April-June 2012 JOURNAL OF EURASIAN STUDIES Volume IV., Issue 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________ the people <strong>of</strong> Kabul. He sent to Kabul a group <strong>of</strong> soldiers, under the leadership <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>ficer Prabhakar Dev to pacify the revolt and control the disrupted administrative setup there. After his initial victory Prabhakar Dev thought it better to hold parleys with the King <strong>of</strong> Kabul, Lallaya. The parleys were successful and under an agreement Tromanna, son <strong>of</strong> Lallaya, was installed on the throne <strong>of</strong> Kabul. In the presence <strong>of</strong> Prabhakar Dev and with his blessings Tromanna's coronation as Kamluk was completed. This way the relations between Kabul and Kashmir became strong. Kashmir had also religious relations with Kabul. Among the later rulers <strong>of</strong> the dynasty which developed the economy <strong>of</strong> the valley Suravarman-I (933- 934 A.D.) needs to be mentioned, who boosted the developmental works in the valley and built a math, a Gokula and various famous temples at various places in the valley. The courtiers and others equally contributed a lot and laid the foundation <strong>of</strong> various pother towns and villages. Right from the time <strong>of</strong> Awantivarman efforts were made to develop the internal and external trade <strong>of</strong> the valley. However, the internal was mainly dependent on the agricultural production and was carried out through the river Jehlum and its tributaries. The external trade was carried out though different routes connecting Kashmir with India, Afghanistan, Tibet and various other countries. Geographically Kashmir occupies an important position having border connectivity with the countries mentioned above. The trade relations <strong>of</strong> Kashmir with the foreign countries can be traced directly from the Maruyan Empire. These contacts were further strengthened during the time <strong>of</strong> later Utpala rulers. Awantivarman’s period is also famous and popular for the rich tradition <strong>of</strong> education and learning. It is only education that can change the shape <strong>of</strong> any society; education is a way to progress in all diverse aspects <strong>of</strong> life. For this very particular purpose every possible step was taken by the king to help learners at all possible levels. During the period <strong>of</strong> Awantivarman learning received such patronage that learned men were provided seat in the king’s Sabha 19 . According to Kalhana the scholars who were granted great fortunes and high honors proceeded to the Sabha in vehicles worthy <strong>of</strong> kings. On account <strong>of</strong> great patronage which the scholars received, we find scholars <strong>of</strong> great repute like Muktakana, Sivasvarman, Anandvardhara and Ratnakara 20 . Awantivarman provided all opportunities 21 and facilities to people to progress 22 in all spheres <strong>of</strong> development, construction and welfare. He encouraged 23 his friends, relations and members <strong>of</strong> his council <strong>of</strong> ministers to join hands in carrying out development 24 works. Awantivarman 25 himself supervised construction <strong>of</strong> several temples 26 and monasteries. 19 Hassan Mohibul, Kashmir under Sultans, Publishers Ali Mohd.and sons Srinagar, 1974,p,48. 20 <strong>Journal</strong> <strong>of</strong> archaeological survey <strong>of</strong> India, 1993, p,39. 21 Kapur M.L, The history and culture <strong>of</strong> Kashmir, Publishers Jay Kay book house Jammu,1992, p,28. 22 Raghunath Rai, A history <strong>of</strong> the Kashmir, Academic Publishing co. Jalandhar,1996, p,36. 23 Majumdar R.C, Ancient India, Motilal Banarasi Publishers Delhi,1998, pp,355-356. 24 Kalhanas, Rajtarangni, Trans. by M.A.Stein, vol, ii, Motilal Banarasi Dass Delhi,1989, reprint pp,421-422. 25 Raghunath Rai, A history <strong>of</strong> the Kashmir, Academic Publishing co. Jalandhar,1996, p,34. 26 Sufi G.M.D, Kashir being a history <strong>of</strong> Kashmir, reprint, Capital Publishing house New Delhi,1996, p,56. _____________________________________________________________________________________ © Copyright Mikes International 2001-2012 28
April-June 2012 JOURNAL OF EURASIAN STUDIES Volume IV., Issue 2. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Conclusion Awantivarman passed away after a glorious rule <strong>of</strong> about 28 years. His period holds great importance in the history <strong>of</strong> Kashmir so far as peace, development and justice are concerned. During his time there was all-round prosperity, because the emperor did not wage any war during the period; instead <strong>of</strong> spending time in the battlefields, he concentrated on the welfare <strong>of</strong> people irrespective <strong>of</strong> caste, color and creed. He was very generous, simple, wise, and kindhearted and all his actions were marked by warmth <strong>of</strong> love and s<strong>of</strong>tness. _____________________________________________________________________________________ © Copyright Mikes International 2001-2012 29
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