@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 1) Actually, it is undeniable that Vegetarianism was considered a virtue in premodern Kashmir. All the Rishis of Kashmir were vegetarians. Even Muslim Rishis like Hardi Rishi and Baba Rishi.Rishis are widely revered even today.Mughal emperor Jahangir writes about them in his book
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 2) Infact, a Sufi named Hamza Makhdum had to force Hardi Rishi to partake meat, to conform him to the principles of Sunnah. Like Hardi Rishi, even Nand Rishi(Nooruddin) did not partake meat and asked his followers to avoid meat.
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 3) It is a common tradition among Kashmiris even today to avoid partaking meat before visiting the Shrines of Nand Rishi or Hardi Rishi. Like the Rishis, even the great Kashmiri poetess Lal Ded was a staunch Vegetarian and actually criticised ritual animal sacrifice.
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 4) Pre Islamic Kashmir frequently produced many "dharmic" kings who completely banned meat eating and animal killing. King Meghavahana, whom Kalhana calls virtuous("dharmatma") completely banned meat as well as onion and garlic throughout Kashmir and banned animal sacrifies
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 5) Likewise, the great Kashmiri King Avantivarman banned all killing and animal sacrifices throughout his kingdom. He banned fishing.
Others like Gopaditya went a step further and expelled Brahmins who ate meat and/or garlic
Others like Gopaditya went a step further and expelled Brahmins who ate meat and/or garlic
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 6) Infact, this tradition of "dharmic kings" banning killing was remembered even in Muslim age. Budshah Zainulabidin, who wanted to emulate dharmic Hindu kings, also probihited fishing in the Vitasta and Dal. Fishing was also prohibited during Gulab Singh's reign.
@Chandrapida1 @NeonKashmir 7) I challenge anyone to show me where the idea of ethical vegetarianism was contested in premodern Kashmir. Although the population remained largely non-vegetarian, the ideal of vegetarianism was never contested. Dharmic kings and sages sought to impose it wherever they could
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