Kashmir Civil War (1419–1420)

Kashmir Civil War
Sasnu coin issued by Zainu'l-Abidin (c. 1460s)
Date December 1419–July 1420 Location Kashmir Sultanate (primarily Srinagar, Uri and Thanna) Result Shahi Khan's victory Shahi Khan is enthroned as Sultan of Kashmir as Zainu'l-Abidin Sialkot expands influence over Jammu
Belligerents
Forces loyal to Shahi Khan Pothohar Chieftaincy Diplomatic support: Sindh Sultanate	Forces loyal to Ali Shah Diplomatic support: Jammu Kingdom Delhi Sultanate
Commanders and leaders
Shahi Khan Jasrat Fath Khan Samma	Ali Shah † Bhim Dev Khizr Khan

The Kashmir Civil War was a short-lived yet prominent war of succession over the throne of Kashmir that lasted from late 1419 until mid 1420. The conflict was a dynastic clash between Sultan Ali Shah and his younger brother Shahi Khan (Zainu'l-Abidin).

Background

After the death of Sultan Sikandar in 1413, his eldest son, Ali Shah, ascended to the throne. However, Ali Shah's rule was marked by administrative inefficiency and dissatisfaction among the nobility. Shahi Khan, Sikandar’s younger son, was appointed as governor of a province but quickly rose in influence due to his strong leadership and popularity. The rivalry between the two brothers became evident as Shahi Khan garnered support from key factions dissatisfied with Ali Shah’s governance.

The civil war was driven by dynastic rivalry and Ali Shah's inability to maintain effective control over the Sultanate. His reliance on external alliances, particularly with Raja Bhim Dev of Jammu, further alienated segments of the Kashmiri nobility. Shahi Khan’s growing support among military leaders and administrators intensified the conflict, as many saw him as a more capable ruler.

The Conflict

In 1419, Sultan Ali Shah left Srinagar under the pretext of performing the Hajj pilgrimage. However, instead of proceeding to Mecca, he sought military assistance from Raja Bhim Dev of Jammu, his father-in-law, to strengthen his claim to the throne. During Ali Shah’s absence, Shahi Khan consolidated his position in Kashmir. He gained the support of local nobility, military commanders, and influential administrators, securing his control over Srinagar and the surrounding territories.

Battle of Thanna

In 1420, Ali Shah returned to Kashmir at the head of an army provided by Raja Bhim Dev. Shahi Khan, anticipating the confrontation, sought the assistance of the Khokhars, a powerful tribal group under their leader Jasrat Khan. The decisive battle took place near Thanna (modern-day Thana Mandi). Shahi Khan’s forces, bolstered by the Khokhars, defeated Ali Shah’s army. Contemporary accounts suggest that Ali Shah was killed in the battle, although some sources claim he fled and went into exile.

Aftermath

After the battle, Shahi Khan returned to Srinagar and was crowned as Sultan, taking the title Zain-ul-Abidin. His accession marked the end of the civil war and the beginning of a transformative period in Kashmiri history.

Zain-ul-Abidin’s reign (1420–1470) is considered the golden age of the Kashmir Sultanate. He reversed many of Sultan Sikandar’s harsh policies, promoted religious tolerance, and fostered economic and cultural growth. His policies brought stability and prosperity to Kashmir, earning him the title Budshah (The Great King).