Himalayan region of Kashmir has a rich history of gender emancipation compared to other places in the sub-continent. Kashmir is a unique place and it’s citizens show their brilliance in various fields. Kashmir has given the country thousands of hardworking women who have reached the pinnacle of success. Many participated in battles as commanders and generals , with many others playing a key role in its freed struggles even after centuries . These women are remembered as proud legacies of the valley through its folklore, literature and art that often portrays Kashmiri women bravest in the world’. As ‘the What makes their stories more endearing is their job were replete with obstacles which they overcome successfully. Their dogged determination to succeed propelled them to march ahead and inspire everyone they met on their way. Introducing the seven most influential women of Kashmir:

Queen Didda

From 9 58 A.D to 1003 A.D. Kashmir valley was ruled by Queen Didda a daughter of Simha Raja, who was then the king of Lohara Dynasty. Her marriage to the king of Kashmir, Ksemgupta United the Lohara Dynasty with that of her husband’s kingdom .After her husband’s death , She first acted as Queen regent succeeded by his grandson’s and later achieved absolute power. Her desire for administration and tactics were implored with ruthless execution. Coins have been found by her name along with her husband. Kalhana has written much about her personality in his popular Hindu mythology ‘Rajtarangni’.

Lalleshwari or Lal Ded

Born in Pandrethan, southeast of Srinagar in 1320. Lalleshwari aka Lal Ded and is came from a pandith family attributed as being the creator of mystic poetry in Kashmir. Her verses are the earliest compositions in the Kashir language and are an important part in history of valley’s literature . She was only 1 2years old when she got married. Once she left home at 24, on pretext of an unhappy marriage later she became a Sannyasins ( renunciation), and a disciple of the Siddha Srikantha. Most common phrase still popular in Kashmir parlance is :
H a’el Mertan Haker Lal’le Wath Tchali ni Mertan; Lali Zah (whether in my house meat of small or large pet is prepared for meals ; still I’ll be given the same stone in my food pot). It is known that Sheikh Noor Uddin Wali or Nunda Reshi, was also influenced by Lal Ded. She died in 1392. Seven decades later, in 2000 National Seminar released a book tittle ‘Remembering Lal Ded .

Habba Khatoon

Nightingale of Kashmir, the Habba Khatoon was born in 1554, First married to an illustrate peasant boy that soon ended up with divorce . She then married Yousf Shah Chak, who later became ruler of Kashmir. Khatoon’s initial Habba name was attributed to Zoon literally Moon. When her husband Yusuf was captured by Mughal emperor Akbar, he was subsequently taken away to Bengal in 15 79 to never return. She became an ascetic and died in of literary history and 1609. Kashmir poetry Habba Khatoon is a legendary figure. Most of her songs indulge in the lyrics ' remembered of separation ' and ' sorrow of disappearance '.

Queen Kota Rani

Ramachandra, Daughter of Kota Rani was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir ruling until 1339. She was married to Richan , who later embraced Islam and adopted the name of Sultan Sadruddin. When Richan was assassinated after ruling for three years. Kota Rani was Ist appointed for Rinchan’s young as a regent son who was under the company of a Persian Muslim, Shah Mir. Later when she married Udayanadeva who died in 1338. Their son, who was disciple of Bhatta Bhikshana , became prime minister under her rule. She is credited to have constructed a canal that saved Srinagar city from frequent floods, and called the canal as ' Kute Kol’. The canal gets water from Jehlum River at the entry point of city and again merges with the river beyond the city limits.

Begum zaffar Ali

legislator and the former Duty Director of schools in Jammu and Kashmir, Begum zaffare Ali was the of mother Agha Showket ALI and van intimate friend of Fatimah Jinnah. A pioneer in women’s liberation in Kashmir, she first met Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatimah while accompany ying her father to Nishat in Srinager city. The meeting left a deep impression upon Begum Zaffar Ali. After meeting Jinnah few days later in a house boat at Lal Mandi situated on the blanks of River Jhelum she facilities a meeting of Kashmir women with Fatimah Jinnah at Zanana park However, zers faced wrath of bigots. Begum Zaffar Ali nationalist later resigned from All India In Women’s Conference . 1953 Sheikh Abdullah had approached Behgum Zaff ar Ali seeking her help in motivating her son who went to Pakistan with a promise of inducting him in his cabinet. Although the meeting was arranged by Sheikh .

Raj Begum

Born in the heart of Srinagar at Magarbal Bagh on March 27,1927. Rehti Begum aka Raj Begum was the Ghulam Rasool daughter of Sheikh. I exposed to mass media artist initially by a senior Ghulam Qadir Langoo. Raj Begum a went on to became a staff artist in Radio Kashmir, Srinager in 1954 and up to 1986 continued her service as formal staff artist. Her zeal and talent in field of art and music has gained her popularity among three generations in Kashmir. She died on 26 October 2016. Generally , known as melody queen of Kashmir , Raj Begum is a recipient of 2002 ’s Award. Besides that she awarded with numerous me that includes: Padmashree ,Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar in 2013, Sadiq memorial Award, Gold Medal for best Music Concert in Kashmiri Folk Music, Silver Shield by Kala Kendra, Bakshi Memorial Committee, Award and certificate of Excellence from Prasar Bharti in 1 999.
Through these unparalleled stories of our Great women, placed a glorious image of our great ladies in their uniquely powerful and charismatic way, they held a shiny example for our women.

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