New Delhi: The Hindu Kush, a formidable mountain range spanning nearly 1000 miles in length and 200 miles in width, holds within its peaks a hidden history of tragedy and genocide that has largely remained obscured. Running northeast to southwest, it serves as a natural divide between the Amu Darya River Valley and the Indus River Valley, stretching from the Pamir Plateau near Gilgit to Iran. Although primarily passing through Afghanistan and Pakistan, this region has deep historical significance for India's past.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region, once a witness to the footsteps of conquerors like Alexander the Great, Taimur, and Babur, also bears the weight of a history that is often ignored. The term "Hindu Kush" itself holds a chilling connotation – it translates to "Hindu Slaughter" or "Hindu Killer" in Persian. This name is not a misnomer, nor is it a product of modern times, but a stark reminder of a brutal past. Throughout history, the passes across the Hindu Kush have held immense military importance, granting access to the northern plains of India. Invaders like Alexander, Taimur, and Babur used these routes to infiltrate India. However, the name "Hindu Kush" reflects a much darker reality – a genocide that has long haunted the Hindu population of the region.

The horrors of the Hindu Kush came into focus during the Islamic conquests that began in the early medieval period. Moslem conquerors, over several centuries, not only took control of the region but also systematically slaughtered or enslaved the Hindu population. The name itself, "Hindu Kush," derived from Persian, speaks volumes – it means "Hindu Slaughter" or "Hindu Killer." This name is not merely a linguistic curiosity. Historical references and various accounts corroborate the immense human suffering that took place in the region. Timur Lane, in 1398 AD, ordered the execution of thousands of captives before the battle for Delhi. The Mughal emperor Akbar ordered the massacre of about 30,000 captured Rajput Hindus after the battle for Chitod in 1568 AD.

The impact of this genocide has extended beyond history's grasp, shaping the present and future of the region. The Gypsies, who have roamed Central Asia and Europe since the 12th Century AD, are believed to have originated from Punjab and were likely driven out by the Moslem conquests over the Hindu Kush. These conquests not only led to mass killings but also had far-reaching consequences, shaping migration patterns and cultures across regions.

Despite this dark history, the tragedy of the Hindu Kush is often overlooked or deliberately obscured. The Indian education system barely mentions it, and the Government of India does little to teach its citizens about this historical reality. While the Jewish holocaust is remembered and taught worldwide, the Hindu genocide remains relatively unknown to many. Denialism and negationism have become the official policy of the Indian government, sidestepping the uncomfortable truths of history.

The Hindu Kush stands as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed against Hindus during the Islamic conquests. The name itself encapsulates the horror – a "Hindu Slaughter" etched into the mountains. To truly understand history and prevent its repetition, acknowledging this tragedy is imperative.

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