The Buddhist Prince Who Opened Kashmir’s Gates To Islamic Rule

Kashmir’s shift to Islamic rule began with Rinchan, a Buddhist prince from Ladakh who sought refuge in the valley. Rejected conversion by Brahmin priests, he embraced Islam under Sufi Bulbul Shah and became Sultan Sadr-ud-Din in 1320. His brief reign ended Hindu political dominance and paved the way for Islamic rule through his minister, Shah Mir.