Brahmins in sultans' courts, snake-worshipping Sufis- The real story of medieval Kashmir

For many decades, Kashmir's religious history has served as a clarion call for India's far right. The standard narrative paints a picture of constant, merciless "Islamic" persecution, based on a selective reading of a handful of medieval loudmouths with their own agendas, rather than critical, multidisciplinary study. The 20 th and 21 st centuries have seen horror after horror in J&K, with extremists constantly calling for violence as a solution—and using "historical evidence" to support it. Just a few days ago, militants in J&K's Reasi ambushed a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims. In response, right-wing influencers have called for an "Israel-like…