“According to the earliest traditional account the valley of Kashmir in pre-historic times was a lake. A demon called Jallodbhava ( water-born ) resided in this lake. This demon caused great distress to all the neighbouring countries by his devastation. At last Kashyapa Muni implored Shiva to help him to kill the demon. His prayer was granted, and he succeeded in getting the demon killed, with the help of gods, near Kaunsar-Nag. Shiva made an exit near Baramulla with his trident, the water rushed out and the land thus produced became inhabitable.

“At first men dwelt in it for six months only in a year and left Kashmir for six months of winter, when it was occupied by Pisachas – the demons. Ultimately the people, through Nilanaga’s favour got rid of these demons on condition that the people performed certain rites and ceremonies for the god of these demons, during winter months, and thus the country became inhabitable throughout the year. These rites are still performed by the Hindu Kashmiris. They are :

Khechi Mavas - It occurs in the month of January. A sort of pudding, or polao, is cooked, andin an earthen tray is placed in the middle of the compound for the demons. A line is drawn round the whole house with lime. It is believed that these demons have no power to step over this magical line.

Gada Batta - The Hindus cook rice and fish in dark fortnight of January. A big bowl full of rice and fish, both cooked and uncooked, is placed in the uppermost storey of the house. A large lamp is kept burning and no one is allowed to sleep in that place. The cats generally enjoy a good feast. In the morning the members of the family go up to inspect the place, and they are satisfied to see the bowl empty, thinking it has been eaten by the demons.

Kawa Punim - This ceremony is generally performed in the month of February. Rice is cooked and formed into balls. These balls of rice are placed in a kind of big spoon made of twigs and grass, and are put in a prominent place in the house for the goblins in the shape of crows. The children recite this lullaby : “Come! O you crows which are very fond of pudding; bathe in the waters of Gangabal; put on a teka of brown clay, bring your she-crows with you, perch yourselves on the eaves of our houses and enjoy a good feast.”

“The first raja that appears on the pages of documentary tradition is Adgonand who ascended the throne in 4249 B. C. at a time when Egypt was ruled by demigods He was succeeded by his son Danudar who was killed by the Yadhus, the tribe to which Krishna belonged. Buddhism was introduced into Kashmir by Asoka in 308 B. C. The founder of this religion was Sakya Muni Gotam, later on called Buddha. The Tartars invaded the valley about the commencement of Christian era. Three of their kings are supposed to have ruled simultaneously. They were Hushka, who founded Aushkar near Badgam Zashka, who founded Zukar near Nasim Bagh, and Kanishka, who founded Kanspur. These kings were very popular in Kashmir.

“Kashmir was under the rule of white Huns during the first half of the sixth century, about the time of the conquest of England by the Saxons. Their king Mehrukula was notorious for his cruelty and violence.” - C. E. Tyndale Biscoe.