That doesn't change the fact that it was independent of South Asia and the "Indian empires" for most of the past 2,000 years.
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So was it still independent of " Indian empires" for last 430 years (taking out the "foreign " afghan rule during this period) or was it part of " Indian empire" . We will take it one step at a time. Let us clear the "air" on last 500 years first ..... so simple yes or no ...... was Kashmir part of " Indian Empire" in last 500 years ....