Jammu and Kashmir’s Dogra dynasty: a cultural analysis of food and dress (1846–1947)

The Dogra dynasty (1846–1947) in Jammu and Kashmir created a distinctive cultural environment in which food and dress mirrored the region’s socio-political, religious, and economic dynamics. This study argues that dietary habits and apparel during the Dogra reign were more than just markers of identity; they represented a combination of tradition and external influences formed by trade, migration, and royal patronage. The Dogra nobles dressed elaborately to establish their control and adhere to Rajput traditions, while the general public wore utilitarian and region-specific clothing. Similarly, regional cuisine, defined by different ingredients and preparation techniques, reflects the agrarian economy and blending of Dogra, Kashmiri, and Mughal culinary habits. This paper also shows how nutrition and dress standards reflect caste, gender hierarchy, and socio-economic institutions. Dogras introduced contemporary fabrics and processed meals, which indirectly promoted commerce and globalization. By studying food and dress culture, this research shows how material culture negotiates tradition and modernity in Jammu and Kashmir.