ordinary barley
has chaff. D.C.Sharma 1885 Documentation on Kashmir, P.127.
22
Lawrence, op.cit. P.341.
23
Ibid.
24
Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, p.61.
25
Lawrence, op.cit. P.338.
26
Ibid. See also Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, P.52
27
Lawrence, op.cit. P.338.
28
Younghusband, op.cit.P.202.Also Imperial Gazetteer of India, vol.xv, p.117.Hindu population used to
consume it mostly on festive Occasions, Lawrence, op.cit. P. 338.
29
Ibid.
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Millet (Bajra): It was also accepted as a staple food grown in Kashmir on the lower hills bordering on the
plains30
. Its stalk was used as a fodder when dry, but cattle were sometimes fed on the young crops as they stood.
As a food it was troublesome as it took very long time to cook and was very hard. The average productivity per
acre was about 4 ½ maunds. It was of two varieties, red and white, and was husked like rice in a mortar31
. The
people of the plains who cultivated paddy exchanged rice or shali with the people of hilly areas for Bajra.
Pulses: In some parts of the Kashmir the cultivation of pulses co-existed with other crops including paddy and
maize. The most popular pulses cultivated were Mong, Moth, Mash, and Raj mash32
. Mong was a kharif crop and
was entirely dependent on rain. The banjar lands could produce large quantity of this crop33
. Moth was
considered to be an inferior one among the pulses and was generally used as a fodder for cattle during the
winter34
. Mash was extensively cultivated in hilly/Kandi areas. It was of two verities: black and green. Both were
consumed by the people. The last variety of pulses: Raj mash was of different varieties and was cultivated almost
in every pargana. However, the consumption of pulses within the valley was not of the same order as in other
parts of India35
.
Water Nuts (Singharas): Kashmir known for the production of Singharas/water nuts. European writers like
Moorcraft also admitted this fact. Singharas were important horticultural product of Kashmir during the period
of this study. It was mostly procured from Wular Lake and small water bodies around Dal Lake. It appears to
have contributed a handsome amount to the state exchequer and also as a means of employment to peasants,
boatmen and officials36
.
Besides the above mentioned crops Kashmir also produced a large quantity of cash crops like cotton,
tobacco, oil-seeds, saffron etc.
Cotton: It was grown all over the valley on Karewas and also in low- lying irrigable lands, though in small
quantity and was grown when the lands required rest from rice. It was not only meant for the fibre used for home
manufactured cotton cloth, but also for excellent food for cattle 37
. Thirty seers were sown per acre for the return
of a produce of 1½ kharwars that is one hundred twenty four seers and eight Chhataks per acre38
.
Tobacco: Tobacco was cultivated in many parts of the valley. The best quality ‘Brewari’ was produced in the
neighbourhood of Srinagar39
. It was mostly in the hands of the Gardener class. It required very rich soil. The
other variety was that of ‘Chilasi’. It was exported to Ladakh.
Oil-Seeds: Oil-seeds were largely grown in Kashmir and the principal oil-seeds included Tilgoglu, Taruz
(Sarshaf) and Sandji which came under the head of rape-seed. The first of the Oil seeds Tilgoglu was used for
preparing vegetables40
where as the other two varieties were considered best for lighting purposes41
. Besides
these, large quantities of linseed were also produced which was used for eating purpose. Til is a very common
crop, which needed rich soil and was to be more carefully looked after than any other oil seed crops. It was sweet
and was valued as an ointment. Another type of oil was extracted from walnuts and apricots whose remaining oil
cake served as a fodder for cattle42
.
Saffron: Saffron has been (and continues to be) the monopoly of Kashmir from times immemorial43
. It was
grown in two localities namely Pampore wudar i.e., Karewas at a distance of 15 miles from Srinagar near
30
Younghusband, op.cit. P. 201.
31
Lawrence, op.cit.P.338.
32
Lawrence, op.cit.P.337
33
Lawrence, Gazetteer.op.cit.PP:60-64.
34
Lawrence, op.cit. P.339.
35
Ibid.
36
Hangloo, op.cit.P.23.
37
Younghusband, op.cit. P.202.See also Lawrence, op.cit.P.341.
38
Ibid.
39
Its yield was 4 Kharwar an acre.Younghusband, op.cit.P.202.
40
A Wingate, 1888 Preliminary Report of Settlement Operation in Kashmir and Jammu .Lahore:W.Ball &
Co., P.64
41
S.N.Koul1954. Kashmir Economics .Srinagar.P.24.
42
Kalhana the famous historian of Kashmir also testifies to its natural growth in Kashmir, M.A.Stain,
tr.Rajatarangni 1, p.42
43
Hangloo, op.cit.P.25.
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Pampore and on a fairly limited scale in Kishtwar44
. In Kashmir valley this saffron fields were divided into five
feet square beds being surrounded by a six inches deep drainage channel and saffron was ploughed in these beds
at a depth of four inches from surface. These saffron fields remained under the crop for around ten years during
which period the number of corn was almost doubled45
. Commercially saffron was the most important crop. In
former days the saffron cultivation was a large source of revenue to the state46
.
Among the fruits common in Kashmir were apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, almonds, walnuts and
grapes. The last three varieties of fruits were of much economic value, although produced on a very limited
scale47
.
Grapes: These formed an important item in the agrarian economy of Kashmir. There can be no doubt that the
grape production was encouraged during maharaja Ranbir Singh’s and maharaja Pratap Singh’s time because of
all the fruits it provided a great financial edge to the state. A large portion of produce was used for making
wines.
Relatively speaking rice was the most important crop in terms of value among food grains. The most
extensive paddy cultivation was likely to have been carried out on the lands near delta and streams which had
sufficient scope to facilitate rapid drainage48
.
Maize was mostly consumed by the poorest section of the peasantry including the small peasants
because they could not afford to take rice regularly49
. In the first instance the peasant himself was left with very
little by the state and secondly, in time of need, peasants had to sell their rice and to subsist themselves on maize.
And if at all he retained a little of rice he had to exchange it for tea, salt and clothes50
. He has also to share his
portion with the Pandit and Pir as the case might be and with the banker, the blacksmith, the barber and other
village artisans who provided different services to the peasants.
Maize was not eagerly accepted in exchange and even in charity where paddy was available but in
Kandi ilaqas (hilly areas) where maize alone was grown there was hardly any choice51
. Apart from this pounded
maize was given as nourishment to the cattle. Thus in the peasant economy of Kashmir, generally speaking
maize too got considerable significance and relevance, for it sustained a large section of the peasant population.
Though it was not commercially as important as rice, as a staple food of peasant and the landless labourer it had
a significant socio-economic role to play52
.
Pulses were of course consumed by people now and then particularly during winter months when no
leafy vegetables could be obtained due to geo-climatic constraints. Pulses as an agrarian produce does not appear
to have been as important as they had been and still are in the Indian plains. In Kashmir, unlike the plains, they
formed no part of the regular diet but were meant only for consumption during the scarcity of winters.
1.2 Livestock
Livestock formed an indispensable segment of Kashmir peasant economy. It included cattle like oxen,
cows, sheep, goats, horses and poultry. In addition to its commercial value rearing of livestock was a necessity
for peasants in order to obtain manure for fields. Oxen were particularly of great significance because they were
used to draw the plough. But, the rearing of this animal was expensive for an average peasant as it required a
good amount of fodder especially during the winters. The hilly areas especially those which remained under the
grip of severe cold during the winter, were faced with some climatic problems and constraints which made it
impossible for the peasants living there to keep a sufficient stock of cattle. For example owing to the severe and
44
Lawrence, op.cit. P. 343.
45
Parvaz Ahmad, op.cit.P.119.
46
Annual Report of Jammu and Kashmir State, Administrative 1895- 96, PP: 104-106.
47
Hangloo, op.cit.P.26.
48
Lawrence, op.cit.P.330.
49
Younghusband, op.cit. p.200
50
Hangloo, op.cit. p.27.
51
The Maize eating people often boiled maize like rice. They used to eat it in the form of what they called
‘wat’a sort of maize jelly.
52
James Korbel who visited Kashmir in the first half of the 20th
century says that about 60% of the peasants had
the holding of about 10 kanals(2 acres) each. Their net annual income was Rs.10-10-3 per head. The rest of the
peasants were without land. Even as late as 1944-45, the per capita income of the peasants did not exceed eleven
rupees.J.Korbel.1954, Danger in Kashmir Srinagar.P.16.
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Vol.14, 2014
6
prolonged winter, land in Kashmir remains almost in a dormant state and consequently bereft of any vegetation
for about six months. In these circumstances the Kashmir peasants have to keep his cattle indoor, and feed them
exclusively with his own or purchased fodder. As such the peasants were constrained to rear only that number of
cattle which could be supported by his personal productive capacity and not by the availability of pastures as was
the case with his counterparts elsewhere in India53
.
This problem might not have only restrained the peasant from enlarging his holding to optimum size, but it
proved baneful in other way too i.e., the peasant was short of having adequate quantum of cattle dung, the only
manure used in Kashmir which prevented him from obtaining sufficient returns from land. Therefore, the
peasants with small holding usually owned an ox and those with big holdings possessed more than one54
. The
importance of ox in rural economy of Kashmir can be imagined from the fact that till recently if a village boy
wished another boy ill, he would say, “may your ox die”55
. The death of an ox in peasant household was not a
minor tragedy because to purchase another was always difficult for an average peasant. During 1890’s a pair of
plough bullocks costed Rs. 25. Milch cow was also considered as an asset in peasant economy. That is why
peasants were repeatedly charged for a milch cow. A cow giving four seers (approximately 4 litres) of milk
could be bought for rupees 8, but because of rising price by 1890’s it was difficult to obtain such a cow for
rupees fifteen56
. Kashmiris had many proverbs about their cattle. For instance Dand Wayit Gao Chawit 57
(one
warns a man to try a plough bullock and to milk a cow before concluding purchase).
Similarly sheep on account of its importance was regarded as Sun-e-sund suir (sheep are worth gold bricks).
They supply warmth, clothing and manure. A Kashmiri regarded his sheep up to the age of four years as destined
for wool production and it was only in dire necessity of an occasion of rejoicing and festivities that he would part
with his ewes. In spite of the number of sheep in Kashmir it was often difficult to obtain mutton in the villages
for the people required wool and warmth in the winter and the person who possessed plenty of sheep on his
ground floor would keep his family warm in the bitter winter58
. A tax of 13 chilki rupees was levied per hundred
sheep. This tax called Zar-i-choupan was collected as the flocks passed up the mountain pastures. Till 1890, the
state exercised the privilege of selecting one in every thousand sheep as the flocks passed up the mountains, and
one out of every hundred in a flock. The first was known as Hazari or Khilkat and second as Barra59
.
Pony was of extraordinary importance in peasant economy but, the common peasants could not afford
to rear ponies. A few families in a village possessing large holdings and good manpower ventured to tame this
animal. In the absence of the cart roads pony carriage was of great importance in Kashmir and was in the hands
of a special class called Markhbans. These men did not breed ponies but they bought them from the villagers.
Moreover, the affluent section of rural society uses to breed ponies for riding purpose. And impediment in pony
breeding was that the villagers possessing ponies were liable to constant requisitions by the state for carriage to
Gilgit and Jammu. No remuneration was paid for such kind of services. It had made pony breeding unpopular60
.
Just as the sheep were entrusted to the professional choupans, so the ponies were also entrusted to the charge of
the Galwans, who looked after long strings of them honestly. The Galwans charged four annas per pony.
Poultry, an important component of livestock was of great importance in peasant’s economy. It mainly
included chicken and duck. Most of the villagers used to rear poultry as its maintenance was not so expensive.
The ducks were exported to Punjab. The best breed of fowl was found in Lolab valley where the practice of
making capons was common. A capon was sold at prices varying from 8 to 12 annas. Poultry and eggs were a
source of income to villagers but the fowl cholera ‘koker-kon’ disease which sometimes visited Kashmir caused
great loss. The corrupt revenue and forest officials were taking the poultry of the villagers as rasum.
Nevertheless, it was a considerable source of income in fragile peasant economy61
.
Honey was cultivated in the higher villages of the valley, and used to form an item of taxation. One
house would often contain many hives and in a good year a hive would give eight seers of honey comb. Bee
53
Hangloo, op.cit.P.109.
54
Muhammad Yusuf Ganai.2008. “Village Economy under the Raj (1846-1947).” Kashmir Journal of Social
Sciences.Vol.3. (2008-09).PP: 80-93
55
Lawrence, op.cit. P.330.
56
Ganai, op.cit. P.83.
57
Lawrence, op.cit. P.359.
58
Ibid.
59
Lawrence, op.cit.P.363.
60
Ibid.p.364.
61
Lawrence, op.cit.PP:366-368.
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Vol.14, 2014
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keeping was allied pursuit apart from cultivation. Honey was produced not only for consumption bet also for
sale62
.
Certain peasants also supplemented their income by rearing silkworms. During the period after Kharif
plants these silks weavers known as Kiramkash (worm killers) used to practice this supplementary pursuit. The
cocoons were transported to Srinagar and prices for its sale were fixed by the government and these often used to
be very low63
. However, the earnings from these were negligible and too meagre to substantially add to the low
returns from their holdings. It was this class of peasants who took to weaving of blankets and baskets during the
off season64
. The migration of this class of peasants was not a taboo and a few of these, particularly those
oppressed by the moneylender’s exacting demands left their homes during winter months to earn their
livelihood. In undertaking these subsidiary crafts the peasants usually suffered from the greed and rapacity of the
middle men.
Conclusion
Thus the above study elaborated on the possibilities of rural production in a wide-variety of crops and animal
wealth in the geo-climatic conditions of Kashmir Valley. It has demonstrated how the geographical structures
determined the rural production in the fragile peasant economy of Kashmir. The importance and dominance of
shali/paddy was the outcome of multiple factors like physical makeup of the Valley and availability of irrigation
facilities.
References
Primary Sources
A. Archival and Other Documents
His Highnesses Proclamation Regarding Sale of Shali and Prices Fixed Therefore, File No.123 of 1921.JKA.
Fixation of the Rates of Grain Supplied to the Commissariat Dept.in Gilgit District, File No.66 of 1893.JKA.
Glancy, B.J.1932. Report of the Commission Appointed Under the Orders of His Highness the Maharaja
Bahadur, dated 12th
November 1931,to Enquire into Grievances and Complaints, Jammu: Ranbir Press.
B. Administrative, Assessment and other Reports
W.R.Lawrence.1905. Assessment Report of Baramulla Tehsil, Jammu
W.R.Lawrence.1921. Assessment Report of Handwara Tehsil, Jammu.
Annual Administrative Report of Jammu and Kashmir, 1895-96.
Administrative Report of Jammu and Kashmir, 1892-93 Review on the Assessment Report on the six Tehsils of
Kashmir valley, 1905.
Assessment Report of Hindwara Tehsil of the Northern Wazarat of Kashmir Valley, 1922.
Assessment Report of Anantnag Tehsil of Anantnag District, 1892.
Assessment Report of Kulgam Tehsil of Anantnag District, 1922.
A. Wingate. 1888. Preliminary Report of Settlement Operations in Jammu and Kashmir,
C. Gazetteers
Bates, C.D. 1873. A Gazetteer of Kashmir and Adjoining Districts of Kistwar, Badarwah, Jammu, Naoshera,
Punch and the Valley of Kishenganga, Calcatta.
Imperial Gazetteer of India 1890. vol.xv, Oxford.
Lawrence, Walter1985. Provincial Gazetteers of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, New Delhi: Rima Publishing
House.
D. Travel Accounts
Biscoe, Tyndale. 1922. Kashmir in Sunlight and Shade London.
Gravis, P.1954. This is Kashmir London.
Throp, Robert. 1870. Kashmir Misgovernment, London.
Vigne, G.T. 1842. Travels in Kashmir, Ladakh, Iskardu, countries adjoining, the mountain courses of Indus and
Himalayan, North of Punjab, 2 vols, London.
Younghusband, F. 1909. Kashmir, Edinburgh,
F. Contemporary Historical Works
Abdullah, Sheikh Mohammad. 1993. Flames of Chinar: An Autobiography. New Delhi: Viking.
Bazaz, P.N. 1941. Reprint 1987. Inside Kashmir. Srinagar: Kashmir Publishing Co.
62
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63
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ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online)
Vol.14, 2014
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Biscoe, C.E. Tyndale. 1922. Kashmir in Sunlight and Shade. London: Seeley, Service & Co. Limited
Gadru, S.N. ed. 1973. Kashmir Papers: British Intervention in Kashmir, including Arthur Brickman’s ‘Wrongs
of Kashmir’, Robert Thorpe’s ‘Kashmir Misgovernment’, and Sir William Digby’s Condemned Unheard.
Srinagar: Free thought Literature.
Lawrence, Walter R. 1895. The Valley of Kashmir. London: H. Frowde.
2. Secondary Sources
A. Books
Ahmad, Parvez. 2007. Economy and Society of Kashmir: A study in Change and Continuity 1885-1925
Srinagar: Oriental Publishing House
Bamzia, P.N.K. 1987. Socio-Economic History of Kashmir 1846-1925 Srinagar: Gulshan Publishers.
Ernst, Waltraud and Pati, Biswamoy. 2007. ed. India’s Princely States: People, Princes and Colonialism.
London: Rutledge Taylor & Francis Group.
Hangloo, R.L. 1995. Agrarian System of Kashmir 1846-1889 New Delhi: Commonwealth Publishers.
Jeffrey, Robin. 1978. People, Princes and Paramount Power: Society and Politics in the Indian Princely States.
Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Rai, Mridu. 2004. Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects: Islam, Rights, And The History of Kashmir New Delhi:
Permanent Black.
Stokes, Eric. 1976. The Peasant and The Raj: Studies in Agrarian Society and Peasant Rebellion in Colonial
India Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Zutshi, Chitralekha, 2003. Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity, And The Making of Kashmir New
Delhi: Permanent Black.
B. Dissertations and Theses
Dar, Ali Mohammad. 1991. “Trade and Commerce during Dogra Rule in Kashmir (1846-1947)’’. Unpublished
Ph.D. Thesis, University of Kashmir.
Chesti, Veneesa. 2010. “Economy under the Raj”. Unpublished M.Phil. Dissertation, Jawaharlal Nehru
University.
C. Journal Articles
Wani, Mohammad Ashraf. 2008. “Hill Agrarian Economy of Medieval India: A Case Study of Kashmir Valley.”
Kashmir Journal of Social Sciences. Vol.2 PP: 76-89.
Aslam Mohammad. 1977 “Land Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.” Social Scientist. Vol.6, No. 4 PP: 59-64.
Hangloo, R.L. 1984 “The Magnitude of Land Revenue Demand in Kashmir (1846-1900).” Social Scientist. Vol.
12, No. 6PP: 52-59.
Ganai, M.Y. 2008. “Kashmir Village Economy under the Raj (1846-1947).” Kashmir Journal of Social
Sciences.Vol.3 PP: 80-93.
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Kashmir peasant economy under dogra’s a case study of

  • 1. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 1 Kashmir Peasant Economy under Dogra’s: A Case study of Agrarian produce and Livestock 1885-1925 A.D. Jamsheed Bhat¹* S.A.Khanday² 1. Lecturer History, Govt Degree College Khan Sahab Budgam Srinagar J&K 190001, India. 2. Lecturer History, Govt. College for Women Nawakadal Srinagar J&K 190001, India. E-mail of corresponding author: khandayshaafi@gmail.com Abstract Just as the Indian economy which is mainly agrarian based, the economy of the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir was/is primarily agricultural. The bulk of the people in the state lived on agriculture. Agriculture therefore, constituted the backbone of the Kashmir’s economy and prosperity of the state depends up on the well-being of its peasant. The socio-economic life in Kashmir has always been very deeply rooted in agrarian sector, the peasant’s main domain. The present study entitled “Kashmir Peasant Economy under Dogra’s: A Case study of Agrarian produce and Livestock 1885-1925 A.D.”, is a humble yet sincere attempt by the researcher to critically examine the agricultural produce and livestock of peasant economy and to assess the validity of the statement of ‘the dawn of modernism’. The Third study is devoted for assessment of the peasant economy in the light of rural produce and livestock. It elaborates on a wide variety of crops (both Kharif and Rabi) cultivated by Kashmiri peasant. Furthermore makes it clear how the nature of agrarian produce, the productivity of land and yield per acre was significantly controlled and determined by the regimes, and also discusses the role of animal husbandry, the backbone of rural economy. The study is based on sources both conventional and non-conventional. A good use of primary sources like archival material, contemporary works , biographies, travel accounts, poetic literature have been made use of for putting the history of this period into proper perspective and to formulate the conceptual framework for this study. Keywords: Livestock, Rabi, Kharif, Production, Acre, Cultivation, Kashmir Introduction The nature and types of land, geo-climatic conditions, irrigation facilities all determined the nature of Kashmiri agriculture and thereby had a significant bearing on peasant economy. These regimes not only had their share in determining the standard of peasant economy but their role intruded into what the peasant produced through agriculture. In order to evaluate the significance of agriculture in the economy of Kashmiri peasant, it is rewarding to discuss the rural produce in the form of agricultural production and livestock. In this chapter an effort has been made to study the agricultural produce and livestock as the dominant sectors of peasant economy. 1.1 Agrarian Produce Agrarian produce may include all that the peasant produced directly or indirectly from agriculture. But the present account is confined to the agricultural production in the form of different crops including both cash crops and food grain. There were two types of crops—Kharif or autumn crops which included rice, maize, cotton, pulses, saffron, millet and sesame; and Rabi or Spring crops which include wheat, barley, opium, rape and beans. Since snow fell so soon after the Kharif crops were harvested, Rabi crops could only be planted in fields that had not been under kharif cultivation. As a result, Kashmiri cultivators had to subsist on a one-crop economy, either Kharif or Rabi. Rice: Shali (un-husked rice) was the main crop cultivated in the Kashmir valley, since the physical characteristics and climate of the valley lent itself to rice cultivation while preventing the intensive farming of most of other crops.1 Cultivators realised that their labour would not be repaid if they sowed crops other than rice and chose to concentrate on the kharif production of rice, this being the main food grain of consumption, and the market for other crops was not really sufficient to make their cultivation profitable.2 1. Walter R. Lawrence. 1905 Assessment Report of Baramullah Tehsil. Jammu p. 9 2. Walter R.Lawrence.1895. The Valley of Kashmir .London.P.330. 3. Charles Ellison Bates. 1873(reprint.1980). A gazetteer of Kashmir and the adjacent Districts of Kishtwar, Badrawa ,Jammu, Naoshera ,Punch and the Valley of Kishenganga. NewDelhi: Light and Life. P.55 cited in Zutshi.2003. Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity, and The Making of Kashmir History. New Delhi: Permanent Black.P.61, fn.6.
  • 2. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 2 Most importantly, rice had the greater yield per acre than any other crop in the valley. While 27 seers of wheat sown per acre yielded only 2 kharwars (1 kharwar =80kg’s) of the crop per acre, 22-24 seers of Shali yielded 15 kharwars per acre3 . As a result, rice accounted for three-fourths of the cultivable area during Sikh period and was the most important crop among food grains in terms of value in the early Dogra period.4 Walter Lawrence, Settlement Commissioner for the Jammu and Kashmir state, described that Kashmiri cultivator devoted all his energy to rice cultivation: “For rice he will terrace the fields, expand greater labour in digging out irrigation channels, spend his nights out in the fields watching the flow of water, and will pass laborious days in the wet deep mud.”5 Although other crops such as maize, saffron, cotton, sesame and fruits were grown and harvested, their importance to the peasant economy remained marginal due to the absence of a substantial market for these products6 . Rice cultivation was confined to the flat portions of the valley with alluvial soil, where water could reach with ease and in plenty. It required warm moist climate which was characteristic of this part of the subcontinent7 . The quantity of seed sown per acre was twenty to twenty four seers and the yield varied from five to thirty kharwars8 .In hilly areas where rice was grown, the yield was less and the rice was also of inferior quality. In Kashmir ninety four varieties of rice were grown9 . Among all these varieties Kunjidanyi, Basmati and Chogul were considered the best. All most all lands under rice cultivation produced only one crop in the year and remained lea during winter when no cultivation was impossible10 . Maize: In order of priority and importance maize came next to rice. On the slopes, the uplands and all those areas in mountains where some amount of cultivation was possible, maize and pulses were grown. Generally the reclaimed swamps and peaty soils are suited for its cultivation because it needed no regular irrigation11 . The Kashmiri cultivators did not like it and opted indifferently to the maize fields12 . However, the Gujjars who applied heavy manure grew it abundantly as it formed their main diet and maize cultivation was significant part 4. R.L.Hangloo.1995. Agrarian System of Kashmir (1846-1889).New Delhi:Commonwealth Publishers.PP:17-26. 5. Lawrence, Valley op.cit. 6. Zutshi .op.cit. P.61. 7. Walter Lawrence, Imperial Gazetteer, PP: 49-50.See also A.N.Raina, Geography of Jammu and Kashmir State. PP: 100-101. 8. Lawrence, Valley, op.cit.P.159 9 Some of the rice varieties were: Larbyol, Mushkabudji, Lolianzun, Raban, Yimberzal, Pothibrar, Sukhdas, Basmat, Braz, Zag-Danyi, Rani, Kunji-Danyi, Gurukoun, Chogul, etc. 10 F.Drew, Northern Barrier of India, pp: 170-173 11 In absence of rains this crop would wither away, soil and climate did not present much difficulty in cultivation. Only timely rains could help in bumper produce of this crop, Francis Younghusband1909. Kashmir.Edinburgh.P.34. 12 Dr. Parvaz Ahmad.2007.Society and Economy of Kashmir (1885-1925) Srinagar: Oriental Publishing House.P.114.
  • 3. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 3 of their economy. The stalk and leaves of the plant were consumed by their cattle13 . The Gujjars and cultivators of this crop exchanged it with the rice cultivating peasants. The average yield per kharwar of land was 24 kharwars of maize14 . Besides, the shepherds, cowherds and Gujjars, it was consumed by large sections of population in regions where little paddy was grown15 . There were two varieties of maize—one red in colour which is tasty and the other is white in colour and called ‘bad’eh mak’kaie’ (maize in white colour). The former was preferred by the Kashmiri peasants16 . Wheat: Topographically, Kashmir does not belong to the wheat growing regions of the sub-conmtinent17 . Nonetheless it did grow considerable amount of wheat next in importance only to maize. Certain specific areas were reserved for wheat cultivation. Its cultivation in Kashmir was mostly confined to Dachanpora and Khourpora Parganas18 . It required a climate which is neither too warm nor too cold. Wheat was looked down upon by the Kashmiris as a food, but was mainly grown for bakeries as Kashmiris were fond of taking baked bread along with their salt tea19 . One kharwar of land could produce eight kharwars of wheat20 . Barley: It was grown throughout the valley on barani (add to glossary) lands which were dependent on rain for moisture. However, in the villages situated at an elevation of 700 ft, a peculiar type of this crop known as ‘grin’ or ‘Tibetan barley’21 was grown which was the staple food for the people living there22 . The average yield of land was 8½ mounds of barley and about 4 mounds of ‘grin’23 .It’s price varied from 23 seers to two maunds a rupee24 . Buck Wheat (Tromba): Buck wheat was most useful plant grown in the hilly areas requiring less irrigation. It was of two verities-one called sweet Tromba and another white or pinkish in colour.25 The latter was often grown as a substitute for rice, in areas where water was scarce. It was mostly consumed in the form of porridge by the people inhabiting Kandi Illaqas that is hilly areas26 . The average yield per acre of land was 4½ maunds 27 . Amaranths (Ganhars): It was grown in cotton fields and also in the maize growing plots. It required no irrigation or manure. With timely rains a good yield of crop was harvested. It also provided an alkaline substance from its stalk which was used by the washer men and the villagers as a soap28 . Kangni (Shol): Kangni was an extremely useful product sown during the years when there used to be scarcity of water for rice cultivation. It was dry crop and required much labour and weeding. There were two varieties- smaller of red colour, preferred as a food and larger one of white colour. The average yield was 4 ½ maunds to an acre.29 China or ‘ping’ was another kind resembling Kangni, but such crops were denounced by the Kashmiris for one reason or the other. 13 Ibid. 14 A Kharwar would mean16 Treks i.e., one Trek was of 5 Seers and three Chhataks. As a unit of land one Kharwar of land was equal to 32 Kanals or 4 acres. Lawrence, Valley, P.37, 242-243. 15 Ibid.PP:336-337.See also Lawrence, Gazetteer, PP:49-50 16 Lawrence, op.cit. P.337. 17 Hangloo, op.cit. P.20. 18 Ibid. 19 Lawrence, Valley. op.cit.P.342. 20 Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, P.61. 21 The difference between the ordinary barley and “grin” is that the latter is Like wheat while the ordinary barley has chaff. D.C.Sharma 1885 Documentation on Kashmir, P.127. 22 Lawrence, op.cit. P.341. 23 Ibid. 24 Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, p.61. 25 Lawrence, op.cit. P.338. 26 Ibid. See also Lawrence, Gazetteer of Kashmir and Ladakh, P.52 27 Lawrence, op.cit. P.338. 28 Younghusband, op.cit.P.202.Also Imperial Gazetteer of India, vol.xv, p.117.Hindu population used to consume it mostly on festive Occasions, Lawrence, op.cit. P. 338. 29 Ibid.
  • 4. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 4 Millet (Bajra): It was also accepted as a staple food grown in Kashmir on the lower hills bordering on the plains30 . Its stalk was used as a fodder when dry, but cattle were sometimes fed on the young crops as they stood. As a food it was troublesome as it took very long time to cook and was very hard. The average productivity per acre was about 4 ½ maunds. It was of two varieties, red and white, and was husked like rice in a mortar31 . The people of the plains who cultivated paddy exchanged rice or shali with the people of hilly areas for Bajra. Pulses: In some parts of the Kashmir the cultivation of pulses co-existed with other crops including paddy and maize. The most popular pulses cultivated were Mong, Moth, Mash, and Raj mash32 . Mong was a kharif crop and was entirely dependent on rain. The banjar lands could produce large quantity of this crop33 . Moth was considered to be an inferior one among the pulses and was generally used as a fodder for cattle during the winter34 . Mash was extensively cultivated in hilly/Kandi areas. It was of two verities: black and green. Both were consumed by the people. The last variety of pulses: Raj mash was of different varieties and was cultivated almost in every pargana. However, the consumption of pulses within the valley was not of the same order as in other parts of India35 . Water Nuts (Singharas): Kashmir known for the production of Singharas/water nuts. European writers like Moorcraft also admitted this fact. Singharas were important horticultural product of Kashmir during the period of this study. It was mostly procured from Wular Lake and small water bodies around Dal Lake. It appears to have contributed a handsome amount to the state exchequer and also as a means of employment to peasants, boatmen and officials36 . Besides the above mentioned crops Kashmir also produced a large quantity of cash crops like cotton, tobacco, oil-seeds, saffron etc. Cotton: It was grown all over the valley on Karewas and also in low- lying irrigable lands, though in small quantity and was grown when the lands required rest from rice. It was not only meant for the fibre used for home manufactured cotton cloth, but also for excellent food for cattle 37 . Thirty seers were sown per acre for the return of a produce of 1½ kharwars that is one hundred twenty four seers and eight Chhataks per acre38 . Tobacco: Tobacco was cultivated in many parts of the valley. The best quality ‘Brewari’ was produced in the neighbourhood of Srinagar39 . It was mostly in the hands of the Gardener class. It required very rich soil. The other variety was that of ‘Chilasi’. It was exported to Ladakh. Oil-Seeds: Oil-seeds were largely grown in Kashmir and the principal oil-seeds included Tilgoglu, Taruz (Sarshaf) and Sandji which came under the head of rape-seed. The first of the Oil seeds Tilgoglu was used for preparing vegetables40 where as the other two varieties were considered best for lighting purposes41 . Besides these, large quantities of linseed were also produced which was used for eating purpose. Til is a very common crop, which needed rich soil and was to be more carefully looked after than any other oil seed crops. It was sweet and was valued as an ointment. Another type of oil was extracted from walnuts and apricots whose remaining oil cake served as a fodder for cattle42 . Saffron: Saffron has been (and continues to be) the monopoly of Kashmir from times immemorial43 . It was grown in two localities namely Pampore wudar i.e., Karewas at a distance of 15 miles from Srinagar near 30 Younghusband, op.cit. P. 201. 31 Lawrence, op.cit.P.338. 32 Lawrence, op.cit.P.337 33 Lawrence, Gazetteer.op.cit.PP:60-64. 34 Lawrence, op.cit. P.339. 35 Ibid. 36 Hangloo, op.cit.P.23. 37 Younghusband, op.cit. P.202.See also Lawrence, op.cit.P.341. 38 Ibid. 39 Its yield was 4 Kharwar an acre.Younghusband, op.cit.P.202. 40 A Wingate, 1888 Preliminary Report of Settlement Operation in Kashmir and Jammu .Lahore:W.Ball & Co., P.64 41 S.N.Koul1954. Kashmir Economics .Srinagar.P.24. 42 Kalhana the famous historian of Kashmir also testifies to its natural growth in Kashmir, M.A.Stain, tr.Rajatarangni 1, p.42 43 Hangloo, op.cit.P.25.
  • 5. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 5 Pampore and on a fairly limited scale in Kishtwar44 . In Kashmir valley this saffron fields were divided into five feet square beds being surrounded by a six inches deep drainage channel and saffron was ploughed in these beds at a depth of four inches from surface. These saffron fields remained under the crop for around ten years during which period the number of corn was almost doubled45 . Commercially saffron was the most important crop. In former days the saffron cultivation was a large source of revenue to the state46 . Among the fruits common in Kashmir were apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, almonds, walnuts and grapes. The last three varieties of fruits were of much economic value, although produced on a very limited scale47 . Grapes: These formed an important item in the agrarian economy of Kashmir. There can be no doubt that the grape production was encouraged during maharaja Ranbir Singh’s and maharaja Pratap Singh’s time because of all the fruits it provided a great financial edge to the state. A large portion of produce was used for making wines. Relatively speaking rice was the most important crop in terms of value among food grains. The most extensive paddy cultivation was likely to have been carried out on the lands near delta and streams which had sufficient scope to facilitate rapid drainage48 . Maize was mostly consumed by the poorest section of the peasantry including the small peasants because they could not afford to take rice regularly49 . In the first instance the peasant himself was left with very little by the state and secondly, in time of need, peasants had to sell their rice and to subsist themselves on maize. And if at all he retained a little of rice he had to exchange it for tea, salt and clothes50 . He has also to share his portion with the Pandit and Pir as the case might be and with the banker, the blacksmith, the barber and other village artisans who provided different services to the peasants. Maize was not eagerly accepted in exchange and even in charity where paddy was available but in Kandi ilaqas (hilly areas) where maize alone was grown there was hardly any choice51 . Apart from this pounded maize was given as nourishment to the cattle. Thus in the peasant economy of Kashmir, generally speaking maize too got considerable significance and relevance, for it sustained a large section of the peasant population. Though it was not commercially as important as rice, as a staple food of peasant and the landless labourer it had a significant socio-economic role to play52 . Pulses were of course consumed by people now and then particularly during winter months when no leafy vegetables could be obtained due to geo-climatic constraints. Pulses as an agrarian produce does not appear to have been as important as they had been and still are in the Indian plains. In Kashmir, unlike the plains, they formed no part of the regular diet but were meant only for consumption during the scarcity of winters. 1.2 Livestock Livestock formed an indispensable segment of Kashmir peasant economy. It included cattle like oxen, cows, sheep, goats, horses and poultry. In addition to its commercial value rearing of livestock was a necessity for peasants in order to obtain manure for fields. Oxen were particularly of great significance because they were used to draw the plough. But, the rearing of this animal was expensive for an average peasant as it required a good amount of fodder especially during the winters. The hilly areas especially those which remained under the grip of severe cold during the winter, were faced with some climatic problems and constraints which made it impossible for the peasants living there to keep a sufficient stock of cattle. For example owing to the severe and 44 Lawrence, op.cit. P. 343. 45 Parvaz Ahmad, op.cit.P.119. 46 Annual Report of Jammu and Kashmir State, Administrative 1895- 96, PP: 104-106. 47 Hangloo, op.cit.P.26. 48 Lawrence, op.cit.P.330. 49 Younghusband, op.cit. p.200 50 Hangloo, op.cit. p.27. 51 The Maize eating people often boiled maize like rice. They used to eat it in the form of what they called ‘wat’a sort of maize jelly. 52 James Korbel who visited Kashmir in the first half of the 20th century says that about 60% of the peasants had the holding of about 10 kanals(2 acres) each. Their net annual income was Rs.10-10-3 per head. The rest of the peasants were without land. Even as late as 1944-45, the per capita income of the peasants did not exceed eleven rupees.J.Korbel.1954, Danger in Kashmir Srinagar.P.16.
  • 6. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 6 prolonged winter, land in Kashmir remains almost in a dormant state and consequently bereft of any vegetation for about six months. In these circumstances the Kashmir peasants have to keep his cattle indoor, and feed them exclusively with his own or purchased fodder. As such the peasants were constrained to rear only that number of cattle which could be supported by his personal productive capacity and not by the availability of pastures as was the case with his counterparts elsewhere in India53 . This problem might not have only restrained the peasant from enlarging his holding to optimum size, but it proved baneful in other way too i.e., the peasant was short of having adequate quantum of cattle dung, the only manure used in Kashmir which prevented him from obtaining sufficient returns from land. Therefore, the peasants with small holding usually owned an ox and those with big holdings possessed more than one54 . The importance of ox in rural economy of Kashmir can be imagined from the fact that till recently if a village boy wished another boy ill, he would say, “may your ox die”55 . The death of an ox in peasant household was not a minor tragedy because to purchase another was always difficult for an average peasant. During 1890’s a pair of plough bullocks costed Rs. 25. Milch cow was also considered as an asset in peasant economy. That is why peasants were repeatedly charged for a milch cow. A cow giving four seers (approximately 4 litres) of milk could be bought for rupees 8, but because of rising price by 1890’s it was difficult to obtain such a cow for rupees fifteen56 . Kashmiris had many proverbs about their cattle. For instance Dand Wayit Gao Chawit 57 (one warns a man to try a plough bullock and to milk a cow before concluding purchase). Similarly sheep on account of its importance was regarded as Sun-e-sund suir (sheep are worth gold bricks). They supply warmth, clothing and manure. A Kashmiri regarded his sheep up to the age of four years as destined for wool production and it was only in dire necessity of an occasion of rejoicing and festivities that he would part with his ewes. In spite of the number of sheep in Kashmir it was often difficult to obtain mutton in the villages for the people required wool and warmth in the winter and the person who possessed plenty of sheep on his ground floor would keep his family warm in the bitter winter58 . A tax of 13 chilki rupees was levied per hundred sheep. This tax called Zar-i-choupan was collected as the flocks passed up the mountain pastures. Till 1890, the state exercised the privilege of selecting one in every thousand sheep as the flocks passed up the mountains, and one out of every hundred in a flock. The first was known as Hazari or Khilkat and second as Barra59 . Pony was of extraordinary importance in peasant economy but, the common peasants could not afford to rear ponies. A few families in a village possessing large holdings and good manpower ventured to tame this animal. In the absence of the cart roads pony carriage was of great importance in Kashmir and was in the hands of a special class called Markhbans. These men did not breed ponies but they bought them from the villagers. Moreover, the affluent section of rural society uses to breed ponies for riding purpose. And impediment in pony breeding was that the villagers possessing ponies were liable to constant requisitions by the state for carriage to Gilgit and Jammu. No remuneration was paid for such kind of services. It had made pony breeding unpopular60 . Just as the sheep were entrusted to the professional choupans, so the ponies were also entrusted to the charge of the Galwans, who looked after long strings of them honestly. The Galwans charged four annas per pony. Poultry, an important component of livestock was of great importance in peasant’s economy. It mainly included chicken and duck. Most of the villagers used to rear poultry as its maintenance was not so expensive. The ducks were exported to Punjab. The best breed of fowl was found in Lolab valley where the practice of making capons was common. A capon was sold at prices varying from 8 to 12 annas. Poultry and eggs were a source of income to villagers but the fowl cholera ‘koker-kon’ disease which sometimes visited Kashmir caused great loss. The corrupt revenue and forest officials were taking the poultry of the villagers as rasum. Nevertheless, it was a considerable source of income in fragile peasant economy61 . Honey was cultivated in the higher villages of the valley, and used to form an item of taxation. One house would often contain many hives and in a good year a hive would give eight seers of honey comb. Bee 53 Hangloo, op.cit.P.109. 54 Muhammad Yusuf Ganai.2008. “Village Economy under the Raj (1846-1947).” Kashmir Journal of Social Sciences.Vol.3. (2008-09).PP: 80-93 55 Lawrence, op.cit. P.330. 56 Ganai, op.cit. P.83. 57 Lawrence, op.cit. P.359. 58 Ibid. 59 Lawrence, op.cit.P.363. 60 Ibid.p.364. 61 Lawrence, op.cit.PP:366-368.
  • 7. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 7 keeping was allied pursuit apart from cultivation. Honey was produced not only for consumption bet also for sale62 . Certain peasants also supplemented their income by rearing silkworms. During the period after Kharif plants these silks weavers known as Kiramkash (worm killers) used to practice this supplementary pursuit. The cocoons were transported to Srinagar and prices for its sale were fixed by the government and these often used to be very low63 . However, the earnings from these were negligible and too meagre to substantially add to the low returns from their holdings. It was this class of peasants who took to weaving of blankets and baskets during the off season64 . The migration of this class of peasants was not a taboo and a few of these, particularly those oppressed by the moneylender’s exacting demands left their homes during winter months to earn their livelihood. In undertaking these subsidiary crafts the peasants usually suffered from the greed and rapacity of the middle men. Conclusion Thus the above study elaborated on the possibilities of rural production in a wide-variety of crops and animal wealth in the geo-climatic conditions of Kashmir Valley. It has demonstrated how the geographical structures determined the rural production in the fragile peasant economy of Kashmir. The importance and dominance of shali/paddy was the outcome of multiple factors like physical makeup of the Valley and availability of irrigation facilities. References Primary Sources A. Archival and Other Documents His Highnesses Proclamation Regarding Sale of Shali and Prices Fixed Therefore, File No.123 of 1921.JKA. Fixation of the Rates of Grain Supplied to the Commissariat Dept.in Gilgit District, File No.66 of 1893.JKA. Glancy, B.J.1932. Report of the Commission Appointed Under the Orders of His Highness the Maharaja Bahadur, dated 12th November 1931,to Enquire into Grievances and Complaints, Jammu: Ranbir Press. B. Administrative, Assessment and other Reports W.R.Lawrence.1905. Assessment Report of Baramulla Tehsil, Jammu W.R.Lawrence.1921. Assessment Report of Handwara Tehsil, Jammu. Annual Administrative Report of Jammu and Kashmir, 1895-96. Administrative Report of Jammu and Kashmir, 1892-93 Review on the Assessment Report on the six Tehsils of Kashmir valley, 1905. Assessment Report of Hindwara Tehsil of the Northern Wazarat of Kashmir Valley, 1922. Assessment Report of Anantnag Tehsil of Anantnag District, 1892. Assessment Report of Kulgam Tehsil of Anantnag District, 1922. A. Wingate. 1888. Preliminary Report of Settlement Operations in Jammu and Kashmir, C. Gazetteers Bates, C.D. 1873. A Gazetteer of Kashmir and Adjoining Districts of Kistwar, Badarwah, Jammu, Naoshera, Punch and the Valley of Kishenganga, Calcatta. Imperial Gazetteer of India 1890. vol.xv, Oxford. Lawrence, Walter1985. Provincial Gazetteers of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, New Delhi: Rima Publishing House. D. Travel Accounts Biscoe, Tyndale. 1922. Kashmir in Sunlight and Shade London. Gravis, P.1954. This is Kashmir London. Throp, Robert. 1870. Kashmir Misgovernment, London. Vigne, G.T. 1842. Travels in Kashmir, Ladakh, Iskardu, countries adjoining, the mountain courses of Indus and Himalayan, North of Punjab, 2 vols, London. Younghusband, F. 1909. Kashmir, Edinburgh, F. Contemporary Historical Works Abdullah, Sheikh Mohammad. 1993. Flames of Chinar: An Autobiography. New Delhi: Viking. Bazaz, P.N. 1941. Reprint 1987. Inside Kashmir. Srinagar: Kashmir Publishing Co. 62 Hangloo, op.cit.P.109. 63 Ganai, op.cit.P.85. 64 Hangloo, op.cit. P.109.
  • 8. Historical Research Letter www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3178 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0964 (Online) Vol.14, 2014 8 Biscoe, C.E. Tyndale. 1922. Kashmir in Sunlight and Shade. London: Seeley, Service & Co. Limited Gadru, S.N. ed. 1973. Kashmir Papers: British Intervention in Kashmir, including Arthur Brickman’s ‘Wrongs of Kashmir’, Robert Thorpe’s ‘Kashmir Misgovernment’, and Sir William Digby’s Condemned Unheard. Srinagar: Free thought Literature. Lawrence, Walter R. 1895. The Valley of Kashmir. London: H. Frowde. 2. Secondary Sources A. Books Ahmad, Parvez. 2007. Economy and Society of Kashmir: A study in Change and Continuity 1885-1925 Srinagar: Oriental Publishing House Bamzia, P.N.K. 1987. Socio-Economic History of Kashmir 1846-1925 Srinagar: Gulshan Publishers. Ernst, Waltraud and Pati, Biswamoy. 2007. ed. India’s Princely States: People, Princes and Colonialism. London: Rutledge Taylor & Francis Group. Hangloo, R.L. 1995. Agrarian System of Kashmir 1846-1889 New Delhi: Commonwealth Publishers. Jeffrey, Robin. 1978. People, Princes and Paramount Power: Society and Politics in the Indian Princely States. Delhi: Oxford University Press. Rai, Mridu. 2004. Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects: Islam, Rights, And The History of Kashmir New Delhi: Permanent Black. Stokes, Eric. 1976. The Peasant and The Raj: Studies in Agrarian Society and Peasant Rebellion in Colonial India Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Zutshi, Chitralekha, 2003. Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity, And The Making of Kashmir New Delhi: Permanent Black. B. Dissertations and Theses Dar, Ali Mohammad. 1991. “Trade and Commerce during Dogra Rule in Kashmir (1846-1947)’’. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, University of Kashmir. Chesti, Veneesa. 2010. “Economy under the Raj”. Unpublished M.Phil. Dissertation, Jawaharlal Nehru University. C. Journal Articles Wani, Mohammad Ashraf. 2008. “Hill Agrarian Economy of Medieval India: A Case Study of Kashmir Valley.” Kashmir Journal of Social Sciences. Vol.2 PP: 76-89. Aslam Mohammad. 1977 “Land Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.” Social Scientist. Vol.6, No. 4 PP: 59-64. Hangloo, R.L. 1984 “The Magnitude of Land Revenue Demand in Kashmir (1846-1900).” Social Scientist. Vol. 12, No. 6PP: 52-59. Ganai, M.Y. 2008. “Kashmir Village Economy under the Raj (1846-1947).” Kashmir Journal of Social Sciences.Vol.3 PP: 80-93.
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