DIDDA RANI ,QUEEN OF KASHMIR 958-1003

DIDDA RANI ,QUEEN OF KASHMIR 958-1003

She was physically disabled. She was clever, manipulative, ruthless, and ruled Kashmir for more than 40 years. Obviously, men thought Didda was a witch.

“The statesmanlike instinct and political ability which we must ascribe to Didda in spite of all the defects of her character, are attested by the fact that she remained to the last in peaceful possession of the Kashmir throne, and was able to bequeath it to her family in undisputed possession.”

— Aurel Stein

Rani Didda’s (r 958-1003 CE) rule represents the peak of women’s power in Kashmir, which unusually had many women rulers both before and after her. She is sometimes called the Catherine of Kashmir, referring to the ruthless Catherine the Great of Russia who ruled long and well with the help of her favourites (?) whom she periodically purged. In spite of a leg disability and her gender, Didda was able to rule Kashmir with an iron hand for more than four decades.

Didda is a very controversial ruler, who is difficult to slot. All agree about her tremendous political survival skills, by cold-blooded application of Arthashastra maxims; her ability to rule, select able lieutenants, and her achievement of stability in the fractious kingdom she had inherited. What many researchers find hard to digest is her thirst for power and snidely attributed lust for men. What in men would be admirable ambition and display of masculinity become in her a failing and an evil.














Historians ascribing innumerable lovers to Didda, however, could be just a sign of gender bias—after all, how else could a woman possibly succeed in getting loyalty from her ministers? Unless of course by witchcraft, which she is accused of!

Fortunately, the history of Kashmir has come down to us in great detail, written by Kalhana in Rajatarangini in 1149 CE, generally considered India’s oldest historical chronicle. It is brutally frank in its tales of blood and betrayal, and of kings from all caste origins; clearly not commissioned by rulers who would have insisted on appropriately glorious ancestors. The late historian P.N.K. Bamzai wrote: “In his history there are no heroes or heroines…indeed, whether we love them or not for their virtues, it is their vices which make them unforgettable.

Obverse: Enthroned Ardoxsho facing; 
Nagari legend: ‘Sri’ left and ‘DiDda’ right.
Reverse: Queen standing.


Rulers of Kashmir issued chunky copper coins with very stylized designs showing the goddess Ardoxsho seated and the ruler standing. Our example bears the inscription of Didda Rani, one of the most ruthless queens that ever lived. After the death of her husband, she ruled through sons and grandsons killing them when they proved unsatisfactory until she assumed power (and issued coins) in her own name. After being the power behind and on the throne for over 50 years she died leaving the rule to her nephew (closest surviving relative). Coins of Kashmir can withstand much wear without losing legends. Finding coins with facial details and full legends is very hard but more ordinary specimens are extremely common. Our example lacks facial details and holds dirt in the recesses as is common for these deeply cut coins.