| Zaldagar Massacre | |
|---|---|
| Location | Zaldagar, Srinagar, Kashmir, India |
| Date | April 29, 1865 |
| Target | Shawl weavers, Civilians |
Attack type | Massacre |
| Deaths | 28 killed |
| Injured | 100+ wounded |
| Perpetrator | Dogra army |
The Zaldagar Massacre refers to the killing of 28 Kashmiri shawl weavers (Shalbafs) on April 29, 1865, by the army of Dogra Dynasty. In the Zaldagar locality of Srinagar, Kashmir. [1] [2] [3] The massacre occurred in response to protests by the weavers against oppressive taxation and exploitative working conditions imposed by the Dogra administration. [4] [5]
The shawl-weaving industry was a prominent economic activity in 19th-century Kashmir, renowned globally for its exquisite craftsmanship. Despite their skill and the high demand for their products, the shawl weavers lived in poverty due to the oppressive Dag Shawl Tax, which heavily burdened their earnings. [6] [7]
In addition to taxation, shawl weavers endured grueling working hours and restrictive practices that limited their autonomy and exacerbated their hardship. These exploitative conditions led to widespread dissatisfaction among the artisans, culminating in organized protests against the Dogra administration. [8]
On April 29, 1865, hundreds of shawl weavers assembled in the Old City of Srinagar to demand relief from excessive taxation and improved working conditions. The protest gained momentum as the artisans marched toward Zaldagar, raising their voices against the administration. The Dogra army, led by Colonel Bijoy Singh, intercepted the demonstrators at the Haji Rather Sum Bridge in Zaldagar. Despite being unarmed, the protesters refused to disperse when ordered by the forces. In response, the soldiers opened fire indiscriminately on the crowd, killing many on the spot. As chaos ensued, several protesters attempted to flee but were chased down by troops armed with spears. In desperation, many jumped into the Kuti Ko'el stream to escape the violence, resulting in additional deaths. By the end of the carnage, 28 shawl weavers were killed, and more than 100 others were injured. [9] [8]
The shawl-weavers get miserable wages, and are allowed neither to leave Kashmir nor change their employment, so that they are nearly in the position of slaves ; and their average wage is only about three-halfpence a-day.