In a bid to shun materialism and worldliness, Muslims, impressed by the idea of western esotericism, paved the way for the genesis of Sufism, or “TASAWWUF,” which is popularly believed to be Islamic mysticism." The Sufism soon foundthe main purpose behind creation of Sufism was in search of the internal dimensions of Islam focusing primarily on its purification and further bolstering the devotion of Allah in his disciples. This is done through establishing a connection between Muhammad and the seeker through ‘Bayah’ or pledge given by the seeker to any Sufi Shaikh.While the first stage of Sufism developed in early Umayyad period (661-749 CE), it rose to popularity in 12th century spreading across the Muslim world panning from South and central Asia to Balkan and the African regions. The establishment of Delhi Sultanate marked the prominence of Sufism in India and was not just confined to religious preaching but intertwined with the Indian culture especially yogic postures and various art forms including music and dance. A liberal form of Sufism called Beshara or “Mast Qalandar” grew increasingly popular and it comprised majorly of wandering monks who were called Babas.
The Sufism soon found its roots across all frontiers in India, including the mountainous state of Kashmir." It left a deep impact in history of Kashmir and broadening the views of not only the Muslims of Kashmir but also the Hindus residing in the valley. Sufism was introduced in Kashmir by Suhrawadi saint Hazrat Bulbul Shah after introduction of Khanqah and Silsilah order. While Islam had made inroads in the Valley long ago, Sufism blended with the bhakti movement presented a different approachin the 14th century across the valley which was quite different to one preached in Persian society. This modern form of Sufi order indigenously came to be known as Rishism.Sufi Rishis including Sayyid Ali, Mir Muhammad, Ismail Shami, Sayyid Jamaluddin Bukhari and Muhammad Hamadani reached Kashmir and propagated their ideologies which soon engulfed entire Kashmir in form of preaching from wise saints who had divine connection with Allah. It wasn’t long before Sufi saints had been started to be addressed as “Pirs” or “Rishi”. The syncretism and amalgamation of communities in Kashmir led to linking of Sufism to Rishi order and finally Kashmiriyat as a whole thus bonding the community and presenting a unique instance in the history of both Kashmir and Sufi movement.

The impact and astuteness of the movement can be deciphered from the legends of Rishi Kashyap from whose name Kashmir has been derived to name the land of implausible beauty. "Kashmiri Sufism, with its shades of Buddhism and Shaivism, presents a drastic contrast in its teachings compared to those from Central or SE Asia."The major impact Sufism had on the Kashmir locals was birth of a composite culture with convergence of humanism, spirituality and tolerance and soon became a symbol of socio-religious entity across the valley.
All fragments of society divided and secluded by walls of religion and teachings soon mingled due to prominence of Sufism. This was responsible for bringing political and cultural stability in region.The influence of Sufism acted as a catalyst for spreading of Islam. Such profound was the reach of Pirs that they not only advocated rights of Muslims but also acted as mediators in issues of Buddhist and Hindu followers. One such instance is that of Hazrat Bulbul Shah converting Buddhist prince Rinchana to Islam, when he was not allowed to convert to Hinduism after his marriage to daughter of King Ramchandra. Apart from preaching communal harmony and strengthening the religious diversity across Kashmir, enrichment of the society through medium of philosophy, arts, ethics and jurisprudence was also undertaken. Books like Tarikh-i-Kashmir and Zakhir-a-Tul Mulk clicked a resonance not only with locals but also the Kashmiri diaspora.
Pious sufi principles like Saadah (salvation), Ikhlas (purity), Tawheed (oneness of God) gained popularity instilling devotion towards Allah/ God.The simplicity, equality and religious harmony propagated by Sufi saints led to the inevitable rise of Sufism in Kashmir. Kashmir had transformed into land of composite culture during the booming period of Sufism where Muslims attended gatherings of Hindu Pandits and Hindus visited holy shrines of saints.The ethos of Sufism got deep embedded in the concept of Kashmiriyat and proved decisive in shaping up the modern-day valley and its welcoming nature to tourists and travelers from across the globe considering the fact that the founders of Sufism in Kashmir too were once foreigners who roamed from place to place spreading their ideologies and learning to the masses.The advent, rise and propagation of Sufism should serve as a case study for the entire society proving that virtues which uphold cultural harmony and brotherhood among masses will always be wholeheartedly accepted by the society and be decisive in shaping up the next generation and eons to come.