Agrarian System During the Dogra Reign in Kashmir (1846-1889)

This volume, Agrarian System during the Dogra Reign in Kashmir (1846-1889), deals with an important aspect of the people’s life during a transitional period in the Kashmir’s history. This period, i.e. the second half of the nineteenth century provides us with a classic illustration of the ruling elites in a backward society holding back society’s progress, lest a change undermine their position. While the neighbouring regions of Kashmir were entering into the modernity through various stages of internal and external turmoils, Kashmir retained most of the characteristics of a medieval economy and society, until the end of the nineteenth century. The agrarian structure of this period was a matter of comprehensive interest, affecting all sections of the Kashmiri society. There were competing interests among the dominant landed elements and variety of segments of peasantry who made up all social classes in a variety of ways. For comprehensive understanding of the nature of Kashmir’s rural economy and society, this volume examines the processes, changes and the manner in which the peasants cultivated their fields and the manner in which their produce was distributed among various sections of the society.