Noorbakshia influence in Kashmir: The chak dynasty’s role in its Expansion

Abstract

The Noorbakshia is a particular school of Kubraviya Sufi tradition that had a leading influence on the development of the religious and socio-political life in Kashmir during the late 15 th -16 th century. The order was based on the teachings of Sayyid Mohammad Nurbaksh (1392-1464), and reflected a mash-up of Sunni and Shi'ite theological orientations, although it focused on the devotion to the Ahl al-Bayt and the Twelve Imams. Its diffusion in the Kashmir is linked with the work of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki who, with his spiritual power, changed the several important nobles and enabled the foundation of khanqahs which became the focus of religious and cultural life. The Chak dynasty, which was also in line with Shi, was very essential in motivating the order by the patronage it brought to the political dimension in strengthening its presence in the valley. But the rule of the Noorbakshia was strongly opposed by Sunni ulema and nobles, and subsequent persecution under Mughal interventions, especially during the campaigns of Mirza Haidar Dughlat. Nevertheless, despite such difficulties, the order had a great role in changing the Kashmir religious identity and court politics as part of changes in sectarian orientation, power dynamics, and cultural bargaining. This paper looks into the emergence of the Noorbakshia order in Kashmir, institutional reinforcement, resistance and its legacy in the contentious history of religion and authority in the region.