Introduction: A Monarch Beyond His Time
Zain-ul-Abidin, more famously known as Budshah (the Great King), reigned as the eighth Sultan of Kashmir during the 15th century. Born in 1395 and ruling from 1420 to 1470 AD, he is remembered as one of the most enlightened and benevolent monarchs of medieval India. His rule marked a golden age in the history of Kashmir, distinguished by religious tolerance, economic reforms, patronage of the arts, and humanitarian governance. In stark contrast to many autocratic rulers of his time, Budshah established a legacy defined not by conquest but by compassion, justice, and cultural renaissance.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Zain-ul-Abidin was the second son of Sultan Sikandar Butshikan, a ruler infamous for his religious intolerance and temple desecrations. However, Zain inherited little of his father’s zealotry. He spent a portion of his youth in exile after a succession dispute with his elder brother, Sultan Ali Shah. During this period, he traveled extensively and interacted with cultures outside Kashmir, especially in Central Asia. These experiences greatly influenced his worldview and would later shape his policies as a ruler.
In 1420, following the death of his brother, Zain-ul-Abidin ascended to the throne. His return marked the beginning of a new era for Kashmir—one grounded in reconciliation and rebuilding. Unlike his predecessors, Budshah was committed to healing the wounds left by previous regimes.
Religious Tolerance and Social Harmony
One of Zain-ul-Abidin’s most remarkable achievements was the restoration of communal harmony in Kashmir. He reversed many of the harsh policies enacted by his father and brother against non-Muslim communities. Temples that had been desecrated were allowed to be rebuilt. He even employed Hindu scholars and Brahmins in his court, ensuring representation across religious lines.
Historian Jonaraja, a Brahmin, wrote the continuation of Kalhana’s Rajatarangini under Zain’s patronage. This decision not only demonstrates Budshah’s liberal approach but also emphasizes his desire to preserve Kashmir’s pre-Islamic heritage.
In the words of renowned historian Mohibbul Hasan:
“Zain-ul-Abidin’s liberal policies stand in stark contrast to the religious orthodoxy of his predecessors. He succeeded in knitting together a fractured society through tolerance and inclusiveness.”
Administrative Reforms and Good Governance
Zain-ul-Abidin’s governance set a benchmark for medieval Indian monarchies. He divided his kingdom into well-defined administrative units and appointed honest officials to oversee them. Strict checks and balances reduced corruption and improved efficiency. He personally took an interest in public welfare and ensured that justice was available to all, regardless of social status.
He introduced land revenue reforms that considered the fertility of the soil and the economic conditions of the peasants. Unlike exploitative feudal systems, his approach to taxation was humane and aimed at sustaining both the state and its citizens. The establishment of granaries, irrigation canals, and public works projects boosted agricultural productivity and food security.
Economic Development and Trade
Budshah’s economic vision was progressive. He promoted trade by ensuring the safety of trade routes and establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring states. Kashmir’s traditional crafts—such as shawl weaving, carpet making, and wood carving—flourished under his patronage. He invited artisans from Central Asia to train local craftsmen, thereby blending indigenous and foreign techniques.
Markets expanded and local industries thrived. Silk and woolen goods from Kashmir reached regions as far as Persia and Tibet, turning the valley into a hub of commerce.
According to scholar Mohammad Ishaq Khan:
“Zain-ul-Abidin was not just a ruler but a reformer who used economic policy as a tool for empowerment.”
Art, Literature, and Education
Cultural and intellectual growth peaked during Zain-ul-Abidin’s reign. He established schools and libraries, ensuring access to education for both Muslims and Hindus. Scholars, poets, and artists received state patronage, and Persian became the court language alongside Sanskrit.
Under his rule, music, painting, and sculpture thrived. Artisans and scholars from distant lands found refuge and recognition in his court. The synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Kashmiri traditions led to a unique cultural renaissance that lasted beyond his reign.
Healthcare and Humanitarianism
Budshah’s benevolence extended to healthcare and disaster relief. He built hospitals and arranged for physicians to treat the sick without charge. During famines and natural disasters, he ensured food distribution and waived taxes, helping his people survive turbulent times.
He showed deep empathy for the downtrodden. Widows, orphans, and the elderly received pensions from the state. His policies earned him the title Budshah, not from flattery but from genuine affection and admiration among the masses.
Military Strategy and Diplomacy
Though Zain-ul-Abidin preferred peace, he maintained a well-trained army to defend his realm. He strengthened Kashmir’s borders through alliances and strategic marriages rather than relentless wars. His balanced approach ensured stability and protected Kashmir’s sovereignty in a volatile region.
He also emphasized internal security, establishing a network of informants to maintain law and order without oppressive measures.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Zain-ul-Abidin passed away in 1470 after a 50-year reign. He left behind a Kashmir that was united, prosperous, and culturally enriched. His death marked the end of the most stable and golden period in Kashmiri history. Later rulers struggled to match his legacy, and the region eventually fell into decline.
Nonetheless, Budshah’s memory endures. His contributions to social reform, religious tolerance, economic stability, and cultural advancement have earned him a unique place in the annals of South Asian history. Schools, roads, and institutions in Kashmir continue to bear his name, serving as a tribute to a monarch who ruled with vision and virtue.
Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah) was more than a medieval king; he was a visionary reformer, a cultural patron, and a humanitarian. In a time when autocracy and religious intolerance were rampant, he chose pluralism, inclusion, and empathy. His reign is a timeless lesson in leadership—one rooted in ethics, public welfare, and respect for diversity.
In today’s fragmented world, where communal tensions and inequities persist, the example set by Budshah remains profoundly relevant. His life reminds us that true greatness in leadership lies not in dominion over others, but in the betterment of their lives.