kashmir: September 2011

HABBA KHATOON OF KASHMIR

Habba Khatoon was born in a ordinary Muslim family at Chandahar,a village about 10km from pampore known for its Saffron fields.But the most fragrant bloom produced by this place was certainly Habba Khatoon.
Habba Khatoon was known by the local name"Zoon".which in kashmir means moon.The name is quite common among Hindus andMuslims in the valley.She retained it till her marriage with king Yousuf Shah Chak who ruled kashmir from 1579 to 1589 A.D.
Her father,Abdullah Rather sent her to Maktab{school}.There she learnt some portions of the Persian poet Sadi's Gulistan and Bostan.It sharpened her latent and poetic capacity gifted with a most melodies voice.This nightingale of kashmir soon began to sing the verses of the persian-master and also the poems of the native kashmir poets.This made her the centre of all eyes,particularly of the village youths.Her parents decide to marry her when she was in her early teens.
"Zoon" was married to an ordinary village youth but she was not happy in her husband's home.Her husband was insensitive to her poetic gift,Moreover her singing also brought unhappiness to her father-in-law.
Soon she was discovered by king Yousuf Shah Chak.One morning,when zoon was working alone in her saffron fields,Yousuf Shah Chak happened to that way.He found the whole valley over flowing with the melody of her song.Soon,he saw the singer at some distance,zoon was so engrossed in her work and her song that she hardly noticed him till he was almost before her.Yousuf shah was simply dazed when he stood calm impressed by the beauty of zoon,she immediately organized the king made her obeisance.
Zoon now adorned the royal household.There she received the name of Habba khatoon.the name by which she is know till now.
Habba khatoon became the Queen of kashmir four centuries ago.But time has not dulled the freshness of her song and the melody of the.Habba khatoon is one of the most popular poetess of kashmir.Her poems are listened with by all delight even today.

Friendship

Friendship is an inborn ocean of emotions and an ever shining flame of passion. Friendship is a single soul divided into two bodies. it increases happiness and diminishes misery by doubling our joy and dividing our sorrow. it is delightful to have friends who are so pround of our success that they receive as much pleasure from it as we do ourselves.When we perform our duty despite temptation the mental satisfaction obtainied from the approval of our conscience is heighttend by sharing it with our friends.

When fortune intflicts a heavy, unavoidable blow upon us,our grief is alleviated by friendly condolence.Word 'friend' gives us a sense of hope and support in life. Friends are always there to help us in different times.Presense of friends fills us with a sense of belonging.Friends are always our trusted tergets with whom we share our thoughts and joys,thereby, lessen our burden.Friends are like fragrance which always inspire us to touch the heights of glory in life.

In my opinion,friendship is the precious gift of God.We must be thankful to Almighty God for having bestowed us with such a fair word of frienship, that sails in our and rules in our life.

Life without a friend is like death without witness.A man is like a garden and friends its flowers.Without frienda a man is incomplete.So is garden without friends.So, dear friends, have friends to care to share to talk and to walk,that is what friendship is all about.

We must always be prudent and discreet in salecting our friends.

Health tips for healthy life

1.Answer the phone by left ear.

2.Do not drink coffee twice a day.

3.Do not take pills with cool water.

4.Do not have huge meals after 5pm.

5.Reduce the amount of oily food after 5pm.

6.Drink more water in the morning,less at night.

7.Keep your distance from hand phnoe chargers.

8.Do not use head phone for long period of time.

9.Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am.

10.Do not lie down immediately after taking Medicine before sleeping.

Teacher

Teacher is the person who shapes the future of any human being. Teacher are the people who hold the candle of enlightenment,knowledge andprosperity.Any nation who doesn't respect its candles bearers can never prosper and will always remain in darkness.

A person without knowledge and intellect is worse than animals.All tribute goes to teacher who enables us every human to discover this knowledge and intellect through education. Teacher is the builder of nation.He is the backbone of society.

Teachers are like guides who tell us how to climb the mountain.He leads us to a right path.A good teacher makes a good society.Teachers are also our friends with whom we can disscuss any kind of problem.Teachers deserve to be respected and are the most impotant part of nation.Teachers are like wheels which enable automobile to move. This respect and gretefulness is the only motivation for teachers which make them what a admirable job they are to their nation.

HOW TO WIN PEOPLE?

Personality plays a great part in capturing hearts. Make a study of yourself and see what advantages you have in your personality.Choose your own style and do not worry about what other people may say about it.
                 Train yourself to speak fluently,convincingly and confidently to attract people.You must be able to know when to stop your conversation,even thought you may have more to converse,you must be prepared for different situations and view points in which you may be questioned about.
                 When we seek help or monetary assistance from our friends we must be sure that in a position to do it ,While requesting you must be effective in your words that he will readily do it for you.

               While dealing with men of great intelligence we should be careful because they would measure us in few words presense of mind, bravery and sense of wit helps us to capture their hearts.
               Be cheerful,but do not indulge in too mush humour and avoid wounding others even in fun.Maintain purity in thoughts and action.Do not loose temper in company.If you are ill treated or mucked, keep calm for "it is the cold steel that cuts".if you remain calm you can get the best of your conversation.While moving with people think from their point of view as that will get your friendship.
              Be brief in your answers to people so that they like you.Do not indulge in useless tailking this might cause irritation.Overall you must be perfect in everything to capture hearts.

Examination

Examination is a big tension
It is realy out of fashion
On seeing date sheet my heart beats
But it is only that treats
I think it is a heavy load
It is realy quite bored
I am always in fear
When exams are near
But none of the pages could i turn
Mama talked about motion
While Dad gave caution
In the examination hall
My eyes rotate like a ball
At that time i am in fear
For long, this i cannot bear.

Real Education in my view point

Education is the process of instruction aimed at the all round development of individuals,providing the necessary tools and knowledge to understand and participate in day to day activities of today;s world.
It dispels ignorance and boosts moral values of the individuals.It builds character,provides strenght of mind and increase knowledge.Education sustains the human values which contribute to individual and collect well being.It forms the basis for lifelong learning and inspires confidence to face challanges.It provides the skill to individuals to become more self reliant and aware of opportunities and rights.
Education not only impacts on human development and economic growth but also is the fundamental requirment of democracy.Through education people become more responsible and informed citizens,have a voice in politics and society, which is essential for sustaining democracy.It is essential for eradicating poverty and it allows people to be productive playing greater roles in economic life and earning a better life.

Modern student

With skin tight jeans and puffed up hair,

A modern student roams here and there.

He loves to keep his hair fully dry,

And puffs out cigarette smoke to the sky,

He talks of movies,whole day long,

Always humming some disco song.

The college is but his picnic place,

Where he passes his time without grace.

Never does he bother to attend a class,

But is found of chats and rude remarks.

In gossisps he whiles his time away,

On serious matters he has nothing to say.

He is seldom seen in the lecture hall,

His favourite haunt is tea stall.

Notes he never prepares from his books,

All he needs is degree by hook or crook.

Aim of peace education

The main aim of peace education is to educate the learners towards the situations in which they live.Due to awareness about their oppressive and exploitative conditions they become capable of initiating efforts to eliminate structural violence which is the cause of physical violence.Magnus Heavelsrud says that conscientious effort would be instrumental in the struggle for social justice on global as well as local levels including chandes in the formal education system.The main ain of peace education is also to assure the creation of culture of how peace protects all,including those who are affected with poverty, sickness,bereavement, unemployment and oppression.On the whole it protects masses from all types of exploitation.
Some educators define peace education in terms of international and global problems whereas others define the contents in relation to every day life situations in which the individual is an important actor.However,education for peace involves the principle of problem posing curriculum.Hence peace education should comprise curriculm that aims at teaching jutice, non violence,human rights disarmament and environmental problems and issues relevant to peace

Gulmarg visitors paradise

Kashmir is called paradise on earth. This proverb proves true in all seasons. But usually in spring our valley looks more beautiful.Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places of kashmir.Gulmarg was discovered in the 16th century by sultan Yausuf shah check,husband of famous poetess,Habba Khatoon. Gulmarg is about 52km from srinagar and is situated at an altitiude of 2730 meters above sea level.Gulmarg turns into meadow of flowers during summers and a ski-resort during winters
Gulmarg is famous all over the world not only for its scenic beauty, snow clad mountains,evergreen forests,fresh water but also for its favorable environment.People came from many places to visit the Gulmarg and enjoy the freshness of its fresh atmosphere.
Golf course is a way of life at Gulmarg.it is the highest green golf course in the world.it is famous for its 18 golf holes.Gulmarg Gondola has also become a great tourist attraction.it ferries people to high altitude of kangdoori and Appherwat.The maximum hourly ferrying capacity of Gondola in 1500 persons per hour.The travel speed of the cable is 0-5 m/sec.

The kashmir valley

Paradise on earth is my land

Streams plays here the toe of land

I like more than diamonds of world

Tiny particles of her sand

She is decorrated like a bride

Her beautiful lap is very wide

She attracts all and is always

Visited by people of everyside

The sky seems to come down in Dal

Besides in Wular and Manasbal

Seeing her springs and gardens

The people of world take revel

She does not stand only for beauties

But has produced great personalities

Amarnath in kashmir

History records that the first pilglimage to Amarnath was undertaken in 1000 BC,though little else is know of the antiquity of Amarnath.Located 141km from srinagar ,of which 45km from Pahalgam has to be trekked.Amarnath is believed tobe the holiest of Hindu shrines.

sheshnag of kashmir

Pandrethan in kashmir

Pandrethan > A village by this name is a bare three miles above srinagar.It has a well preserved temple behind the willow grove on the left hand side of the cart road.The ceiling of the shrine is rated as the best example of carving on stone in the entire valley.Though ascribed to Vishnu or Shiva, the seven square feet 'depression'in the centre carries no deity,only carved 'yakshas'.

khir Bhawani in kashmir

Khir Bhawani: Goddess Ragnya Devi is worshipped here, symbolised by a sacred spring at Tula Mula village, 27 km from Srinagar. In the centre of the spring is a small marble temple and the Hindu inhabitants of Srinagar fast and converge at the spot on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May when legend has it, the goddess changes the color of the waters.

Sankaracharya temple in kashmir

The Sankaracharya temple is situated on the summit of the Takht-i-Sulaiman hill, to the south-east of Srinagar.

Neither the hill nor the temple preserves its ancient name; in Hindu times the former bore the name of Gopadri, and the latter - or more probably some earlier structure which occupied its place - that of Jyeshthegvara. But the modern name of the hill seems to be of fairly long standing, as it is mentioned by Catrou, and in a slightly altered form (Koh-i-Sulaiman) by Abul Fazl. The temple is built on a high octagonal plinth approached by a long flight of steps enclosed by two side-walls which originally bore two Persian inscriptions. One of these was dated A.H. 1O69 =A.D. 1659. Both inscriptions disappeared some time in the last few decades. The plinth is surmounted by a low parapet wall 23' 6" long on each side, the inner surface of which was originally adorned by a range of eighty-four round-headed recesses enclosed in rectangular panels. The greater part of the wall has now fallen. The shrine consists of a cell, circular inside, with a diameter of 13' 2". Externally it is square with two projecting facets on each side The surface is plain, except for the salient and re-entering angles of the facets. The maximum thickness of the walls in the middle of each facet is 8' 2". The interior of the sanctum is covered by a modern ceiling "composed of flat stone slabs and wooden boards, which rest on two lintels of the same material, themselves supported on four columns in the centre of the room. The south-west column bears two Persian inscriptions, one of which states that the column on which it is engraved was carved by a mason named Bihishti in the year 54 - i.e., A.H. 1054, corresponding to A.D. 1644. The date falls in the reign of Shah Jahan. It is obvious, therefore, that this ceiling with its columns was erected in the time of that king." The original ceiling, which this modern addition has hidden from view, is dome-shaped and built of horizontal courses of kanait or kanjur (a kind of light and porous limestone). The absence of the trefoiled entrance to the sanctum, and similar niches on the other three sides, is remarkable. In this respect, as in the circular interior plan, this temple is similar to the larger temple at Loduv. The brick roof seems to have been constructed within the last century.

The date of this temple has been a source of controversy among archaeologists. General Cunningham and, after him, Lieut. Cole assigned it to the times of Jalauka (whom they date 220 B.C.) on the strength of local tradition. This theory has been rejected, firstly on architectural grounds, and secondly because of the doubtful character of the tradition.

Another theory, advanced by Fergusson, is that the temple was built in the reign of Jahangir. He says that "the temple as it now stands was commenced by some nameless Hindus, in honour of Siva, during the tolerant reign of Jahangir; and that the building was stopped at the date engraved at the staircase, A.H. 1069 (A.D. 1659), the first year of the reign of the bigoted Aurangzeb. It was then unfinished, and has consequently remained a ruin ever since, which may give it an ancient look.'' But Fergusson's conclusion was based on arguments which appear to have little foundation. Among other things the Jesuit Catrou, who published his History of the Mughal Empire in 1708 A.D., only one year after Aurangzeb's death, says that the Kashmiris are descended from the Jews. " Moses is a very common name there; and some Ancient Monuments still to be seen discover 'em to be a People come out of Israel. For instance the ruins of an Edifice built on a high mountain is called at this Day the Throne of Solomon." Again, Bernier, who accompanied Aurangzeb to Kashmir in 1665, writes of the existence of an "extremely ancient building, which bears evident marks of having been a temple for idols, although named Tact-Souliman, the Throne of Solomon." These statements show that as early as the beginning of the reign of Aurangzeb the origin and authorship of the temple were lost in the mists of antiquity. They also prove that the temple had already fallen into disuse and ruin; and its construction, therefore, could not have been begun in the reign of Jahangir and stopped by Aurangzeb.

Kalhana, in his Rajatarangini (i, verse 341), definitely states that king Gopaditya built a shrine of Jyeshthesvara on the Gopadri (modern Takht-i-Sulaiman), but it cannot be asserted with certainty that the present temple is the same as that which was built by Gopaditya. It appears, however, probable that that shrine occupied the same position. Gopadityais date, and consequently that of his buildings, is uncertain. But the conjecture that the present temple must be at least a century or so earlier than that highly finished example of Kashmir architecture, the Martand temple, seems plausible.

To the north of the base is a low cell 10' 8" square, entered through a plain and nearly circular-headed low doorway. The ceiling is flat and built of plain stone slabs placed on long stone joists, which rest on remarkably long beams supported on two octagonal columns.

To the south-east of the temple base, slightly lower down the hill, is a tank 10' 1" square.

In the area in front of the temple are the ruins of two Muslim structures, probably the remains of the small mosque and garden mentioned by Bernier, and belonging perhaps to the reign of Shah Jahan, when the Persian and Arabic inscriptions in the temple were put up.

The temple of Sankaracharya commands one of the finest views in the whole of Kashmir. The view of the city with its green, turfed roofs, covered in the spring with iris, tulip, and a variety of other flowers, is without a doubt unique.

CHASMA-I-SHAHI garden in kashmir

This is the smallest, though not on that account the least attractive, of the Mughal gardens of Kashmir. It is situated at a distance of five and a half miles from Srinagar, a little less than a mile off the road to Nishat. The conformation of the ground round about shows that the garden can never have been large, but there is evidence to prove that it was not as circumscribed as it is now. The two barahdaris as well as the surrounding wall and the side entrance belong to recent times. The cascades, the plinths of the barahdaris, the water-courses, tanks, and fountains, are genuine Mughal works, save, of course, for the restorations. The lowest terrace has a tank in the centre containing five fountains arranged as a quincunx. A flight of steps on each side of the barahdari leads up to the second terrace and to the ground-floor of the barahdari itself. This is one of the most favoured haunts of tourists in spring and early summer, for the view it commands of the Dal lake is one of the most charming that can be had anywhere, at any rate among those which are easy of access. In spring, when the fields of the blossoming rape-seed flank the verdant hill slopes with gold; when the snow-capped mountains are being ceaselessly washed by melting snows and frequent showers; when in sunny intervals white masses of downy clouds are seen floating majestically in the translucent azure of the sky, their shadows trailing after them as if caught by the sharp mountain peaks; when the lake is free from weeds and reeds - beardless, as the Kashmiris call it - and its two small islets of Rupalank and Sonalank, the Chahar-chinar, are like two emeralds set in the sapphire shield of the Dal; when vast patches of the slopes of the Chashma-i-Shahi hill and the Hari Parbat are covered with red and white almond blossoms, the fortunate spectator stands entranced as he gazes out of the arch of the barahdari, his feelings lulled by the gentle murmur of the little fountain that plays in the centre of the hall.

The tank in the second terrace contains only one fountain and a small carved chute, down which the water of the channels in the upper terraces comes rippling joyously. All these fountains, channels, and cascades are fed by the real Chashma-i-Shahi, a truly " royal " spring, which perennially gives forth its wealth of the coolest and purest water in a lotus basin built in the centre of a Mughal platform. The pavilion which covers it is unusually ugly and dilapidated. According to an inscription said to have been put up at the gateway, the garden was constructed in the reign of Shah Jahan, probably by the emperor himself. The exact wording of the verse which contained the date is as follows:

Guftamash bahr-i Chashma tarikhe, CHAS

Guft bar go kausar-i Shahi.

Translation: " I enquired of him regarding the date of the spring; he replied, ' say kausar-i shahi ' (the royal spring)."

The term kausar-i-shahi is synonymous with Chashma-i-Shahi, and according to the abjad system of reckoning gives the Hijra year l042, corresponding with A.D. 1632-33.

Beautiful garden

Patthar Masjid in kashmir

" Of the Mughal style as exemplified by buildings in Kashmir it is not necessary to say much, because the style is practically the same as that at Agra, Delhi, and Lahore. The only differences which suggest themselves are that a local grey limestone was generally used in Kashmir for face work; and white marble, owing no doubt to the difficulties of transport, is hardly ever seen.'' This stone is an excellent material for mouldings and for carving, and is capable of receiving a very high polish, as is testified by the pillars in the pavilion at Shalimar. Of the Mughal mosques in Kashmir, the Patthar Masjid, "The Stone Mosque," so called in contradistinction to the indigenous wooden mosques of the valley, is the largest surviving example
The facade consists of nine arches, including the large arched portico in the centre. The arched openings are enclosed in shallow decorative cusped arches, which in their turn are enclosed in rectangular frames. The horizontal construction of these arches is remarkable. All of them have recently been closed up with rubble stone masonry.
The half-attached " bedpost " columns in the two outer angles of the jambs of the entrance are noteworthy. The plinth, which is now mostly underground, is surmounted by a lotus-leaf coping.
The frieze between the projecting cornice and the eaves is decorated with a series of large lotus leaves, carved in relief, some of which have been pierced, and thus made to serve the purpose of ventilation apertures. A flight of steps in each jamb of the entrance gives access to the roof, which is, as usual in Kashmir, sloping, except in the centre, where there was originally a dome which was later dismantled by the Sikhs. The roof consists of twenty-seven domes, the central one of which is the largest. The domes are mostly ribbed inside, though there are some which are flat or waggon-vaulted.
The roof is supported internally on eighteen extraordinarily massive square columns having projections on two sides. The lower portion of the columns is built of stone and the upper of brick covered by a thick coat of buff-coloured lime plaster.
The enclosure wall is built of brick masonry, with a coat of lime plaster, adorned by a range of shallow arched niches.
The mosque is said to have been built in A.D. 1623 by the Empress Nur Jahan. There is a tradition that, being once questioned regarding the cost of its construction, she pointed to her jewelled slippers and replied, "As much as that." The jest was reported to the mullahs, who unanimously decreed that by this sacrilegious allusion the mosque had become desecrated, and was unfit for religious use. For this reason the Patthar Masjid has never been used as a place of prayer.

Mughal gardens in kashmir

The valley of Kashmir provided a magnificent field for the garden-planning genius of the Imperial Mughals. Its salubrity of climate, its inexhaustible supply of water, its grassy alluvial mountain slopes, presented opportunities which the emperor's certainly did not neglect. Some of the most charming spots in a valley which itself has deservedly obtained the title of the " Paradise of the Indies " were selected as royal pleasure haunts; and during the four successive reigns of the greatest of the Mughal emperors a series of splendid gardens was constructed, which are famous in the world for their natural charm and beauty of environment. Among the gardens on the banks of the Dal, Chashma-i-Shahi, Nishat, and Shalimar are the best preserved and most frequented. Remains of other gardens exist, but they are far too ruinous to merit the attention of the modern visitor; among these perhaps the most notable was the Bagh-i-Nagin, the garden of Akbar. Nasim, situated opposite to the Shalimar Bagh, contains a splendid park of shady old chinars.

Brotherhood of Hindus and Muslims in kashmir

For centuries the Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir have lived together. The Kashmiri Muslims have been influenced by the Hindus, and the Hindus have been influenced by the Muslims.
Kashmir is the only place in India where Muslims have surnames such as 'pandit' and 'bhat'. The Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims have a distinctive culture and way of living. Even the sufis of Kashmir are of a special type.
How Sufism came to Kashmir is a long story. The famous sufis of Kashmir are Sayyid Bulbul Shah, Sayyid Ali Hamdani, and Mir Mohammad Hamdani. It is claimed that Hindu thought and religion greatly influenced Kashmiri sufis. The result was that Kashmir produced sufis with a different outlook. Some people call these sufis "Muslim risi:s''.
Among the "Muslim risi:s", the most famous risi: is Sheikh-nur-ud-din. Out of love and veneration, the Hindus and Muslims call him Nandirishi. The Kashmiri Pandits also call him Sahzanand.
The shrine of Nandrishi is located in Chrar-e-Sharief. This is a small village about five miles from Nagam. Both Hindus and Muslims go to this shrine to offer flowers.
Brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims has historical background in kashmir. Brotherhood of kashmir is famous in the entire world.

SHEIKH NOOR-UD-DIN WALI?(RH)

Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali(Rh) also popularly known as"Nund- Reshi", " Sheikh-ul-Allam"and "Alam Dari kashmir" (RH).He is indeed a spiritual reality with a differense.Sheikh-ul-Alam(RH) marks the beginning of Sufism in kashmir.He was born at Koimah in 779H which is a village coming under the purview of Tehsil Kulgam in kashmir.HIS father Sheikh salar-ud-din,who originally hailed from dynasty of rulers in Kishtwar had embraced Islam at the hands of Syed Samnai(RH).
Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali(RH) adopted secluded ways of life for most of the time,living in caves and solitary places for purpose of deep meditation.He renonunced all the worldly desire and ambitions and left his home,thereby living a life of isolation in forests and other secluded places, away from the hum-drum of life.He did not even care for his own children and wife leaving them utterly at the mercy of God.He visited every nook and corner of the valley and infused an Islamic spirit and fervour into kashmir.

Shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali

Saints and Rishis of kashmir

Since the time immemorial,the valley of kashmir has been famous, having to its credit, the unprecedented births of Rishis, saints and sufis.All these virtuous beings have definitely influnced our social,religious and cultures aspects of life.The kashmiris have also revered and respected them irrespective of creed,caste and colour as they enjoy spiritual enlightenment. Even today, we see thousands of devotees thronging to their shrines to express their devotion and attachment to them. It goes to their credit that the people of kashmir have been living under the influence of their teachings, abstaining from all evils.These sufis have worked throughout their lives for the upliftment and enlightenment of the soul through a process of refinement.It is because of their ceaseless meditation and devotion to God that they have been able to occupy their permanent places in the hearts of the people.Their biographies are a source of contement and inspiration,leaving incredible impression on the minds of people.

kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir or J&K has the distinctiveness of having multihued, motley of unique cultural blend, differentiating it from the rest of the country. Jammu & Kashmir is not only different in cultural forms and heritage, but also different in geographical, demographically, ethical and social entities from other parts of the country. The state is accurately shaped into a spectrum of variance and variation. Clearly visible in the distinct parts - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, all yielding diverse religion, language and culture, but constantly interfusing, making it sparkling specimens of Indian unity in diversity. The various cultural forms like art & architecture, fairs & festivals, rites & rituals, seers & sagas, languages and landscapes, mounted on the ageless era of history, speaks aloud of uniformity and diversity with matchless cultural symmetry & service.

Kashmir has been the highest learning point of Sanskrit and Persian where early Indo- Arabic civilization has originated and flourished. Ladakh on the other side, has been the highest living centre of Tantrayan Buddhism. Similarly Jammu, has been the axis of Rajas and Maharajas, who have enriched the cultural, historical and social bonds of all these diverse ethnic and linguistic sections of the state. Kashmir is justly said to be the Nature's grand finale of beauty. Nature has left an indelible mark on the folk performances of Kashmir as they are intimately interlined with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Jammu the land of the Dogras, offer an entirely different fare of dances and music. Over the century’s long spell of separation from their soldier, husbands and brothers have led the hardy but graceful women of the Duggar to evolve many diverting dances and songs to keep themselves in cheer in their free moments. The songs of separation the ever increasing yearning for reunion with the beloved, the hard life on the mountain slopes and various other themes connected with their day-to-day life find their echo in folk songs and dances. The valley of Kashmir is described as an emerald set in pearls, a land of lakes, clear streams, green turf, magnificent trees and mighty mountains.
Although Kashmir has a rich heritage of poets, writers, philosophers, intellectuals and craftsmen but it has basically established itself as an agricultural economy. Kashmiris form a distinct cultural and ethnic group in the administrative unit of the Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir, known as "Kashir" to the inhabitants of the valley and as Kashmir in the official circles. Perched securely among the Himalayas at an average height of 6,000 feet above the sea. North, east and west, range after range of mountains guard the valley from the outer world while on the south it is cut off from the Punjab by rocky barriers fifty to seventy five miles in length. A journey of few days from Kashmir carries one into countries of new languages, customs and religions like the primitive Shins who live along the spurs of mighty Nanga Parbat, the Mongolian Baltis of little Tibet and the simple Ladakhis, Buddhists and polyandrists. Kashmiris inhabit contiguous areas of Jammu region in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Gool, Gulabgarh, Mahour, Dudu and Bani areas of Kathua district. Kashmiri language is spoken in all these areas of Jammu region and ethnically and culturally this forms a compact area along with valley of Kashmir.

Wular the largest lake in india and freshwater lake in Asia

Wular Lake is the largest lake in India and the largest freshwater lake in entire Asia fed by River Jhelum. Located around 40 km northwest of Srinagar, the lake was formed due to tectonic activity in the region and covers an area of 189 sq. km. The main attractions of the lake are the ruins of an island in the middle of the lake that was built by King Zain-Ul-Abidin in the 15th century. The other noticeable thing is the abundance of marine life in the lake. Wular Lake accounts for more than 60 percent fish yield of Kashmir. If you are a keen bird watcher, winter season is the time for you when the lake becomes the nesting ground for many migratory birds like Little Egzet, Shoveler, Short toed Eagle and many more.

pre history of kashmir valley

According to the oldest extant book on Kashmir, " Nilmat Puran ", in the Satisar lived a demon called Jalod Bowa, who tortured and devoured the people, who lived near mountain slopes. Hearing the suffering of the people, a great saint of our country, Kashyap by name, came to the rescue of the people here. After performing penance for a long time, the saint was blessed, and he was able to cut the mountain near Varahmulla, which blocked the water of the lake from flowing into the plains below. The lake was drained, the land appeared, and the demon was killed. The saint encouraged people from India to settle in the valley. The people named the valley as Kashyap-Mar and Kashyap-Pura. The name Kashmir also implies land desicated from water: "ka" (the water ) and shimeera (to desicate). The ancient Greeks called it "Kasperia" and the Chinese pilgrim Hien-Tsang who visited the valley around 631 A. D. called it KaShi-Mi-Lo ". In modern times the people of Kashmir have shortened it into "Kasheer" in their tongue.

Regarding pre-historic times, Dr. Sunil Chandra Ray writes: " Pre-historic explorations have discovered the occurence of quaternary Glacial cycles in the valley. The chief Geological formation of the ice-age here are the lacustrine deposits called the " Karewas ", which overlay the terminal moraines of the first Glaciation and are comprised of two groups, Lower and Upper, differentiated by the moraines of the second Glaciation. The fossil remains of Elphas-hysudrious obtained in the lower 'Karewas' point to lower " Pleistocene age ", writes De Teera. The neolithic culture is indicated by the discovery of ground and polished stone axes, hoes, pestle, and bone implements at the well-known menhir-site of Burzahom, ten miles east of , Srinagar. Burazahoma is famous as one of the only two megalithic sites in the extreme north-west of Indian sub-continent. We do not exactly know the Cultural horizon of the Burazahoma megalithic, nor the Purpose for which they were erected, but the indications are, they were put in places towards the end of the neolithic period at that site, between 400 to 300 B. C."

In 1960, Archaeological Department of the Govt. of India began systematic excavation at this site. Near about the siltbed, pits have been discovered in sections, indicating a settlement of early Pit dwellers whose date has tentatively been fixed at 3000 B.C. This is Perhaps the only known find of such a settlement in India. It is possible that more valuable data would be found, when extensive surface diggings are completed.

Shalimar gardan

Emperor Jehangir built this beautiful Garden for his beloved wife Nur Jehan. It has four terraces and stretches across 539 by 182 meters, watered by the Harwan through canal lined with beautiful fountains. The fourth terrace is the best one and was once reserved for royal ladies and innumerable varieties of flowers bloom in spring and autumn.

Harwan gardan

Located in Srinagar, Harwan is a huge garden with a beautiful canal passing through its heart. Lined with flowerbeds and massive Chinar Trees, the canal is fed from a beautiful lake, which lies just behind the garden. Purposefully kept devoid of fanciful things and artificial fountains, the abundant natural beauty of the place complete with vast big green-carpeted lawns, makes it an ideal spot for picnics and excursions. Besides the delightful long walks in the Garden itself, it is also a take-off point for visiting Wild life sanctuary of Dachi Gam and a starting point of trekking up to Mahadev Mountain.

Pari Mahal of kashmir

The erstwhile royal observatory, Pari Mahal boasts of a well planned and is just a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi. The place also houses a Buddhist monastery of the olden times, converted later to a school of astrology by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. This ancient monument retains a dream-like quality, illuminated at nights and placed on the very edge of a mountain casting its reflection in the waters of the Dal Lake with a well-laid spacious garden in front.

Manasbal lake

Manasbal lake is one of the beautifull lake in kashmir.The lake is a good place for birdwatching as it is one of the largest natural stamping grounds of Aquatic birds in Kashmir and has the sobriquet of "supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes" The rootstocks of lotus plant which grows extensively in the lake are harvested and marketed, and also eaten bythe local people.

DAL lake in kashmir tourist place

The world famous water body has been described as Lake Par-Excellence by Sir Walter Lawrence. It is the Jewel in the crown of the Kashmir and is eulogised by poets and praised abundantly by the tourists. the lake is 6x3 Kms and is divided in four parts by causeways known as Gagribal, Lokut Dal,Bod Dal and Nagin. The Dal Lake is host to world famous Shikaras and Houseboats which vie with each other with eye catching names. Dal Lake changes its moods and scenery throught the day and after every few kilometers. It is lined with world famous Boulevard road.

Gulmarg of kashmir tourist destination

Gulmarg is located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. At an amazing altitude of 2730 meters above sea level the hill resort has a gently sloping topography. Gulmarg is 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar and is close to the Indo-Pakistan border.

Jamia Masjid The famous historical Masjid in kashmir

It is one of the oldest and the most spacious of all the mosques in Kashmir, situated in the heart of the city.The foundation of the mosque, an architectural wonder was laid by Sultan Sikander in 1398 A.D.The area of the mosque is 384ftX381ft. spacious enough for over thirty thousand people to offer prayers at a time.

Khanqeh-e-moulla inkashmir THE Historical place

The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah-e-Moulla is one of the oldest muslim shrines in kashmir situated on the bank of the river Jhelum in the old city.

Histoical place Shankarcharya temple in kashmir

It is located at 1100ft.above surface level of the main city on the Shankaracharya hill, also known as Takht-e-Suleiman. The shiva temple, as Kalhana belives, was constructed by Raja Gopadatya in 371 B.C.and as such is the oldest shirne in Kashmir. Dogra ruler,Maharaja Gulab Singh, constructed stone stairs upto the temple. In 1925,the temple was electrifed. The temple, besides a prominent religious place of Hindus, is of great archaeological importance. The temple commands a magnificient panoramic view of the Srinagar city.

Historical place Hazratbal Shrine

The Hazratbal Shrine, which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This unmatched reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet Mohammad(peace be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadas, (the sacred hair) is preserved here. The shirne is known by many names including Hazrathbal , Assar-e-Sharief, madinat-us-Sani,Dargah Sharief and Dargah.Sadiq Khan,laid out a garden here and constructed a palacial building,Ishrat mahal or Pleasure House, in 1623. The construction of the present marble structure was started by the Muslim Aquaf Trust headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1968 and completed in 1979.The Moi-e-Muqqadas is displayed on various occasions related with the life of the Prophet and his four holy companions.

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