Explanation: In Rajatarangini (a history of Kashmir written by Kalhana in the mid[1]12th century) it is stated that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake.

• According to Hindu mythology, the lake was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyapa, son of Marichi (who in his turn was the son of Brahma), by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla (Varaha-mula).
• When Kashmir had been drained, Kashyapa asked Brahmans to settle there and thus Kashmir valley was settled by Hindus in the initial phases.
• The beautiful kingdom of Kashmir was for long a forbidden land for all outsiders.
• Alberuni, the famous Arab traveller remarked in his work Al-Hind that entry into Kashmir was not allowed even to the Hindus who were not known personally to the local nobles.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT