Theory of Kashmiri descent from lost tribes of Israel
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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 disproved this theory, though it maintains negligible support within the Ahmadiyya movement.
History
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]
Basis in tribal names and toponymy
The theory is essentially based on the purported similarities between Kashmir place names and Hebrew words and phrases by Ahmadiyya scholars.
Some examples include
- Bandpoor (similar to Beth Peor)[1]
- Naboo Hill (similar to Mount Nebo)[1]
- Pishgah (similar to Mount Pisgah)[6][7]
- Mamre (similar to Mamre)[6][7]
Genetics
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.[8]
See also
- Japanese-Jewish common ancestry theory
- Khazar hypothesis of Ashkenazi ancestry
- Theories of Pashtun origin
References
- ^ a b c Harinanda, Swami. Yoga and the Portal. Jai Dee Marketing. ISBN 0978142950.
- ^ Turner, Richard Brent (2003). Islam in the African-American Experience (2nd ed.). Indiana University Press. p. 113. ISBN 0253216303.
- ^ 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 0710001193.
- ^ Ackerley, Chris; Clipper, Lawrence Jon (1984). A Companion to Under the Volcano. UBC Press. pp. 385–386. ISBN 0774801999.
- ^ Childress, David Hatcher (1991). Lost Cities of China, Central Asia and India (3rd ed.). Adventures Unlimited Press. p. 271. ISBN 0932813070.
- ^ a b Skolnick, Fred; Berenbaum, Michael (2007). Encyclopedia Judaica: Ja–Kas (2nd ed.). Macmillan Reference USA. p. 822. ISBN 978-0028659398.
- ^ a b "Midstream". Midstream. 40. Theodor Herzl Foundation: 20. 1994. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
- ^ 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.