Politics of Desire: Sexual Exploitation and Agency in Kashmiri History
Aadil Nazir Bhat
Research Scholar, Department of History, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, M.P.
The study examines the historical evidence of prostitution, concubinage, and polygamy in ancient Kashmir, highlighting their entrenchment within the socio-political and economic structures of the region. Drawing from texts such as the Rajatarangini, Kuttanimata Kavya, and Samayamatrika, the research underscores the hierarchical and gendered nature of these practices, revealing how women's bodies were often commodified for political and economic gains. The prevalence of concubinage and polygamy among the elite, coupled with the diminished emphasis on virginity, challenges conventional notions of sexual propriety. The agency of royal women, including figures such as Queen Didda and Sughandha, further complicates gender narratives, demonstrating their strategic use of relationships for political leverage. The devadasi system, temple prostitution, and the professionalisation of courtesanship illustrate the intersection of religion and sexual exploitation. This study argues that rather than being peripheral, prostitution and related practices were integral to Kashmir’s socio-political landscape. A critical reassessment of historical narratives is essential to understand the complexities of gender and sexuality in ancient Kashmir beyond moralistic interpretations.
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