Ancient History of J&K
The ancient history of Jammu and Kashmir is known through
many different sources such as, literary teats, archeological
remains, ancient structures, etc. The state had been ruled by
various kings and remained a home to many dynasties, for
e.g. Mauryas, Kushanas, Karkota and so on.
The earliest history of Kashmir could be traced during the epical Mahabharata
period which reveals that the region was under the Republican system of Kambojas
and Rajapura was their capital which is now known as Rajouri. Later, this region
went in the hands of Panchala. It is known from the name Pir Panjal which is a
distorted form of the Sanskritic tribal term 'Panchala'.