Know More About Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is referred to as the “Heaven on Earth”. Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its attractive glory, snow-covered mountains, abundant flora and fauna, elegant memorials, friendly people, and local craftwork. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest states in India. The cultural and linguistic composition of Jammu and Kashmir varies in different regions. 

Jammu And Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is situated in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It has been the subject of controversy between China, India and Pakistan since the division of the subcontinent in 1947. 

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest states in India. Its neighbouring regions are as follows:

• Ladakh in the East
• Punjab and Himachal Pradesh in the South
• Pakistan in the Southwest
• Azad Kashmir, the Pakistan-administered region of the Kashmir valley, in the Northwest

The Himalayas are also situated along the eastern border, and the state of Jammu and Kashmir contains a minute section of the mountains. Bharanzar, the highest summit of the Himalayan range, is located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

The state is dominated by Muslims. Some minorities also reside here, like Buddhists and Sikhs. The official languages in Kashmir are Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, English and Hindi.

History of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir was granted a special position by the Indian Constitution. Unlike other states, Jammu and Kashmir has a bill of rights, emblem, and executive independence. 

The history of Jammu and Kashmir has been controversial after India’s partition in 1947. Conflicts have arisen between India, China, and Pakistan because of Kashmir. People were not allowed to buy or sell land or property from other states of India in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Jammu and Kashmir had three well-defined domains:

• The majority of Hindu people were in Jammu.
• The majority of Muslim people were in the Kashmiri valley.
• The majority of Buddhist people were in Ladakh. 

The brutality continued in the valley of Kashmir with a subsequent controversial state vote in 1987. In 2019, the two states were recognised as two union territories.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir during the summer season. It is situated along the banks of the Jhelum River. Around 2000 years back, Srinagar city was named Parvasenpur by King Pravarasena.

Kalhana, a historian, has remarked on the history of Jammu and Kashmir and who founded Srinagar. Emperor Ashoka was the 48th king of the Gonanda dynasty. Srinagar was built in the past century by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who also introduced Buddhism to the valley. 

The state capital has many mosques and temples: 

• The Hazratbal mosque has a relic that contains the strand of the beard of the Prophet Mohammad
• The Jamia Mosque was built in the early 15th century. It is the biggest mosque in Kashmir. 
• Famous temples include: 
  
  • Pandrethan Temple 
  • Shankaracharya
  • Vaishno Devi 
  • Ranbireshwar 
  • Raghunath Temple
  • Amarnath 
  • Shree Kheer Bhawani Durga

Srinagar’s industries include many mills, like: 

• Carpet and silk mills
• Leatherworking
• Woodcarving
• Silverware and copperware manufacturers

Conclusion

The government gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed the state into two separate union territories. Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its snow-covered mountains, famous mosques, and local craftwork. The gardens and lakes of the Kashmir valley attract many tourists from all over the world.

The capital of Jammu and Kashmir changes according to the seasons. The capital of Jammu and Kashmir during the summer season is Srinagar. During the winter season, it is Jammu.