Assess the contribution of Zainul Abidin as a great ruler of Kashmir.
Answers
Zainul Abidin is one of the very few rulers who ruled for about 50 years and remained very popular.
On account of his liberal religious policy, promotion of learning, and interest in art and architecture he can be called the fore-runner of Akbar. He also look several steps for the welfare of his subjects.
Zainul Abidin popularly known as Bud Shah ( the Great King ) was one of the great kings of Kashmir. He was the Eighth Sultan of Shah Mir Dynasty and ruled from 1420 to 1470.
He was a liberal ruler and established peace in his kingdom. He brought the brahmans back to Kashmir who had migrated due to religious persecution during the rule of Sultan Sikandar. He abolished Jaziya or religious tax. He appointed his ministers and officials on the basis of merit. So we see various Hindus ministers and officials worked in his court.
He also worked for the economic development and welfare of people. He promoted various arts and crafts like paper-machie, shawl-making, fire-works etc which boosted the economy of Kashmir.
He also built various canals and thus provided irrigation facilities to the peasants. Moreover he reduced the taxes and controlled the market through the fixation of prices of goods and commodities.
He was the patron of art and literature and was himself a great scholar and a poet. He got translated the works of Mahabharata and Rajatargni into Persia.
He built various building and towns and thus we see architecture made a great progress during his reign.
It is due to his liberal and progressive policies, he is being called Akbar of Kashmir.