Srinagar February 21 (KNS): In an exclusive interview with Kashmir News Service (KNS), renowned Kashmiri scholar and author Khwaja Farooq Renzushah shared insights into his latest research book on Sultana Kota Rani – The Reshi Queen of Kashmir. The book, which he compiled during his stay in Michigan, USA, over the last three months, delves into the historical significance of Kota Rani, her contributions to Kashmiri civilization, and her role as a pioneer of secularism and cultural renaissance.
Renzushah, an esteemed writer with 22 books to his credit, recalled that his literary journey began in 1977 with Doobtay Kinaray, which was highly praised by literary stalwart Dr. Aali Ahmad Saroor. Now, in 2024-2025, his research on Sultana Kota Rani has garnered appreciation from scholars across cultures, highlighting her universal appeal.
A Symbol of Kashmir's Composite Culture
Speaking about Kota Rani’s legacy, Renzushah emphasized that she is revered equally by Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists, making her an iconic figure in Kashmir’s history. “She sacrificed everything for Kashmir and stood as a symbol of unity, tolerance, and spiritual wisdom,” he stated.
He further explained that the concept of Kashmiriyat—a blend of diverse cultures and faiths—was deeply rooted in the time of Kota Rani. “Kashmir’s civilization was built on the principles of love, unity, and inclusivity. The Renaissance of humanistic ideologies in Kashmir played a crucial role in resisting Mongol invasions like that of Zulqadar Khan,” he noted.
Kota Rani – The First Secular Leader of Kashmir
According to Renzushah, Kota Rani was not just a ruler but a visionary who upheld the ideals of secularism centuries before the West adopted them. “She is admired by Hindus as Rani, by Muslims as Sultana, and by Sufis as Qutub for her deep spiritual insight. Her efforts to protect Kashmir’s composite culture laid the foundation for what we now call secularism,” he remarked.
The book highlights Kota Rani’s political acumen and her struggle against forces that sought to destroy Kashmir’s cultural fabric. “She ruled as Queen Regent for her son, Hyder Shah, after the martyrdom of Sultan Sadr-ud-Din, who was assassinated in a conspiracy by Shams Swati,” Renzushah revealed.
Revival of Kashmir’s Renaissance and the Role of Budshah
Reflecting on the turbulent history of Kashmir, Renzushah spoke about how tyrannical rulers like Sultan Sikander and his Wazir Seeh Batta tried to erase the region’s inclusive heritage. “They led massacres and exodus of Hindus, Buddhists, and Reshis, creating islands of dead bodies in Dal Lake.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTheir atrocities are a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history,” he said.
However, he highlighted the role of Zain-ul-Abideen Budshah, the son of Sikander, in reversing these injustices. “Budshah rejected his father’s extremist policies and worked to restore Kashmir’s cultural and religious harmony. He named several developmental projects after Kota Rani, including Srinagar’s flood channels known as Kota Kouls,” Renzushah pointed out.
A Global Recognition for Kashmir’s Heritage
The book has been widely appreciated by scholars worldwide, including those at the Renaissance Cultural Center in Michigan. “Lawshawan, a grand personality at Michigan’s Iconic Renaissance Cultural Abode, recognized Kota Rani as the pioneer of Renaissance and secularism. It is an honor for Kashmir’s rich heritage to be acknowledged on such a global platform,” Renzushah stated.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Google, and Facebook, the book has received thousands of positive reactions, especially from the younger generation. “It’s heartening to see that people still respect those who upheld unity and stood against hate and tyranny,” he added.
Call for Revival of Sharda Peeth
During the interview, Renzushah also emphasized the historical importance of Sharda Peeth, one of the world’s oldest centers of learning. “Sultana Kota Rani and later Budshah’s mother, Sultana Shoba Rani, received spiritual education from Sharda Peeth. Unfortunately, it was destroyed multiple times, and now its remains are being misused,” he lamented.
He urged for the revival of this ancient institution. “The Pakistani authorities should vacate the premises of Sharda Peeth so that it can be restored as a global center of wisdom,” he appealed.
A Tribute to the Queen of Unity
Concluding the interview, Renzushah reiterated that Kota Rani’s legacy is one of love, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to Kashmir’s unity. “She was a queen who fought for Kashmir’s identity and ensured that the spirit of Kashmiriyat survived through the ages. Her story must be remembered, celebrated, and taught to future generations,” he asserted.
With this groundbreaking research, Khwaja Farooq Renzushah has brought to light a crucial part of Kashmir’s history, ensuring that Sultana Kota Rani’s contributions to unity, secularism, and cultural resilience remain etched in the collective memory of the region.(KNS)