MESMERIZE KASHMIR

Kashmir,  is situated at 1515 m, this northernmost area of the Indian subcontinent is separated from the Pir Panjal Range and surrounded by the Karakorum Range on the North. KASHMIR is a marvel aptly called Paradise on Earth by the Mughals who travelled long distances to spend their summers here. They patronized the development of arts and crafts and left behind a rich heritage of exquisite craftsmanship. They discovered the various hill stations and laid Srinagar’s famous Mughal Gardens here. Jammu and Kashmir is divided into 3 main regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, whereby Kashmir is the principal region of the state. Srinagar is the Summer state capital and is situated at an Altitude of 1,730 metres above sea level. The city is located on both the sides of the Jhelum River, which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley, moving onward and deepening in the Wular Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges, connecting the two parts of the city. Srinagar means wealth(Lakshmi) and nagar means city. Tourism is the most significant segment of the city’s economy. The city of Srinagar is a gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent. Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake with its houseboats is famous all over the world. Srinagar is a small and beautiful city with a wonderful climate. Nagin Lake is another famous lake in the city.  History of Kashmir “Kashmir” means “desiccated land” (from the Sanskrit: Ka = water and shimeera = desiccate). In the Rajatarangini, a history of Kashmir written by Kalhana in mid-12th century, it is stated that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyapa, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the hills at Baramulla (Varaha-mula). When Kashmir had been drained, Kashyapa asked Brahmans to settle there. This is still the local tradition, and in the existing physical condition of the country, we may see some ground for the story which has taken this form. The Instrument of Accession in 1947 brought the province under the direct rule of the Republic of India when the then ruler of the province, Maharaja Hari Singh allowed the state to merge into the territory of India, a move which was destined to be one of the most controversial moves in the history of India. Today, Jammu and Kashmir lies at the center of a heated territorial dispute between India and her twin Pakistan, a dispute which has caused 3 direct Indo-Pakistan wars and one indirect war with China. The land is also ruled under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution which allows special provisions to Jammu and Kashmir.