Previous Year Question

Zain-ul-Abidin was a celebrated ruler of the Shah Mir dynasty of Kashmir. He ruled mainly from 1420 to 1470 CE and became particularly renowned for his liberal administrative and religious policies.

Before him, during the reign of Sikandar Shah, harsh policies had been adopted towards the non-Muslim population of Kashmir. After coming to power, Zain-ul-Abidin reversed many of these policies and followed a tolerant approach towards different religious communities.

Zain-ul-Abidin abolished the Jizya tax imposed on Hindus. He also encouraged the return of people who had left Kashmir because of the conditions prevailing during the preceding reign.

Respecting Hindu religious sentiments, he prohibited cow slaughter. Several earlier restrictions imposed upon religious ceremonies and pilgrimages were also removed.

Zain-ul-Abidin patronised Sanskrit scholars and encouraged intellectual exchange between Sanskrit and Persian traditions. The translation of Indian works into Persian was also promoted during his reign.

Because of his liberal policies and welfare-oriented rule, he came to be known as ‘Budshah’, meaning the Great King. He is particularly remembered in history for his policy of religious tolerance.

Hence, the ruler of Kashmir who abolished Jizya and prohibited cow slaughter was Zain-ul-Abidin.