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)

1. Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) – hunter-gatherers, crude tools

2. Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) – transitional phase

3. 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

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! 📚