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Theory of Kashmiri descent from lost tribes of Israel

The theory of Kashmiri descent from the lost tribes of Israel is a fringe theory which states that the Kashmiri people originally descended from the Ten Lost Tribes. Genetic testing and historical analysis have not proven this theory, though it still maintains minimal support in the Ahmadiyya movement.

History

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In 1899[1] Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya movement, theorized that Jesus had survived the crucifixion and traveled to Kashmir to find and preach to the lost tribes of Israel. Ahmad claimed that Jesus lived in Kashmir, had children, died aged 120,[2] and was buried in Srinagar.[3][4][5]

However, some historians believe that by claiming roots in Semitic monotheism, Kashmiri Muslims are attempting to separate themselves from their ancestral polytheistic religions.[6]

Despite claiming a genealogical connection, many South Asian Muslim groups show antagonism towards Jews. Scholars believe this roots from negative interpretations of Quran references to Jews and also from decades of Arab-Israel conflict.[6]

Basis in tribal names and toponymy

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The theory is essentially based on the purported similarities between Kashmir place names and Hebrew words and phrases by Ahmadiyya scholars.

Some examples include

Genetics

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Using genome-wide genotyping and admixture detection methods, it was determined there are no significant or substantial signs of Jewish admixture, among 16 Sephardi and/or Ashkenazi Jewish populations surveyed, in modern-day Kashmiris.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 3 Harinanda, Swami. Yoga and the Portal. Jai Dee Marketing. ISBN 0-9781429-5-0.
  2. ↑ Turner, Richard Brent (2003). Islam in the African-American Experience (2nd ed.). Indiana University Press. p. 113. ISBN 0-253-21630-3.
  3. ↑ Aḥmad, Bashīruddīn Maḥmūd (1980). Invitation to Ahmadiyyat: Being a Statement of Beliefs, a Rationale of Claims, and an Invitation, on Behalf of the Ahmadiyya Movement for the Propagation and Rejuvenation of Islam. Routledge. pp. 134–135. ISBN 0-7100-0119-3.
  4. ↑ Ackerley, Chris; Clipper, Lawrence Jon (1984). A Companion to Under the Volcano. UBC Press. pp. 385–386. ISBN 0-7748-0199-9.
  5. ↑ Childress, David Hatcher (1991). Lost Cities of China, Central Asia and India (3rd ed.). Adventures Unlimited Press. p. 271. ISBN 0-932813-07-0.
  6. 1 2 Aafreedi, Navras Jaat (September 2009). "Traditions of Israelite Descent Among Certain Muslim Groups in South Asia". Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies. 28 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1353/sho.0.0461. ISSN 1534-5165.
  7. 1 2 Skolnick, Fred; Berenbaum, Michael (2007). Encyclopedia Judaica: Ja–Kas (2nd ed.). Macmillan Reference USA. p. 822. ISBN 978-0-02-865939-8.
  8. 1 2 "Midstream". Midstream. 40. Theodor Herzl Foundation: 20. 1994. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  9. ↑ Downie, J. M.; Tashi, T.; Lorenzo, F. R.; Feusier, J. E.; Mir, H.; Prchal, J. T.; Jorde, L. B.; Koul, P. A. (2016). "A Genome-Wide Search for Greek and Jewish Admixture in the Kashmiri Population". PLOS ONE. 11 (8) e0160614. Bibcode:2016PLoSO..1160614D. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0160614. PMC 4973929. PMID 27490348.
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