Kashmir’s prehistory is one of the most important topics for JKSSB, JKPSC and other J&K competitive exams. It explains how early humans lived and adapted in the Himalayan valley — from primitive stone tools to settled farming communities and finally the legendary origin described in ancient texts.
This guide covers:
Division of history
Paleolithic evidence in Kashmir
Neolithic sites and discoveries
Mythical origin of Kashmir valley
1. Basic Division of History
History is broadly divided into two parts:
Prehistory
No written records exist
Knowledge comes from stone tools, fossils, pottery and archaeological excavations
History (Proper)
Written sources available
Divided into Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods
Stone Age Phases (Prehistory)
Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) – hunter-gatherers, crude tools
Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) – transitional phase
Neolithic (New Stone Age) – agriculture, settlements, polished tools, pottery
Kashmir shows strong Neolithic evidence, but limited Paleolithic remains due to Ice Age glaciation.
2. Paleolithic Age in Kashmir (Old Stone Age)
Evidence of the Old Stone Age in Kashmir is limited. Humans were likely seasonal visitors because of the extremely cold climate.
Important Discoveries
Handaxes and flakes – Pahalgam (Lidder Valley)
Pebble choppers, scrapers, discoids – Rembiar River Valley (Balapur, Shopian)
Stone tools – Batchkak, Huin, Kalladad, Tapribalka
Rock shelter/early tools – Khansahab area (Budgam)
Fossil Evidence
Mammoth/elephant fossils discovered at Sombur (Pulwama) and Glandar (Pampore)
Exam Tip:
Most commonly asked Paleolithic site → Pahalgam (Lidder Valley)
Reason for fewer remains → Heavy glaciation during Ice Age
3. Neolithic Age in Kashmir (≈ 3000–1500 BCE)
Kashmir developed a unique Northern Neolithic Culture, famous for underground houses and early agriculture.
Major Neolithic Sites
Burzahom (Srinagar, near Dal Lake) – most important
Gufkral (Tral, Pulwama)
Begagund
Hariparigom
Pampore
Panzgom
Olchibag
Sombur
Thajiwor
Key Findings
Dwellings
Pit dwellings (underground houses for warmth)
Found at Burzahom, Gufkral and Olchibag
Pottery
Coarse grey ware
Burnished pottery
Gritty red ware (handmade)
Agriculture
Wheat
Barley
Lentils
Domesticated Animals
Sheep and goat
Dog burials with humans (ritual practice)
Tools
Polished stone celts
Bone and antler tools
Harvesting implements
Megalithic Phase
Menhirs (large standing stones)
Excavation
First trial excavation at Burzahom by Helmut de Terra and Thomson Paterson (1935–36)
Gufkral (Important Facts)
Located in Tral (Pulwama)
Name meaning: Guf = cave, Kral = potter
Shows transition from cave living to settlements
Exam Hotspot:
Burzahom → Pit dwellings + Menhirs
4. Mythical Origin of Kashmir Valley
The origin of Kashmir is described in the ancient Sanskrit text Nilamata Purana.
Legend of Satisar Lake
Kashmir valley was once a huge lake called Satisar
Ruled by Naga king Nila
Demon Jalodbhava troubled the inhabitants
Sage Kashyapa prayed to Vishnu
The lake was drained through the Baramulla gorge
Land emerged and humans settled
Meaning of the Name Kashmir
Ka → water
Shimir/Shimeera → to dry
Thus Kashmir = “land where water dried”
Derived forms:
Kashmira (Sanskrit)
Kasperia (Greek)
Ki-pin (Chinese records)
Cashmere (English usage)
Literary Sources
Nilamata Purana – earliest account
Rajatarangini by Kalhana (12th century) – later historical reference
Exam Tip:
Satisar drained by Kashyapa → source Nilamata Purana
Quick Revision Table
| Period | Features | Sites/Tools | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleolithic | Crude tools, hunter life | Pahalgam, Rembiar | Sparse due to glaciation |
| Neolithic | Farming, pit houses, pottery | Burzahom, Gufkral | Northern Neolithic culture |
| Origin Legend | Satisar lake drained | Baramulla gorge | Nilamata Purana |
FAQs (Important for Exams)
Q1. Division of history?
Prehistory (no writing) and History (written records)
Q2. Famous Paleolithic site?
Pahalgam (Lidder Valley)
Q3. Most important Neolithic site?
Burzahom
Q4. What are pit dwellings?
Underground houses used for warmth
Q5. Crops of Neolithic Kashmir?
Wheat, barley and lentils
Q6. Origin of Kashmir valley?
Satisar lake drained by Kashyapa (Nilamata Purana)
Q7. First excavation of Burzahom?
Helmut de Terra and Thomson Paterson
JKSSB Previous-Year Question Pattern
Repeated exam themes:
Burzahom and Gufkral → Neolithic sites
Burzahom famous for → Pit dwellings
Burzahom period → Neolithic/Megalithic
Evidence of prehistoric settlement → Burzahom
Final Tip for JKSSB Aspirants
Memorize this chain:
Burzahom → Pit dwellings → Neolithic → Menhirs → Northern Neolithic Culture
And link it with:
Nilamata Purana → Satisar → Kashyapa → Origin of Kashmir
If you remember these connections, you can easily solve most prehistory questions in J&K GK.
Stay consistent and keep revising — J&K Static GK is one of the highest scoring sections in JKSSB exams! 📚