Theory of Kashmiri descent from lost tribes of Israel

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