Jammu and Kashmir Districts PDF

# Jammu and Kashmir Districts ## Srinagar ### Part 1 - Summer Capital of J&K - Situated in the center of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the river Jhelum. - Surrounded by 4 districts: - North: Ladakh Ganderbal - South: Pulwama - North-west: Budgam - Located at 1585 meters above sea...

# Jammu and Kashmir Districts ## Srinagar ### Part 1 - Summer Capital of J&K - Situated in the center of the Kashmir Valley on the banks of the river Jhelum. - Surrounded by 4 districts: - North: Ladakh Ganderbal - South: Pulwama - North-west: Budgam - Located at 1585 meters above sea level. - City famous for: Gardens, lakes, Houseboats, Handicrafts & Dry Fruit - City located on both sides of the river Jhelum (Called Wyeth in Kashmiri) - City famous for its 9 old bridges connecting 2 parts of the city. - Hokersar - Wetland situated near Srinagar. - Ramsar site - Total Wetland sites of India - 46 - Total Ramsar sites in J&K 42 + New 4 + New 1 = 47 - Thousands of migratory birds come from Siberia and other regions in winter season (Sep-Oct) and again around Spring. - Important places: - Chasma Shahi - Harwan - Badamwari - Dal Lake - Tulip Garden - Hari Parbat Fort - Eco-sensitive zone - Dachigam National park - Nishat & Shalimar Garden - Botanical Garden - Pari Mahal - Nigeen Lake - UNESCO Heritage Sites recently added - a total of 40: - Dholavira - a Harrapa city of Gujarat - Ramappa Temple (or Kakatiya Rudreshwara) - Telangana - No UNESCO Heritage site in J&K till now. ### Part 2 - JSW (Jindal Education & Medical Trust) target to renovate Mughal Gardens is trying to add in UNESCO heritage sites. - Srinagar ruled by Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century. - Ashoka - he set up city Srinagar - Introduced Buddhism to the valley of Kashmir. - Kushans believed to have controlled this region in the 1st century. - Ruled this place because of strong hold in Pak Afghanistan. - King Vikramaditya - from Ujjain ruled the city. - Then reign went in hands of Huns in the 6th century. - After the 14th Century, the city came under Mughals - Srinagar was made capital during rule of Yousuf Shah Chak - In 1707, Mughal dominion came to an end - Tricked to death by Akbar - After death of Aurangzeb - After that, Durani Empire came to power. - Raja Sukhjivan Mal - Soldier in Afghan Durani Army - Late became governor - & Later King 1754-1762 of Kashmir. - 1014 - Sikh rule established - Maharaja Ranjit Singh ruled over Kashmir. - Dogra rule - 1046 till 1947. - Srinagar was considered as Princely State in the British India. ### Part 3 - Important Facts & Current Affairs - Kashmiri Saffron - G1 (geographical indication) tag - Willow Bat - Demand 41 tag - JSW Foundation - to restore famous Mughal Gardens. - Srinagar recently added in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network 2021 - Mumbai - Film, Jaipur - Folk Arts, Chennai - Music, Varanasi - Music - SKIMS - got its first kind of Infectious Disease Block Facility. - Amar Singh College - got award of merit in 2020 UNESCO Asia Specific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. - Chenab Bridge - Worlds highest Railway Bridge by Konkan Railway - Will connect Katra (Bakkal) - Srinagar (Kauri) - USBRL (Udhampur Baramulla Srinagar Rail Link) - Rs. 28000 Cr. - SBI - launched first Floating ATM over Dal Lake. ## Rajouri ### Part 1 - Rajouri is called as "Land of Kings" - Also called "Rajapuri" - In Mahabharata, a kingdom mentioned in travelogue of Hiuen Tsang called Danchal Desa in Rajouri. - Visited in 632 AD - Earlier in Buddhist Period, King Panchal Naresh - It formed a part of Gandhar Territory (Afghanistan, Gandhar, Tashkent) - His daughter "Dropdi" married to "Pandvas" - Later it was in the domain called "Darabhisanga". - It is a hilly stretch from Poonch to Kashmir. - Lahorkote - in Poonch & Rajouri distt. - A powerful state. - According to F.E Pargitor, 2nd branch of Aryans settled in Poonch & Rajouri area. - Rajouri, Bhimber, & Naushera were included in the territory of Abhisar. - Alexander Invasion - Rajouri was height of its glory. - One of hill station of Punjab kingdom. - Mauryan Period - Great trade center. - Mughal Rule - Rulers of Rajouri have embraced Islam though they have retained the title of Raja. - Al-Baruni visited Rajouri with Sultan Masud (Son of Sultan Mahmud) in 1036 AD. - In his book "India" he wrote name of Rajouri as "Raja Vari". - Srivar writer Raj Tarangini also called named area as Raj Puri. - Written during reign of Sultan Zainul-Abideen. ### Part 2 - Mirza Zafarulla Khan writer of Tarikh Rajgan-e-Ray - Was called Raj Avar then Rajour then Rajouri. - Praja Bhat another writer of Raj Tirangani in 16th century, named Rajouri as Raj-Vare. - As per Raj Tarangini of Kalhan, Rajouri emerged as principality in 1003 AD. - 1st Ruler - Raja Prithvi Paul - Last Ruler - Amna Paul 1194 AD - Paul's Rule (1033AD-1194) - As per "Tasikn-Rajjan-e-Rajouri", Noor-ud-din who migrated from Punjab to Rajouri revolted against Amna Paul and became new ruler/ Raja of Rajouri and led the foundation of Joural Muslim Rule (1194 - 21st Oct 1846). - Last Muslim ruler of Rajouri - Raja Raheem Ullah Khan. - Joural Muslim Rajas - The rebuilt city of Rajouri, Forts, Sarai, Mosques. - Raja Agar-Ullah-Khan (1808-19) fought against the Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1815) & Gulab Singh (1819). - Muslim Raja who was helpful and liberal to Hindus was Raja Azmat Ullah. - In 1846, Amritsar Pact was signed between British Government and Raja Gulab Singh. - After defeating Raja Fakir-Ullah-1846. - Gulab Singh changed its name to Rampur - He appointed Millan Hathu as governor of Rajouri ### Part 3 - Millan Hathu remained at Rajouri upto 1846 AD. - Constructed temple between Thanna Nala near Rajouri city. - Also built Rajouri Fort at Dhannidhan village. - After Millan Hathu, Rajouri was converted into Tehsil and affiliated with Bhimber district. - In 1904, Tehsil was separated from Bhimber and was affiliated with Reasi district. - After independence, it became Poonch-Rajouri district. - In 1st Jan 1968, Rajouri emerged as a new district. - 113th April - Celebrated as Rajouri Day. - Tourist Destinations - Dhanidhar Fort - Dhudha Dhari Temple (Also called as Dhudha Dhani Barfani Ashrham) - Shah Dara Sharif - Ziyarat of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah - Kotranka Budhal - Current Events: - Panchayat Jamola gets Child Friendly Gram Panchayat Award 202 - Panchayat Dhangri gets Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar, 2020. - Panchayat Zalora gets Gram Panchayat Development Plan 202. - Of Baramulla district. ## Anantnag ### Part 1 - Southern sector of Jhelum valley - (vyeth). - Rejuvenating climate, lofty mountains, melodious flow of sweet waters of its springs & streams, fertile soil, fragrant flowers & delicious fruits - (because this district has come to be synonymous with greatness). - Entire southern sector is contiguous Reasi, Banhal, Kishtwar. - Eastern sector is Kargil (composed of thick forests & mountains.) - Northen sector is Pulwama. - Western sector is Kulgam. - Anantnag has the largest number of streams (Nallas). - Sandran - Brengi - Arpath - Lidder (takes off from Sheshnag lake and covers the maximum area of the district) - The area of the district after carving out district Kulgam in year 2007 stood at 3574sq km (1.31% of J&K). - As per Census 2011: - Population of district - 10.70 lakh (male - 5.521, female - 5.171). - Villages: 395 - 1 municipal council: 9 municipal communities. - Name of Anantnag. - As per well-know archaeologist, Sir A-Stein said - Great spring Ananta Naga, also corroborated by almost all local historians including Kalhana. - Anantnag got its name coz of this great spring Cesha or Ananta Naga "Land of countless springs". ### Part 2 - Anantnag spring mentioned in the Neelmat Purana. - It is however said that name Islamabad is a sacred place for Hindus. - Before advent of Muslim rule, it was assigned to town by Islam Khan in Kashmir. - It was divided into three region/divisions: - Maraj - South - Yamraj - Center - Kamraj - North - Old Chronicles reveal that the division was the culmination of rift between Marhan and Kamar over the crown of their father. - Past of this valley between Pir Panjal and Srinagar was given to Marhan and named after him as Maraj. - Before Muslim rule, Anantnag was known as Maraj. - While Srinagar is no longer known as Yamraj. The area to its North & South are still called as Kamraz Maraz. - Valley of Kashmir by Lawrence states that these divisions were later on divided into 34 sub divisions, which after 1871 were again reduced to 5 zillas/districts. - Tourist Destinations - Pahalgam (Village of shepherds, starting point of Amarnath Yatra.) - Achabal Bag-e-Begumn (Developed by Noor Jahan 1616 AD) - Kokernag, Verinang (1st tourist spot of Kashmir valley while travelling from Daksum. ## Samba ### Part 1 - Samba was principally established somewhere in 1400 AD by Malh Dev - Called as founder of Samba district. - He married into a family of Ghotar (Local tribe). - Was younger son of Rai Sadhu (Lakhampur). - After his marriage, he stayed at Samba and made himself master of the trait with Samba and made its capital. - Samba came under the supremacy of Jammu during the period of Hari Dev (1816 AD) - In 1822, Suchet Singh (Younger brother of Gulab Singh) - Was made Raja of Bandialta Samba. - Established by Raja Suchet Singh. - Also built Samba Fort. - Samba was known for its 22 Mandies. - In 1846 AD, it was annexed to J&K by Maharaja Gulab Singh making it integral part of J&K. - As a district, Samba came into existence on 27th Oct 2000. - 4 urban towns: Samba, Vijaypur, Ramgarh, Bari-Brahmana. - Samba is famous as land of Rajput warriors, the district produced many gallant soldiers including Brigadier Rajinder Singh - He is also known as Saviour of Kashmir - Recipient of 1st Gallantry Award of Independent India (Mahavir-Chakar). ### Part 2 - Samba is also famous for traditional calico printing where local dyes and wooden blocks are used for block printing of weaved cotton fabrics (bed sheets.) - Samba is also known as "City of sheets". - Important Tourist Destinations - Shri Narsingh Dev Ji Temple - Baba Sidh Goria Shrine - Utterbehani - Baba Chamlyal (Zero line of Indo-Pak Border) - Chichi Mata - A mela is held every year at this place, but mela was stopped in year 2018. ## Doda - According to the records of rights Misli Hakakit, maintained by the State revenue department. - Records reveal that one of the ancient rajas of Kishtwar, whose dominion extended beyond Doda, persuaded one utensil maker namely Deeda (migrant from Multan Pakistan) - District Doda like other districts derived its name from. - District headquarters situated at Doda. - To settle permanently in his territory and set up a utensil factory. Deeda is then said to have settled in a village which later on came to be know after him. - With the advent of time, the name of Deeda seems to have got distorted into Doda, by which name it continues to be known today. - Very little information available about the early histroy of the district and its rulers. - Few chronicles available related to the regimes of the rulers of Kishtwar and even these don't contain any valuable information except in rise and fall of different ruling dynasties. - The settlement reports and other references indicate that the area falling within the jurisdiction of the district was ruled by Ramas, Rajas, and petty independent chiefs from time to time. - It is reported that Jaral Ramas, Katoch Rajas, Bhaws, Manhas, Chios, Thakkass, wanis, and Gakkars have had their rule: - Doda - Winter, State of Kishtwar - Capital - Maharaja Gulab Singh conquered Doda in 1822 AD. - English Traveller GT Vigne who visited Doda in 1829, has written in his travelogue: " I travelled from Baderwah towards Doda along the Nullah there is a deep rocky Nullah, where the Chenab joins it, which I crossed over one of the dangerous bridges I had seen in Himalayan range. The distance of perpendicular rocks is about 60 yards and the bridge is about fifty feet height over the Nullah. These pillars less bridges are usually of two types. One like that of Doda: its structure is like this - A strong rope is spread up to the banks of the river without a swing's, tied strongly with the rocks. Like the seat of the cradle a wooden structure slips over the rope. Other ropes are tied to this structure by means of which the structure comes and goes backward and forward. The other type of bridges is crossed on foot. Small ropes are bound with small pieces of bark of the boughs and then a thick rope is made of these small ones. This is tied on both the banks of the river, which provides the traveller to place his foot on it. This rope is not thicker than six, seven or eight inches. but it is intertwined in such a manner that the tips of the boughs stay outwards and prevent feet from slipping, on both the sides of this rope about 4 feet high there are hanging ropes, made of the same stuff, which a person crossing the river hold of. These ropes are tied with the big rope at a distance of one yard each. The local people don't need any guidance that they should catch hold of the rope strongly or they must ensure their foot is firmly fixed." ## Doda - The Fort of Doda - was of great interest of historians: - Thakur Kahan Singh Balouria - Author of Tarikh-e-Rajgane Jammu Va Kashmir writes. - When Maharaja Gulab Singh came to power, he got these forts newly built & repaired - Rebuilt because of fear of possible attacks from Rajas of Baderwah. - Since Doda - winter capital of Kishtwar Fort - Was built on the left bank of Chenab. - Unbaked bricks of 3x2 size were used, 4 feet wide & 40 to 50 feet high walls. - Put in the Courtyard of the fort, called Chah Bacha - Criminals were put in this pit during winter season. - Historic Doda Fort demolished in 1952 by government. - Building of boys Hr. Sec school, Doda, exist in its place today. - Tourist Places: - Padri Top or Padri Pass - Telli Ganth (Vaskui Nag Temple) - Dessa Valley - (Gupt Ganga) - Jai Valley - Bhalessa Waterfall - Baderwah (Mini Kashmir) - Current Events: - Chain Singh - shooter 6.0 km long - connects kathua & Doda. - Jitender Singh inaugurates 2 bridges: Puneja (Doda) Devika (Udhampur) ## Kulgam - Tazkira Sadat-i-Simmani (completed by poet Swaleh Reshi - 15th century). - Gives the name Shampora. - The area had been a hunting place for Mughal Emperors and Dogra rulers - Especially for Shah Jahan, who also laid Chinr Bagh. - Maharaja Hari Singh - Famous for Sanctuary at Kutbal. - District is birthplace of Sheikh Noor- Ud Din Noorani, the founder of Reshi order and of the forefathers of Allama Iqbal (Supur Village) and Jawaharlal Nehru (Nand Marg). - Kulgam average elavation of 1739m (5705 feet). - Kulgam is known for religious saint Syed Simnan Sahib - gave it the name Kulgam, because he lost something in the stream. He came from a place Simnan (Iran). - Family of Syed Simnan is buried in a nearby village called Amun. Both the shrines have a masonry plinth and wooden superstructures of Deodar. - Syed Simnan Sahab was known for his mystical powers and had devotees amongst Muslims as well as Hindus. He made Kulgam his permanent abode and was buried at the very spot which he found fascinating. - Travelling in the Kashmir Valley, he came to Kulgam and liked the spot on the cliff overlooking the river - Beshaw (tributary of Jhelum). ### Part 2 - Sheikh Noor- ud - Din (Ra) - also known as Nund Rishi, was a Kashmiri saint who belonged to Rishi order. - Also called as Alamadar-e-Kashmir. - Sheikh-ul-Alam - Saint of Kashmiris was also born at "Kaimuh" - of Kulgam district. - Aharbal - It has its origin from a spring called Kounsernaa. - Famous for its meadows and waterfalls. - Kulgam was in news regarding the recent excavation of a new archeological site in a nearby village called Kutbal. - Signs of having been home to a 1st Century Civilization as some artifacts belonging to the period of Kushana Kings, appeared in the Kulgam district. - Rice Bowl of Kashmir - Pulwama. - Before it was Kulgam. - The old Kulgam is situated on the banks of "Kaval". - Topography of Kulgam - Lower portion - Situated on the banks of Kaval, offshoot of river Veshaw. - Kulgam famous for being the first seat of Missionaries of Islam before Hazrat Syed Ali Hamdani (RA). - He sent Sayeed Mohammad Hussain Simnanir to Kashmir to preach for Islam. - Tourist Destinations: - Aharbal - Vasaknag (Kund) - Kounsarmag - Chiranbal (Sharief Sheikh-ul-Alam) - Badi Bahek - Howen Heng Panchanpathri DK Marg ## Poonch - Poonch has witnessed many historical eras. - Around 326 BC - When Alexander the Great invaded the lower Jhelum Belt to fight with Porus, this region was known as "Dravabhisar". - In 6th Century AD - Famous Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang passed through this era. - In 850 AD - Poonch become a sovereign state ruled by Raja Nar (Horse Trader). - He wrote, Poonch was famous for graphics, fine tea, and good horses. - According to Rajtrangani - Raja Trilochan Pal of Poonch - Gave a tough fight to Mahmood Ghazanavi, who made this area in 1020 AD. - In 1596 - Mughal King Jehangir made Siraj-ud-din ruler of Poonch. - His descendants - Raja Shahbaz Khan, Raja Abdul Razak, Raja Rustum Khan, Raja Khan Bahadur Khan, ruled this area upto 1792 AD. - In 1819 - This area was captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. - In 1850 - Raja Moti Singh, who was the son of Raja Dhyan Singh set up its separate principality known as Poonch state. - Laid the foundation of Dogra Raj in Poonch. ### Part 2 - Dogra dynasty ruled Poonch State from 1850 to 1947. - In 1947 - Partition of the country took place. - Half of Tehsils of Haveli(85/173 villages) - Some part of Tehsil Mandhar (14/99 villages) - Whole of Bagh Tehsil (113 villages) - Sadhnuti (101 villages) - Two half Tehsils of Poonch- went under illegal occupation of Pakistan - Note: The era from 1850-1947 considered as the Golden Period of the history of Poonch - Principality of Poonch got the status of state in 1901 AD. - Rule of Raja Moti Singh, Baldev Singh, Sukh dev Singh, Jagtedev Singh, and Raja Shiv Rattan Dev Singh witnessed all-round development of Poonch State. - Historic Poonch Fort/ Poonch Qila rebuilt & redesigned by Raja Moti Singh, built by Raja Rustam Khan (1760-1787). - Town hall & court building were constructed on line of Mubaruk Mandi of Jammu. - Fountain Garden of Poonch established on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Kashmir. - Baghi Khanna/ Bagh Deddi is the gateway of the city. ### Part 3 - Tourism - Noori Chamb (after name of Noor Jahan) - Sat Sars or Seven Lakes - Nandansar - Ghumsar (Hidden Lake) - Kaldachni (Dark water lake) - Sukh Sar (Dried lake) - Neel Sar (Blue lake) - Katori Sar (Bowl lake) - Katanan or Sarota Sar (Blocked lake) - LOC Trade Centre (Chakkan da Bagh) - Mughal Road & Pir Ki Gali - Than Pir - Loran - Nandi Shool - Mandi - Gurudwara Nangali Sahib - Buddha Amarnath Temple - Ziyarat Sain Miran - Ramkund Temple ## Kathua - Kathua is surrounded by: - Jammu - North-West - Doda & Udhampur - North - Punjab - South - Pakistan - West - Himachal Pradesh - East. - Rich Agricultural area along the Punjab/Kashmir border, plains sweeping eastward to the foothills of the Himalaya & the mountainous pahari region in the east. - Traditional language - Dogri. - Jodh Singh (Andotra clan) - Shares ancestry with Tomar & Som Rajputs. - Is believed to have migrated from Hastinapur to Kathua nearly 2000 years ago. - His 3 sons established 3 Hamlets: - Taraf Tajwal - Taraf Manjali - Taraf Bhajwal - Their descendants are now called: - Tajwalia Rajputs - Bhajwalia Rajputs - Khanwalia Rajputs - Of Andotra clan - (Sub-caste) - Prior to 1921 - the Kathua district was known as Jasrota district. - Between 1921-1931, headquarters of the district was shifted to Kathua without any alteration in the area of governance. ### Part 2 - Greek Historians - Ancient History of Jammu. - Existence of two powerful empires: - Abhisara (Presently Poonch) - Kathaioi - Strabo (Greek Geographer) - Describes Kathaioi, a mighty republic of that era, located in the foothills along the Ravi River. - Also describes the people of the republic as epitome of bravery & courage and records that they give tough fight to Alexander. - There are many places which commemorate a visit to Kathua by Pandavas. - Lord Krishna is also said to have come to this area in order to get back from Jamawant the Syamantaka Mani. - Basohli paintings - Basohli, a town of Kathua district, known for its paintings - 1st mention of Basohli paintings is in the annual report of the Archaeological survey of India, published in 1921. - Tourist Destinations - Sukrala Mata - Airwan Temple - Dhaggar - Atal Setu - Chattergala - Sarthal - Jourian Wali Mata - Chanchalo Mata Temple - Bani ## Budgam - In the olden days Budgam was a part of Baramulla when Srinagar itself was constituent of the Anantnag district. - It was then known as Tehsil Sri Pratap. - Old records refer to the area as "Pargana Deesu". - According to Chronicles, Khawaaja Azam Demari - This area was known as Deedmarbag. - And was densely populated. - It is said that the population was so congested that if a goat would climb a housetop in southern end, it would come down in northern end, covering the distance in closely connected housetop. - Famous warrior Mehmood Ghazni - two abortive attempt to invade Kashmir in the 11th century. - In 1014 - Sikh Ruler - Ranjit Singh - also made his 1st attempt from there to capture Kashmir. - Through Poonch Gate (Presently boundary of the district) [Budgam in Khag area]. - Hiuen Tsang (Chinese traveler) - While visiting Poonch also took this route. ### Part 2 - Sheikh Noor-ud-Din (Ra) - travelled much in the Budgam district & mediated at several places. - Also known as Alamadar-e-Kashmir. - His resting place at Chrar-e-Sharief is also situated in this district. - A prominent village Nasrullah Pora, named after his disciple - Baba Nasr. - The Tehsil of Chadoora also has a rich history. - Malik Hyder - belonged to this place. - Influential landlord and close friend of Jahangir. - Grave of Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi - Counsellor of last native ruler of Kashmir. - He has praised the beauty of Chadoora & mentioned in his Tuzk-e- Jahangiri - Yousuf Shah Chak - Son - Yakub Chak, tutor, Ali Dar. - Also belonged to this area. - Jehangir renamed Chadoora - Noorabad - (Name was not popular) ### Part 3 - Another block of district - Beerwah (formerly known as Behroop) - After a famous spring of the same name. - Here is situated a cave about which it is believed that the famous Shivite Philosopher Abinav Gupt along with some of his associates entered in between 10th & 11th century and didn't return. - In 1760 AD. - Durrani Governer - Badal Khan Khatak - In 1884 AD - destroyed in a severe earthquake - Remains also disappeared - Repaired in 1801 AD by Abdullah Khan. - Idols of Raja Beerwa's period are found in Beerwah Tehsil, pointing to the Shivite influence on the area. - Many areas of Budgam - In ancient days - influence of Buddhism - Khag Block is a place of enhancing beauty. - Includes many poets & writers of Kashmiri language: - Shama Fakir - Poems of spritual Sufiana Shairee - Samad Mir - Kashmiri poetry - Abdul Ahad Azad - Revolutionary Poet of Kashmir who also penned the history of Kashmiri Literature. - Ghulam Nabi Dilsooz - Romantic Poet - Ghulam Nabi Gowhar - Novelist - Moti Lal Saqi - Poet, scholar, critic. ### Part 4 - Prominent Aga family of Kashmir belongs to Budgam. - According to an account, a famous Hakeem - Syed Hyder - Came here to settle around 150 years ago. - His son - Aga Syed Mehdi - continued his father's teaching, studied religion in Najaf (Iraq). - The present Aga Sahab - spiritual leader of shias - descendant of Aga Syed Mehdi. - Main market of Budgam named Aga Syed Yusuf Al- Mousavi (Died 1982) - Village of Kanthama - The home of famous Kani shawl, was an important trade center during the Dogra rule. - Current Affairs - Budgam - India's first tuberculosis free district Lakshadweep (UT), Himachal Pradesh (state), Rank 1 - Zoogu-Khailran - 1st Tourist Village (Budgam), 13 Nov 2021. - Tourist Destinations - Doodhpathri - Yusmarg (Day Long Tourism Festival - Oct 2021) - Tosamaidan - Mount Tuta Kutti - Nilnaag ## Baramulla ### Part 1 - Baramulla - Founded by Raja Bhimsina in 2306 BC. - City held a position of a Gateway to the valley. - As it was located on the route to the valley from Muzzarabad and Rawalpindi (DoK) Pakistan. - Chinese visiter - Heiuen Tsang visited Baramulla. - British Historian - Moor Craft. - Being gateway of valley, Mughal Emperors had special fascination for Baramulla. - Halting station during the visit to the valley. - In 1589 AD - Emperor Akbar who entered the valley via Pakhil spent few days at Baramulla. - According to Tarikh-e- Hassan, city during Akbar visit had been decorated like a Bride. - In 15th century, Baramulla became important to Muslims. - In 1620 AD - Sixth Sikh Guru - Shri Hargobind Singh - Visited this city. - Baramulla thus became an abode of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs & Buddhists. - Famous Muslim Saint - Syed Janabaz Wali who visited the valley along with his companions in 1423 AD. - Choose Baramulla as centre of his mission. - After his death, he was buried. ### Part 2 - Oldest and the most important town in north of Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. - Gateway of Valley - Untill 27th Oct 1947 it became part of union of India when Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26th Oct 1947. - Tourist Destinations - Gulmarg - Meadow of flowers - Khelo India Winter Games held at Gulmarg (J&K was winner). - Firing range Vidya Balan - Firing range. - Eco Park - Sopore - (Surya of Awantiverman - Utpala dynasty founded Suyvapi (Engineer) (King) - Later on became Sopore. - Alpathen Lake - Khilanmarg - Ferozpur - Ningli Nallah ## Ganderbal - Ganderbal is located between 34.23°N Longitude and 74.78°E Latitude - on the north of district Srinagar. - 70% of the district is hilly & semi-hilly. - Ganderbal - the district headquaters - derived its name from a famous spring - Ganderbhavan. - With passage of time the name got changed into Ganderbal - In the olden days the territory of Ganderbal has acted as Gateway to the Central Asia. - By constituting one of the most important station of the erstwhile Silk Route. - Islamic influence on Kashmir found its way through Sindh Valley. - Hazrat Shahi Hamdan, Rinchan Shah & Mirza Hyder daughter have entered Kashmir through Ganderbal, properly known as Sindh Valley those days. - River Sindh transverses the course of about 100 km through the district with a basin exceeding 1556km. The district covers the entire watershed of the river. - Ganderbal - Srinagar- South Bandipora - North Kargil - North-east Anantnag - South-east Baramulla - South-west - So that Sindh Valley and district has been synonymous. ### Part 2 - Nallah Sindh - Major tributary of Jhelum River. - Three Hydroelectric power stations: - Lower-Sindh Hydroelectric Project - Upper-Sindh Hydroelectric Project (1st Kangan) - Upper Sikh Hydroelectric Power project (2nd Sumbal). - Tourist Desinations - Amarnath Cave - (Easy approach to the Amarnath cave has made the district world renowned) - Sonmarg - Meadow of God - Kheebhawani Temple - Said to be derivative of Mansarovar Lake. - Qamar Sahib & Baba Hyder (Ra) - Tullamula. - Gadsar Lake - Thajiwas Glacier - Nilagrad ## Kupwara - Kupwara is backward frontier district of Kashmir valley. - Kupwara - full of scenic beauty. - Carved out fromerstwhile District Baramulla. - In the year 1979. - District is situated at an average altitude of 5300 ft from the sea level. - North-west part bounded by L.O.C. - Southern portion - Baramulla. - There are three bad pocket areas: - Machil - Keran - Karnah - Located near L.O.C, which remained landlocked for more than 6 months in a year. - Tourist Destinations: - Badrakali - Dormant volcano in the vicinity, revered it. - Bangus - Also known as Soyamj - 20x15 km plain - Golf Course is proposed and likely to be the Asia's biggest golf course. - Drangyari - Keran Valley - on banks of sacred Krishna, Ganga and forms actual L.O.C between India & Pakistan. - Machil - Reshwari, Seemab, Sadhna Top.