Shakti’s First Parliament: How Kashmir’s Queen Ishandevi Birthed Democracy 2,500 Years Ago
When corruption’s dark serpent coiled around Kashmir’s throne during King Jaloka’s reign, it was Queen Ishandevi who embodied Durga’s fierce protective spirit, wielding democracy as her divine weapon. Like Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Navadurga who grants supreme powers, Ishandevi bestowed upon Kashmir something revolutionary,the world’s first democratic council, over 2,500 years ago.
Faced with administrative decay and economic collapse, this visionary queen didn’t merely observe from palace walls. Instead, she channelled Kushmanda’s creative energy, birthing a council of sectorial experts where she served as chairman. Her innovation transformed a helpless king into a nominal head while empowering qualified voices to introduce reform bills through democratic voting,a concept that wouldn’t emerge in the West for millennia.
Beyond governance, Ishandevi embodied Katyayani’s scholarly wisdom, mastering religion, philosophy, and architecture. Her matri temples, celebrating life’s eternal cycle, still whisper her legacy in Srinagar’s museum corridors. Like Kalaratri destroying ignorance, she dismantled corruption’s stronghold.
As we celebrate Navratras, honoring the divine feminine’s transformative power, we must remember that long before democracy became a global ideal, an Indian queen from Kashmir’s misty valleys had already gifted this sacred system to humanity,proving that true Shakti lies in empowering others.
Note ; This is copyright material (including the image) from StreeDesh – the forgotten legendary women of Kashmir by Dr.Ashish Kaul.
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