The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is quite unique.From ancient times to modern period the political history of Jammu and Kashmir is tumultuous and the unravelled reality. The acquisition of political power and fear of annexation by foreign powers has been the centre of politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Kalhana in his book Raj Tarangni mentioned Gonanda 1 the first king of Kashmir .The ancient politics of Jammu and Kashmir centred around the power politics,the internal race for succession of power.

The reign of Karkota dynasty ruler Lalitaditya Muktapid is considered to be golden period of ancient Kashmir. Kashmir became the military and political power .the art and culture, architecture flourished during this period. The welfares in ancient Kashmir was either overlooked and the welfare of people received little attention. The ancient period of Kashmir can be known for political and military achievements but the welfarism ,that should be the cornerstone of governance was largely ignored.
The medical period of Kashmir history begins with the shah Mir dynasty. Sultan zainul Abidin popularly known as the Badshah is considered the best welfare oriented ruler of Kashmir. His public welfare activities included public works, construction of bridges, agricultural support, promotion of arts etc. Sultan Sikandar also took some welfare measures, health facilities Darul Shifa, establishment of charitable institutions etc.
Sultan Shihabudin is also known for his welfarism .He is widely known as the Lalitaditya of Medival Kashmir.
Sultan Zainul Abidin is considered the best among the Kashmiri rulers for his welfare governance. The Dogra period is not known for the welfare governance. Though some welfare measures were taken ,but the welfare principle was not the
guiding force during Dogra period. the Heavy taxation system,Begar (Forced labour ) poverty were the major problems in Dogra period.
The land reforms act was a major milestone in the welfarism history and of Jammu and Kashmir.the most important welfare measures was the big landed estates abolition estates act 1950.Bakahi Gulumam Mohammad is considered the economic father of modern Kashmir .It Was during Bakahi Ghulam Mohammad's era that education was made free across governmental institutions, free textbooks and scholarships were also provided to poorer students .Food security ,roads , Irrigation , electricity and infrastructure was also developed to improve the living conditions in rural areas. The political history of Jammu and Kashmir is contentious .The race for political power and political leadership has undermined the true purpose of governance.
The political parties , pressure groups should have acted to ease the sufferings of common people. the new election ,new party manifestos only aggravates the exploitation.the legitimacy of political power is substantiated by labelling other parties as national parties agents .the substantive democracy and the government neglects the welfare of the people .In 2014 assembly elections were held ,this was the first election after abrogation of article 370 ,and 35 A. the regional political parties , particularly the national conference made tall electoral promises .The election manifesto of national conference which is the oldest and largest party of Jammu and Kashmir promised to strive for the restoration of article 370 and 35 A. Besides this ,the one lake employment generation ,free 200 units of free electricity,12 free gas cylinders etc. The national conference got an massive electoral victory .The people breathed a sigh of relief, believing that their government would now provide them with some relief and basic amenities after having taken away almost everything from them. The elected government hiked the power tariff and there is internal differences among the party leaders .It seems Machiavellian politics where ends justify the means. the true essence of politics is lost and the power politics again outstripped the virtues of politics the Ideal social political order.

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