Ancient Geography of Kashmir

Kashmir, from times immemorial has been the cynosure for people from both Asian and European continents, who have traveled to study the “Land and people” of the “paradise terrestre des indes”, as referred by Dr. Bernier. The paradise on earth has attracted travelers, traders, trekkers and the tourists, to enjoy, observe and to record. It is an established fact, that in ancient times, the beautiful land of Kashmir, has been the great seat of learning as it was referred as the abode of Sri Sharada the Goddess of learning. Among the famous European scholars, who visited Kashmir during the Dogra rule, (which was established in 1846) was Sri Marc Aurel Stein, who has the credit of translating the Pandit Kalhana’s “Rajatarangini” and documenting his famous memoir “Ancient Geography of Kashmir”. Sir M.A. Stein (Nov. 26, 1862-Oct. 26, 1943) was a Hungarian scholar, studying under George Buhler (who visited Kashmir during 1875 A.D. to study Sharada manuscripts) at Vienna. After his postdoctoral research in oriental languages and archaeology, Stein was recommended by sir Henry Rawlinson, to the Indian council for appointment as Registrar Punjab University and Principal, of newly founded oriental college at Lahore. At the end of 1887, Stein left for India, through suez Canal and set his foot on Asian soil. During his first vacation from oriental college Lahore, Stein fled from the tropical heat of Lahore for Srinagar. The “Venice of the East”. He was received at Srinagar by the European educated Kashmiri Governor, Dr. Suraj Koul on June 8, 1888. Stein, a European, found an alpine home in Kashmir. In the course of Kashmir sojourns, Stein had been impressed by the clear and innocent utterances of simple and intelligent villagers than the townsfolk of Srinagar. Besides, his interest for Kashmir had been aroused from the beginning by the rich store of popular lore which Kashmir presents in its folk tales, songs and proverbs etc. “Mohand Marg” high up on the spur of Harmukh Peak, was the secluded camping site for the great explorer, to read, write and record. For a decade, 1899, Stein stayed at Lahore as principal. Oriental collage and Registrar, University of Pubjab. However, during the furloughs by grants of leave and deputation he utilized the time for producing his oriental works i.e. Translation of Rajatarangini and the catalogue of Sanskrit manuscripts of the Ragunath Mandir, Library Jammu. Stein was one of those towering western scholars, who keenly appreciated Kashmir sculptural greatness and literary traditions. His incessant hard labor on Kalhana’s Rajatarangini and for the promotion of Kashmir language and literature have immortalized his before the civilized world. The services of great men like Stein, to unearth the cultural and literary legacy of Kashmir will ever be remembered by posterity.