BEAUTY OF SRINAGAR

Srinagar

Srinagar ( pronunciation (help·info)) (Hindi: श्रीनगर, Urdu: سری نگر) is the summer capital of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Kashmir Valley and lies on the banks of the Jhelum River, a tributary of the Indus. It is one of the largest cities in India not to have a Hindu majority.^[3] The city is famous for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits.

Srinagar श्रीनगर سری نگر
—  capital  —
Srinagar Location of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and India
Coordinates	34°5′24″N 74°47′24″ECoordinates: 34°5′24″N 74°47′24″E
Country	India
State	Jammu and Kashmir
District(s)	Srinagar
Settled	3rd century BC
Mayor	Salman Sagar (NC)
Population • Density	12,73,312[1] (2011) • 8,523 /km2 (22,074 /sq mi)
Sex ratio	888 ♂/♀
Literacy	71.45%
Official languages	Kashmiri, Urdu[2]
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	294 km2 (114 sq mi) • 1,585 metres (5,200 ft)
Climate • Precipitation Temperature • Summer • Winter	Cfa (Köppen) •      710 mm (28 in) •      24.1 °C (75.4 °F) •      2.5 °C (36.5 °F)

Origin of name

Etymologically Srinagar is composed of two Sanskrit words, śrī (venerable) and nagar, which means "city". One theory of the origin of the name is that aPandava King Ashoka (not to be confused with the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka) built the city of Srinagari (Srinagar).^[4] Another theory is that in Kashmir Mauryan Emperor Ashoka founded the original city of Srinagar, then situated on the site of the present village of Pandrathan, three miles to the north of the existing capital.^[5]

History

A mosque in SrinagarSrinagar has a long history, dating back at least to the 3rd century BC, and has been known by different names. The city was founded by the King Pravarasena II over 2,000 years ago, named it Parvasenpur. The city was then a part of the Maurya Empire, one of the largest empires of the Indian subcontinent. Ashoka introduced Buddhism to the Kashmir valley, and the adjoining regions around the city became a centre of Buddhism. In the 1st century, the region was under the control of Kushans and several rulers of this dynasty strengthened the Buddhist tradition. Vikramaditya (of Ujjain) and his successors probably ruled the regions just before the city fell to the control of the Huns in the 6th century, and Mihirkula was the most dreaded ruler of the city and the valley.

Srinagar became the capital of Kashmir around A.D. 960.^[6]

The Independent Hindu and the Buddhist rule of Srinagar lasted until the 14th century,some of the notable independent rulers were Lalitaditya, Avantiverman and Sangrama Deva when the Kashmir valley, including the city, came under the control of the several Muslim rulers, including the Mughals. It was also the capital during the reign of Yusuf Shah Chak, an Independent Kashmiri ruler who was tricked by Akbar when he failed to conquer Kashmir by force. Yusuf Shah Chak remains buried in Bihar in India. Akbar established Mughal rule in Srinagar and Kashmir valley.

With the disintegration of the Mughal Empire after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, infiltrations to the valley from the Pashtun tribes increased, and the Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades.Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab province, in the year 1814 annexed a major part of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, to his kingdom, and the city came under the influence of the Sikhs. In 1846, the Treaty of Lahore was signed between the Sikh rulers and the British in Lahore. The treaty, inter alia, provided British de-facto suzerainty over the Kashmir Valley, and installed Gulab Singh as an independent and sovereign ruler of the region. Srinagar became part of his kingdom and remained until 1947 as one of several princely states in British India. The maharadjas choose Sher Garhi Palaceas their main Srinagar residence.

Srinagar city and its vicinity in 1959

After India and Pakistan's independence from Britain, certain tribes^[who?] from mountainous region of west Kashmir, at the instigation of Pakistan and with the collusion allied Pushtun tribals^{[clarification needed]}, entered the Kashmir valley to capture it.^{[citation needed]}

The Government of India, immediately air-lifted Indian troops to Srinagar, and defence of the city was further strengthened against further attacks. Meanwhile, the matter was escalated to the United Nations and a cease fire was imposed under its authority. These events resulted in the division of the state into an Indian administered region and a Pakistani administered region.^{[clarification needed]}

The city has suffered from severe political unrest during the last decades. Kashmiri separatist and Indian military forces have been clashing periodically. The latest episodes of politically motivated tensions occurred in 2008 and 2010. The city is heavily militarized.

Geography

Map of Kashmir showing disputed territory

• Location: 34°5′23″N 74°47′24″E
• Highest temperature: 37 °C (99 °F); lowest −14 °C (7 °F)^[7]

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.

Hokersar is a wetland situated near Srinagar—the capital of Indian Kashmir. Thousands of migratory birds come to Hokersar from Siberia and other regions in the winter season. Migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia use wetlands in Kashmir as their transitory camps between September and October and again around spring. These wetlands play a vital role in sustaining a large population of wintering, staging and breeding birds.

Hokersar is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) north of Srinagar, and is a world class wetland^{[citation needed]} spread over 13.75 square kilometres (5.31 sq mi) includinglake and marshy area. It is the most accessible and well-known of Kashmir's wetlands which include Hygam, Shalibug and Mirgund. A record number of migratory birds have visited Hokersar in recent years.^{[citation needed]}season.

Birds found in Hokersar—Migratory ducks and geese which include Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, andEurasian Wigeon.^{[citation needed]}

Climate

Srinagar has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with a climate much cooler than what is found in much of the rest of India, due to its moderately high elevation and northerly position.The valley is surrounded by Himalayas on all sides. Winters are cool, with a January daily mean of 10.0 °C (50.0 °F), and temperature remains below freezing at night; Moderate to heavy snow fall is expected in winters and the only road that connects Srinagar with rest of India is cut off. Summers are warm, with a July daily mean of 30.1 °C (86.2 °F). The average annual rainfall is around 710 millimetres (28 in); spring is the wettest season while autumn is the driest.

[hide]Climate data for Srinagar (1971–1986)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	7.0 (44.6)	8.2 (46.8)	14.1 (57.4)	20.5 (68.9)	24.5 (76.1)	29.6 (85.3)	30.1 (86.2)	29.6 (85.3)	27.4 (81.3)	22.4 (72.3)	15.1 (59.2)	8.2 (46.8)	19.7 (67.5)
Average low °C (°F)	−2 (28.4)	−0.7 (30.7)	3.4 (38.1)	7.9 (46.2)	10.8 (51.4)	14.9 (58.8)	18.1 (64.6)	17.5 (63.5)	12.1 (53.8)	5.8 (42.4)	0.9 (33.6)	−1.5 (29.3)	7.3 (45.1)
Precipitation mm (inches)	48 (1.89)	68 (2.68)	121 (4.76)	85 (3.35)	68 (2.68)	39 (1.54)	62 (2.44)	76 (2.99)	28 (1.1)	33 (1.3)	28 (1.1)	54 (2.13)	710 (27.95)
Avg. precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm)	6.6	7.3	10.2	8.8	8.1	5.7	7.9	6.8	3.5	2.8	2.8	5.1	75.6
Source: HKO[8]

Economy

Market boats on Mal Canal in Srinagar.

The gross domestic product of Srinagar metro was estimated at US$2 billion in 2010.^{[citation needed]} Srinagar is the pivotal centre of the economy of the Kashmir Valley,^{[citation needed]} and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. The valley has attracted rulers from the plains of India for a long time, and they traveled to the valley and the city to avoid the hot summers of the Indo-Gangetic plains.^{[citation needed]} The city remained on the itinerary of the Mughal ruling elite, and several Mughal emperors and their consorts had visited the city, and several Mughal gardens in and around the city indicate their close association with Srinagar.^{[citation needed]}

The hinterland of Srinagar is the most populous part of the Kashmir valley,^{[citation needed]} and crops like wheat and rice are cultivated for local consumption. Orchards produce a number of fruits, particularly apples. Another significant segment of the economy include handicrafts, weaving of woolen shawls and dress materials, and woodcarving. Srinagar and the surrounding areas serve as collecting points from where fruits and handicraft products are taken to several parts of the Indian subcontinent.

In November 2011, the City Mayors Foundation - an advocacy think tank - announced that Srinagar was the 92nd fastest growing urban areas in the world in terms of economic growth, based on actual data from 2006 onwards and projections to 2020.^[9]

Tourism

Panoramic view of Dal Lake and the city of Srinagar.

Srinagar, Sunset on Dal Lake.

Dal Lake, going from the Mughal Gardensside back to Srinagar.

Tourism is the most significant segment of the city's economy.^{[citation needed]} The city of Srinagar is a gateway to some of the most scenic and beautiful places of the Indian subcontinent.^{[citation needed]}

This article contains weasel words: vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiableinformation. Such statements should be clarified or removed. (December 2011)

The hill station and skiing resort Gulmarg is 50 km from the city. For decades, tourism has been contributing massively to the economy of the city, but it has been adversely affected on account of insurgent activities by certain elements.^{[citation needed]} The areas on the outskirts of Srinagar are also famous for their natural beauty. Also in this area lies the Muzaffarabad Cantonement, which is the main cantonement of the Indian Army in Srinagar District(the name of the Cantt. is often confused with Muzaffarabad city which is a separate city in Pakistan administered Kashmir)

Srinagar is well known for its lakes. Dal Lake is known for its houseboats. Nagin Lake is another famous lake in the city.

Houseboats were introduced accidentally to Kashmir: members of the Indian Civil Service serving in the plains who vacationed in Kashmir were not permitted to build permanent homes because of the then Maharaja's suspicion of a British presence in Srinagar.^{[citation needed]} They thus chose to live in houseboats. The first such, named Victory, was designed by Mr MT Kenhard in 1888. There are now about five hundred on the Lake.^{[citation needed]}

Srinagar has some Mughal gardens, forming a part of those laid by the Mughal emperors across the Indian subcontinent. Those of Srinagar and its close vicinity include Chashma Shahi (the royal fountains); Pari Mahal (the palace of the fairies); Nishat Bagh (the garden of spring); Shalimar Bagh; and the Naseem Bagh. The Tulip Gardens have been recently opened to public by Sonia Gandhi.^{[citation needed]}

It has been called the "Venice of the East" or the "Kasmiri Venice"^[10][11][12]

The Sher Garhi Palace houses administrative buildings from the state government. Another palace of the Maharadjas, the Gulab Bhavan, has now become the Lalit Grand Palace hotel.

Government and politics

The city is run by the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC). The Srinagar district along with the adjoining Budgam district forms the Srinagar Parliamentary seat.

[edit]Stray dog controversy

Srinagar's city government attracted brief international attention in March 2008 when it announced a mass poisoning program aimed at eliminating the city's population of stray dogs.^[13] Officials estimate that 100,000 stray dogs roam the streets of the city, which has a human population of just under 900,000. In a survey conducted by an NGO, it was found that some residents welcomed this program, saying the city was overrun by dogs, while critics contended that more humane methods could have been used to deal with the animals.

Road

A dual lane road in Srinagar

Srinagar International Airport

A Passenger Train at Srinagar Railway Station

The city is served by many highways, including National Highway 1A and National Highway 1D

[edit]Air

Srinagar Airport also named as "Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA) International Airport" as the official parlance of Ministry of Civil Aviation, connects the city with other destinations in India, as well as occasional international flights.

It has been named after one of the greatest saints of Kashmir, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, popularly known to Kashmiris as Sheikh-ul-Alam. The International flights terminal was inaugurated on 14 February 2009 by an Air India flight from Dubai

[edit]Rail

Main article: Srinagar railway station

The city is part of the Kashmir Railway, which once completed, will connect the city to the Rail network of India. Currently, services are to Baramulla and Qazigund.

[edit]Boat

Boats are often used for transport, as the city is situated on the Jhelum River and Dal Lake.

[edit]Culture

Like the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar too has a distinctive blend of cultural heritage. Holy places in and around the city depict the historical cultural and religious diversity of the city as well as the Kashmir valley.

[edit]Places of worship

Hazratbal Shrine built in around 1700 A.D.

The Shankaracharya temple built in around 200 B.C

There are many religious holy places in Srinagar. They include:

• Hazratbal Shrine
• Jama Masjid, Srinagar, one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir
• Hamza Makhdum on "Hari Parbhat"
• Kheer bhawani in Ganderbal
• Hari Parbathill hosts shrine of Sarika Mata temple
• Shankaracharya temple

[edit]Performing arts

Main article: Music of Kashmir

Performing arts of the city include:

• Bhand Pather, a form of traditional folk theatre art form of play and dance, is performed by a group of about ten to fifteen artists. They depict in a satirical style social evils. Performance is accompanied by light music.
• Chakri is a major and popular form of Kashmiri folk music.
• Another form of Kashmiri genre of music called Sufiana music is also practiced in the city. It was introduced in the valley in the 15th century from Iran. Over centuries, it has assimilated a number of Indian Ragas, and has established itself as a classical music of the region. The instruments used in the music include Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Tabla, and Wasool.
• Hafiz Nagma, a form of dance, is performed to the accompaniment of Sufiana music. The dancer is a female while males play different instruments used in Sufiana music.
• Rouf is also an important foulk dance kashmiri women do in marriages or on the eve of IDD/EID. All women's hands on another women's shoulders moving to and fro.

[edit]Education

• National Institute of Technology, Srinagar
• University of Kashmir, Srinagar
• Islamic University of Science & Technology
• Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K)
• Sri Pratap College (Est.1905)
• Tyndale Biscoe School (Est.1880)
• Tiny Harts School, Tangpora, Srinagar.
• Presentation Convent High School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.
• Burn Hall School, Sonawar, Srinagar.
• Iqbal Memorial Institute,Bemina, Srinagar.
• S.M.D. High School – Munawar-abad, Khayam Road, Srinagar
• Lal Ded Memorial School, Ganpatyar, Habba Kadal, Srinagar.

[edit]Media

Four FM frequencies are available in the city. However, only two bids were received by the government. Adlabs is the only FM radio operator in Srinagar (its bid was Rs. 61 lakh). The second bidder South Asia FM did not qualify because its bid was less than 25 per cent of the highest bidder, the minimum amount to be eligible for bidding.^[15]