The Dynastic History of Northern India (Early Mediaeval Period) v1.c13.2.1

v1.c13.2.1

The present State of Kashmir ‘covers an area of 80,900 square miles, extending from 32°17′ to 36°58′ N. and from 73°26′ to 80°30′ E.’ Its northern frontier almost touches the upper waters of the Ab-i-Panja. In the south it faces the Punjab districts of Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot and Gurdaspur. West to east it extends from the river Yarkhun to the Lingzi Thang Plains. Of this extensive area ancient *Kāśmīra* formed but a small portion. The political and geographical application of the term was ‘restricted to the great basin of the Vitastā (Jhelum) and the side valleys drained by its tributaries above the Bārāmūla defile.’ It was surrounded on all sides by a ring of high mountains, which can be conveniently divided into three main ranges. One of these, known as the Pīr Pantsāl Range, formed the southern and south-western boundary of Kashmir. It extends from the Bānªhāl Pass to the valley of the Vitastā. In Kalhaṇa's time it was inhabited by the Khaśas, the modern Khakkas, and was divided into a number of semi-independent hill states. In the south-east of this range was situated the principality of Kāṣṭhavāṭa (mod. Kishtwar), whose chiefs had practically independent power.¹ Between this state and Kangra, the ancient Trigarta, lay the hill state of Campā (mod. Chamba) whose chiefs frequently intermarried with the Lohara kings of Kashmir.² To the west of Campā was situated the small independent state of Vallāpura (mod.