[Solved] Zain-ul-Abidin: The 'Akbar of Kashmir' | Concept & Explanation

Ruler of Kashmir who was also known as 'Akbar of Kashmir' was-

[R.A.S./R.T.S. Pre 1993]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Long before Akbar ruled in Delhi, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin of Kashmir implemented identical policies of pluralism, religious freedom, and cultural patronage, earning him the comparison to the great Mughal.

Authentic Source Evidence

Zain-ul-Abidin (reigned 1420–1470) is famously known as the 'Akbar of Kashmir' (and 'Bud Shah' or Great King). He abolished the Jizya tax on Hindus, prohibited cow slaughter, and invited scholars to translate the Mahabharata into Persian, mirroring Akbar's later reforms in almost every detail.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: He was a skilled administrator who stabilized the Kashmiri economy by regulating prices and alleviating peasant taxes.

Logic 2: He also promoted Kashmiri crafts like shawl-making and musket-making, making the valley a prosperous center of industry.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the title 'Bud Shah'?"

It was a Kashmiri term meaning 'The Great King,' used by his subjects out of deep affection for his just rule.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Zain-ul-Abidin proves that the 'Indian Model' of secular kingship had regional roots that predated the Mughal Empire."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Bud Shah 2 Rajatarangini 3

Analysing authentic R.A.S./R.T.S. Preprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Secular Rulers of Medieval India helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Zain-ul-Abidin and Akbar of Kashmir builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →